20 Classic Italian Recipes Made Easy for Home Cooks

If you love hearty meals, simple ingredients, and desserts worth slowing down for, Italian cooking always delivers. This collection brings together comforting classics and everyday favorites that are easy enough for weeknights but special enough for gatherings. From cozy soups and slow cooker meals to bakery-style sweets, these Italian recipes focus on bold flavors, familiar ingredients, and timeless appeal. Whether you are cooking for family or just craving something comforting, this roundup has something for every mood and occasion.

Italian Canestrelli Cookies

These cookies are light, crumbly, and known for their delicate texture. Butter and sugar give them a simple flavor that pairs well with coffee or tea. They hold their shape nicely while still melting in your mouth. A dusting of powdered sugar finishes them off.
Get the Recipe: Italian Canestrelli Cookies

Italian Garlic Marinara Sauce

This sauce starts with garlic cooked gently to build a strong base of flavor. Tomatoes simmer until thick and balanced. It works well with pasta, meatballs, or as a dipping sauce. The texture stays smooth and spoonable.
Get the Recipe: Italian Garlic Marinara Sauce

Bomboloni – Italian Doughnuts

Bomboloni are soft doughnuts with a tender interior. They are often filled, but even plain versions stand out. The exterior is lightly crisp while the inside stays fluffy. A coating of sugar adds just enough sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Bomboloni – Italian Doughnuts

Italian Tuna White Bean Salad

This salad combines tender white beans with tuna for a filling dish. Olive oil ties everything together without feeling heavy. The beans absorb flavor as the salad rests. It works well served cold or at room temperature.
Get the Recipe: Italian Tuna White Bean Salad

Italian Chocolate Roll Cookies

These cookies feature a chocolate dough rolled into a tight spiral. The layers bake evenly and keep their shape. Each slice shows off a clear swirl pattern. The flavor is rich without being overwhelming.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chocolate Roll Cookies

Italian Rice Salad – Insalata di Riso

Cooked rice forms the base of this flexible dish. Vegetables, herbs, and mix ins add texture and color. It holds up well after chilling. Each bite feels balanced and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Italian Rice Salad – Insalata di Riso

Simple Ribollita Italian Bean Soup

This soup is thick and rustic with beans and vegetables throughout. Bread breaks down as it cooks, giving the soup body. The flavors deepen as it sits. It is filling and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Simple Ribollita Italian Bean Soup

Italian Chickpea Vegetable Soup

Chickpeas add structure and substance to this soup. Vegetables simmer until tender without turning mushy. The broth stays light but flavorful. It works well as a main or side.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chickpea Vegetable Soup

Baked Italian Chicken with Potatoes

Chicken and potatoes cook together until both are tender and well seasoned. The potatoes soak up the juices as they roast. The chicken stays moist inside. Everything comes together in one dish.
Get the Recipe: Baked Italian Chicken with Potatoes

Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches

Beef cooks slowly until it pulls apart easily. The cooking liquid builds deep flavor over time. Once shredded, it piles easily onto rolls. The meat stays juicy and rich.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches

Limoncello Italian Wedding Cookies

These cookies are soft with a light citrus flavor. Limoncello adds a subtle brightness without overpowering the dough. They bake evenly and keep a smooth texture. A glaze gives them a finished look.
Get the Recipe: Limoncello Italian Wedding Cookies

Italian Sausage Meatballs

Sausage gives these meatballs bold seasoning from the start. They hold together well while cooking. The interior stays juicy and tender. They work with sauce or on their own.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Meatballs

Kid-Friendly Cheesy Broccoli Spaghetti with Italian-Style Chicken Cutlets

This dish combines familiar flavors in a simple way. The spaghetti is coated in a creamy cheese sauce with broccoli mixed in. Chicken cutlets add texture and protein. Everything comes together without feeling complicated.
Get the Recipe: Kid-Friendly Cheesy Broccoli Spaghetti with Italian-Style Chicken Cutlets

Italian Slow Cooker Pork Roast

The pork cooks until it becomes fork tender. Seasonings soak in during the long cooking time. The meat stays moist and easy to slice or shred. Leftovers reheat well.
Get the Recipe: Italian Slow Cooker Pork Roast

Best Italian Tiramisu | Classic & Easy Recipe

Layers of soaked ladyfingers and cream set up as the dessert chills. The flavors blend together smoothly over time. Each slice holds its shape. It feels rich without being too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Best Italian Tiramisu | Classic & Easy Recipe

Italian Calzones

Calzones bake with a crisp exterior and a soft interior. The filling stays warm and well sealed inside. Each bite has a good balance of crust and filling. They are easy to portion and serve.
Get the Recipe: Italian Calzones

Italian Grinder

This sandwich layers meats, cheese, and toppings into a sturdy roll. The bread holds up well without getting soggy. Each ingredient stands out. It is filling and straightforward.
Get the Recipe: Italian Grinder

Italian Lemon Mascarpone Cake

Mascarpone gives this cake a smooth and tender crumb. Lemon adds a clean and bright flavor. The cake stays moist after baking. It slices neatly for serving.
Get the Recipe: Italian Lemon Mascarpone Cake

Italian Chopped Salad

Everything is cut into bite sized pieces for even mixing. Crisp vegetables add crunch throughout. The dressing coats each ingredient evenly. It works well as a side or light meal.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chopped Salad

Panettone Recipe – Italian Christmas Bread

This bread is tall and airy with a soft interior. The crumb pulls apart easily. It has a slightly sweet flavor throughout. Each slice feels light and delicate.
Get the Recipe: Panettone Recipe – Italian Christmas Bread