Italy is known for passion, romance and wine but around the world it’s probably most recognized for some truly amazing food. One of the great things about Italian cuisine is that the recipes are pretty easy to follow, whether you’re cooking for the family or planning a romantic meal for two.
If you’re looking for a fantastic feast with more than a hint of Mediterranean flavor, here are our top thirty Italian dishes for you to try.
Table of Contents
1. Spaghetti Bolognese
Mention Italian food and spaghetti bolognese is probably the first thing that comes to mind if you’re in the US. Although it’s not a traditional Italian dish, it’s a great family dish that is relatively cheap to make – all you need is some ground beef or lamb, tomatoes, onions, a generous slug of red wine and stock and some garlic and herbs like oregano.
As with any dish, the quality of the ingredients is important and the fresher they are the better. The cooking process involves sauteing the onions and garlic and then browning the meat before adding the wine, stock and herbs.
Cook until the meat is tender, and the sauce infused with flavor, and you’re ready to make the pasta.
*Top tip: Spaghetti is common but most top chefs say chunkier tagliatelle or fettuccine is better because it helps mop up the sauce.
2. Bruschetta
If you’re looking for a starter or just want a lunchtime snack that isn’t too heavy on the stomach, then Bruschetta is a great option. You start with some homemade, fresh bread (sourdough is perfect) that you lightly toast in a pan, then rub with garlic and olive oil.
Slice some tomatoes, rip some fresh basil and put these on top with a little cheese like mozzarella along with a further drizzle of olive oil. There are variations you can try, including adding finely sliced meats. A little balsamic vinegar drizzled over the top is also another good option.
3. Margherita Pizza
Who doesn’t love pizza?
If you want something with that authentic Italian feel, then this is well worth a try and it’s a real crowd-pleaser. Make the pizza dough yourself for a fresher taste and then top this with thinly sliced tomatoes, shredded basil, some sliced mozzarella and a trickle of olive oil to finish. It takes just a few minutes to put together and about 12-15 minutes to bake in a hot oven.
Top tip: When it comes to fresh basil, always shred or tear the leaves rather than cut. It releases more flavor and that distinctive aroma.
4. Pesto Pasta
For an amazingly versatile Italian dish then pesto pasta certainly ticks all the boxes. It’s wonderfully tasty either hot or cold. Pesto sauce is a mix of pine nuts, olive oil, garlic, basil and parmesan cheese with a little salt. For a vegan alternative, you can omit the parmesan. All you need to do is put everything in a food processor and give it a solid zap.
Pesto can be mixed with any type of pasta on its own or you can add something extra by including, for example, fresh seafood such as mussels, scallops and prawns. It’s the perfect food for outdoor eating and the sauce is always worth keeping in your fridge.
5. Fettuccine Alfredo
Fettuccine is the thicker strips of pasta. Alfredo refers to a luxurious sauce that includes cream, butter, garlic and parmesan cheese. All you need to do is mix the two.
This is another great dish that has a lot of different applications and, with just 3 main ingredients for the sauce, is a great option if you want something filling but cost-effective for all the family. It’s perfect with a simple side salad or some fresh, crusty bread.
6. Caprese Salad
One of the great things about Italian dishes and a Mediterranean diet, in general, is that all the food is pretty healthy.
Recipes don’t have to be complicated if you want amazing flavors and the caprese salad perfectly illustrates this, and with veggies and salads being a large part of the Italian diet, this dish is very popular in Italy. This is great with pasta dishes or pizza and simply combines sweet basil, mozzarella and tomatoes with good olive oil and some salt and pepper.
7. Chicken Piccata
You can prepare this dish in less than half an hour and it looks fantastic either served with fresh broccoli and sautéed potatoes, pasta or a side salad.
Take some breast fillets and slice them, then rub them in some flour. The fillets are fried until they are browned and crispy on the outside. With this, you can make a simple sauce that is made from butter, capers, some lemon juice and a generous helping of white wine.
8. Risotto
Risotto rice is popular in the northern areas of Italy and it’s easy to cook, though you need a little patience. If you’re looking for a hearty one-pot dish for all the family, this is a great option. Cook the rice in a hot pan and gradually add wine and stock, stirring regularly, until the rice softens and takes on a creamy texture.
You can add all sorts to the risotto base, from roasted vegetables and parmesan to seafood like prawns and salmon. This is perfect for cold evenings and goes wonderfully well with some crusty garlic bread.
