10+ Amazing Italian Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds

Italian cuisine is beloved around the world for its rich flavors and comforting dishes. You will discover amazing Italian recipes that are sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you crave classic pastas, vibrant sauces, or delicious desserts, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

With the right ingredients and simple cooking techniques, you can create authentic meals right at home. These recipes celebrate the essence of Italian cooking, bringing a taste of Italy to your kitchen.

Get ready to explore these delightful dishes that will make any meal special.

1) Classic Margherita Pizza

Classic Margherita pizza is a true Italian favorite. It features a thin, crispy crust, topped with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil. The combination gives a simple yet delicious flavor.

To make this pizza, start by preparing your dough. You can use 00 flour for a soft texture. Let it rise for a few hours to develop flavor.

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Spread the sauce on the dough, then add slices of mozzarella and fresh basil. Bake until the crust is golden and bubbly.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) 00 flour
• 1 cup (240ml) water
• 1 teaspoon yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (240ml) San Marzano tomato sauce
• 8 ounces (225g) fresh mozzarella
• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix flour, yeast, and salt in a bowl.
2. Slowly add water and knead until smooth.
3. Let the dough rise for 1-2 hours.
4. Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
5. Roll out the dough and add sauce.
6. Top with mozzarella and basil.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Enjoy!

2) Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni

Spinach and ricotta cannelloni is a delicious Italian dish. It’s made with pasta tubes filled with a creamy mixture of spinach and ricotta cheese. This dish is often topped with a rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella.

To make it, you will need fresh spinach for flavor and nutrients. The ricotta adds a soft texture that balances the dish. A simple tomato sauce enhances the overall taste.

The combination of flavors makes this meal a favorite for many. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. You will love serving it with a side salad or some garlic bread to complete the meal.

Ingredients

• 12 cannelloni tubes
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook spinach until wilted, then mix with ricotta, salt, and pepper.
3. Fill the cannelloni tubes with the spinach and ricotta mixture.
4. Spread some tomato sauce in a baking dish.
5. Place the filled tubes in the dish and cover with remaining sauce.
6. Sprinkle mozzarella on top.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Enjoy!

3) Osso Buco with Gremolata

Osso Buco is a delicious Italian dish made with veal shanks. It is slowly cooked until the meat is very tender. The dish is often served with gremolata, which adds a fresh and zesty flavor.

To make Osso Buco, you start by browning the shanks in a pot. Then you cook them with a mix of wine, vegetables, and broth. This creates a rich sauce that soaks into the meat.

Gremolata is typically made with parsley, lemon zest, and garlic. You sprinkle it on top just before serving, bringing brightness to the dish.

Ingredients

• 4 veal shanks
• 1 cup white wine
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
• 1 lemon, zested
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
3. Brown the veal shanks on all sides, then remove them from the pot.
4. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until soft.
5. Pour in the white wine and simmer for a few minutes.
6. Return shanks to the pot and add beef broth.
7. Cover and transfer to the oven. Cook for about 2 hours.
8. For gremolata, mix parsley, lemon zest, and garlic in a bowl.
9. Serve Osso Buco topped with gremolata. Enjoy!

4) Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant Parmesan is a classic Italian dish that is loved for its rich flavors. You will layer slices of roasted eggplant with tomato sauce and cheese to create a delicious meal.

Start by slicing the eggplant and roasting it until it is tender and slightly caramelized.

Then, in a baking dish, layer the eggplant, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and some Parmesan. Repeat these layers until you reach the top of the dish.

Bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes. This dish pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 2 medium eggplants
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh basil leaves (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the eggplants and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for 30 minutes.
3. Rinse the eggplants and pat dry.
4. Roast the eggplants in olive oil until tender.
5. In a baking dish, layer roasted eggplant, marinara, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
6. Repeat the layers until the dish is full.
7. Bake for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

5) Risotto alla Milanese

Risotto alla Milanese is a classic Italian dish known for its creamy texture and rich flavors. It features Arborio rice, which absorbs liquid well, creating a deliciously silky risotto.

A key ingredient is saffron, which gives the dish its beautiful golden color and unique aroma. You’ll love the elegant taste it adds.

This dish is perfect for a special dinner or when you want to impress your guests. It pairs well with a light salad or grilled vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups uncooked Arborio rice
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 ½ quarts beef stock
• 3 tablespoons beef marrow (optional)
• A pinch of saffron threads
• Kosher salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat beef stock in a saucepan and keep warm.
2. In another pan, melt butter and sauté onion until soft.
3. Add the Arborio rice and stir for 2-3 minutes.
4. Pour in the warm beef stock gradually, stirring constantly.
5. Add saffron and cook until rice is creamy and al dente, about 18-20 minutes.

