9 Best Italian Dinner Recipes: Delicious Options for Every Palate

Italian cuisine is beloved for its rich flavors and comforting dishes. When I think of dinner, Italian recipes come to mind as a perfect way to bring family and friends together. In this article, I will share nine of the best Italian dinner recipes that are sure to delight your taste buds.

From hearty pastas to savory meats, each dish has unique ingredients that showcase the essence of Italian cooking. These recipes not only celebrate tradition but also provide a wonderful opportunity to improve my cooking skills. Whether I’m looking to impress guests or enjoy a cozy meal at home, I find these Italian dishes to be ideal choices.

1. Spaghetti Carbonara

Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic Italian dish known for its simplicity and rich flavor. It typically consists of pasta, eggs, cheese, pancetta, and black pepper. This dish is quick and easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

To prepare Spaghetti Carbonara, I follow these steps:

1. Boil salted water in a large pot.
2. Cook 400 grams of spaghetti until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
3. In a bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs and 100 grams of grated Pecorino Romano cheese.
4. Cook 150 grams of diced pancetta in a pan over medium heat until crispy.
5. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
6. Quickly add the hot spaghetti to the pancetta and remove from heat.
7. Mix in the egg and cheese mixture, adding reserved pasta water as needed for creaminess.
8. Season with black pepper and serve immediately.

This dish offers a perfect balance of creamy and savory flavors. Making Spaghetti Carbonara is straightforward and rewarding.

2. Lasagna Bolognese

Lasagna Bolognese is a classic Italian dish known for its rich flavors and layered texture. It features sheets of pasta, a hearty meat sauce, béchamel, and Parmesan cheese.

Making Lasagna Bolognese is not overly complicated. It requires a few steps, but I find it rewarding. Here’s how I do it:

1. Prepare the meat sauce: Sauté 1 onion, 2 carrots, and 2 celery stalks in olive oil. Add 500 grams of ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in 400 grams of canned tomatoes and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
2. Make the béchamel: In a saucepan, melt 50 grams of butter, then whisk in 50 grams of flour. Gradually add 500 ml of milk, stirring until thickened. Season with salt and nutmeg.
3. Layer the lasagna: In a baking dish, start with a layer of meat sauce, then pasta sheets, followed by béchamel. Repeat the layers, finishing with béchamel on top.
4. Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for about 45 minutes.

I enjoy serving Lasagna Bolognese hot, sprinkled with extra Parmesan on top. It’s a meal that always impresses.

3. Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian dish. It features breaded chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese.

Making Chicken Parmesan is quite easy, even for beginners. The process involves just a few straightforward steps.

1. First, I pound chicken breasts to an even thickness.
2. Then, I season them with salt and pepper.
3. Next, I coat the chicken in flour, dip it in beaten eggs, and cover it in breadcrumbs.

After the chicken is breaded, I fry it in a skillet until golden brown. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes on each side.

Once the chicken is cooked, I place it in a baking dish. I add marinara sauce on top and sprinkle mozzarella cheese over it.

After that, I bake it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes. The goal is for the cheese to melt and bubble.

I serve Chicken Parmesan with pasta or a side salad. It’s a delicious meal that is sure to please anyone at the dinner table.

4. Risotto alla Milanese

Risotto alla Milanese is a classic Italian dish known for its creamy texture and rich flavor. It features Arborio rice cooked slowly in broth and is flavored with saffron, which gives it a beautiful golden color.

Making this risotto is easier than it seems. I find it perfect for a cozy dinner. It takes about 30 to 40 minutes from start to finish.

To prepare, I follow these simple steps:

1. Heat 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth in a saucepan.
2. In a separate pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté 1 chopped onion until soft.
3. Add 1 cup of Arborio rice and toast it for 2 minutes.
4. Pour in 1/2 cup of dry white wine and stir until absorbed.
5. Gradually add the hot broth, one cup at a time, stirring constantly until absorbed. This takes around 18-20 minutes.
6. Stir in a pinch of saffron and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Finish with 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.

This dish pairs well with many meats or can stand alone as a comforting vegetarian option. Enjoying it is a delightful experience!

5. Pesto Genovese Pasta

Pesto Genovese is a traditional Italian sauce made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It’s known for its vibrant green color and rich flavor.

I find it easy to make this dish at home. The process takes about 20 minutes, making it perfect for a quick dinner.

Here are simple steps to prepare Pesto Genovese Pasta:

1. Cook Pasta: Boil water and cook your choice of pasta according to package directions. Typically, 8-10 minutes for al dente.
2. Make the Pesto: In a food processor, combine 2 cups of fresh basil, 2 cloves of garlic, ¼ cup of pine nuts, and ½ cup of grated Parmesan. Blend while slowly adding ½ cup of olive oil until smooth.
3. Combine: Drain the pasta and save ½ cup of pasta water. Mix the pasta with the pesto, adding the reserved pasta water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
4. Serve: Taste and adjust with salt or more cheese if needed. Enjoy your delicious Pesto Genovese Pasta!

6. Eggplant Rollatini

Eggplant Rollatini is a delicious Italian dish that features thin slices of eggplant filled with a savory ricotta cheese mixture. It’s a great option for dinner and can be made easily at home.

To make Eggplant Rollatini, I start by slicing eggplant into thin strips. Then, I roast the strips to soften them. This makes them easier to roll.

Next, I prepare the filling with ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, and some herbs. I spoon this mixture onto each eggplant slice and roll them up.

In a baking dish, I spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. I place the eggplant rolls seam-side down in the dish and top them with more sauce.

Finally, I sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top and bake the dish in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes. The result is a warm, comforting meal that is perfect for any night of the week.

