Tonight, forget about the takeout pizza and jarred pasta sauce because we’re bringing the heart of Italy straight to your kitchen with these authentic Italian dinner ideas! From the bowl of pasta, a cheesy baked dish, a classic recipe or even recipes that aren’t pasta, you can all have it from here.
You don’t have to be in Italy to have these delicious Italian dishes, therefore, we’ve rounded up 35 Authentic Italian Dinner Ideas that you can cook for your family, friends or even on your alone time wherever you are. See the recipes below:
Jump to:
- 1. Spaghetti All'Assassina
- 2. Chicken Florentine Pasta
- 3. Cheesy Homemade Lasagna
- 4. Italian Sausage & Pepper Frittata Affogato
- 5. Pasta Alla Gricia
- 6. Creamy Orzo "Risotto"
- 7. Carbonara Pizza
- 8. Chicken Alfredo
- 9. Pasta Puttanesca
- 10. Baked Ziti
- 11. Broccoli Rabe & Italian Sausage Lasagna
- 12. Tagliatelle with Bacon and Mushrooms
- 13. Spaghetti & Chicken Meatballs with No-Cook Tomato Sauce
- 14. Whole-Grain Spaghetti with Italian Turkey Sausage, Arugula & Balsamic Tomato Sauce
- 15. Prosciutto Pizza with Corn & Arugula
- 16. Butternut Squash Alfredo with Chicken & Spinach
- 17. Trapanese Pesto Pasta & Zoodles with Salmon
- 18. Taleggio Mushroom Pizza
- 19. Soppressata Pizza with Calabrian Chiles and Hot Honey
- 20. One-Pot Italian Shells and Cheese
- 21. Shrimp Scampi Linguine
- 22. Creamy Tuscan Ravioli
- 23. Ricotta Ravioli
- 24. Ravioli with Snap Peas & Mushrooms
- 25. Ravioli with Sausage
- 26. Italian Style Mac And Cheese
- Italian Recipes that Aren’t Pasta
- 27. Cacio E Pepe Chicken
- 28. Chicken Piccata
- 29. Classic Italian Meatballs
- 30. Chicken Cacciatore
- 31. Eggplant Parmesan
- 32. Creamy Chicken Marsala
- 33. Garlic Chicken Thighs with Olives & Potatoes
- 34. Chicken Parmesan
- 35. Chicken Scarpariello
- 35 Authentic Italian Dinner Ideas
1. Spaghetti All'Assassina
Burnt spaghetti, but make it Italian. This is how pasta is done in Bari—bold, fiery, and a little rebellious. Instead of boiling spaghetti in water, I let it crisp right in the pan, soaking up a spicy tomato sauce.
The slight char? That’s the whole point. It’s not just pasta, it’s Spaghetti all’Assassina, and once you taste that smoky and spicy flavor, you’ll get why Italians argue about it like it’s a national treasure.
2. Chicken Florentine Pasta
This is the kind of pasta that makes you feel like you're in a cozy trattoria in Florence. A creamy sauce hugs each bite of penne and is made richer with just the right amount of Parmesan and garlic. Make it a lot better with pan-seared chicken. And of course, there should be greens and fresh spinach that will give it that perfect balance.
3. Cheesy Homemade Lasagna
Lasagna like this isn’t just a dish, it is a tradition. The slow-cooked ragù, layered with silky pasta and creamy béchamel, is exactly how it’s made in an Italian home.
Just simple ingredients coming together in the oven, bubbling away until the edges crisp up just right. One bite, and it's like sitting at a family table in Bologna, where someone’s nonna (grandmother) insists you take another slice.
4. Italian Sausage & Pepper Frittata Affogato
Just Italian sausage, sweet peppers and fresh basil; basically nothing fancy, just real flavors coming together in a skillet. It’s the kind of dish you'd find in a small trattoria, where the owner pours you a glass of wine. The mozzarella melts just right, the sauce is rich but not over complicated because good Italian cooking never tries too hard.
5. Pasta Alla Gricia
In this dish, you just need four ingredients: guanciale, pecorino, black pepper and pasta. No cream, no garlic, nothing else. The guanciale crisps up perfectly, the cheese melts into a silky sauce, and that sprinkled black pepper? It makes it just right. Pure, authentic Italian!
