50 Easy Italian Recipes For Lunch And Dinner

Looking for some new recipes to add to your weekly meal plan?

These easy Italian recipes will make your taste buds dance with delight.

More than 50 dish, approved by an Italian. Perfect for lunch and dinner, all Italian style!

With these traditional Italian dishes, you’ll be transported straight to the heart of Italy.

From pasta to meat and side dishes, we’ve got you covered with the best Italian recipes that the whole family will love.

50 Best Recipes For An Italian Feast

To end your meal on a sweet and tasty note, take a look at these delicious Italian desserts, from classic tiramisu to panna cotta, you’ll find many treats to choose from.

#1 Pasta With Broccoli Recipe

Close-up of creamy pasta with broccoli in a pan. This authentic Italian pasta dish features wide noodles tossed with tender broccoli florets in a light sauce.

Looking for a plate of pasta that’s a little bit healthier, but still hearty and filling? Look no further than this pasta with broccoli. The combination of the tender broccoli florets and al dente pasta is perfectly complemented by the creamy sauce created with broccoli and parmesan cheese.

Get the recipe: Pasta With Broccoli Recipe

#2 Pasta With Fresh Tomato

Close-up of pasta with fresh tomato sauce, topped with shredded cheese. A simple yet delicious Italian dish.

For a lighter Italian food option, try this pasta with fresh tomato. This dish is simple yet flavorful, with the sweetness of tomatoes paired with savory garlic and fragrant basil. Perfect when you’re looking for something comforting but not too heavy.

Get the recipe: Pasta With Fresh Tomato

#3 Traditional Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

Traditional Italian Pasta and Beans Soup

When it comes to traditional Italian food, pasta e fagioli is a must-try. This classic soup recipe is packed with hearty ingredients like beans, pasta, and vegetables, making it the perfect quick meal.

Get the recipe: Traditional Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

#4 Eggplant Caponata Recipe

This traditional dish from Sicily is the perfect dish to add to your Italian night in. Made with eggplant and tangy capers this dish is bursting with flavor. The combination of sweet and savory notes makes it a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or a main course.

Get the recipe: Eggplant Caponata Recipe

#5 Italian Frittata Recipe With Peas

Not only is it a delicious and easy-to-make dish, but it also makes for a great breakfast, lunch, or dinner option. Serve with a side salad or some crusty bread for a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.

Get the recipe: Italian Frittata Recipe With Peas

#6 Eggplant Parmesan

When it comes to Italian classic food, eggplant parmesan is a classic. Serve the eggplant parmesan at room temperature with a nice Italian bread.

Get the recipe: Eggplant Parmesan

#7 Vegetarian Simple Pastina Soup Recipe

Looking for a comforting and filling vegetarian option? Here is the best pastina recipe. Made with just a handful of ingredients, yet this soup is hearty and wholesome. Top with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and enjoy!

Get the recipe: Vegetarian Simple Pastina Soup Recipe

#8 Breaded Pork Chops

If you’re in the mood for a meat dish, these breaded pork chops are the perfect choice. This recipe combines juicy pork chops with a crispy breadcrumb coating for ultimate texture and flavor.

Get the recipe: Breaded Pork Chops

#9 Risotto With Borlotti Beans

This creamy and rich dish is full of flavor and texture, thanks to the perfectly cooked arborio rice and the addition of borlotti beans. This delicious and hearty risotto pairs perfectly with a glass of red wine and some crusty bread on the side. And if you have any leftovers, it reheats beautifully for a quick and easy lunch or dinner the next day.

Get the recipe: Risotto With Borlotti Beans

#10 Authentic Bolognese Sauce Recipe

For a rich and savory Italian dish try our authentic Bolognese sauce recipe. This sauce is the perfect complement to your favorite fresh pasta or lasagne.

Get the recipe: Authentic Bolognese Sauce Recipe

#11 Pasta With Mushrooms – Pappardelle Recipe

Creamy pasta with mushrooms, a delicious pappardelle mushroom recipe, garnished with fresh parsley on a white plate.

A classic Italian pasta dish from Tuscany. The earthy flavors of the mushrooms will add depth and richness to the overall meal. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for a finishing touch.

