10+ Fast and Easy Italian Recipes for Simple Delicious Meals

When you’re short on time but still crave delicious meals, fast and easy Italian recipes can save the day. These recipes allow you to enjoy authentic Italian flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up satisfying dishes that please everyone at the table.

Italian cooking is known for its fresh ingredients and rich flavors. You don’t need to be a master chef to make fantastic meals. With the right recipes, you can create hearty pasta, savory sauces, and delightful pizzas in no time.

1) Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a classic Italian dish that’s simple and quick to make. You will need just a few ingredients: spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. This tasty meal can be ready in about 20 minutes!

Start by boiling water and cooking the spaghetti until it’s al dente. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan and add thinly sliced garlic. Cook until it’s golden but not burnt. Add red pepper flakes for a kick.

Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it and toss it in the pan with the garlic oil. You can add parsley and Parmesan cheese if you like. Serve warm, and enjoy!

Ingredients:

• Spaghetti
• Garlic
• Olive oil
• Red pepper flakes
• Parsley (optional)
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Boil water in a pot and cook spaghetti until al dente.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add sliced garlic to the oil and cook until golden.
4. Stir in red pepper flakes.
5. Drain spaghetti and add it to the pan.
6. Toss well and serve warm.

2) Caprese Salad

Caprese salad is a fresh and simple Italian dish. It features ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. This salad is easy to make and perfect for summer.

Start by slicing the tomatoes and mozzarella into even pieces. Then, layer them with fresh basil leaves on a plate. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for added flavor.

This dish is not only tasty but also visually appealing. You can serve it as an appetizer or a light meal.

Ingredients

• Ripe tomatoes
• Fresh mozzarella
• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella into 1/4 inch thick slices.
2. Arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices on a plate, alternating them.
3. Tuck fresh basil leaves between the slices.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
5. Sprinkle with salt and pepper if desired. Enjoy!

3) Eggplant Lasagna

Eggplant lasagna is a delicious twist on traditional lasagna. Instead of pasta, you use layers of thinly sliced eggplant. This makes it a great low-carb option.

You can prepare this dish with layers of roasted eggplant, a mix of cheeses, and a rich tomato sauce. Adding fresh herbs like basil makes it even more flavorful.

It’s simple to make and perfect for any day of the week. You can easily modify it by including your favorite vegetables or proteins.

Ingredients

• 2 large eggplants, sliced
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Salt the eggplant slices and let them sit for 30 minutes.
3. Rinse and pat the eggplant dry.
4. Roast the eggplant slices in olive oil until tender.
5. In a baking dish, layer eggplant, ricotta, marinara, and mozzarella.
6. Repeat layers until ingredients are used.
7. Bake for 30-40 minutes until bubbly.
8. Let it cool a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

4) Pasta Bolognese

Pasta Bolognese is a classic Italian dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. It features a rich meat sauce simmered with tomatoes and herbs. Making it is easy, and it can be done in about 30 minutes.

To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need ground meat, tomatoes, onions, and garlic, among other things. The sauce pairs perfectly with your favorite pasta.

This dish is great for a busy night. You can whip up a delicious meal that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Enjoy it with some grated Parmesan on top!

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or pork
• 1 can (14 oz or 400g) crushed tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pasta of your choice

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion, garlic, and celery. Cook until soft.
3. Stir in the ground meat and cook until browned.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Serve over cooked pasta and top with Parmesan if desired.

5) Fresh Tomato Bruschetta

Fresh tomato bruschetta is a simple and tasty dish that’s perfect as an appetizer. You’ll love how quick it is to prepare. All you need are a few fresh ingredients.

Start with ripe tomatoes, basil, and garlic for flavor. Toast some bread until it’s golden brown, then rub it with garlic to give it a nice kick.

Top the toasted bread with your tomato mixture, drizzle with olive oil, and enjoy! This dish is fresh and full of flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ripe tomatoes
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Baguette or crusty bread

Cooking Instructions

1. Chop the tomatoes and basil and mix in a bowl.
2. Add minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
3. Toast slices of baguette until golden brown.
4. Rub the toasted bread with a garlic clove.
5. Top the bread with the tomato mixture and serve immediately.