9. Minestrone Soup
Minestrone is the classic Italian soup – thick and full of goodness and it’s an excellent option if you want to batch cook and freeze up for later.
There are various recipes but the base should be gently sauteed onion with garlic, and chopped tomato for the base which is topped up with stock and wine. You can add any kind of vegetable and finish with pasta. Sprinkle some shredded basil leaves on top and you’ve got a heartwarming meal for all the family.
10. Tiramisu
We can’t forget the dessert!
One of the most popular Italian dishes is tiramisu. Which is why we actually serve Tiramisu on our menu! This looks complicated but is much easier than many people think. It’s made from thin ladyfingers that are soaked in coffee. These are then arranged in layers in a serving dish with a mix of eggs, sugar, cocoa and mascarpone cheese.
It’s the perfect surprise ending for any family meal and the best thing is there’s no cooking involved.
11. Eggplant Parmesan
For this classic Italian dish, eggplant is breaded and fried until crispy, then layered with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. The combination of the tender eggplant, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese is simply delicious. Parmesan cheese can also be sprinkled on top for extra flavor. Eggplant Parmesan is usually served with pasta or garlic bread on the side to soak up the sauce.
12. Chicken Parmesan
Chicken Parmesan is made by breading chicken cutlets and frying them until golden brown. The cooked chicken is then topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese and baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Additional parmesan cheese can be sprinkled on top for even more cheesy flavor. This dish is a crowd-pleasing Italian classic that pairs perfectly with pasta or a fresh salad.
13. Pasta with Chickpeas
Pasta e ceci is a humble yet satisfying Italian pasta dish made with chickpeas. Cooked chickpeas are simmered in a vegetable broth with aromatics like garlic, rosemary and chili flakes. Ditalini pasta is added and cooked until al dente. The starchy pasta cooking water helps create a luscious broth. Topped with olive oil and grated parmesan, this protein-packed pasta makes a perfect weeknight meal.
14. Pizza Napoletana
Hailing from Naples, pizza Napoletana features a thin, chewy crust and is typically topped simply with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, olive oil, and basil. The key is using high-quality ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes and freshly shredded mozzarella. The dough must be hand-stretched and the pizza baked at extremely high heat, like in a wood-fired oven. This achieves the trademark charred, bubbly crust. When made authentically, pizza Napoletana is considered by many to be the true original Italian pizza.
15. Spaghetti with Bottarga
Bottarga is a delicacy made from the cured roe of tuna or grey mullet. It is produced in coastal regions of Italy as well as Spain, Greece, and North Africa. To make spaghetti con la bottarga, the pressed fish roe is freshly grated and tossed with cooked spaghetti, good olive oil, and a bit of the pasta cooking water. The briny, umami flavor of the bottarga infuses the pasta. This simple yet luxurious dish lets the precious bottarga shine.
16. Fennel Salad
This easy Italian salad features thinly shaved fennel, which has a delightful anise-like flavor. The fennel is dressed simply with lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh mint. Parmesan cheese adds a touch of richness while the fennel fronds add freshness when used as a garnish. It’s a light and refreshing salad that pairs nicely with rich Italian dishes.
17. Arancini
Arancini are crisp, golden fried rice balls from Sicilian cuisine. They are made from risotto rice that is shaped into balls, stuffed with fillings like cheese, then breaded and fried. Traditional arancini filling is mozzarella, which oozes out temptingly when you cut into the piping hot rice ball. The creamy risotto center contrasts deliciously with the crunchy exterior. Arancini make an addictive snack or appetizer and are fun to serve at parties.
18. Gnocchi
Gnocchi are soft, pillowy dumplings made from semolina flour, eggs, cheese, potatoes, or breadcrumbs. In Italy, they are often tossed with a simple tomato sauce and basil and finished with grated parmesan. They can also be served with rich ragu or baked into casseroles. Homemade gnocchi requires some skill, but store-bought varieties are widely available. Gnocchi has a satisfying, toothsome texture and is a beloved Italian comfort food.
19. Tortellini Soup
This classic Italian soup features ring-shaped pasta stuffed with cheese, meat, or vegetables. Tortellini is simmered in a broth along with aromatics like onion, carrots, and herbs. Sometimes spinach or other greens are added at the end. The hot broth cooks the pasta, while the cheese filling melts into tortellini goodness. Served with crusty bread, tortellini soup makes for a nourishing, comforting meal.
