Italian cuisine is beloved around the world for its fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and comforting simplicity. The beauty of these dishes is that they don’t require a culinary degree—just a little love, some pantry staples, and fresh produce. This collection of 8 easy Italian classic recipes will help you bring the flavors of Italy straight to your kitchen without the stress of complicated cooking.
We begin with spaghetti aglio e olio, a pasta dish that proves less is more. Made with just garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and parsley, it’s light, aromatic, and ready in under 20 minutes. Next is classic Margherita pizza, a timeless favorite topped with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil—perfect for pizza night at home.
For a hearty meal, lasagna alla Bolognese layers tender pasta sheets with a rich, slow-simmered meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese. If you’re looking for something lighter yet equally satisfying, Caprese salad combines fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and balsamic glaze for a burst of summer flavors any time of the year.
Seafood lovers will appreciate shrimp scampi, where juicy shrimp are sautéed in butter, garlic, and white wine, then served over linguine for a luxurious yet quick dinner. Another must-try is chicken piccata, with tender chicken breasts cooked in a tangy lemon-caper sauce—a dish that feels elegant but comes together in just 30 minutes.
No Italian recipe roundup would be complete without risotto alla Milanese, a creamy rice dish infused with saffron for a golden color and rich flavor. While risotto has a reputation for being tricky, this easy version makes it approachable without sacrificing authenticity. To finish on a sweet note, tiramisu offers layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and cocoa powder for a dessert that’s as indulgent as it is easy to prepare.
These recipes are perfect for weeknight dinners, romantic date nights, or special occasions when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Many can be made ahead of time, giving you more freedom to enjoy your meal instead of stressing over it.
Serving suggestions are just as versatile as the dishes themselves. Pair pasta and seafood with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio, or serve hearty lasagna with a bold red like Chianti. Fresh bread, olive oil for dipping, and a simple side salad will round out your Italian feast beautifully.
What makes these recipes truly special is their ability to bring people together. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, these 8 easy Italian classics deliver comfort, warmth, and the unmistakable charm of Italy. From the first bite of garlicky pasta to the last spoonful of creamy tiramisu, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a rustic Italian kitchen—no passport required.
Shrimp Scampi Linguine
Ditch the frozen bags of scampi and make it yourself! This simplified version has all the essential ingredients for the most decadent flavor. Garnish with parsley at the end for a pop of green color!
Three-Meat Italian Meatballs
Make it an appetizer, lunch, or dinner option with these three types of meat formed into delicious meatballs. Turkey, beef, and Italian sausage pair together to go perfectly with your favorite marinara sauce. The secret ingredient to getting them so tender? Oats!
Grilled Garlic Knot Pizza Rolls
If you’re planning on spending time at the grill, consider these delicious pizzeria favorites as the perfect add-on to your menu. With very little prep (using store-bought pizza dough), you can whip up these savory bites from MyRecipes in practically no time.
Eggplant Parmesan
Make this baked eggplant Parmesan from MyRecipes instead of lasagna to skip the unnecessary carbs and still enjoy all the cheesy goodness. When breading the eggplant, make sure to use whole-wheat panko instead of regular panko to avoid sogginess.
Classic Carbonara
This simple, classic carbonara recipe from MyRecipes is the perfect dish when you need a special night in. And with this foolproof method for nailing the signature creamy sauce, you can go into the kitchen with confidence.
Chicken Piccata
Try serving this delicious chicken piccata from MyRecipes with mashed potatoes, couscous, angel hair pasta, or roasted seasonal root vegetables for a meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner, but fancy enough to serve guests.
Italian Tiramisu
Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert. Ladyfinger cookies are dipped in coffee, then layered with mascarpone (a rich Italian cream cheese) and dusted with cocoa powder. It might become your new favorite dessert!
Cannoli
These cannoli are a dream! Crunchy on the outside with a delightfully fluffy and sweet cream inside. Top with chocolate chips and confectioners sugar for a complete look!
