19 Easy Italian Recipes For Dinner

Italian cuisine celebrates fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and rich traditions. From comforting pasta dishes to flavorful sauces, every recipe offers a taste of indulgence. Whether you’re cooking a classic like lasagna or trying a modern spin, Italian recipes bring the heart and soul of Italy straight to your kitchen.

Easy Shrimp Scampi

A blue bowl filled with shrimp and rice, topped with green herbs, with a metal spoon in the bowl. — Easy Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

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This buttery, garlicky shrimp scampi is tossed with pasta for a dish that feels both luxurious and effortless.
Get the Recipe: Easy Shrimp Scampi

Easy Tomato Focaccia

Freshly baked focaccia with cherry tomatoes and herbs in a rectangular baking dish. — Easy Tomato Focaccia. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Velvety tomato and aromatic herbs bake into this fluffy focaccia, giving it irresistible flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tomato Focaccia

Garlic Aioli

Creamy and garlicky, this aioli is a versatile dip or spread that pairs beautifully with crispy bread or roasted vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Aioli

Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce

Gnocchi in Lemon-Parmesan Sauce on a black plate. — Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Soft gnocchi dressed in a bright, citrusy sauce with Parmesan creates a dish that’s light yet comforting.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce

Goat Cheese Focaccia with Dates

A close-up of freshly baked focaccia topped with rosemary, caramelized onions, and cheese. — Goat Cheese Focaccia with Dates. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Sweet dates and tangy goat cheese mingle atop this soft focaccia, offering a unique and satisfying flavor combination.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese Focaccia with Dates

Grandma’s Marinara Sauce

A pan of marinara sauce with a wooden spatula. — Grandma’s Marinara Sauce. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Slow-simmered to perfection, this classic marinara is packed with deep, nostalgic flavors that elevate any pasta dish.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Marinara Sauce

Grilled Scallops with Lemon, Mint, and Pinot Grigio Sauce

Grilled scallops with a lemon, mint, and Pinot Grigio sauce. — Grilled Scallops with Lemon, Mint, and Pinot Grigio Sauce. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Juicy scallops paired with a fresh, zesty citrus sauce take this dish from backyard to fine dining.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Scallops with Lemon, Mint, and Pinot Grigio Sauce

Individual Lasagna

Lasagna for One in small 10-ounce square baking pan. — Individual Lasagna. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These mini lasagnas deliver layers of gooey cheese, hearty sauce, and tender pasta in perfectly portioned servings for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Individual Lasagna

Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta in One Pot

A close-up of creamy macaroni and cheese garnished with parsley. — Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta in One Pot. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Savory sausage, sweet peppers, and rich marinara all come together in one pot for a quick and delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta in One Pot

Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

Creamy walnut sauce coats pasta with a rich, nutty flavor in this unique take on classic Italian cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

Lamb Bolognese

Tender lamb in a rich, savory tomato sauce creates a comforting twist on traditional bolognese.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Bolognese

Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta

A plate of orzo pasta topped with sliced grilled chicken, garnished with parsley and lemon. Nearby are bell peppers, lemons, and a bowl of grated cheese on a red patterned cloth. — Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Tangy lemon and tender chicken paired with orzo pasta create a light and lively dish full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta

Lemon Chicken Piccata Pasta

Chicken breast cut with pasta in the background. — Lemon Chicken Piccata Pasta. Photo credit: Call me PMc.

Combining zesty lemon sauce, capers, and tender chicken with pasta, this dish is a satisfying fusion of flavors.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken Piccata Pasta

Meatballs and Sauce

Image shows Spaghetti and meatballs with a fork twirling pasta in a white bowl. — Meatballs and Sauce. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Juicy meatballs nestled in a flavorful tomato sauce deliver classic Italian comfort in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce

Minestrone Soup with Sausage

Loaded with hearty vegetables, beans, and flavorful sausage, this minestrone is both filling and deeply satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup with Sausage

No Knead Italian Artisan Bread

Italian artisan bread sliced on cutting board. — No Knead Italian Artisan Bread. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This crusty, golden bread is a foolproof way to create bakery-quality loaves right in your home oven.
Get the Recipe: No Knead Italian Artisan Bread

Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino

This simple yet bold dish combines pasta with garlic, olive oil, and a touch of chili for a meal packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Tender beans and pasta simmer with aromatic herbs and veggies to make a soul-warming Italian soup.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Penne al Baffo

Silky tomato and cream sauce coats penne pasta in this comforting dish with a hint of indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Penne al Baffo