6. Creamy Orzo "Risotto"
Orzo is cooked like risotto, absorbing the broth until it turns creamy. A touch of lemon zest keeps it fresh, pecorino melts right in, and that peppery arugula makes it better. Make your dinner just fine with a bowl of this and a glass of wine or any drink you want to partner this with.
7. Carbonara Pizza
Try this recipe if you crave pizza and carbonara at the same time but one of them is unavailable. It has a crispy guanciale, pecorino and golden runny egg right in the center just like a carbonara in the shape of a pizza. You’ll never lose with this recipe, you can still have both in one.
8. Chicken Alfredo
This isn’t the Alfredo you find drowning in cream at chain restaurants. This is just butter, Parmigiano-Reggiano and pasta water, creating a silky sauce. Add some grilled chicken, a touch of black pepper, and that’s dinner done right. In Italy, simplicity wins, no need for heavy sauces when a few quality ingredients do all the work.
9. Pasta Puttanesca
This Pasta Puttanesca recipe is a little taste of Southern Italy, straight from a nonna’s (grandmother’s) kitchen to the table. The ingredients are not hard to find, just olives, capers, garlic and anchovies. Toss it all with spaghetti, let the sauce spread, and dinner is done!
10. Baked Ziti
Baked ziti is Italian-American comfort at its best. It is made with a combination of simple ingredients like pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and of course, mozzarella. You can definitely add this to your Sunday family dinner menu.
11. Broccoli Rabe & Italian Sausage Lasagna
This lasagna is a bit different to the usual taste of lasagna because broccoli rabe gives it that slightly bitter taste which is balanced by creamy ricotta and a béchamel sauce that melts into every layer. Italian sausage brings just the right amount of meaty taste while good Parmesan on top crisps up in the oven. This is indeed a lasagna with a twist!
12. Tagliatelle with Bacon and Mushrooms
This dish is Italy on a plate! Tagliatelle holds onto that sauce made from pancetta, mushrooms, and just enough cream to tie it all together. Finish it off with Parmigiano-Reggiano and a crack of black pepper. This is the kind of pasta that doesn’t need an occasion, just an appetite.
13. Spaghetti & Chicken Meatballs with No-Cook Tomato Sauce
This Spaghetti & Chicken Meatballs is really easy to make. What makes it so easy? The secret is the sauce that is just tomatoes and basil that you don’t need to cook. Top it with tender meatballs and cheesy Parmigiano. Simple and fresh recipe for dinner!
14. Whole-Grain Spaghetti with Italian Turkey Sausage, Arugula & Balsamic Tomato Sauce
Good olive oil, juicy tomatoes, garlicky sausage and arugula makes this pasta recipe interesting. The juice of tomatoes turns into a light sauce as it cooks and the balsamic gives it a little zing. Just a simple and solid Italian pasta recipe.
15. Prosciutto Pizza with Corn & Arugula
A thin crust pizza with a mix of prosciutto, creamy cheese and fresh arugula is on the menu tonight. The corn and a good olive oil adds a little sweetness. This is a simple way to eat pizza for a date-night without stressing over a lot of ingredients.
16. Butternut Squash Alfredo with Chicken & Spinach
In this recipe, the pasta is coated with creamy butternut squash sauce and topped with spinach and chicken that is cut into pieces. And of course, don’t forget the parmesan, garlic powder and black pepper. What is squash for? It gives a slight sweetness. This recipe is simple, delicious, and something you’d want to eat on a cool night.
17. Trapanese Pesto Pasta & Zoodles with Salmon
Cook this recipe for a summer dinner. This dish consists of a fresh salmon, lightly seared, flaked apart over spaghetti and zucchini noodles. How about the sauce? It's a simple pesto made with tomatoes, almonds, basil, garlic and olive oil. Garnish it with a pinch of black pepper and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, for that extra Italian flair.
18. Taleggio Mushroom Pizza
This is a classic pizza but still stands out. A thin and crisp crust holds up a simple tomato sauce. The cheese? Add some with super creamy taleggio and mushrooms that are cooked until they’re partially burnt. You can also put a little thyme on top. This is the kind of pizza you’d find in a cozy Italian pizzeria that is perfect for dinner.