20. Pasta Alla Gricia
Pasta alla gricia is a classic Roman pasta dish made with just a few ingredients – guanciale (cured pork jowl), Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper. To make it, guanciale is cooked until crispy, then the pasta is boiled and tossed with the rendered pork fat, cheese, pepper, and starchy pasta water to create an emulsified sauce. The end result is a decadent, salty, and spicy pasta.
21. Chicken Florentine Pasta
This creamy pasta dish gets its name from the inclusion of spinach, a staple of Florentine cuisine. First, chicken is cooked until golden brown. Then a luscious sauce is prepared with shallots, white wine, chicken broth, cream, and parmesan. This is tossed with linguine and spinach and finished with lemon juice. The result is a rich, flavorful pasta that’s still fresh tasting thanks to the spinach and bright notes of lemon.
22. Stromboli
Stromboli is related to calzones and can be filled with any pizza toppings you desire. The filling options are endless! Traditional fillings include Italian meats like salami, capicola, and prosciutto along with banana peppers, mushrooms, onions, and mozzarella cheese. The dough is rolled out into a rectangle, topped with the fillings, then rolled up into a long log shape before baking. Sliced into rounds, stromboli is ooey gooey perfection. Marinara sauce is the perfect partner for dipping.
23. Spaghetti Carbonara
This Roman pasta dish is made by tossing hot pasta with a creamy sauce of eggs, pecorino romano cheese, and cured pork like guanciale or pancetta. The heat from the pasta cooks the egg just enough to create a lush sauce. Cracked black pepper provides a spicy kick. Made properly, spaghetti carbonara is rich yet light, smoky, eggy, and utterly craveable. It’s important that the pasta is hot when mixing to get the ideal sauce consistency.
24. Duck Ragu Rigatoni
Duck ragu makes a nice change from the usual beef and pork ragus. Duck legs are braised until falling off the bone tender. The meat is then shredded and simmered with tomatoes, wine, onions, carrots, and herbs to create a rich, deep-flavored sauce. Tossed with tubular rigatoni and finished with grated pecorino romano, this duck ragu pasta is complex, elegant, and totally delicious.
25. Antipasto Salad
The Italian word “antipasto” means before the meal. Traditionally antipasto consists of small plates of cured meats, cheeses, roasted veggies, and other finger foods that whet your appetite. This antipasto salad combines favorite antipasto ingredients into one dish: cured Italian meats like salami, provolone, mozzarella, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, and olives. Drizzled with olive oil and red wine vinegar, this meaty salad makes a stellar appetizer or light entrée.
26. Baked Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp scampi usually involves sautéing shrimp in wine and butter. This baked version is even easier but just as delicious. Shrimp are tossed with garlic, white wine and olive oil, then topped with buttery panko breadcrumbs before baking. The crumbs turn crispy and golden, contrasting the tender shrimp. Quick and messy-fingers-friendly, baked scampi is a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish.
27. Beef Ragu
Beef ragu is a slow-simmered Italian meat sauce made from beef chuck roast, tomatoes, onion, garlic, herbs and wine. The beef is seared, then braised for hours until fall-apart tender. Once cooled, the meat is shredded back into the thick, rich ragu sauce. Served atop pappardelle pasta and finished with Parmesan, beef ragu is the ultimate hearty Italian comfort food.
28. Spaghetti All’Assassina
Spaghetti all’assassina translates to “spaghetti murderer style.” This unusual pasta dish from southern Italy involves charring the raw spaghetti directly in a pan with hot tomato sauce. The noodles crisp and blacken in spots, developing an intense, caramelized flavor. Some broth is added to finish cooking the pasta. Then it’s all tossed with spicy chili peppers, garlic, and olive oil. The burnt, spicy noodles live up to the sinister name but in a deliciously addictive way.
29. Cacio E Pepe Chicken
Cacio e pepe, meaning “cheese and pepper” in Italian, is a classic Roman pasta. This dish reimagines the concept with chicken. Chicken thighs are seared then braised in an aromatic broth. Heavy cream is stirred in to make a sauce, which is spiked with lemon and pecorino romano cheese. A generous amount of black pepper ties it all together. Served with crusty bread to soak up the sauce, this chicken cacio e pepe is rich, lemony, peppery comfort food.
30. Braciole
Braciole is a classic Italian dish of thin flank steak wrapped around a cheese and herb filling. The stuffed steak rolls are browned then slowly baked in a simple tomato sauce until fork tender. Traditional braciole filling contains prosciutto, breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic, pine nuts, Pecorino and Parmesan. Served in slices atop the braising sauce, braciole is a show-stopping Italian American dish.
