Italian cuisine is beloved worldwide for its rich flavors, fresh ingredients, and comforting dishes that bring people together.
Whether you crave hearty pastas, creamy risottos, or rustic stews, Italian dinners offer a wonderful variety to suit any occasion.
In this collection of 21+ Italian dinner recipes, you’ll find everything from quick weeknight meals to special dishes perfect for entertaining.
These recipes celebrate authentic flavors and traditional techniques, making it easy to bring the taste of Italy right into your own kitchen.
21+ Authentic Italian Dinner Recipes to Try Tonight
Exploring these 21+ Italian dinner recipes reveals the incredible diversity and depth of Italian cooking.
From the simplicity of cacio e pepe to the rich layers of lasagna bolognese, each dish tells a story rooted in tradition and passion for quality ingredients.
Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, these recipes offer something for everyone and will inspire you to create memorable meals that embody the warmth and soul of Italy.
spaghetti carbonara
Spaghetti carbonara is a classic Italian dinner dish known for its creamy texture and rich flavors, made with simple ingredients like eggs, cheese, pancetta, and black pepper.
This recipe captures the authentic Roman style, delivering a comforting and satisfying meal that is quick to prepare and perfect for any night.
Ingredients:
- Spaghetti
- Pancetta or guanciale
- Eggs
- Pecorino Romano cheese
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Salt
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
- In a pan, heat a little olive oil and cook the pancetta until crispy. Remove from heat.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs and grated Pecorino Romano cheese together with a generous amount of black pepper.
- Add the hot pasta to the pan with pancetta, toss to combine. Remove from heat to prevent scrambling the eggs.
- Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, stirring vigorously to create a creamy sauce. Use reserved pasta water as needed to adjust consistency.
- Serve immediately with extra cheese and black pepper on top.
This dish perfectly showcases how simple ingredients can create an elegant and flavorful meal.
Its creamy, smoky, and peppery notes come together beautifully, making it a beloved staple of Italian dinner tables and a quick favorite to prepare anytime.
chicken cacciatore
Chicken cacciatore is a hearty, flavorful Italian stew that features tender chicken simmered with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and herbs.
It’s a comforting dish with rustic charm, perfect for a warming family dinner and pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or pasta.
Ingredients:
- Chicken thighs or drumsticks
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Garlic
- Bell peppers
- Canned tomatoes or fresh tomatoes
- Dry white wine
- Fresh rosemary and thyme
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet and brown the chicken pieces on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers until soft.
- Add tomatoes and herbs, then pour in white wine. Simmer to let the flavors meld.
- Return the chicken to the pan, cover, and cook gently until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot with your choice of side.
This stew embodies the warmth and heartiness of traditional Italian country cooking.
The combination of tender chicken and vibrant vegetables in a rich tomato sauce makes for a deeply satisfying dinner that feels both wholesome and indulgent.
eggplant parmesan
Eggplant parmesan is a beloved Italian vegetarian dinner featuring breaded and fried eggplant slices layered with marinara sauce and melted cheese.
It’s a comforting, cheesy dish with a perfect balance of crispy and tender textures, making it a great meat-free alternative that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients:
- Eggplants
- Flour
- Eggs
- Breadcrumbs
- Olive oil
- Marinara sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil
Instructions:
- Slice eggplants and salt them to remove excess moisture and bitterness. Rinse and pat dry after 30 minutes.
- Coat the eggplant slices in flour, then beaten eggs, and finally breadcrumbs.
- Fry the slices in olive oil until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- In a baking dish, layer fried eggplants with marinara sauce, mozzarella, parmesan, and basil. Repeat layers.
- Bake in a preheated oven until bubbly and golden on top.
Eggplant parmesan is a fantastic example of Italian comfort food that celebrates fresh ingredients and satisfying textures.