19. Soppressata Pizza with Calabrian Chiles and Hot Honey
Biting into this pizza feels like stepping into a little Italian trattoria. The crust is thin but not too thin, with just the right chew and those slightly burnt, bubbly edges. The tomato sauce is bright and slightly tangy paired with creamy mozzarella.
Soppressata gives it that strong and savory taste as it bakes. Add a calabrian chile for a spicy touch and hot honey drizzle on top to counter the spiciness with a light sweetness.
20. One-Pot Italian Shells and Cheese
This Italian Orecchiette pasta soaks up a rich tomato and cream sauce, flavored with garlic, onions and Italian sausage. The melted parmesan cheese makes it creamy and velvety. This is really perfect for any family dinner!
21. Shrimp Scampi Linguine
Linguine tossed with shrimp, sizzling in olive oil, garlic and a red pepper is one of my favorite choices when it comes to Italian dinners. A splash of white wine with fresh lemon juice and parsley keeps it light. It’s the kind of dish you’d find in a seaside trattoria. Serve it up with some crusty bread to soak up that garlicky sauce.
22. Creamy Tuscan Ravioli
Nothing spells Italian like ravioli, right? Try this fresh ravioli stuffed with creamy cheese, tossed in a sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic and cream. The spinach melts right in, adding that perfect balanced taste.
A little red pepper for a little bit of spice, and of course, shaved Parmesan on top. It’s the kind of dinner meal you would want to eat with a glass of wine in hand and just enjoy.
23. Ricotta Ravioli
This is a fresh ricotta-stuffed ravioli smothered in a slow-cooked ragù made with ground beef, carrots, celery, onions and crushed tomatoes. The sauce gets its deep flavor from a long simmer, just like how it's done in Italian homes.
Pouring a red wine and adding fresh herbs can add extra taste. I can say that this is one of the dishes that has an appetizing smell which makes everyone eager to sit down at the dinner table and tuck in.
24. Ravioli with Snap Peas & Mushrooms
Who says Italian food is meant for families only? Try this fresh ravioli, filled with creamy ricotta and herbs, tossed in a light, buttery sauce with mushrooms and snap peas. A touch of garlic, toasted hazelnuts and grated Parmesan gives it that delicious and traditional taste. Everything comes together in one pan, making it perfect for a simple, homemade Italian dinner.
25. Ravioli with Sausage
This is another Ravioli recipe that is stuffed with creamy cheese tossed in a rich tomato sauce. Slices of sausage and green peppers add a deep smoky flavor. For a final touch, I like to add garlic powder, a little olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Simple ingredients—that’s what makes Italian food so good. Nothing fancy, just great taste.
26. Italian Style Mac And Cheese
This Penne tossed in a creamy Parmesan sauce made with real butter, garlic and black pepper takes around 30 minutes to make. Red pepper flakes and fresh parsley add just the right kick. For someone like me that has to rush to make dinner some nights, this is an ideal meal to toss together and still make it in time for all my other duties as a mother.
Italian Recipes that Aren’t Pasta
When people think of Italian food, pasta is usually the first thing that comes to mind. But Italian cooking is so much more than that. It doesn't have to be just about pasta. Check these few recipes that can also highlight the heart of Italian cuisine:
27. Cacio E Pepe Chicken
Bone-in chicken thighs seared until the skin is crisp then simmered in creamy sauce made with Parmesan, black pepper and garlic, ideal for a Sunday meal with the family. A sprinkle of fresh parsley keeps it fresh. This is one of the ways to cook delicious dinners made to be shared.
28. Chicken Piccata
Chicken piccata is a true Italian classic, simple but it really deserves to be considered as a main dinner dish. It is a thinly sliced chicken breast that is lightly coated, pan-seared to a golden brown and then simmered in a sauce made from butter, lemon juice, capers, and white wine. You can also serve this with a side of pasta or crusty bread if you want, it’s a meal that brings out the best of traditional Italian cooking.
29. Classic Italian Meatballs
Ah, meatballs! These meatballs are simmered in a rich tomato sauce until tender. It starts with a mix of beef and pork, seasoned simply with garlic, parsley and Parmesan. The sauce is made with crushed tomatoes, garlic and olive oil. In Italy, a dish like this isn’t rushed. It’s about patience, good ingredients, and tradition.
