We
independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
There’s a reason Italian food is beloved by so many. It’s humble in preparation, rich in flavor (hello, garlic!), and always totally satisfying. Dinner is never a disappointment when it involves twirling your fork around al dente spaghetti or spearing it into pillowy potato gnocchi.
We could gather up a nearly endless compilation of our favorite Italian recipes. Today, however, we’ve pulled together more than 45 of our best. And while not all are necessarily authentic, the recipes — inspired by classics and restaurant favorites — are downright delicious and span from classic to newfangled, savory to sweet, and they all deliver total gratification.
Classic Italian Recipes
Visit Italy and you’ll find more diversity in the cuisine than you might think possible. These recipes hardly account for all of it, but they do hit on many of the classics we know and love.
2 / 15
Homemade MeatballsLearn how to make classic meatballs with this step-by-step cooking lesson that makes tender and rich meatballs every time.
Go to Recipe 6 / 15
Ricotta GnudiGnudi very roughly translates to “naked” in Italian and is basically thought to be the naked filling of ravioli — without the pasta that surrounds it.
Go to Recipe 8 / 15
Homemade Marinara Pasta SauceThis marinara isn’t just for pasta, although that’s often its destination in my kitchen. You can also use this basic sauce for pasta casseroles like lasagna, to top homemade pizza, or to serve with roasted meat.
Go to Recipe 14 / 15
The Best FrittataAs long as you have a few vegetables and some eggs on hand, you can have a frittata on the table in about 20 minutes.
Go to Recipe Italian-Inspired Pasta Recipes
You can’t talk about Italian food without talking about pasta. Whether it’s spaghetti, rigatoni, fusilli, or orzo, pasta is a comforting favorite for good reason.
8 / 12
Lemon Caper PastaThe very best part of this dish might not be the actual pasta, but the crispy, crunchy breadcrumbs that are sprinkled with abandon over the top.
Go to Recipe Italian-Inspired Chicken Recipes
Give your weekly chicken dinner an Italian twist and you’ll never be disappointed. These recipes prove it.
1 / 9
Tuscan Chicken SkilletCaramelized mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, tender white beans, juicy chicken: there's nothing but good flavor happening here. And all in one skillet!
Go to Recipe 9 / 9
Easy Chicken ParmesanUsing just a sheet pan and few key ingredients, this easy chicken Parmesan is perfect for mid-week meals, and allows you to get a comforting dinner on the table without a ton of hands-on cooking.
Go to Recipe Italian Dessert Recipes
Whether you’re looking to master homemade tiramisu or want to dive into making gelato from scratch, we’ve got you covered.
2 / 12
PizzellePizzelle are a simple yet beautiful Italian cookie made with a special pizzelle press. The resulting cookie is sweet and buttery, and keeps well for days.
Go to Recipe 3 / 12
Brûléed RicottaThis fast and easy dessert recipe features honey-sweetened ricotta that's brûléed and finished with fresh fruit.
Go to Recipe 6 / 12
Great Homemade AffogatoThe Italian coffee-based dessert is made with just three ingredients — espresso, gelato, and a shot of liqueur. Here's how to make the very best one at home, even without an espresso machine.
Go to Recipe 9 / 12
The Best Panna CottaPanna cotta really is the perfect dessert. It's practically foolproof and accommodating to many dietary adjustments, being naturally gluten-free and adaptable to dairy-free and vegan diets.
Go to Recipe 
