10+ Best Italian Recipes You Need to Try Once

Italy’s got a knack for whipping up dishes that make your taste buds dance.

Sure, pasta often steals the spotlight, but there’s a whole world of Italian eats beyond the noodles.

Ready to dive into some mouthwatering Italian recipes that’ll have you saying “Mamma mia!”? Let’s get cooking!

1. Chicken Parmigiana

Imagine tender chicken breasts, breaded and fried to golden perfection, then smothered in rich tomato sauce and gooey mozzarella.

That’s Chicken Parmigiana for you—a hearty dish that’s pure comfort on a plate.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for frying

How to Make It:

1. Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat with a mixture of breadcrumbs and half the Parmesan cheese.
2. Fry ‘Em Up: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
3. Sauce and Cheese: Place the fried chicken in a baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
4. Bake: Pop the dish into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden, about 20 minutes.
5. Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh basil leaves and serve hot.

Why We Selected It:

Chicken Parmigiana combines crispy chicken, savory tomato sauce, and melted cheese—a trio that’s hard to resist.

It’s a classic Italian-American favorite that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal.

2. Eggplant Parmigiana

Eggplant Parmigiana, or “Parmigiana di Melanzane,” is a delightful dish featuring layers of fried eggplant, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese.

It’s a vegetarian classic that showcases the simplicity and depth of Italian cuisine.

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggplants, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
• Salt for sweating eggplant
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups breadcrumbs
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil for frying

How to Make It:

1. Prep the Eggplant: Sprinkle eggplant slices with salt and let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture. Rinse and pat dry.
2. Breading Process: Dredge each slice in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs.
3. Fry the Eggplant: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry eggplant slices until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels.
4. Assemble the Dish: In a baking dish, layer marinara sauce, fried eggplant, mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh basil. Repeat layers, ending with cheese on top.
5. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with additional basil if desired.

Why We Chose It:

Eggplant Parmigiana is a hearty, meatless dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Its layers of tender eggplant, savory sauce, and melted cheese make it a standout in Italian cuisine.

3. Chicken Cacciatore

“Pollo alla Cacciatora,” or Hunter’s Chicken, is a rustic Italian stew where chicken simmers in a savory mix of tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and herbs. It’s comfort food that warms the soul.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Season and Sear: Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté Veggies: In the same skillet, sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers until softened.
3. Simmer: Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, oregano, and thyme. Return chicken to the skillet. Cover and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
4. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot, perhaps over rice or with crusty bread.

Why We Selected It:

Chicken Cacciatore is a one-pot wonder that’s both hearty and flavorful.

Its combination of tender chicken and rich tomato-based sauce makes it a beloved Italian classic.

4. Margherita Pizza

Margherita Pizza is the epitome of simplicity and taste. With a thin crust topped with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil, it’s a timeless favorite that highlights quality ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 pizza dough ball (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil
• Salt to taste

How to Make It:

1. Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat.
2. Prepare Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
3. Assemble Pizza: Transfer dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet or a floured pizza peel. Spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Arrange mozzarella slices on top.
4. Bake: Slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
5. Finish: Remove from the oven, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and scatter fresh basil leaves on top.

Why We Chose It:

Margherita Pizza showcases the beauty of simple, high-quality ingredients. Its harmonious blend of flavors and textures makes it a staple in Italian cuisine.

5. Risotto alla Milanese

Hailing from Milan, Risotto alla Milanese is a creamy rice dish infused with saffron, giving it a distinctive golden hue and a delicate, aromatic flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon

6. Caprese Salad

Caprese Salad is as fresh as it gets—ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of olive oil.

It’s the kind of dish that proves simple ingredients can create magic.

Ingredients:

• 3 large ripe tomatoes, sliced
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
• Salt and black pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Layer It Up: Arrange alternating slices of tomatoes and mozzarella on a serving platter. Tuck fresh basil leaves between the layers.
2. Drizzle and Season: Drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze over the top. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
3. Serve: Let it sit for a few minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.

Why We Chose It:

Caprese Salad is the perfect balance of creamy, juicy, and fresh. It’s a no-cook dish that screams summer but tastes amazing any time of the year.