7. Osso Buco

Osso Buco is a classic Italian dish made from braised veal shanks. The name means “bone with a hole,” referring to the marrow-filled bone in the center. It’s rich in flavor and melts in your mouth.

Making Osso Buco is easier than it sounds. I enjoy preparing it for special occasions or family dinners. The cooking time is longer, but the hands-on work is minimal.

To prepare Osso Buco, follow these steps:

1. Ingredients: You’ll need veal shanks, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, tomatoes, white wine, and broth.
2. Sear the Meat: In a heavy pot, sear the veal shanks on all sides until browned.
3. Add Aromatics: Remove the shanks and sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in the same pot.
4. Deglaze: Pour in the white wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to release flavor.
5. Braise: Return the shanks to the pot, add tomatoes and broth, and cover. Simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until tender.

Serve the dish hot, spooning the sauce over the shanks. It pairs well with risotto or mashed potatoes. Enjoy!

8. Ravioli di Ricotta

Ravioli di Ricotta is a classic Italian dish filled with creamy ricotta cheese. This dish is delightful and offers a balanced flavor, making it a favorite among many.

Making ravioli is easier than it sounds. I find it enjoyable to create fresh pasta from scratch. You only need a few ingredients: flour, eggs, and salt. The filling is simply ricotta cheese mixed with parmesan, salt, and pepper.

To prepare, follow these steps:

1. Make the Dough: Combine 2 cups of flour and 3 large eggs. Knead until smooth. Let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Filling: Mix 1 cup of ricotta cheese with 1/2 cup of grated parmesan, salt, and pepper.
3. Roll Out the Dough: Divide the dough into two pieces. Roll each piece thinly with a pasta maker or rolling pin.
4. Fill the Ravioli: Place small spoonfuls of the filling on one sheet of dough. Fold over and seal.
5. Cook: Boil ravioli in salted water for about 3-4 minutes until they float.

I love serving this dish with a simple marinara sauce or melted butter and sage for extra flavor. It’s a comforting meal that showcases the richness of Italian cuisine.

9. Gnocchi Sorrentina

Gnocchi Sorrentina is a delicious Italian dish made with soft potato dumplings. It is typically baked with tomato sauce and melted cheese, creating a comforting meal.

I find Gnocchi Sorrentina easy to make, even for beginners. The process takes about 30 minutes, plus baking time.

Here are some basic steps to prepare it:

1. Make the Gnocchi: Boil potatoes until tender, then mash them. Mix with flour, egg, and salt to form a dough. Shape into small dumplings.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In a pan, heat olive oil and cook garlic until golden. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, and basil. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
3. Assemble the Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, layer gnocchi with tomato sauce and sprinkle mozzarella on top.
4. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

I love serving this dish hot, garnished with fresh basil. It’s a delightful way to enjoy Italian cuisine at home.

What Are the Culinary Traditions of Italian Cuisine?

Italian cuisine is celebrated for its rich flavors and diversity. The traditions behind it vary greatly by region and have been shaped by historical events and migrations. These influences contribute to a unique culinary landscape that I find fascinating.

What Are the Regional Variations in Italian Cuisine?

Italy is divided into 20 regions, each with its own culinary identity. For example, Northern Italy favors creamy sauces and rich cheeses, while Southern Italy uses more tomatoes, olive oil, and herbs. In Tuscany, I appreciate the use of simple, high-quality ingredients, often featuring dishes like ribollita and pici pasta.

Key regional specialties include:

• Lombardy: Risotto alla Milanese
• Sicily: Caponata
• Emilia-Romagna: Lasagna and Bolognese sauce

Additionally, seasonality plays a crucial role in regional cooking. Ingredients are often locally sourced, reflecting what is freshest and most available throughout the year.

How Have Historical Influences Shaped Italian Cooking?

The history of Italian cuisine stretches back centuries, influenced by various cultures and trade. The Ancient Romans introduced ingredients like garlic and various spices. During the Middle Ages, Arab traders brought rice, citrus fruits, and spices, enhancing the variety of dishes.

In the Renaissance, the use of sugar and more complex recipes became popular, especially in northern regions. The arrival of New World ingredients—including tomatoes and peppers—transformed Italian cooking forever.

I appreciate how these historical influences continue to shape modern Italian dishes, making them rich in flavor and history.

What Are the Key Ingredients in Italian Cooking?

In Italian cooking, using the right ingredients is essential for creating flavorful and authentic dishes. I focus on two main areas: herbs and spices, as well as the importance of fresh produce. These components elevate the taste and quality of the meals.

What Are the Essential Herbs and Spices in Italian Dishes?

Herbs and spices form the backbone of Italian dishes. I often rely on fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley. Each herb brings its own unique flavor profile that enhances the overall taste.

• Basil is a staple in sauces, especially in classic dishes like Caprese salad. Its sweet and peppery notes are refreshing.
• Oregano adds depth and warmth to pizzas and soups, giving them that signature Italian taste.
• Parsley serves as a garnish and a flavor enhancer in many dishes, from pastas to stews.

Spices like red pepper flakes also add a kick to sauces and roasted vegetables. Using fresh or dried, these ingredients are vital for authentic Italian cooking.

Why Is Fresh Produce Important in Italian Cooking?

Fresh produce is crucial in my Italian cooking. I focus on seasonal fruits and vegetables to ensure the best flavor and nutrition.

Olive oil, made from fresh olives, is fundamental in many recipes. It serves as a base for dressings and adds richness to dishes.

I also prioritize tomatoes, which are essential in many sauces. The best sauces are made from vine-ripened tomatoes, bursting with flavor.

Other key items include zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplants, often used in classic casseroles and grilled dishes. By using high-quality, fresh ingredients, I can create vibrant and delicious meals that reflect true Italian cuisine.