20 Delicious Italian Meals and Desserts Everyone Will Love

Bring the taste of Italy into your kitchen with this collection of Italian-inspired recipes. From rich marinara sauces and artisan breads to hearty pastas, stuffed meats, and sweet desserts, there’s something for every craving. These dishes are easy to make, full of fresh flavors, and perfect for family dinners or impressing guests. Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy weeknight meal, a festive Italian dessert, or a creative appetizer, these recipes capture the essence of Italy in every bite.

Italian Garlic Marinara Sauce

A glass jar filled with chunky tomato sauce sits on a wooden surface, with its lid off and another jar of sauce in the background. — Italian Garlic Marinara Sauce. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

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Ripe tomatoes are simmered with garlic, onions, and herbs to create a rich sauce. Each spoonful is tangy, aromatic, and flavorful. It pairs beautifully with pasta, meatballs, or as a dipping sauce. Fresh basil enhances the classic Italian taste.
Get the Recipe: Italian Garlic Marinara Sauce

No Knead Italian Artisan Bread

A rustic bread is made with minimal effort and simple ingredients. Slow fermentation develops a crisp crust and tender crumb. Each slice has a chewy texture and deep flavor. Perfect for dipping in sauces or serving alongside soups.
Get the Recipe: No Knead Italian Artisan Bread

Italian Tuna White Bean Salad

Tender white beans are combined with tuna, olive oil, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. Each bite balances creamy beans with savory fish and bright vegetables. It’s simple, flavorful, and satisfying. Serve chilled for a refreshing dish.
Get the Recipe: Italian Tuna White Bean Salad

Ratatouille with an Italian Flair

Colorful vegetables are roasted or sautéed with Italian herbs and olive oil. Each bite combines tender zucchini, eggplant, and peppers with fragrant seasonings. It’s a flavorful side or light main dish. Perfect for summer meals or a vegetable-forward dinner.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille with an Italian Flair

Italian Limoncello Recipe

A decorative glass bottle filled with pale yellow liquid sits beside two glasses, with lemons and flowers in the background. — Italian Limoncello Recipe. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Zesty lemons are infused in alcohol to create a sweet, bright liqueur. Each sip is refreshing and aromatic. It’s traditionally enjoyed as a digestif or in cocktails. Homemade limoncello makes a lovely gift or celebratory drink.
Get the Recipe: Italian Limoncello Recipe

Italian Sausage Pasta

Italian sausage is cooked with pasta, tomatoes, and herbs in one skillet. Each bite is hearty and flavorful. The combination of sausage and pasta creates a comforting meal. Perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Pasta

Skillet Italian Sausage and Peppers

Sausage links are sautéed with bell peppers and onions. Each bite is savory, sweet, and full of aroma. The one-pan method makes it quick and easy. Serve with crusty bread or over rice.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Italian Sausage and Peppers

Italian Burrata Stuffed Tomato Appetizer

Ripe tomatoes are hollowed and filled with creamy burrata cheese. Drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with herbs, each bite is rich and fresh. This appetizer is visually appealing and full of flavor. Perfect for entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Italian Burrata Stuffed Tomato Appetizer

Italian Meatball Marinara Subs

Juicy meatballs are smothered in marinara and layered in a crusty sub roll. Melted cheese adds richness to every bite. Each sub is hearty and satisfying. Ideal for a casual dinner or game day meal.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Marinara Subs

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Italian sausage is simmered with vegetables and cream for a comforting soup. Each spoonful is savory, slightly spicy, and filling. Fresh herbs enhance the aroma and flavor. Serve with bread for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Italian Calzones

Two halves of a stuffed calzone filled with melted cheese, sausage, and red peppers, topped with parsley and grated cheese. — Italian Calzones. Photo credit: The Slow Roasted Italian.

Pizza dough is stuffed with cheese, meats, and vegetables, then baked until golden. Each bite has a chewy crust and flavorful filling. They are portable and perfect for lunch or dinner. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
Get the Recipe: Italian Calzones

Italian Baked Ham Provolone Rosettes – Lasagna Roll Ups

Thin slices of ham and provolone are rolled in pasta sheets and baked. Each bite is cheesy, savory, and tender. These roll-ups are fun to make and easy to serve. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Italian Baked Ham Provolone Rosettes – Lasagna Roll Ups

Limoncello Italian Wedding Cookies

Round cookies coated in powdered sugar are stacked among whole lemons and white flowers; one cookie is bitten to show the inside. — Limoncello Italian Wedding Cookies. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Tender cookies are flavored with limoncello and dusted with powdered sugar. Each bite is soft, sweet, and aromatic. These cookies are ideal for weddings, holidays, or special occasions. They pair beautifully with coffee or tea.
Get the Recipe: Limoncello Italian Wedding Cookies

Italian Easter Cake

A round bundt cake with white icing and colorful sprinkles sits on a red cake stand on a wooden surface, with wooden cabinets in the background. — Italian Easter Cake. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

A festive cake flavored with citrus, almonds, or ricotta is baked to golden perfection. Each slice is tender and aromatic. Often decorated with icing, sprinkles, or candied fruit. Perfect for celebrating Easter traditions.
Get the Recipe: Italian Easter Cake

Italian Beef Braciole Stuffed Beef Roll

A round baking dish filled with baked chicken parmesan topped with melted cheese and herbs, placed on a marble countertop next to a striped towel and a wooden spoon. — Italian Beef Braciole Stuffed Beef Roll. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Thin slices of beef are rolled with herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs, then braised in sauce. Each bite is savory, tender, and full of flavor. It’s a classic Italian dish that makes an elegant dinner. Serve with pasta or roasted vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Italian Beef Braciole Stuffed Beef Roll

Italian Ricotta Cookies

Round cookies with white icing and red and green sprinkles arranged on a wooden serving board. — Italian Ricotta Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Soft cookies are made with ricotta cheese for a tender, moist texture. Each bite is lightly sweet and fragrant with citrus or vanilla. They are perfect for dessert tables or gifting. Sprinkle with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.
Get the Recipe: Italian Ricotta Cookies

Easy Italian Stromboli Recipe

Several slices of rolled bread stuffed with layers of meat and cheese are arranged on a wooden cutting board, with shredded cheese sprinkled around. — Easy Italian Stromboli Recipe. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Pizza dough is filled with cheese, meats, and vegetables, then rolled and baked. Each slice has a chewy crust and savory filling. It’s a great handheld meal or appetizer. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
Get the Recipe: Easy Italian Stromboli Recipe

Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

Cooked pasta is tossed with a creamy walnut sauce and Parmesan cheese. Each bite is nutty, rich, and comforting. Fresh herbs elevate the flavor. This pasta is quick to prepare yet impressive.
Get the Recipe: Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

Italian Grinder Salad

A clear glass bowl filled with a salad of lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and sliced deli meat sits next to a black fork and two white shakers on a white surface. — Italian Grinder Salad. Photo credit: The Foodie Affair.

Chopped meats, cheeses, vegetables, and vinaigrette are combined for a hearty salad. Each bite is flavorful and textured. It’s inspired by classic Italian sandwiches in salad form. Perfect for lunch or casual dinner.
Get the Recipe: Italian Grinder Salad

Fried Zucchini Sticks (Carrabba’s Italian Grill Copycat!)

Zucchini sticks are breaded, fried, and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese. Each bite is crispy on the outside and tender inside. Served with marinara sauce for dipping. These sticks make a fun appetizer or side.
Get the Recipe: Fried Zucchini Sticks (Carrabba’s Italian Grill Copycat!)