Its rich layers of tomato, cheese, and crispy eggplant create a deliciously hearty meal that works wonderfully as a centerpiece for a cozy dinner.
risotto milanese
Risotto milanese is a luxurious Italian dinner dish famed for its creamy texture and rich saffron flavor.
This Milanese specialty is both elegant and comforting, making it perfect for a special occasion or a cozy evening meal.
Ingredients:
- Arborio rice
- Butter
- Onion
- Dry white wine
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Saffron threads
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt
Instructions:
- Warm the broth and infuse it with saffron threads.
- Sauté finely chopped onion in butter until translucent. Add Arborio rice and toast lightly.
- Deglaze with white wine and cook until mostly absorbed.
- Gradually add the warm saffron broth, stirring constantly, allowing the rice to absorb liquid slowly.
- When rice is creamy and al dente, stir in butter and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
This dish perfectly exemplifies the art of risotto, where patience and careful stirring transform simple ingredients into a rich, silky experience.
The subtle saffron adds an aromatic depth that elevates the meal to something truly special and memorable.
osso buco
Osso buco is a classic Italian braised veal shank recipe celebrated for its tender meat and deeply flavorful sauce.
Slow-cooked with vegetables, white wine, and broth, it offers a melt-in-your-mouth texture and robust taste, ideal for a comforting and impressive dinner.
Ingredients:
- Veal shanks
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Carrot
- Celery
- Garlic
- White wine
- Beef or chicken broth
- Tomato paste
- Lemon zest and parsley (gremolata)
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Season the veal shanks with salt and pepper, then brown them in olive oil. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté diced onion, carrot, celery, and garlic until softened.
- Add tomato paste and cook briefly before deglazing with white wine.
- Return the veal shanks to the pan, add broth, cover, and simmer gently for several hours until the meat is tender.
- Finish with gremolata—a mix of lemon zest, garlic, and parsley—for a fresh burst of flavor. Serve with polenta or risotto.
Osso buco is the epitome of slow-cooked Italian comfort food.
Its rich sauce and tender meat create a deeply satisfying dinner experience that highlights traditional techniques and bold, layered flavors.
pappardelle bolognese
Pappardelle bolognese features wide, flat pasta ribbons served with a hearty, slow-simmered meat sauce originating from Bologna.
This dish is a celebration of rustic Italian cooking, offering deep, meaty flavors with a satisfying texture that fills the plate and the soul.
Ingredients:
- Pappardelle pasta
- Ground beef and pork
- Onion
- Carrot
- Celery
- Garlic
- Tomato paste
- Red wine
- Milk or cream
- Olive oil
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil and sauté finely chopped onion, carrot, celery, and garlic until softened.
- Add ground meats and brown thoroughly.
- Stir in tomato paste and deglaze with red wine, then simmer gently.
- Add milk or cream and let the sauce cook slowly for several hours until thick and flavorful.
- Cook pappardelle pasta until al dente, drain, and toss with the sauce.
- Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
This dish showcases the richness of Italian meat sauces paired with broad noodles that hold the sauce beautifully.
The long simmering develops layers of flavor, making it a perfect dinner choice for a cozy and hearty meal.
caprese chicken
Caprese chicken is a simple yet flavorful Italian-inspired dinner featuring juicy chicken breasts topped with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze.
This dish brings the fresh, vibrant flavors of a classic Caprese salad onto a warm, satisfying protein base.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Fresh mozzarella cheese
- Ripe tomatoes
- Fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil
- Balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and sear them in olive oil until golden and cooked through.
- Top each chicken breast with slices of fresh mozzarella and tomato. Cover the pan to melt the cheese slightly.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze over the top before serving.
This dish is a beautiful blend of creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors that make dinner feel light yet satisfying.
It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal that still feels elegant and packed with classic Italian flair.
pasta puttanesca
Pasta puttanesca is a bold, tangy Italian dinner pasta that features a savory sauce made from tomatoes, olives, capers, garlic, and anchovies.
Known for its vibrant, salty flavors, it’s a quick and easy dish that delivers maximum taste with minimal ingredients.
