Italian food is beloved in America for its delicious flavors that have evolved over centuries. These easy restaurant-inspired recipes capture the essence of Italian cuisine, from comforting baked ziti to classic pasta puttanesca. Transform your dining experience into an Italian trattoria with these mouthwatering dishes. Enjoy a taste of Italy with every bite!
Savory, garlicky broth is ideal for sopping up with bread.” —Julie & Amy Luxemberg, Recipe Developers
Classic Bolognese Sauce
Simply Recipes / Sally Vargas
Get Recipe: Classic Bolognese Sauce
A well-made Bolognese sauce is truly a work of art. Let it simmer slowly for 2 hours with onions, carrots, celery, clove, cinnamon, tomatoes, milk, and your choice of meat like beef or pork. Serve it over fresh pasta or your preferred cooked dried pasta.
Chicken Vesuvio
Simply Recipes / Alison Bickel
Get Recipe: Chicken Vesuvio
“Chicken Vesuvio is a beloved Italian-American restaurant classic that conveniently makes for a one-pan meal you can whip up at home. Who could resist crispy chicken thighs, potato wedges, and peas bathed in a zesty garlic white wine sauce?” —Liz Tarpy, Recipe Developer
Pasta e Ceci
Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Jennifer Wendorf / Prop Styling by Phoebe Hauser
Get Recipe: Pasta e Ceci
“Chickpeas not only provide texture and protein but also help thicken the dish. The tomato-rich broth is infused with the salty, savory taste of Parmesan cheese and earthy rosemary. Trust me: Each spoonful feels like a comforting Italian embrace.” —Sheela Prakash, Recipe Developer
Risi e Bisi
Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer
Get Recipe: Risi e Bisi, Italian Rice and Peas
Risi e bisi translates to rice and peas in Italian. This Venetian dish, resembling risotto, includes ham, either in diced prosciutto or another dry ham form, and is generously finished with Parmesan cheese and parsley.
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
Get Recipe: Spaghetti and Meatballs
Incorporating mushrooms keeps these beef and pork meatballs juicy. Cremini mushrooms are used in both the meatballs and the sauce. Serve over pasta and delight everyone!
Chicken Romano
Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
Get Recipe: Chicken Romano
“Chicken Romano is a twist on a breaded chicken cutlet. The special touch is Pecorino Romano, added to the breading, inspired by Grandma Hope’s cutlets. She would combine plain breadcrumbs with Pecorino and dried herbs.” —Theodora Kaloudis, Recipe Developer
Eggplant Parmesan
Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
Get Recipe: Eggplant Parmesan
When feeding a crowd, stick with the classic. Instead of frying on the stovetop, these eggplant slices are roasted in the oven before assembling the casserole, resulting in less mess. Ensure you salt the eggplant beforehand to remove
“Chicken Marsala is typically made with Marsala wine and commonly served with pasta, though risotto, mashed potatoes, or roasted potatoes are also great options.” —Sara Haas, Recipe Developer
“Potato Gnocchi From Scratch is a simple recipe that requires no special equipment. Bake and mash potatoes, then mix in flour, egg yolks, and salt. Shape into cylinders, cut into pieces, and cook or freeze to enjoy with any sauce, such as butternut squash Parmesan.” —Simply Recipes / Sally Vargas
“Tuscan Ribollita Soup is a versatile and easy recipe that comes together in just over 30 minutes. It’s a loose guide that lets you use ingredients from your pantry.” —Devan Grimsrud, Recipe Developer
“Osso Buco is an Italian dish of braised veal shanks with a rich sauce made from the marrow. Brown the shanks, sauté carrots, celery, and onion in pancetta fat, then simmer with wine for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Serve with gremolata.” —Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer
“Italian Butter Chicken (Petti Di Pollo al Burro) is best served over pasta with lemon slices and parsley. Long noodles like spaghetti, fettuccine, or pappardelle work well with this dish.” —Simply Recipes / Hannah Zimmerman
“Easy Tuscan Bean Soup is a hearty Italian-inspired soup with canned beans and plenty of vegetables. Top with Parmesan cheese for a finishing touch.” —Simply Recipes / Sheryl Julian
“Chicken Piccata is a quick and easy dish inspired by Italian flavors. Cook flour-dredged chicken breasts in olive oil, white wine, and chicken stock, adding lemon and capers for a burst of flavor.” —Simply Recipes / Michelle Becker
“Linguine With Clam Sauce is a red-sauced variation of the classic Italian American dish, featuring fresh and canned clams with fennel and a hint of anise liqueur. Serve with crusty Italian bread.” —Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer
“Pasta e Fagioli is a traditional peasant soup with beans, pasta, vegetables, and tomatoes. Leftovers thicken as pasta absorbs the chicken stock, remaining delicious whether freshly made or refrigerated.” —Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer
“The Best Homemade Lasagna is a labor of love, but well worth it compared to store-bought versions. Indulge in this ooey, gooey, and scrumptious lasagna for a satisfying meal.” —Simply Recipes / Cambrea Bakes
One thing’s for sure, this lasagna recipe won’t let you down. It freezes beautifully, so you can easily enjoy a second delicious dinner with minimal effort! Check out the original post on SIMPLYRECIPES for more details.