7. Gnocchi al Pesto

These little potato pillows, coated in a luscious basil pesto, are pure comfort food.

Gnocchi al Pesto is a northern Italian favorite that’s surprisingly easy to whip up at home.

Ingredients:

• 2 large russet potatoes
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• ¼ cup pine nuts
• 2 cloves garlic
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Make the Gnocchi Dough: Boil potatoes until fork-tender, then peel and mash them. Mix with flour, egg, and salt to form a soft dough.
2. Shape and Cook: Roll into ropes and cut into bite-sized pieces. Boil in salted water until they float (about 2 minutes).
3. Prepare Pesto: Blend basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil in a food processor until smooth.
4. Toss Together: Mix the cooked gnocchi with the pesto sauce and serve hot.

Why We Selected It:

Gnocchi al Pesto is light, fresh, and packed with herbaceous goodness.

It’s a great alternative to traditional pasta, and making gnocchi from scratch is totally worth it.

8. Osso Buco

Osso Buco is a slow-cooked, fall-off-the-bone braised veal or beef shank dish in a savory tomato and vegetable sauce. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug.

Ingredients:

• 4 beef shanks, bone-in
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Zest of 1 lemon (for garnish)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make It:

1. Sear the Meat: Season beef shanks with salt and pepper, dredge in flour, and brown them in olive oil. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, cook onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.
3. Simmer: Add tomatoes, beef broth, thyme, and oregano. Return the beef to the pot and let it simmer on low for about 2 hours.
4. Serve: Garnish with lemon zest and fresh parsley before serving.

Why We Chose It:

Osso Buco is rich, tender, and deeply flavorful. The slow braise makes the beef incredibly soft, and the sauce is downright drinkable.

9. Fettuccine Alfredo

Fettuccine Alfredo is the ultimate creamy pasta indulgence. But forget the heavy cream—true Italian Alfredo is all about butter, cheese, and pasta water.

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces fettuccine
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ½ cup reserved pasta water

How to Make It:

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil fettuccine in salted water until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
2. Make the Sauce: Melt butter in a pan, then toss in the pasta and Parmesan cheese.
3. Thin It Out: Add pasta water gradually, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Serve: Season with salt and black pepper. Enjoy immediately!

Why We Selected It:

Fettuccine Alfredo is creamy, dreamy, and ridiculously easy to make. It’s a dish that proves simple ingredients can create unforgettable meals.

10. Minestrone Soup

Minestrone is a chunky, veggie-packed soup that’s hearty enough to be a meal on its own.

It’s a classic “use whatever you have” kind of dish, making it endlessly customizable.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan (for serving)

How to Make It:

1. Sauté the Base: In a large pot, heat olive oil and sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.
2. Add the Rest: Toss in zucchini, tomatoes, broth, beans, oregano, and basil. Simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Cook the Pasta: Add pasta and cook until tender.
4. Serve: Season with salt and pepper. Top with Parmesan before serving.

Why We Chose It:

Minestrone is a hug in a bowl. It’s packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to clean out your fridge!

11. Tiramisu

Tiramisu is Italy’s most famous dessert—coffee-soaked ladyfingers layered with a luscious mascarpone cream. It’s rich, velvety, and impossible to resist.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brewed espresso, cooled
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 20 ladyfingers
• Cocoa powder for dusting

How to Make It:

1. Mix the Cream: Whip heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Gently fold in mascarpone.
2. Dip and Layer: Dip ladyfingers in espresso and layer them in a dish. Spread mascarpone mixture on top. Repeat layers.
3. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Dust with cocoa powder before serving.

Why We Chose It:

Tiramisu is a dreamy combination of coffee, cream, and soft, sponge-like cookies. It’s light yet rich, making it the perfect ending to an Italian feast.

Conclusion

From creamy pastas to soul-warming stews and sweet, indulgent desserts, Italian cuisine is an endless celebration of flavor.

Now it’s your turn—pick a recipe, fire up the stove, and bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen.

And hey, don’t be surprised if you find yourself making these again and again!