Get the recipe: Pasta With Mushrooms – Pappardelle Recipe

#12 Spaghetti with Zucchini

This dish is packed with vegetables and comes together quickly for a satisfying easy meal. This easy pasta recipe is a great way to sneak some extra veggies into your diet while still enjoying a comforting bowl of pasta.

Get the recipe: Spaghetti with Zucchini

#13 Spaghetti With Clams – Easy & Fast Italian Recipe

This traditional Italian recipe is a favorite for many reasons, but the best part is that it can be whipped up in no time. All you need are some fresh clams, garlic, olive oil, and a handful of seasonings to create a delicious meal that will leave you feeling satisfied. The clams are cooked in a creamy white wine sauce, infusing the spaghetti with a delicate, subtle flavor that is irresistible.

Get the recipe: Spaghetti With Clams – Easy & Fast Italian Recipe

#14 Tuscan Bean Salad

Creamy white bean salad with bright red tomatoes, red onion, fresh herbs and a light vinaigrette dressing, a healthy and delicious Italian recipe.

This salad is a delicious blend of cannellini beans, crisp vegetables, and aromatic herbs, all tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. It’s a perfect side dish to any recipe, but can also stand on its own as a refreshing and flavorful main course. So, add Tuscan Bean Salad to your list of Italian comfort food recipes, and get ready to enjoy the perfect combination of flavor and freshness.

Get the recipe: Tuscan Bean Salad

#15 Pasta peas and bacon recipe

This recipe combines the creaminess of the peas with the saltiness of the bacon for a flavor explosion in every bite. This is the recipe I learned from my grandmother, cooking everything in the same pot, for a super creamy pasta.

Get the recipe: Pasta peas and bacon recipe

#16 Pasta Alla Norma Recipe

Close-up of Pasta alla Norma, a delicious Sicilian dish, with penne pasta, tomatoes, eggplant, basil, and shredded cheese, served on a white plate.

This traditional southern Italy recipe features tender eggplant, tangy tomato sauce, and aromatic basil. Finish with a handful of torn basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated salted ricotta cheese.

Get the recipe: Pasta Alla Norma Recipe

#17 Classic Lasagna Recipe

When I have guests for special occasions over for lunch and I want to play it safe, I either make bolognese sauce and top the pasta with it, or I work on making lasagna bolognese like this one so I can make lunch ahead of time and bake at the right time.

Get the recipe: Classic Lasagna Recipe

#18 Crispy Italian Chicken Cutlets

Crispy, golden-brown breaded pork cutlet on a white plate, sliced to reveal the tender meat inside. Served with fresh greens. A delicious meal.

Made with tender chicken breasts coated in a mix of breadcrumbs and fragrant fresh herbs, these cutlets are pan-fried until golden brown and crispy.

Get the recipe: Crispy Italian Chicken Cutlets

#19 Pasta Alla Gricia Recipe

Pasta alla gricia recipe: Close-up of rigatoni with guanciale and pecorino cheese, seasoned with black pepper.

This simple but delicious dish features crispy pancetta, savory Pecorino Romano cheese, and al dente pasta cooked to perfection. One bite of this satisfying pasta dish, and you’ll feel like you’re dining in a cozy trattoria in central Italy.

Get the recipe: Pasta Alla Gricia Recipe

#20 Focaccia Recipe with Olives, Tomatoes & Rosemary!

Close-up of freshly baked focaccia, topped with ripe olives, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fragrant rosemary. Delicious focaccia ready to eat.

Our Focaccia Recipe with Olives, Tomatoes & Rosemary is a crowd-pleaser and the perfect side dish to complement any Italian meal. This traditional bread is baked with a generous drizzle of olive oil, topped with juicy cherry tomatoes, savory black olives, and fresh sprigs of rosemary. This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be customized to your liking. Switch out the olives for roasted red peppers, or add some Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.

Get the recipe: Focaccia Recipe with Olives, Tomatoes & Rosemary!

#21 Pasta With Potatoes & Bacon: Quick Italian Recipe

The hearty combination of starchy potatoes, salty bacon, and delicate pasta makes this dish a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. This dish is the perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something truly delicious.