Ingredients:
- Spaghetti or linguine
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Anchovy fillets
- Canned tomatoes
- Black olives
- Capers
- Red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and reserve some pasta water.
- In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic and anchovies until fragrant.
- Add canned tomatoes, olives, capers, and red pepper flakes. Simmer to combine flavors.
- Toss cooked pasta into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Finish with chopped fresh parsley and adjust seasoning.
This dish bursts with intense flavors that balance salty, spicy, and tangy notes perfectly.
Pasta puttanesca is a great choice for anyone looking for a quick dinner with a bold punch of authentic Italian taste.
lasagna bolognese
Lasagna bolognese is a beloved Italian baked pasta dish featuring layers of wide pasta sheets, rich meat sauce, béchamel, and cheese.
It’s a hearty, comforting dinner that showcases the depth and richness of traditional Italian cooking.
Ingredients:
- Lasagna sheets
- Bolognese meat sauce (ground beef/pork, tomato, onion, carrot, celery, wine)
- Béchamel sauce (butter, flour, milk, nutmeg)
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Prepare the Bolognese sauce by slowly simmering ground meat with vegetables, tomato, and wine until thick and flavorful.
- Make the béchamel sauce by melting butter, whisking in flour, then gradually adding milk until smooth and creamy; season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Pre-cook lasagna sheets if necessary.
- Layer the lasagna sheets, Bolognese sauce, béchamel, and cheeses in a baking dish, repeating until ingredients are used.
- Bake in a preheated oven until golden, bubbly, and cooked through.
Lasagna bolognese is the ultimate comfort food that brings layers of flavor and texture together in a satisfying way.
Its rich sauces and melted cheese make it an irresistible dinner option perfect for gatherings or cozy family meals.
bruschetta chicken
Bruschetta chicken is a fresh and vibrant Italian-inspired dinner that combines tender grilled chicken topped with a mixture of diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil.
This dish delivers the bright flavors of traditional bruschetta with the added heartiness of protein, perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Ripe tomatoes
- Fresh basil
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar (optional)
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and grill or pan-sear until fully cooked.
- Dice tomatoes and mix with minced garlic, chopped basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the bruschetta topping.
- Spoon the tomato mixture generously over the cooked chicken.
- Optionally drizzle with balsamic vinegar for added tang.
This dish beautifully balances juicy chicken with the bright, fresh flavors of tomato and basil, making it a perfect dinner option that’s both healthy and bursting with classic Italian tastes.
gnocchi al pesto
Gnocchi al pesto is a comforting Italian dinner that pairs pillowy potato gnocchi with a fragrant and vibrant basil pesto sauce.
This dish is quick to prepare and delivers fresh, herby flavors that are a true hallmark of Italian cooking.
Ingredients:
- Potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh basil leaves
- Pine nuts
- Garlic
- Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Salt
Instructions:
- Cook gnocchi in boiling salted water until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare pesto by blending fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, olive oil, and salt until smooth.
- Toss cooked gnocchi with the pesto sauce until well coated.
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on top.
This dish highlights the simplicity and freshness of Italian cuisine, with soft gnocchi perfectly complemented by the rich, aromatic pesto.
It’s a wonderful choice for a quick, flavorful dinner that doesn’t sacrifice comfort.
vitello tonnato
Vitello tonnato is a classic Italian cold dish that features thinly sliced veal served with a creamy tuna and caper sauce.
Traditionally served as an appetizer, it also makes a unique and elegant light dinner, especially during warm weather.
Ingredients:
- Veal roast
- Tuna (canned in oil)
- Mayonnaise or olive oil mayonnaise
- Capers
- Anchovies
- Lemon juice
- White wine
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook the veal roast in broth with white wine until tender. Cool and slice thinly.
- Blend tuna, mayonnaise, capers, anchovies, lemon juice, salt, and pepper into a smooth sauce.
