10+ Italian Recipes to Delight Your Family and Friends

Italian cuisine offers a wide range of delicious and comforting dishes that are enjoyed by many. You can easily recreate authentic Italian recipes at home. This will allow you to bring a taste of Italy into your kitchen.

From pasta to pizza, the variety of ingredients and flavors makes cooking Italian food an exciting adventure.

Exploring different Italian recipes can inspire your meal planning and impress your family and friends. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, preparing these dishes can be both enjoyable and rewarding.

So, get ready to discover the joy of cooking Italian favorites that will delight your taste buds.

1) Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe

Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic Italian dish that is both simple and delicious. With just a few key ingredients, you can create a creamy and flavorful pasta.

To make this dish, you need spaghetti, eggs, cheese, and guanciale or pancetta. The heat from the pasta cooks the eggs gently, creating a rich sauce.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients

• 11 oz (300 g) spaghetti
• 7 oz (200 g) guanciale or pancetta
• 4 large eggs
• 3 oz (90 g) Pecorino Romano cheese
• Black pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente.
2. While the pasta cooks, fry the guanciale in a pan until crispy.
3. Beat the eggs and mix in the grated Pecorino Romano.
4. Drain the pasta and quickly combine it with the guanciale.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the egg mixture, adding pepper to taste.

2) Authentic Margherita Pizza

Making Authentic Margherita Pizza is a delightful experience. This classic dish uses simple yet high-quality ingredients. The key components are fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and extra virgin olive oil.

For the crust, aim for a thin and crispy base. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) to achieve the best results.

Assemble your pizza by spreading a thin layer of tomato sauce. Add slices of mozzarella and top with fresh basil leaves. Drizzle with olive oil for extra flavor.

Bake the pizza for about 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden. Enjoy your homemade slice of Italy!

Ingredients

• 1 large can of San Marzano tomatoes (28 oz.)
• 1 ½ tbsp. olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 ½ tsp. sea salt
• ¼ tsp. dried oregano
• Fresh mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves
• Pizza dough

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
2. Prepare the tomato sauce by blending tomatoes, garlic, salt, and oregano.
3. Roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness.
4. Spread tomato sauce over the dough.
5. Add mozzarella cheese slices on top.
6. Sprinkle with fresh basil leaves and drizzle with olive oil.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden.

3) Traditional Osso Buco

Traditional Osso Buco is a classic Italian dish made with veal shanks. The meat is braised slowly to become tender and flavorful. It’s often served with gremolata, which adds a fresh, zesty touch.

To make this dish, you will need a few key ingredients. The shanks are cooked with vegetables, tomatoes, white wine, and broth. This combination creates a rich sauce that pairs perfectly with the meat.

You’ll enjoy the deep flavors that come from the slow cooking process. Serve it with risotto or polenta for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 4 veal shanks
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup white wine
• 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• Fresh herbs (like thyme and bay leaf)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Gremolata: parsley, lemon zest, and garlic

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Brown the veal shanks in a large pot.
3. Remove shanks and sauté the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic until soft.
4. Stir in the wine and let it simmer for a few minutes.
5. Add the broth and tomatoes, then return the shanks to the pot.
6. Add herbs, salt, and pepper.
7. Cover and bake for about 2 hours, or until meat is tender.
8. Serve with gremolata on top.

4) Homemade Lasagna Bolognese

Homemade Lasagna Bolognese is a classic Italian dish that is both comforting and delicious. You will enjoy layers of rich Bolognese sauce and creamy béchamel sauce, all wrapped in fresh pasta.

To start, prepare the Bolognese sauce by simmering ground meat, tomatoes, and spices. Make a smooth béchamel sauce using butter, flour, and milk.

Next, layer the ingredients in a baking dish. Start with Bolognese sauce, followed by pasta, then béchamel. Repeat these layers until you reach the top. Finish with a sprinkle of cheese for a golden crust.

Bake the lasagna at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-40 minutes, until it’s bubbling and golden brown.

Ingredients

• Lasagna noodles
• Ground beef or pork
• Canned tomatoes
• Onion
• Olive oil
• Milk
• Butter
• Flour
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the noodles according to package instructions.
2. Make the Bolognese sauce by cooking ground meat with chopped onion until browned.
3. Add canned tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thick.
4. Prepare the béchamel sauce by melting butter, whisking in flour, and slowly adding milk.
5. Layer Bolognese, noodles, béchamel, and cheese in a baking dish.
6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes. Enjoy!

5) Classic Tiramisu Dessert

Classic Tiramisu is a beloved Italian dessert that is both creamy and light. It features layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and a rich mascarpone filling. The flavors blend together beautifully, making it a perfect treat.