30. Chicken Cacciatore
In this chicken cacciatore (also known as pollo alla cacciatore in Italian), the chicken thighs are seared until golden and then simmered in a sauce of tomatoes, onions, garlic and capers. The flavors build as it cooks, making the meat tender and tasty. Some like it with wine, some without, but either way, it’s always served with something to soak up the sauce—like polenta or crusty bread.
31. Eggplant Parmesan
Eggplant Parmesan is one of those dishes that just feels right on an Italian dinner table. The slices of eggplant are coated and fried until golden then layered with tomato sauce and plenty of mozzarella and Parmesan. Once baked, everything melts together and the crispy edges soak up just enough sauce. You can serve it with crusty bread if you want, and it’s a dinner meal on its own.
32. Creamy Chicken Marsala
This is a true Italian classic. Chicken cutlets, lightly coated in flour, pan-seared to get that golden crust, then simmered in a rich Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms. The sauce gets its delicious taste from the wine, butter and a touch of cream. This can be served with pasta or just crusty bread to soak up that sauce. I can’t fully express how this recipe tastes so good!
33. Garlic Chicken Thighs with Olives & Potatoes
Bone-in chicken thighs are slow-cooked with garlic, potatoes and sweet cherry tomatoes, soaking up all the juices. Green olives and capers add that salty taste, while fresh parsley brightens the dish itself. The chicken skin gets crispy, and the sauce? Perfect for soaking up with some crusty bread. It’s a real, traditional dish that will always make you want more!
34. Chicken Parmesan
This is exactly how Chicken Parmesan should be—crispy, golden-brown cutlets covered in rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella and fresh basil. Just make sure to keep the balance and not drown the chicken in cheese or sauce. The chicken stays crunchy, the tomato sauce is simple with garlic and olive oil, and the basil gives that fresh touch.
35. Chicken Scarpariello
Chicken Scarpariello is one of those dishes that feels straight out of a Sunday dinner in Italy. Bone-in chicken thighs are pan-seared until golden, then simmered in a tangy sauce with roasted red peppers, pepperoncini, garlic and fresh rosemary. The mix of sweet, sour and savory flavors comes from a balanced combination of vinegar, broth and natural juices from the chicken. This one tastes so good!
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35 Authentic Italian Dinner Ideas
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- 1. Spaghetti All'Assassina
- 2. Chicken Florentine Pasta
- 3. Cheesy Homemade Lasagna
- 4. Italian Sausage & Pepper Frittata Affogato
- 5. Pasta Alla Gricia
- 6. Creamy Orzo "Risotto"
- 7. Carbonara Pizza
- 8. Chicken Alfredo
- 9. Pasta Puttanesca
- 10. Baked Ziti
- 11. Broccoli Rabe & Italian Sausage Lasagna
- 12. Tagliatelle with Bacon and Mushrooms
- 13. Spaghetti & Chicken Meatballs with No-Cook Tomato Sauce
- 14. Whole-Grain Spaghetti with Italian Turkey Sausage, Arugula & Balsamic Tomato Sauce
- 15. Prosciutto Pizza with Corn & Arugula
- 16. Butternut Squash Alfredo with Chicken & Spinach
- 17. Trapanese Pesto Pasta & Zoodles with Salmon
- 18. Taleggio Mushroom Pizza
- 19. Soppressata Pizza with Calabrian Chiles and Hot Honey
- 20. One-Pot Italian Shells and Cheese
- 21. Shrimp Scampi Linguine
- 22. Creamy Tuscan Ravioli
- 23. Ricotta Ravioli
- 24. Ravioli with Snap Peas & Mushrooms
- 25. Ravioli with Sausage
- 26. Italian Style Mac And Cheese
- 27. Cacio E Pepe Chicken
- 28. Chicken Piccata
- 29. Classic Italian Meatballs
- 30. Chicken Cacciatore
- 31. Eggplant Parmesan
- 32. Creamy Chicken Marsala
- 33. Garlic Chicken Thighs with Olives & Potatoes
- 34. Chicken Parmesan
- 35. Chicken Scarpariello
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