- Arrange veal slices on a serving platter and generously cover with the tuna sauce.
- Chill before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Vitello tonnato is an elegant dish combining tender veal with a tangy, creamy sauce that surprises the palate.
It’s a refined choice for an Italian dinner that is both refreshing and sophisticated.
penne arrabbiata
Penne arrabbiata is a fiery and flavorful Italian pasta dish that features a spicy tomato sauce infused with garlic and red chili flakes.
Its bold, simple ingredients come together to create a satisfying and quick dinner with a pleasant kick.
Ingredients:
- Penne pasta
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Red chili flakes
- Canned tomatoes
- Fresh parsley
- Salt
Instructions:
- Cook penne in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic and red chili flakes until fragrant.
- Add canned tomatoes and simmer to develop the sauce. Season with salt.
- Toss cooked penne with the spicy tomato sauce.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
This dish showcases the power of minimal ingredients to create a spicy, tangy, and satisfying meal.
Penne arrabbiata is perfect for spice lovers looking for a quick and authentic Italian dinner.
tortellini alla panna
Tortellini alla panna is a creamy and indulgent Italian dinner featuring cheese-filled tortellini tossed in a smooth cream sauce.
It’s a rich, comforting dish ideal for a cozy evening when you want something satisfying and elegant.
Ingredients:
- Cheese tortellini
- Heavy cream
- Butter
- Parmesan cheese
- Nutmeg
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook tortellini according to package instructions and drain.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and add heavy cream, heating gently.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of nutmeg until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss cooked tortellini in the cream sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.
This dish highlights the lusciousness of cream combined with tender stuffed pasta, creating a comforting dinner that feels rich without being overly complicated.
frittata al forno
Frittata al forno is an Italian baked omelet filled with vegetables, cheese, and sometimes cured meats, making it a versatile and easy dinner option.
Baked in the oven, it’s light yet hearty, perfect for using up leftovers with an Italian twist.
Ingredients:
- Eggs
- Milk or cream
- Spinach or other vegetables
- Parmesan or mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Whisk eggs with milk or cream, salt, and pepper.
- Sauté vegetables in olive oil until tender, then add to the egg mixture.
- Pour the mixture into the baking dish and sprinkle with cheese.
- Bake until the frittata is set and golden on top.
This baked frittata is a delicious way to enjoy a protein-packed dinner with fresh vegetables and cheese.
It’s simple, nutritious, and full of Italian homestyle charm.
veal saltimbocca
Veal saltimbocca is a classic Italian dish featuring tender veal cutlets topped with prosciutto and fresh sage, sautéed in butter and white wine.
This dish is known for its savory, aromatic flavors and elegant presentation, perfect for a refined dinner.
Ingredients:
- Veal cutlets
- Prosciutto slices
- Fresh sage leaves
- Butter
- White wine
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Place a slice of prosciutto and a sage leaf on each veal cutlet and secure with a toothpick.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a pan and sauté the veal cutlets until golden and cooked through.
- Remove the cutlets and deglaze the pan with white wine, reducing it to a flavorful sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the cutlets and serve immediately.
This dish perfectly balances the delicate flavor of veal with the salty prosciutto and fragrant sage, making it a sophisticated yet approachable dinner that captures traditional Italian elegance.
risotto al funghi
Risotto al funghi is a creamy Italian rice dish infused with the earthy flavors of mushrooms.
It’s a comforting and luxurious dinner choice that highlights the rich umami taste of mushrooms paired with the silky texture of risotto.
Ingredients:
- Arborio rice
- Mixed mushrooms (porcini, cremini, or button)
- Onion
- Garlic
- Butter
- White wine
- Vegetable or chicken broth
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Sauté chopped onions and garlic in olive oil and butter until translucent.
- Add sliced mushrooms and cook until tender.
- Stir in Arborio rice and toast briefly before deglazing with white wine.
- Gradually add warm broth, stirring frequently, until rice is creamy and al dente.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Season to taste.