To make this dessert, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. The coffee gives it a delightful kick, while the mascarpone adds sweetness and creaminess. Cocoa powder on top adds a nice touch.

Ingredients

• 1 cup brewed coffee, cooled
• 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
• 3 large egg yolks
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 24 ladyfingers
• Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting

Cooking Instructions

1. Brew coffee and let it cool; mix in coffee liqueur if using.
2. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar until creamy.
3. Fold in mascarpone cheese until smooth.
4. Whip heavy cream separately and fold into mascarpone mixture.
5. Dip ladyfingers in coffee briefly and layer in a dish.
6. Spread mascarpone mixture on top, then repeat layers.
7. Chill in the refrigerator for a few hours. Dust with cocoa before serving.

6) Gnocchi alla Sorrentina

Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is a delightful Italian dish that features soft potato gnocchi. It is baked in a rich tomato sauce and topped with plenty of cheese. This dish is perfect for comfort food lovers.

To make Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, you start with tender gnocchi. The sauce usually includes garlic, basil, and a good amount of mozzarella. Baking the dish gives it a lovely golden top and enhances the flavors.

You can serve it as a main course or a side dish. It’s popular with families and is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) potato gnocchi
• 2 cups (480ml) tomato sauce
• 8 ounces (225g) mozzarella cheese, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions.
3. In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté the garlic.
4. Add the tomato sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Mix the gnocchi with the sauce and transfer to a baking dish.
6. Top with mozzarella and fresh basil.
7. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.

7) Italian Eggplant Parmesan

Italian Eggplant Parmesan, or Parmigiana di Melanzane, is a delicious dish that layers tender eggplant with rich tomato sauce and gooey cheese. This classic recipe is easy to make and perfect for sharing.

To start, slice the eggplant and roast it to bring out its natural flavor. Layer the roasted eggplant with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.

You can make it lighter by avoiding breading and frying. This recipe is gluten-free and full of flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 medium eggplants, sliced
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roast the eggplant slices on a baking sheet for about 25 minutes.
3. Layer roasted eggplant in a baking dish.
4. Top with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake for 30 minutes until cheese is bubbly. Enjoy!

8) Pasta Alla Norma

Pasta Alla Norma is a classic Sicilian dish that highlights the rich flavors of eggplant. It combines tender roasted eggplant with a savory tomato sauce. This meal is sure to please anyone who loves Italian cuisine.

To make this dish, you will simmer the sauce with garlic and fresh basil for added flavor. Top it off with a sprinkle of ricotta salata cheese for a creamy finish.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) pasta (like spaghetti or penne)
• 1 large eggplant, diced
• 2 cups (480ml) marinara sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
• Fresh basil leaves
• Ricotta salata cheese, for topping
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss the diced eggplant with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Then, spread the eggplant on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 20 minutes until golden.
5. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
6. In a pan, sauté garlic until fragrant.
7. Then, add marinara sauce and roasted eggplant. Mix well.
8. Combine sauce with drained pasta.
9. Serve with fresh basil and ricotta salata on top.

9) Risotto alla Milanese

Risotto alla Milanese is a classic Italian dish known for its rich flavor and creamy texture. This risotto is made with Arborio rice, which absorbs flavors well while becoming tender.

Saffron gives this dish its distinctive golden color and unique aroma. You’ll want to use high-quality saffron for the best taste. The dish is often served as a first course or a side.

Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups Arborio rice
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 5 ½ cups chicken stock
• 1 teaspoon saffron threads
• Salt, to taste
• Parmesan cheese, for serving

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat the chicken stock in a pot and keep it warm.
2. In a separate pan, melt half of the butter. Add the onion and cook until soft.
3. Then, stir in the Arborio rice and cook for 2 minutes.
4. Add the saffron to the rice and stir.
5. Pour in a ladle of warm stock and stir until absorbed.
6. Continue adding stock, one ladle at a time, until the rice is creamy and al dente.
7. Finally, stir in the remaining butter and cheese before serving.

10) Caprese Salad with Mozzarella

Caprese salad is a simple and delicious Italian dish. It features fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and aromatic basil. You can enjoy it as a starter or a light meal.

To make your Caprese salad, you start with juicy tomatoes. Choose ripe but firm ones for the best flavor. Slice them evenly and layer them with mozzarella cheese.

Add fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor. Drizzle the salad with high-quality olive oil and a touch of balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

This salad is refreshing and perfect for warm days. It’s quick to prepare and looks beautiful on any table.

Ingredients

• Ripe tomatoes
• Fresh mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Salt
• Pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the tomatoes and fresh mozzarella.
2. Layer the tomato slices and mozzarella on a plate.
3. Tuck fresh basil leaves between the layers.
4. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the layers.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Enjoy!