Bring the taste of Italy to your kitchen with our recipes for familiar favorites and flavorful twists. From bright and colorful salads and appetizers to comforting pasta dishes, these delicious Italian dinner ideas will take you on a culinary journey around the boot.
Antipasto: Soups, Salads and Appetizers
Classic Caprese Salad
The freshness of your ingredients — heirloom tomatoes, mozzarella balls and basil — makes this simple salad divinely delicious. Ideal for late summer gatherings with friends or as a light weekend lunch with rustic bread and wine.
Strawberry and Goat Cheese Bruschetta
A simple and absolutely delicious appetizer. This is an excellent showcase for a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil, so use the best one you have on hand.
Hearty Minestrone Soup
Packed with vegetables, beans and pasta, this soup is a meal in itself. Serve with crusty bread and a green salad.
Italian Wedding Soup with Orzo and Meatballs
There are endless variations of this soup, but the main elements are meatballs and greens. In our recipe, we make meatballs of ground beef and pork, and we add plenty of fresh herbs and kale for the green component.
Get the recipe: Italian Wedding Soup with Orzo and Meatballs
Pan-Seared Baby Artichokes
Luscious baby artichokes have edible stems and centers (chokes), making them easier to prepare but just as delicious as full-size globe artichokes. This recipe pairs them with crisped capers, white wine and dill in an easy one-pan dish.
Brown Rice and Kale Arancini
Traditional arancini, or Italian rice and cheese balls, are fried. This rustic, wholesome take on the Italian classic uses brown rice and kale to create the perfect crowd-pleasing meal or appetizer. Serve these crispy arancini with a side of marinara sauce or a spicy pepper purée for dipping.
Pastas and Mains
Beet Ravioli with Hazelnuts
Moody, bright red ravioli can make any meal feel special. All the work will pay off when you taste the sage brown butter mixed with the goat cheese–filled beet ravioli.
Saffron Risotto with Parmigiano Reggiano
Also known as risotto Milanese, creamy saffron-infused risotto is an Italian classic. Serve as a main course or as a side dish alongside roasted meats and veggies. Garnish with shaved ribbons of Parmigiano Reggiano.
Walnut Pesto Pasta
This super simple pasta is a weeknight workhorse and a fun (and budget-friendly) spin on traditional pesto. Make a little extra pesto to spread on sandwiches for the next day’s lunch.
Perfect Cacio e Pepe
With this six-ingredient recipe for cheese and pepper pasta, the hardest thing you’ll do is grind a full tablespoon of black pepper, but it’s worth it! In this classic Roman dish, quality is key — make sure the pepper and Parmigiano Reggiano are freshly ground and grated, and use your very best olive oil.
Spaghetti Bolognese
This classic tomato meat sauce is even better the next day and it freezes well for up to a month. Slow cooking draws out the flavors of the aromatic vegetables and tomatoes. Make a pot on the weekend and turn to it during the week for quick meals.
Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Gnocchi are pillowy potato dumplings that are great topped with pesto or tossed with roasted veggies for an impressive main dish. We love this lightly spiced version made with sweet potatoes.
Polenta with Kale, Beans and Sausage
This substantial dish is great base for spring flavors. If using dried beans, substitute with calypso for a tasty and visually pleasing companion to the lacinato kale.
Simple Pesto
Pesto is so versatile — you’ll never run out of ways to enjoy it. Toss spoonfuls of this no-cook sauce with hot pasta or steamed vegetables, use it as a spread on sandwiches and wraps, or serve as a dip with raw veggies or pita chips.
Al Forno: Pizzas, Breads and Baked Dishes
Quick Pizza Margherita
Use this same method to make any style pizza you like. Simply top with items that suit your taste, like pepperoni, diced ham, sliced peppers and onions or crumbled feta cheese.
Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto and Arugula Flatbread
Serve this flavor-packed flatbread as a starter or side. Using premade pizza dough makes it easy to prepare.
Get the recipe: Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto and Arugula Flatbread
Quick Tomato Focaccia
A quick bath in extra-virgin olive oil primes premade pizza dough for a starring role and offers a playful and ultra-simple way to feature cherry tomatoes. Serve a wedge alongside a big green salad or a cup of soup.
Three-Cheese Eggplant Parmesan
The trick to this simple and delicious eggplant parm is to bake (not fry!) the breaded eggplant, giving the casserole loads of texture without extra oil. Serve with a crunchy refreshing salad and a glass of red wine.*
Spinach and Cheese Lasagna
This recipe easily serves more than four. Perfect for leftovers the next day, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Dolci: Sweets and Desserts
Strawberries and Ice Cream with Balsamic Vinegar Reduction
Impress your guests with this simple dessert featuring rich ice cream, tangy and sharp balsamic vinegar, and sweet berries.
Get the recipe: Strawberries and Ice Cream with Balsamic Vinegar Reduction
Fizzy Lemon Floats
This simple dessert makes the most of creamy limoncello gelato, topping it with lemon soda and lemon juice for a refreshing sweet-tart finish.*
Easiest Lime Granita
Transform our sweet limeade into this classic icy Italian treat. Be sure to clear out space in the freezer and set aside 3 to 4 hours for freezing. Serve with fresh berries.
Chocolate-Drizzled Pistachio Biscotti
Tart cranberries, crunchy pistachios and a drizzle of dark chocolate add flavor and charming color to these cookies. Dip them in coffee, hot chocolate or vin santo, a sweet Italian dessert wine.*
Last but not least, the ultimate dessert for coffee lovers — Simple Tiramisu opens in a new tab.
*Must be 21+. Please drink responsibly.
