Taste of Italy with 35 Simple Recipes Everyone Will Love

Italian food is famous for tasting luxurious while asking for only a handful of ingredients and simple techniques. Whether you’re craving pasta, hearty mains, or a sweet bite to end the night, these dishes come together quickly with supermarket staples and a few fresh herbs. Below are thirty-six approachable recipes—enough to keep you happily cooking all season long.

1. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

This Neapolitan classic proves that great pasta needs only pantry items. Sizzle sliced garlic in good olive oil, add red-pepper flakes, then toss in al dente spaghetti and chopped parsley. Finish with a splash of pasta water for extra silkiness and serve immediately.

2. Caprese Salad Skewers

Turn the beloved Caprese into finger food by sliding tomato, mozzarella, and basil onto skewers. A drizzle of fruity extra-virgin olive oil and a pinch of flaky salt are all you need. They’re perfect as an appetizer or light lunch.

3. Cacio e Pepe

Rome’s minimalist pasta relies on starchy cooking water to emulsify grated Pecorino and pepper into a velvety sauce. Work quickly so the cheese melts without clumping. The result tastes indulgent yet comes together in under fifteen minutes.

4. Penne all’Arrabbiata

“Arrabbiata” means “angry,” referring to the fiery chili heat in this quick tomato sauce. Simmer crushed tomatoes with garlic, olive oil, and plenty of dried pepper until thick. Toss with penne and serve with an optional shower of Parmesan.

5. Margherita Pizza

Named for Queen Margherita, this pie celebrates the colors of the Italian flag. Stretch premade dough, spread with simple tomato purée, add mozzarella, and bake on a hot stone or sheet. Scatter fresh basil over the bubbling pizza right before slicing.

6. Pesto Genovese

Fragrant basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, and olive oil whirl into a sauce that perks up anything it touches. Traditionally made with a mortar, a food processor speeds things along on busy nights. Toss with trofie pasta, smear on sandwiches, or spoon over grilled veggies.

7. Tomato Bruschetta

Ripe tomatoes shine when mixed with basil, garlic, and olive oil, then spooned onto crunchy toast. Use firm, day-old bread so the juices soak in without turning soggy. Serve as a starter or snack alongside a glass of crisp white wine.

8. Minestrone Soup

This hearty soup changes with the seasons, welcoming whatever vegetables you have. Simmer beans, tomatoes, and broth, then add fresh veggies and short pasta near the end. A spoonful of grated cheese completes the comforting bowl.

9. Pasta e Fagioli

Part soup, part stew, this dish stretches pantry staples into a filling meal. Mash a portion of the beans to thicken the broth naturally. Finish with fresh rosemary or parsley for brightness.

10. Chicken Piccata

Pound chicken thin, sear quickly, then deglaze the pan with white wine, lemon juice, and briny capers. Butter swirled in at the end turns the sauce silky. Serve with simple greens or buttered noodles to catch every drop.

11. Shrimp Scampi

Plump shrimp cook in minutes, making this a weeknight hero. Sauté garlic in butter and olive oil, splash in white wine, then add shrimp until pink and tender. Pair with linguine or crusty bread to mop up the garlicky juices.

12. Eggplant Parmesan

Bake rather than fry the eggplant slices for a lighter take that still delivers crunch. Layer with marinara, mozzarella, and Parmesan, then bake until everything melds together. Let it rest for ten minutes so slices hold their shape.

13. Gnocchi with Brown Butter and Sage

Store-bought potato gnocchi turn luxurious when tossed in butter cooked until golden and fragrant. Add whole sage leaves to the pan so they fry gently and perfume everything. Finish with a grating of Parmesan and cracked pepper.

14. Risotto alla Milanese

Saffron threads lend this risotto its signature color and subtle aroma. Stir warm broth into Arborio rice gradually, allowing starches to create a velvety texture. Serve immediately while it’s irresistibly creamy.

15. Frittata di Zucchine

Think of a frittata as Italy’s versatile answer to the omelet. Sauté sliced zucchini, pour beaten eggs over, then cook gently on the stove before finishing under the broiler. Slice into wedges for breakfast, lunch, or picnic fare.

16. Tuscan White Bean Salad

Ready-to-eat beans cut prep time to minutes. Combine with fresh veggies, herbs, and a splash of red-wine vinegar for a protein-rich side dish. It keeps well, making it ideal for meal prep.

