20 Must-Try Italian Dishes Everyone Will Love

Craving the flavors of Italy? This roundup of Italian-inspired recipes brings everything from comforting soups and hearty pastas to sweet desserts and festive breads right to your kitchen. Each dish is full of fresh ingredients, rich flavors, and traditional Italian flair, making it easy to impress your family or friends without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re in the mood for a simple salad, a cozy skillet meal, or a decadent treat, these recipes make every meal feel like a special Italian feast.

Italian Style Pasta Salad

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Cooked pasta is tossed with fresh vegetables, olives, and a tangy Italian dressing. Herbs like basil and oregano add fragrant notes. Each bite is light, flavorful, and satisfying. This salad works well as a side or a picnic dish.
Get the Recipe: Italian Style Pasta Salad

Italian Inspired French Onion Soup with Fontina and Mozzarella

Caramelized onions are simmered in a rich broth and topped with melted Fontina and Mozzarella. Each spoonful combines sweet onions, savory broth, and gooey cheese. Crusty bread adds texture and heartiness. This soup is comforting and elegant.
Get the Recipe: Italian Inspired French Onion Soup with Fontina and Mozzarella

Castagnelle

These crisp cookies are flavored with almond and orange zest. The dough is lightly sweet and perfect for rolling into bite-sized treats. Each cookie has a delicate crunch and bright citrus notes. They make a festive addition to holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Castagnelle – EASY Italian Christmas Cookies with Almond & Orange

Italian Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

Tender beef is sautéed with onions, garlic, and Italian seasonings over cauliflower rice. Each bite is savory with a hint of herbs. The skillet method makes it a quick and easy meal. This dish is hearty yet light.
Get the Recipe: Italian Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

Pane di Pasqua – Italian Easter Bread

Braided sweet bread rings with colorful dyed eggs in the center, topped with rainbow sprinkles, displayed on a wooden board. — Pane di Pasqua – Italian Easter Bread. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Soft, slightly sweet bread is braided and baked until golden. It often includes colored sprinkles or eggs for a festive touch. Each slice is tender and flavorful. This bread is perfect for celebrating Easter traditions.
Get the Recipe: Pane di Pasqua – Italian Easter Bread

Italian Lemon Ricotta Amaretti Budino Cake

A bundt cake dusted with powdered sugar is displayed on a light green cake stand, with small round cookies arranged in the center. — Italian Lemon Ricotta Amaretti Budino Cake. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

A moist cake infused with lemon and ricotta is complemented by crushed amaretti cookies. Each slice is rich and fragrant. The combination of citrus and almond notes creates a balanced dessert. It is perfect for dessert tables or special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Italian Lemon Ricotta Amaretti Budino Cake

Simple Ribollita Italian Bean Soup

Beans, vegetables, and bread come together in this traditional Tuscan soup. Slow simmering develops deep, hearty flavors. Each spoonful is satisfying and comforting. It’s a classic example of rustic Italian cooking.
Get the Recipe: Simple Ribollita Italian Bean Soup

Italian White Bean Salad

Tender white beans are mixed with olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. Each bite is light yet flavorful. The salad is quick to prepare and perfect for summer meals. It works well as a side or light main.
Get the Recipe: Italian White Bean Salad

Italian Tuna Potato Salad

Chunks of tuna and potatoes are combined with olive oil, herbs, and seasonings. Each bite balances creamy potatoes with savory fish. It’s a simple dish with bold Italian flavors. Serve chilled for a refreshing salad.
Get the Recipe: Italian Tuna Potato Salad

Italian Almond Cake

A slice of almond cake topped with powdered sugar on a plate, surrounded by bowls of raspberries, sliced almonds, and powdered sugar, with two forks nearby. — Italian Almond Cake. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Moist almond-flavored cake is simple yet rich. Each slice has a tender crumb and nutty undertone. Often dusted with powdered sugar or topped with almonds. It’s perfect for dessert or tea time.
Get the Recipe: Italian Almond Cake

Homemade Torrone Italian Nut Nougat

Three rectangular pieces of nougat with visible nuts are placed on parchment paper, next to a sprig of greenery and a partially wrapped candy. — Homemade Torrone Italian Nut Nougat. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Chewy nougat is studded with almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts. Each bite has a combination of sweetness and crunch. Traditionally served at holidays. It’s a classic Italian treat to enjoy slowly.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Torrone Italian Nut Nougat

Italian Cannellini Bean and Sausage Skillet

Italian sausage is cooked with cannellini beans, onions, and tomatoes in a single skillet. Each bite is savory and hearty. Herbs and seasonings add depth. It’s a simple yet satisfying one-pan meal.
Get the Recipe: Italian Cannellini Bean and Sausage Skillet

Italian Chocolate Chestnut Tortelli Cookies

Powdered sugar-coated cookies, one broken open to show a brown filling, rest on a red and green patterned cloth with blurred festive lights in the background. — Italian Chocolate Chestnut Tortelli Cookies. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Sweet tortelli-shaped cookies are filled with chocolate and chestnut paste. Each bite is rich, tender, and indulgent. Perfect for holiday celebrations or gifting. The combination of chocolate and chestnut is uniquely Italian.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chocolate Chestnut Tortelli Cookies

Italian Steak

Grilled steak slices topped with green sauce, served with asparagus, radishes, and a lemon half on a white plate. — Italian Steak. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Steak is seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and olive oil before searing. Each slice is juicy with robust flavor. Serve with roasted vegetables or a drizzle of pan juices. It’s a simple yet elegant dish.
Get the Recipe: Italian Steak

Italian Chopped Salad

A large salad plate with chopped lettuce, yellow bell peppers, red onions, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, cheese cubes, salami, olives, and shredded cheese, with wooden salad tongs. — Italian Chopped Salad. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Fresh vegetables, olives, cheese, and Italian dressing are chopped and combined for a vibrant salad. Each bite has a balance of flavors and textures. Herbs add aromatic notes. Perfect for a light lunch or side dish.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chopped Salad

Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta in One Pot

Sausage, bell peppers, onions, and pasta are cooked together in one pot. Each bite combines tender pasta, savory sausage, and sweet peppers. Quick cooking makes it weeknight-friendly. It’s hearty and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta in One Pot

Slow Cooker Italian Beef

Beef is slow-cooked with Italian seasonings, garlic, and onions until tender. Each bite is rich, flavorful, and easy to shred. Perfect for sandwiches or serving over pasta. This is a fuss-free dinner with bold flavor.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Italian Beef

Italian Antipasto Board Appetizer

A variety of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and roasted vegetables are arranged on a board. Each bite can combine multiple flavors and textures. It’s visually appealing and easy to customize. Great for entertaining or casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Italian Antipasto Board Appetizer

Italian Lemon Ricotta Cake

A slice of lemon cake topped with powdered sugar is served with whipped cream and a lemon slice on a plate, with a fork and a halved lemon in the background. — Edible Shots by Melissa LLC

Light, fluffy cake is flavored with lemon and ricotta cheese. Each slice is moist, slightly tangy, and tender. A dusting of powdered sugar adds sweetness. Perfect for dessert or brunch.
Get the Recipe: Italian Lemon Ricotta Cake

Italian Chocolate Roll Cookies

Sliced nut roll pastries with powdered sugar on a wooden surface, surrounded by walnuts and two small Christmas ornaments. — Italian Chocolate Roll Cookies. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Soft cookie dough is rolled with a chocolate filling and baked until golden. Each slice is rich and sweet. They are easy to make and perfect for gifting or dessert. Chocolate lovers will enjoy every bite.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chocolate Roll Cookies