Comfort, Flavor, Tradition: 15 Italian Main Dish Recipes

Italy is home to some of the most beloved dishes in the world, celebrated for their bold flavors and comforting simplicity. From creamy risottos to hearty pasta dishes, Italian cuisine offers something for everyone. These 17 recipes showcase the best of Italian cooking, perfect for bringing a taste of Italy straight to your table.

Cod Piccata

Cod piccata on a plate with asparagus and rice.
Cod Piccata. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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Zesty and bright flavors come to life in this dish as tender cod is simmered in a lemon-butter sauce with capers. It’s a light and flavorful option paired perfectly with a side of greens or pasta.
Get the Recipe: Cod Piccata

Baked Skillet Gnocchi

Gnocchi with ground pork, tomatoes, mozzarella and spinach in a cast iron skillet.
Baked Skillet Gnocchi. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Soft, pillowy gnocchi are baked in a rich tomato sauce and topped with bubbling, melted cheese. This one-pan meal is as comforting as it gets and makes cleanup a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Baked Skillet Gnocchi

Better Chicken Piccata Recipe

One chicken cutlet in saucepan with capers and butter.
Better Chicken Piccata Recipe. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

The crispy, golden chicken pairs beautifully with a tangy lemon-caper sauce. This version steps up the flavor, ensuring every bite is irresistibly good.
Get the Recipe: Better Chicken Piccata Recipe

Bolognese Sauce

Bolognese Sauce. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This slow-simmered meat sauce is all about depth of flavor. Rich, hearty, and perfect for tossing with pasta, it’s a true classic in Italian cooking.
Get the Recipe: Bolognese Sauce

Caprese Panini

Image shows a sliced caprese panini on a wooden board with the melted cheese oozing out.
Caprese Panini. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil come together in a warm, crispy sandwich. Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra burst of flavor!
Get the Recipe: Caprese Panini

Cheesy Stuffed Shells

Image shows an overhead shot of Easy Cheesy Stuffed Shells with a small plate holding one and the rest of the pan next to it.
Cheesy Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Oversized pasta shells overflowing with creamy ricotta and plenty of melted cheese are baked to perfection in a vibrant marinara sauce. Pure cheesy goodness in every bite!
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells

Air Fryer Flatbread Pizza

Two flatbread pizzas on a tray.
Air Fryer Flatbread Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Turn flatbread into a crispy pizza base topped with your favorite ingredients in minutes. The air fryer makes this weeknight-friendly treat quick and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Flatbread Pizza

Chicken Piccata

Two chicken piccata on a white plate with parsley and lemon wedges.
Chicken Piccata. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Another take on this Italian favorite, featuring juicy chicken cutlets in that signature buttery lemon-caper sauce. Simple, yet packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

Basic Risotto

A person scooping risotto from a red-rimmed bowl on a wooden table with a white napkin and scattered herbs.
Basic Risotto. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Creamy, dreamy, and endlessly adaptable, risotto is the ultimate blank canvas for experimenting with flavors. It’s a perfect dish to master.
Get the Recipe: Basic Risotto

Easy Tomato Focaccia

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

This fluffy and airy focaccia gets a tangy burst of flavor from bright cherry tomatoes, olive oil, and herbs. A crowd pleaser for any table!
Get the Recipe: Easy Tomato Focaccia

Low Carb Pasta Carbonara

Pasta Carbonara inside a bowl with herbs and bacon.
Low Carb Pasta Carbonara. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Indulge in creamy carbonara flavors without the carb overload. This version uses low-carb pasta but doesn’t skimp on flavor with smoky bacon and parmesan.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Pasta Carbonara

Chicken Francese

A skillet filled with chicken francese garnished with chopped herbs, being stirred with a wooden spoon.
Chicken Francese. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Tender chicken with a golden, eggy crust gets bathed in an irresistible lemon-wine sauce. It’s the perfect balance of savory and tangy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Francese

Air Fryer Cheesy Pepperoni Breadsticks

A wooden cutting board with pepperoni breadsticks and dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Cheesy Pepperoni Breadsticks. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Chewy, cheesy breadsticks stuffed with pepperoni and baked to a golden crisp in the air fryer. These are great as a snack or alongside your favorite Italian main.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheesy Pepperoni Breadsticks

Air Fryer Caprese Chicken

Chicken Caprese with tomato and basil on a blue plate.
Air Fryer Caprese Chicken. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Juicy chicken breasts are topped with melty mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, and basil, then cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Easy, healthy, and delicious all in one.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Caprese Chicken

Bruschetta Al Pomodoro

A person's hand picking up a slice of bruschetta al pomodoro.
Bruschetta Al Pomodoro. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Crisp, golden toasts are topped with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil for a burst of unmistakable Italian freshness. Drizzle with olive oil for that final touch!
Get the Recipe: Bruschetta Al Pomodoro

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