17. Stuffed Bell Peppers (Peperoni Ripieni)

Hollow peppers act as edible bowls for a comforting mixture of meat, rice, and herbs. Bake until the peppers soften and the filling is piping hot. A sprinkle of cheese on top adds extra savoriness.

18. Roman-Style Artichokes

Carciofi alla Romana braise artichokes in olive oil, white wine, and herbs until tender. Trimming takes a few minutes, but the stovetop does the rest. Serve warm or at room temperature with crusty bread.

19. Sausage and Peppers

This festival favorite cooks entirely in one pan. Sear sausages, then add peppers, onions, and a splash of tomatoes to simmer until everything is tender. Tuck into hoagie rolls or serve over polenta.

20. Panzanella

Stale bread never tasted so good. Toss toasted cubes with ripe tomatoes and let them soak up vinaigrette and juices. The salad gets better as it sits, making it picnic-perfect.

21. Tortellini in Brodo

Store-bought tortellini turn simple broth into a comforting meal. Heat good stock, drop in pasta, and simmer until they bob to the surface. Finish with grated Parmesan for extra richness.

22. Polenta with Mushroom Ragù

Instant polenta shortens cooking time to five minutes without sacrificing flavor. Spoon over a hearty mix of mushrooms sautéed with garlic, thyme, and a splash of wine. The combination feels luxurious yet entirely vegetarian.

23. Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Whisk ricotta with lemon juice, zest, and a splash of pasta water to create a no-cook sauce. Toss with hot noodles so the cheese clings to every strand. A hit of cracked pepper ties it all together.

24. Lasagna Roll-Ups

Instead of layering sheets, spread filling on each noodle, roll, and bake. The format cooks faster and portions neatly. Freeze extras before baking for future busy nights.

25. Caponata

This sweet-and-tangy relish balances eggplant with capers, olives, and a touch of vinegar and sugar. Simmer until the vegetables are soft and flavors meld. Serve warm, cold, or spooned over crostini.

26. Calamari Fritti

Lightly coat squid rings in seasoned flour, then fry until crisp and just cooked through. A quick squeeze of lemon brightens the flavor. Enjoy as a starter or alongside salad for dinner.

27. Orzo Primavera Salad

Small rice-shaped pasta cooks in nine minutes and cools quickly. Toss with fresh or frozen veggies, herbs, and a splash of lemon. It’s equally tasty served warm or straight from the fridge.

28. Garlic & Herb Focaccia

This forgiving dough rises in a basic sheet pan. Poke with fingertips, drizzle olive oil, and sprinkle herbs before baking until fluffy inside and crisp outside. Slice into squares for sandwiches or snacking.

29. Ricotta Pancakes

Ricotta cheese adds moisture and lightness to classic pancakes. Fold beaten egg whites into the batter for extra lift. Serve with fruit compote or honey for an Italian-style morning treat.

30. Tiramisu Cups

Layering tiramisu in single-serve glasses skips slicing and speeds chilling. Combine mascarpone with whipped cream for a lighter texture. A dusting of cocoa right before serving intensifies the coffee aroma.

31. Panna Cotta with Berry Sauce

Cream, sugar, and gelatin set into a silky dessert that requires less than ten minutes of active work. Chill until firm, then top with quick-cooked berries. Its make-ahead nature is dinner-party gold.

32. Cannoli Dip

Skip frying shells and stir ricotta, mascarpone, powdered sugar, and chips into an irresistible dip. Chill for thirty minutes so flavors meld. Scoop with waffle-cone shards or fruit slices.

33. Almond Biscotti

Twice-baking gives these cookies their signature crunch. Stir chopped almonds into a simple dough, shape into logs, bake, slice, then bake again. Dunk in coffee, tea, or Vin Santo like a true Italian.

34. Italian Hot Chocolate (Cioccolata Calda)

Unlike standard cocoa, this version is rich and pudding-like thanks to a bit of cornstarch. Heat milk, cocoa powder, sugar, and chocolate until glossy and thick. Sip slowly; it’s practically dessert in a cup.

35. Limoncello Spritz

Combine limoncello, prosecco, and a splash of sparkling water for a sunny aperitivo. The drink is lightly sweet, citrusy, and refreshingly low on effort. Serve over ice with a twist of lemon to finish our easy Italian lineup.