Get the recipe: Pasta With Potatoes & Bacon: Quick Italian Recipe

#22 Pasta With Meatballs Recipe

Close-up of pasta with meatballs in a tomato sauce, garnished with fresh basil. A delicious family recipe, featuring spiral pasta and savory meatballs.

If you’re in the mood for a classic Italian dish, Pasta With Meatballs is a go-to option that never disappoints. This recipe is simple yet satisfying, with tender meatballs and perfectly cooked pasta in a rich tomato sauce.

Get the recipe: Pasta With Meatballs Recipe

#23 Breaded Eggplants

If you’re looking for a vegetarian option with lots of flavor, try out this recipe for Breaded Eggplants. It’s a classic Italian dish that is easy to make. The crunchy exterior of the eggplants combined with the soft texture inside is a perfect balance.

Get the recipe: Breaded Eggplants

#24 Italian potato salad, with green beans and red onion recipe

If you’re looking for a refreshing twist on a classic potato salad, this Italian version is sure to hit the spot. The addition of green beans and red onion gives it a pop of color and texture, while the simple dressing of olive oil and red wine vinegar lets the flavors of the vegetables shine through.

Get the recipe: Italian potato salad, with green beans and red onion recipe

#25 Pasta With Cauliflower Recipe

For those who want a pasta dish that’s both comforting and healthy, our pasta with cauliflower recipe is a must-try. It’s a perfect way to sneak some vegetables into your meal and satisfy your carb cravings at the same time.

Get the recipe: Pasta With Cauliflower Recipe

#26 Oven baked fish (Italian style, with tomatoes)

Baked cod, a delicious Italian recipe, served on a colorful plate. A fork pierces the flaky white fish topped with bright red tomatoes and a crispy crust.

If you’re looking for a savory and healthy main course, this oven-baked fish is a must-try. This dish is simple to make, is light, flavorful, and satisfying.

Get the recipe: Oven baked fish (Italian style, with tomatoes)

#27 Creamy Pumpkin Risotto Recipe

Loaded with creamy pumpkin this pumpkin risotto recipe is a must-try for fall. This comforting and hearty dish combines sweet and savory tastes perfectly. The creamy texture of the pumpkin and Arborio rice pairs well with Parmesan cheese, creating a rich and satisfying flavor.

Get the recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Risotto Recipe

#28 Melon, Fig, and Prosciutto Salad

Overhead shot of Italian cantaloupe salad with figs, prosciutto, mozzarella, basil, and pine nuts on a white plate. A fresh, colorful dish perfect for exploring the best Italian recipes.

This Melon, Fig, and Prosciutto Salad is a fresh Italian salad that is perfect for any lunch or dinner party!

Get the recipe: Melon, Fig, and Prosciutto Salad

#29 Stracciatella soup (Italian egg drop soup)

Two bowls of tortellini soup with kale and vegetables, served with wooden spoons. A small bowl of grated cheese and a pot of soup are in the background. A delicious Italian recipe.

Stracciatella soup (Italian egg drop soup) is a classic Italian recipe that’s perfect for a cozy night in. This soup is made by whisking eggs and cheese into hot broth, creating strands of egg that give the soup a unique texture and flavor. It’s a easy recipe that can be customized to your liking by adding vegetables, herbs, or tortellini like this recipe.

Get the recipe: Stracciatella soup (Italian egg drop soup)

#30 Italian Salad Recipe

Italian salad in a glass bowl. Romaine lettuce, tomatoes, black olives, croutons, cheese, cucumbers, pepperoncini, and red onion, dressed with a yellow vinaigrette. Part of the best Italian recipes.

Get the recipe: Italian Salad Recipe

#31 Easy Baked Spaghetti

A generous slice of baked spaghetti casserole, layered with rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil, served on a white plate. A delicious Italian recipe.

This dish is simple to make and requires just a few ingredients. Once layered together in a baking dish, it’s baked until bubbly and golden brown, resulting in a delicious twist on the classic spaghetti dish.

Get the recipe: Easy Baked Spaghetti

#32 Marinara Sauce

Close-up of homemade tomato sauce in a pot, a wooden spoon lifting a spoonful of the rich, red sauce. A vibrant ingredient for best Italian recipes.

