17 Italian Recipes Make Every Meal Feel Special

Italian recipes are known for bold flavors, simple ingredients, and dishes that bring people together. This roundup features a mix of savory mains, shareable appetizers, and classic Italian desserts that work for everyday meals and special occasions alike. With comforting flavors and easy preparation, these Italian recipes are perfect for anyone who loves food that feels both familiar and satisfying.

Hot Italian Sliders

Three savory slider sandwiches filled with layers of cheese, meat, and vegetables are arranged on a wooden surface, garnished with herbs and accompanied by sliced pickles. — Hot Italian Sliders. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

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These hot Italian sliders are packed with deli meats and melted cheese on soft rolls. They are easy to make and perfect for parties, game day, or casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Hot Italian Sliders

Italian Almond Cake

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

This Italian almond cake is moist, lightly sweet, and full of nutty flavor. Made with almond flour and olive oil, it is simple and elegant.
Get the Recipe: Italian Almond Cake

Italian Antipasto Board Appetizer

This antipasto board brings together classic Italian flavors in one beautiful spread. It works well for holidays, parties, or easy entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Italian Antipasto Board Appetizer

Italian Baked Ham Provolone Rosettes – Lasagna Roll Ups

A close-up of a baked pasta dish topped with fresh spinach, creamy sauce, and seasonings, served in a black pan. — Italian Baked Ham Provolone Rosettes – Lasagna Roll Ups. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

These baked pasta rosettes are filled with ham, provolone, and parmesan. They are fun to serve and surprisingly easy to assemble.
Get the Recipe: Italian Baked Ham Provolone Rosettes – Lasagna Roll Ups

Italian Beef

Shredded beef with sliced pepperoncini peppers served in a white bowl, with a fork lifting a portion of the meat. — Italian Beef. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

This slow cooker Italian beef turns out tender and full of flavor. It is great for sandwiches, bowls, or pairing with pickled vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Italian Beef

Italian Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

This skillet meal combines seasoned ground beef with creamy tomato sauce and cauliflower rice. Finished with mozzarella, it is quick and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Italian Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

Italian Beef Stew

This stew features tender beef and vegetables in a thick, flavorful sauce. It is hearty, comforting, and perfect for cooler days.
Get the Recipe: Italian Beef Stew

Italian Black Bean Meatballs

These plant based meatballs are packed with protein and Italian flavor. They are a great option for pasta night that everyone enjoys.
Get the Recipe: Italian Black Bean Meatballs

Italian Burrata Stuffed Tomato Appetizer

Five hollowed tomatoes filled with ricotta cheese and herbs are arranged on a wooden board, with salt, pepper, and mozzarella visible in the background. — Italian Burrata Stuffed Tomato Appetizer. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

These bite size tomatoes are filled with creamy burrata for a fresh and simple appetizer. They are light, flavorful, and perfect for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Italian Burrata Stuffed Tomato Appetizer

Italian Calzones

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

These homemade calzones are stuffed with classic pizza flavors and baked until golden. They are fun to customize and easy to make at home.
Get the Recipe: Italian Calzones

Italian Canestrelli Cookies

Flower-shaped cookies with powdered sugar on top are arranged on a wooden board, with additional powdered sugar dusted on the surface. — Italian Canestrelli Cookies. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

These delicate shortbread style cookies are lightly sweet and perfect for holiday baking. They melt in your mouth with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Italian Canestrelli Cookies

Italian Cannellini Bean and Sausage Skillet

This skillet dish combines sausage and creamy cannellini beans for a hearty meal. It comes together quickly and is full of bold flavor.
Get the Recipe: Italian Cannellini Bean and Sausage Skillet

Italian Chicken Cutlets

A plate with breaded chicken slices, mashed potatoes, mixed greens, and lemon slices, next to a fork and a bowl of mashed potatoes. — Italian Chicken Cutlets. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

These chicken cutlets are crispy, savory, and ready fast. They are versatile and work well for sandwiches or simple dinners.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken Cutlets

Italian Chicken Pesto Sandwich

This sandwich layers juicy chicken with creamy pesto on toasted bread. It feels bistro inspired but is easy enough for lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken Pesto Sandwich

Italian Chicken Saltimbocca

Three pieces of stuffed, browned chicken breasts garnished with chopped herbs on a rectangular white plate, with a yellow knit cloth and a small pitcher of sauce nearby. — Italian Chicken Saltimbocca. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

This chicken saltimbocca is tender, flavorful, and topped with a rich sage sauce. It is a classic Italian dish that feels special without being complicated.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken Saltimbocca

Italian Chocolate Chestnut Tortelli Cookies

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

These festive cookies are filled with chocolate and chestnut flavor. They are a wonderful addition to holiday cookie trays.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chocolate Chestnut Tortelli Cookies

Italian Chocolate Roll Cookies

Sliced nut roll pastry with chocolate filling is arranged on a wooden surface, sprinkled with powdered sugar, and decorated with small red and green ornaments. — Italian Chocolate Roll Cookies. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

These chocolate roll cookies look impressive but are easy to make. They are perfect for Christmas baking and gift giving.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chocolate Roll Cookies