6) Penne alla Vodka

Penne alla Vodka is a simple and delicious Italian dish. It combines penne pasta with a creamy tomato vodka sauce. This meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

To make this dish, start by cooking the penne pasta in boiling salted water. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente.

Next, prepare the sauce in a pan. You will need ingredients like unsalted butter, diced onion, garlic, and tomato sauce. Add a splash of vodka for a rich flavor. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes.

Finally, combine the cooked pasta with the sauce. Stir in some cream for a silky texture. Garnish with fresh basil for added taste.

Ingredients

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup vodka
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Fresh basil leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil salted water and cook penne pasta until al dente.
2. In a pan, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until soft.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vodka, simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
6. Toss the pasta in the sauce and mix well.
7. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

7) Chicken Piccata

Chicken Piccata is a delightful Italian dish that’s quick to prepare. You can have it ready in less than 30 minutes. The combination of lemon, capers, and butter creates a flavorful sauce.

Start with pounded chicken breasts, which cook evenly and quickly. The pan sauce adds a zesty touch to the dish. Serve it over pasta or with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• Four 6-ounce boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper
• 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons capers
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Dredge chicken in flour, shaking off excess.
3. In a pan, melt butter over medium heat.
4. Cook chicken until browned, about 4 minutes per side.
5. Remove chicken and add broth, lemon juice, and capers to the pan.
6. Simmer for a few minutes, then return chicken to the pan.
7. Cook until sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
8. Garnish with parsley and serve.

8) Italian Bean Stew

Italian Bean Stew is a cozy and delicious dish that’s easy to make. You can prepare it in under an hour with simple ingredients. This stew is perfect for a family dinner or a comforting meal.

You will start by cooking bacon for a rich flavor. Then, add onions, celery, and garlic until they soften. Next, mix in canned beans and broth for a hearty base.

Season with herbs for extra taste, and let everything simmer until warm. This dish pairs well with crusty bread.

Ingredients

• 4 slices of bacon
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy.
2. Add diced onion, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in white beans and vegetable broth.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
5. Simmer for 20 minutes. Serve hot.

9) Stuffed Zucchini

Stuffed zucchini is a delightful dish that’s both quick and satisfying. You can fill it with various ingredients like lean ground turkey, fresh veggies, or even sausage.

These zucchini boats are easy to customize based on your taste. Top them with melted cheese for a delicious finish.

Baking brings out the flavors, making it a perfect weeknight meal. Try this dish when you’re short on time but want something tasty.

Ingredients

• 4 medium zucchini
• 1 pound (450 g) ground turkey or sausage
• 1 cup (150 g) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the zucchini in half and scoop out the insides.
3. In a skillet, cook the meat until it turns brown.
4. Mix in tomatoes, cheese, and seasonings.
5. Fill the zucchini halves with the mixture.
6. Place them in a baking dish and cover with foil.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.

10) Spaghetti Carbonara

Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic Italian dish that’s quick and easy to make. It features a creamy sauce without any cream, relying on eggs and cheese for richness. You can have it ready in about 15 to 30 minutes!

The main ingredients are egg yolks, Pecorino Romano cheese, guanciale (or bacon), and black pepper.

Start by boiling your spaghetti in salted water.

While the pasta cooks, fry the guanciale until it’s crispy.

In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks with cheese and pepper.

Once the pasta is done, mix it with the guanciale. Then, add the egg mixture off the heat. The heat from the pasta will create a creamy sauce.

Ingredients

• Spaghetti
• Egg yolks
• Pecorino Romano cheese
• Guanciale (or bacon)
• Black pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil salted water. Cook spaghetti until al dente.
2. In a pan, cook guanciale until crispy.
3. Whisk egg yolks with cheese and black pepper in a bowl.
4. Combine hot pasta with guanciale.
5. Quickly mix in egg mixture off the heat. Enjoy!