Marinara sauce is a staple in Italian cooking and is made from just a few simple ingredients. The key to a delicious marinara sauce is letting it simmer for at least an hour to allow the flavors to fully develop.

Get the recipe: Marinara Sauce

#33 Italian Pork Shank Osso Buco

Italian Osso Buco, a braised veal shank dish, simmered in rich tomato sauce and served with rice. Garnished with fresh parsley on a white plate, showcasing one of the best Italian recipes.

This dish is a traditional Milanese recipe that features tender, slow-cooked pork shanks in a rich tomato-based sauce. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth dish. This dish is best served with a generous helping of creamy polenta or a side of crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.

Get the recipe: Italian Pork Shank Osso Buco

#34 Bresaola carpaccio

Overhead shot of bresaola with capers and parmesan being served. Part of the best Italian recipes, this dish is surrounded by breadsticks and a side salad.

Bresaola carpaccio is the perfect light and refreshing meal perfect for lunch.

Get the recipe: Bresaola carpaccio

#35 Spaghetti arrabiata

Overhead shot of Bucatini all'Amatriciana, a classic Italian pasta dish, served in rustic bowls and on a decorative platter on a wooden table. Red pepper flakes, garlic, and glasses of red wine add to the inviting scene.

Spaghetti arrabiata is a classic Italian dish that packs a spicy punch. The name literally translates to “angry spaghetti”, and it’s easy to see why. This pasta dish is made with a tomato-based sauce infused with red pepper flakes and garlic.

Get the recipe: Spaghetti arrabiata

#36 Italian Sausage and Peppers

Italian sausage and peppers sizzling in a cast iron skillet, surrounded by fresh bell peppers, garlic, and bread rolls. A delicious and colorful dish, perfect for "Best Italian Recipes.

Sausage and Peppers are a classic Italian food that will leave you feeling satisfied and cozy. Serve the sausage and peppers hot, with a side of freshly baked bread or a bowl of cheesy polenta.

Get the recipe: Italian Sausage and Peppers

#37 Eggplant Involtini – Italian comfort food

Eggplant rollatini baked in a white casserole dish, topped with tomato sauce, melted cheese, pine nuts, and fresh basil. A delicious Italian recipe.

This delicious Eggplant Involtini is the perfect meal, ideal for entertaining and can be made in advance. Serve for lunch with a green salad on the side.

Get the recipe: Eggplant Involtini – Italian comfort food

#38 Italian Pink Sauce Pasta

Penne pasta in a creamy tomato sauce, garnished with fresh parsley, fills a large skillet. A striped dish towel sits underneath, on a white marble surface.

This pink sauce pasta is easy and quick dish made with few simple ingredients and gets ready in under 30 minutes. It makes a perfect filling dish for any meal.

Get the recipe: Italian Pink Sauce Pasta

#39 Stuffed Artichokes

Stuffed artichoke, a classic Italian recipe, plated with lemon wedges and fresh mint. The artichoke is filled with a cheesy, savory mixture and baked until golden.

These tender, flavorful artichokes are filled with a delicious mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, and Parmesan cheese. Baked in the oven until golden brown, they make for a mouth-watering side dish or easy lunch.

Get the recipe: Stuffed Artichokes

#40 Ribollita Italian Bean Soup

Hearty Italian white bean soup in a rustic ceramic bowl, topped with shredded cheese and fresh herbs. Served with crusty bread, a delicious example from the best Italian recipes.

For those looking for a lighter option, the ribollita Italian bean soup is a perfect choice. This hearty soup is packed with wholesome vegetables and beans and finished off with chunks of bread, making it a filling and satisfying meal.

Get the recipe: Ribollita Italian Bean Soup

#41 Neapolitan Pizza

Close-up of a freshly baked pizza, oozing with melted mozzarella and vibrant tomato sauce, garnished with basil. A slice is being pulled away, showcasing the cheesy stretch. Part of a collection of the best Italian recipes.

Making a Neapolitan pizza at home may seem intimidating, but with a few key ingredients and techniques, it’s easier than you might think.

