15 Recipes To Make Italian Food Your New Dinner Staple

Italian food just makes dinner better. These 15 recipes keep things simple, filling, and packed with everything that makes a meal worth sitting down for. Whether it’s a quick weeknight fix or something slow and cozy, there’s an option for every mood. If dinner has been feeling a little boring, this will fix that fast.

A close-up of a plate of Creamy Tuscan Pasta topped with a rich white sauce, grated cheese, and garnished with chopped parsley.
Tuscan Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Three Cheese Manicotti

A plate of stuffed cannelloni topped with tomato sauce, grated cheese, and fresh basil.
Three Cheese Manicotti. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Stuffed with a trio of cheeses, Three Cheese Manicotti brings a comforting touch to your dining table. It’s perfect for those evenings when you crave something rich and hearty. You won’t need to spend all day in the kitchen; it’s surprisingly straightforward. Gather your loved ones for a meal that promises to be a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Three Cheese Manicotti

Italian Sliders

Close-up of sesame seed-topped sliders filled with sliced meat and melted cheese.
Italian Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Tiny buns, big taste; Italian Sliders pack the punch of a full Italian meal in a few bites. They’re quick to make, which means more time to enjoy with friends and family. Casual yet sophisticated, they’re suitable for both a quick lunch or a laid-back dinner. The blend of classic Italian flavors will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sliders

Spicy Lasagna Soup

Close-up of a plate of pasta topped with a red tomato-based sauce, grated cheese, and garnished with chopped parsley.
Spicy Lasagna Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

When you’re in the mood for lasagna but want something a bit different, Spicy Lasagna Soup offers a spicy twist. It’s a bowl brimming with the essence of your favorite layered pasta – but with a kick. Ideal for colder evenings, it warms you from the inside out. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s bound to become a regular in your soup rotation.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Lasagna Soup

Mushroom Risotto

A bowl of risotto with mushrooms and parmesan cheese.
Mushroom Risotto. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

There’s something truly comforting about a plate of Mushroom Risotto. This one’s a champ at turning any regular night into something special. It’s a stirring affair that ends in a luxurious, rich meal. Share it with someone special or enjoy the leftovers all week.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Risotto

Pizza Sauce

Pizza sauce spread over a pizza crust.
Pizza Sauce. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

The right sauce can make or break your homemade pizza night. Pizza Sauce is all about the balance of herbs and spices to bring out that authentic Italian pizzeria taste. This sauce is easy to whip up and freezes well for future pizza adventures. Let it be the base that holds all your favorite toppings.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Sauce

Homemade Lasagna

Close-up of a delicious slice of lasagna, showcasing layers of pasta, ground meat, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, and garnished with chopped basil.
Homemade Lasagna. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Imagine pulling out a pan of Homemade Lasagna from your oven, the aroma filling the air. It’s a classic that never fails to impress, whether you’re feeding the family or entertaining guests. Layers of love and some patience create a meal that is worth the wait. And the best part? The leftovers might be even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lasagna

Neapolitan Pizza

Neapolitan pizza with melted cheese and basil.
Neapolitan Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Mastering dough with just the right chew and the perfect char is achievable with Neapolitan Pizza. It’s all about simplicity, letting the fresh ingredients speak for themselves. Serve it up on pizza night and watch it disappear slice by slice. This could be your new go-to for pizza that rivals your favorite takeout.
Get the Recipe: Neapolitan Pizza

Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna being dished up.
Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This version of lasagna gives a nod to vegetarians with its Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna combo. It’s hearty enough to fill up everyone at the table, no meat needed. Let your oven do the heavy lifting while you relax. What comes out is a bubbly, golden-crusted dish ready for devouring.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

Cheese Ravioli

A white plate of ravioli topped with black pepper, grated cheese, and sage leaves.
Cheese Ravioli. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Handcrafted pockets await in a dish of Cheese Ravioli, ready to be smothered in your sauce of choice. It’s perfect for those nights when you’re short on time but want to keep things interesting. You can dress it up for an upscale meal or keep it simple for a weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Ravioli

Ooni Pizza Dough

Someone sprinkling flour over pizza dough.
Ooni Pizza Dough. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For pizza enthusiasts with an Ooni oven, nailing the dough with Ooni Pizza Dough is key. It’s the foundation of any stellar pizza, so getting it right is crucial. Luckily, this recipe keeps it simple and straight to the point. It’s all in the kneading and resting, ensuring your base is ready for those high temperatures.
Get the Recipe: Ooni Pizza Dough

Italian Dressing

A jar with Italian dressing with it and a teaspoon resting in it.
Italian Dressing. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Shake up a batch of Italian Dressing in minutes for a week’s worth of lively salads. It’s a mix that’s bold enough to stand up to hearty greens but won’t overpower delicate ones. Keep a jar in the fridge for those spontaneous salad cravings. Drizzle it over fresh vegetables for an instant flavor upgrade.
Get the Recipe: Italian Dressing

Pizza Salad

Homemade pizza salad in a serving bowl with wooden salad servers resting on top.
Pizza Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If salad and pizza had a baby, you’d get the uniquely tasty Pizza Salad. It’s full of crunchy goodness, and it just works perfectly when you can’t decide between greens or pizza. Perfect as a side dish or a lighter main course, it brings the best of both worlds to your table. Expect a burst of freshness with every mouthful.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

Garlic Bread

Slices of garlic bread topped with chopped parsley and sea salt sit enticingly on a wooden board, accompanied by a small bowl of salt and fresh cloves of garlic.
Garlic Bread. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Garlic Bread is the hidden gem that complements virtually any Italian meal. It’s crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and garlicky all over. It’s simple to make, and even simpler to enjoy. Watch how quickly it disappears; always a sign of a job well done.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread

Easy Caprese Salad

Caprese salad in a serving bowl, with tomatoes, oil and balsamic glaze nearby.
Easy Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fresh and simple, an Easy Caprese Salad offers a quick side dish that never disappoints. It’s the kind of no-fuss, no-cook recipe that you can throw together in minutes. Its bright colors make it as appealing to the eye as it is to the palate. It’s the perfect starter for any Italian meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad

Tuscan Pasta

A close-up of a plate of Creamy Tuscan Pasta topped with a rich white sauce, grated cheese, and garnished with chopped parsley.
Tuscan Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bringing the essence of Tuscany into your home is a breeze with Tuscan Pasta. Whether it’s date night or a weeknight, this dish has an air of rustic elegance. It’s versatile, so feel free to get creative with what you have on hand. A meal like this is sure to spark conversation around the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Pasta

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