This risotto delivers a rich, earthy flavor with a creamy consistency that feels indulgent yet comforting.
It’s a perfect dinner to enjoy the depth of Italian mushroom dishes.
pizza margherita
Pizza margherita is a timeless Italian classic that combines a thin, crispy crust with fresh tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fragrant basil leaves.
It’s a simple yet iconic dish that celebrates the essence of Italian flavors.
Ingredients:
- Pizza dough
- Tomato sauce
- Fresh mozzarella
- Fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil
- Salt
Instructions:
- Preheat oven and roll out pizza dough into a thin circle.
- Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough.
- Tear fresh mozzarella and scatter it evenly on top.
- Bake the pizza until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from oven, add fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
Pizza margherita is the perfect example of how simple, high-quality ingredients create an unforgettable meal.
Its balance of tangy tomato, creamy cheese, and fresh basil makes it a beloved Italian dinner for any occasion.
cacio e pepe
Cacio e pepe is a traditional Roman pasta dish celebrated for its simplicity and bold flavors.
The name means “cheese and pepper,” highlighting its key ingredients—Pecorino Romano cheese and freshly cracked black pepper—that combine to create a creamy, peppery sauce coating the pasta perfectly.
Ingredients:
- Spaghetti or tonnarelli
- Pecorino Romano cheese
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Salt
Instructions:
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
- Toast black pepper in a dry pan to release its aroma.
- Add pasta and reserved water to the pan with pepper, tossing to combine.
- Gradually add grated Pecorino Romano, stirring vigorously to create a creamy sauce.
- Adjust with more pasta water if needed to achieve desired sauce consistency. Serve immediately.
Cacio e pepe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a deeply satisfying meal.
Its creamy texture and spicy kick make it an all-time favorite for an authentic, no-fuss Italian dinner.
zuppa di lenticchie
Zuppa di lenticchie is a hearty and nourishing Italian lentil soup that features earthy lentils simmered with vegetables, herbs, and sometimes pancetta or sausage.
This dish is wholesome and comforting, ideal for cooler evenings or when you want a filling yet healthy dinner.
Ingredients:
- Lentils
- Onion
- Carrot
- Celery
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Vegetable or chicken broth
- Tomato paste
- Fresh rosemary or bay leaf
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Sauté chopped onion, carrot, celery, and garlic in olive oil until softened.
- Add lentils, tomato paste, herbs, and broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer until lentils are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper and remove herbs before serving. Optionally, add pancetta or sausage for extra flavor.
This soup is a wonderful way to enjoy a traditional Italian legume dish that is both healthy and satisfying.
Its rich flavors and rustic appeal make it a perfect dinner for anyone craving warmth and comfort.
polenta con funghi
Polenta con funghi is a classic Italian dish featuring creamy, soft polenta served with a savory mushroom ragout.
This combination offers a delightful contrast of textures and earthy flavors, making it a delicious and comforting dinner option.
Ingredients:
- Polenta (cornmeal)
- Mixed mushrooms
- Onion
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Fresh parsley
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Prepare polenta by cooking cornmeal slowly in boiling salted water or broth until thick and creamy.
- In a separate pan, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil and butter. Add mushrooms and cook until tender and browned.
- Season mushroom ragout with salt, pepper, and fresh parsley.
- Serve the mushroom mixture over a bed of creamy polenta, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
This dish perfectly combines the comforting creaminess of polenta with the robust, earthy flavors of mushrooms.
It’s a satisfying and elegant dinner that reflects the simplicity and depth of Italian countryside cuisine.
Conclusion
Italian dinner recipes are more than just food—they’re a celebration of culture, history, and connection. With this collection of 21+ dishes, you can enjoy a range of flavors and textures that satisfy every palate, from light and fresh to rich and hearty. Embracing these recipes will not only elevate your dinner table but also bring the joy of authentic Italian cooking into your daily routine.