Get the recipe: Neapolitan Pizza

#42 Basil pesto pasta

Overhead view of pesto pasta in a white bowl, sprinkled with pine nuts and parmesan. A green cloth sits to the left, with a fork and cheese grater to the right. "Pesto pasta" text overlay. Part of the best Italian recipes.

The combination of the fragrant basil, nutty pine nuts, and salty parmigiano reggiano cheese creates a rich and flavorful sauce that will make your taste buds sing. Plus, the vibrant green color of the pesto is sure to brighten up even the dreariest of evenings.

Get the recipe: Basil pesto pasta

#43 Italian Stuffed Peppers

Colorful stuffed bell peppers, a delicious Italian recipe, fill a black baking dish. Red, yellow, and orange peppers are brimming with a rice and meat filling, topped with melted cheese and fresh basil.

These hearty and savory peppers are filled with a mixture of ground beef, rice, and tomatoes, creating a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in.

Get the recipe: Italian Stuffed Peppers

#44 Burrata Caprese Salad

Burrata salad: Creamy burrata cheese surrounded by colorful heirloom tomatoes and fresh basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze. A delicious and simple Italian recipe.

This Burrata Caprese is the perfect summer lunch featuring juicy heirloom tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella and fresh basil.

Get the recipe: Burrata Caprese Salad

#45 Puttanesca Sauce With Linguine

Overhead shot of linguine pasta with fresh tomato sauce, capers, olives, and parsley on a white plate. A fork is twirling the pasta, ready to eat. Rustic wood table background.

Pasta Puttanesca Sauce is a traditional and comforting recipe straight from Italy. This is the best, simple recipe that you can make in no time with just a few ingredients.

Get the recipe: Puttanesca Sauce With Linguine

#46 Spaghetti Alla Bottarga Di Muggine

Forkful of creamy spaghetti, part of one of the best Italian recipes. Pasta on a blue patterned plate, close-up view.

For those who are feeling adventurous in the kitchen, spaghetti alla bottarga di muggine is the perfect dish to try. Bottarga, a salted and cured fish roe, is a popular ingredient in Italian cuisine and brings a unique seafood flavor to this pasta dish.

Get the recipe: Spaghetti Alla Bottarga Di Muggine

#47 Italian Wedding Soup

Overhead shot of Italian Wedding Soup in a white bowl, featuring meatballs, pastina pasta, spinach, and carrots in a clear broth. A bowl of parmesan cheese and a blue striped napkin sit nearby.

This Italian wedding soup is the perfect dish for those looking for a lighter option.

Get the recipe: Italian Wedding Soup

#48 Spaghetti Carbonara

Creamy spaghetti carbonara, a classic Italian recipe, served in a white bowl and topped with grated cheese and bits of cured pork.

This classic dish is traditionally made with eggs, guanciale or pancetta and parmesan cheese, creating a creamy and savory sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.

Get the recipe: Spaghetti Carbonara

#49 Panzanella Toscana salad

Overhead shot of a vibrant Panzanella salad, a best Italian recipe, with toasted bread, tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and red onion on a white platter. A smaller bowl and salt dish are nearby.

For a lighter Italian dish try Panzanella Toscana salad. This bread and tomato salad is a simple yet flavorful choice that’s perfect for warmer weather. The salad is also incredibly versatile – you can add cucumbers, peppers, or even grilled chicken to make it a complete meal.

Get the recipe: Panzanella Toscana salad

#50 Italian Pasta Salad

Two bowls of Italian pasta salad. One bowl shows the ingredients separated: artichoke hearts, red onion, cherry tomatoes, red pepper, green pepper, salami, and mozzarella. The other bowl shows the salad mixed with pasta and sprinkled with parmesan.

This Easy Italian Pasta Salad is so simple and so attractive that you can make it for a weeknight meal, lunch or even for a crowd. A great pasta salad can be enjoyed anytime of the year. It combines rotini pasta, salami, fresh bell peppers, mozzarella cheese, artichoke hearts, grape tomatoes, sweet red onions and freshly grated Parmesan cheese tossed lightly with Italian dressing.

Get the recipe: Italian Pasta Salad

We hope you’ve enjoyed this roundup of delicious Italian lunch and dinner recipes!

Make sure to give these dishes a try, and don’t be afraid to experiment with your own twists and variations.

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