6) Homemade Ricotta Gnocchi

Making homemade ricotta gnocchi is simple and fun. You will enjoy the soft texture and rich flavor of these little pasta pillows.

Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need fresh ricotta cheese, an egg, parmesan cheese, flour, and a bit of salt. This recipe is quick, using just a few steps.

To begin, mix the ricotta, egg, parmesan, and salt in a bowl. Gradually add in flour until the mixture comes together smoothly.

Next, shape the dough into small pieces and roll them into little balls. You can create a fork pattern on each gnocchi for an authentic touch.

Bring a pot of salted water to boil. Drop the gnocchi in and cook until they float to the surface.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1-1.5 cups flour
• Salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix ricotta, egg, parmesan, and salt in a bowl.
2. Gradually add flour until smooth.
3. Shape into small balls and make fork patterns.
4. Boil salted water.
5. Cook gnocchi until they float.

7) Tagliatelle al Ragù Bolognese

Tagliatelle al Ragù Bolognese is a classic Italian dish that combines tender pasta with a rich meat sauce. The key to this recipe is using fresh tagliatelle, which complements the hearty sauce perfectly.

To make the ragù, you’ll use ground beef, pork, and pancetta. Sauté these meats with finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Adding a splash of red wine and wholesome tomatoes enhances the flavor.

Simmer the sauce slowly to let all the ingredients meld together. Toss your cooked tagliatelle in the sauce for a delightful meal that’s full of tradition.

Ingredients

• 10 ounces (280 grams) tagliatelle
• 4 ounces (115 grams) ground beef
• 4 ounces (115 grams) ground pork
• 2 ounces (55 grams) pancetta
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup (240 ml) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) red wine
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Chop the pancetta, carrot, celery, and onion.
2. In a large pan, heat oil and sauté the pancetta until crispy.
3. Add the ground meats and cook until browned.
4. Stir in the onion, carrot, and celery; cook until softened.
5. Pour in the red wine and let it evaporate.
6. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
7. Simmer for at least 30 minutes.
8. Cook tagliatelle according to package instructions.
9. Drain and combine with the ragù. Serve warm.

8) Caprese Salad with Fresh Basil

Caprese salad is a simple and refreshing dish that highlights the best of Italian flavors. You need fresh ingredients for this recipe, including ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil.

To make this salad, start by slicing the tomatoes and mozzarella into thick pieces. Layer them on a plate, alternating between tomato and mozzarella slices.

Next, add fresh basil leaves between the layers. Drizzle the salad with good quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.

Finish with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy this salad as a light starter or a side dish!

Ingredients

• 2 ripe tomatoes
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Salt
• Pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella into thick pieces.
2. Layer the tomato and mozzarella slices on a plate.
3. Add fresh basil leaves between the layers.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

9) Pasta Primavera with Seasonal Vegetables

Pasta primavera is a colorful and healthy dish. You can use any seasonal vegetables you like. Common choices include zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots.

Start by roasting or sautéing your veggies. This adds a lovely flavor and makes them tender.

Toss them with cooked pasta and a splash of lemon juice for brightness. Feel free to add garlic and olive oil for extra taste.

Fresh herbs like basil or parsley bring in a nice touch. You can make it as light or hearty as you prefer.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) pasta of your choice
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup (150 g) carrots, sliced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil water in a pot and cook the pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.
4. Add the chopped vegetables and cook until tender, around 5-7 minutes.
5. Drain the pasta and mix it with the veggies.
6. Squeeze lemon juice, season with salt and pepper, and toss well.
7. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

10) Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms

Chicken Marsala with mushrooms is a delicious Italian-American dish that’s easy to make at home. You will love the combination of tender chicken and a rich wine sauce. The mushrooms add a nice earthy flavor.

Start by coating the chicken in some flour and frying it until golden brown.

The Marsala wine creates a beautiful sauce when combined with chicken stock and sautéed mushrooms. This dish is perfect served over pasta or with a side of mashed potatoes. It’s a great choice for dinner parties or family meals.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 3/4 cup Marsala wine
• 1/2 cup chicken stock
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Flatten chicken breasts to an even thickness.

2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then coat it in flour.

3. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

4. Fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side until it turns golden.

5. Remove the chicken and add mushrooms to the pan. Cook the mushrooms for 3 minutes.

6. Pour in Marsala wine and chicken stock, then stir well.

7. Return the chicken to the pan and let it simmer for 10 minutes.

8. Garnish with parsley before serving.