92 New and Traditional Italian Recipes

Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce

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Check out these must-have Italian cookbooks for eating your way through Italy.

Stamp-of-Approval Spaghetti Sauce

My father is very opinionated, especially about food. This recipe received his almost unreachable stamp of approval. I have yet to hear a disagreement from anyone who has tried it! —Melissa Taylor, Higley, Arizona

(Sop up this sauce with a piece of one of these types of Italian bread.)

Italian Bread

A basket of Italian bread complements any meal. Make your own loaves at home with our simple, straightforward recipe, then use them for sandwiches or just for sopping up some sauce.

Parsley Pesto

Homemade pesto always makes a thoughtful hostess gift. Mix things up with this parsley pesto variation. It’s delicious served with pasta or in one of these recipes using pesto. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Lemon Gelato

This fresh lemon gelato recipe is the perfect combo of tangy sweetness and a creamy-cold texture.

Authentic Pasta Carbonara

I learned on my culinary internship in Tuscany that real Italian cuisine is simpler than you think! This carbonara is quick, simple and delicious, just the way they like it in Italy. —Lauren Brien-Wooster, South Lake Tahoe, California

Traditional Lasagna

My family first tasted this rich, homemade lasagna recipe at a friend's home on Christmas Eve. We were so impressed that it became our own holiday tradition as well. I also prepare it other times of the year. This classic lasagna recipe is requested often by my sister's Italian in-laws—I consider that the highest compliment! —Lorri Foockle, Granville, Illinois

If you are looking for a quick recipe for the yummiest lasagna you can make Giada de Laurentiis’s crispy sheet pan lasagna. And in case you have some extra time in hand, you must try Trisha Yearwood’s cowboy lasagna, it is worth it!

Homemade Manicotti

These tender manicotti are much easier to stuff than the purchased variety. People are always amazed when I say I make my own noodles. My son fixed this recipe for several of his friends, and they were extremely impressed with his cooking skills. —Sue Ann Bunt, Painted Post, New York.

Don’t feel like cooking? Here’s our round up of the best Italian restaurant in every state.

Chocolate Biscotti

Easy chocolate biscotti comes together quickly thanks to boxed cake mix and chocolate syrup, and a drizzle of white chocolate finishes these twice-baked chocolaty treats.

Meatball Soup

Meatball soup is comforting, satisfying and, most of all, simple to make. Homemade meatballs are simmered in beef broth with kidney beans, vegetables and pasta for this mouthwatering meal.

Bruschetta Chicken

We enjoy serving this tasty chicken bruschetta to both family and guests. It just might become your new favorite way to use up summer tomatoes and basil. —Carolin Cattoi-Demkiw, Lethbridge, Alberta

Tiramisu

If you're looking for a dessert that's hard to mess up but tastes like it came from a restaurant, then this delicious tiramisu is for you.

Italian Sandwich Butter Cookies

Since I can’t hit up my favorite Italian bakery all the time, I had to find an Italian sandwich butter cookie recipe that I could make at home. Here it is. —Lisa Kaminski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Go to Recipe

Oven-Roasted Tomatoes

I love tomatoes, as they're both healthy and versatile. You can use these roasted ones in sandwiches or omelets, or to top broiled chicken. —Julie Tilney (Gomez), Downey, California

Shrimp Scampi

This shrimp scampi recipe looks elegant enough to serve to company, but it’s easy to prepare. The bright flavors of lemon and herbs enhance the shrimp. Serve it over pasta and wait for the compliments. —Lori Packer, Omaha, Nebraska

Baked Spaghetti

This baked spaghetti is one of our top-rated pasta recipes ever (and we have lots of pasta recipes). It may be the rich trio of cheeses or the bubbling brown top, but we suspect the real reason is that it's just so easy to make.

Chicken Pasta Casserole

This is my family’s favorite every week or two and we never tire of it. I like that I can put it together and relax while it bakes. —Carmen Vanosch, Vernon, British Columbia

Italian Wedding Cookies

You don't need a party to enjoy these Italian wedding cookies. The soft, lemon-scented, cakelike cookies with a sweet glaze and pretty sprinkles make any day brighter.

Gnocchi with White Beans

Here’s one of those no-fuss gnocchi recipes you can toss together and cook in one skillet. Ideal for a busy weeknight, it’s also good with crumbled Italian chicken sausage if you need to please meat lovers. —Julianne Meyers, Hinesville, Georgia

If you are in the mood for some risotto too, try Ina Garten’s risotto recipe. It is easy to make with a heavenly taste.

Quick Focaccia Bread

Green olives complement this quick focaccia recipe for an easy pizza-like bread. With very few ingredients, it’s still packed with flavor. Serve the focaccia as an appetizer or alongside pasta, soup or salad for a mouthwatering meal.—Ivy J Laffoon, Ceres, California

Grilled Vegetable Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

My Italian-style grilled veggies have a wonderful sweet and sour dressing. Best of all, I pick the fresh veggies and herbs from my garden. —Laura Mast, Defiance, Ohio

Spring Green Risotto

Once a week I create a new recipe for my blog, An Officer and a Vegan. I first made this risotto when I needed something cheerful and comforting. It would be fantastic with asparagus, zucchini or summer squash, but use whatever veggies are in season. —Deanna McDonald, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Editor’s Tip: Stanley Tucci has become a culinary sensation, try Stanley Tucci’s Risotto Cakes which might be our favorite thing ever. And if you want to create magic with the leftovers? Try Stanley Tucci’s pasta casserole’s recipe. 

Special Slow-Cooked Beef

This hearty entree is easy to prepare for Sunday dinner. While the beef is slow cooking, the cook has lots of time to attend to the other details. With mashed potatoes on the side, it’s comfort food for the cool months ahead. —Juli George, Grandville, Michigan

Ravioli Lasagna

Our four-ingredient ravioli lasagna is the perfect shortcut meal for when you're craving lasagna but don't have as much time to cook. It's an easy and delicious meal for any night of the week.

Zucchini Parmesan

You'll knock their socks off with this easy-to-prep side dish that's absolutely delicious. My favorite time to make it is when the zucchini is fresh out of the garden. —Sandi Guettler, Bay City, Michigan

Tender Italian Sugar Cookies

These traditional Italian cookies are moist and tender. —Weda Mosellie, Phillipsburg, New Jersey

Bruschetta

Full of simple yet bold Italian flavors, this easy bruschetta recipe is perfect crowd-friendly fare.

Orzo with Spinach

Add color and flavor to your plate with creamy orzo with spinach. This dish is a balance of comfort and sophistication, perfect for entertaining or a cozy night in.

Lasagna Casserole

All the traditional flavor of lasagna, with none of the fuss. We've simplified the layers in this lasagna casserole so the dish comes together more quickly.

Canning Spaghetti Sauce

Canning spaghetti sauce is a delicious way to preserve garden-fresh tomatoes. Here's how to can spaghetti sauce in a water bath—no pressure canner required.

Sausage Bow Tie Pasta

This easy sausage bow tie pasta recipe is fantastic for busy weeknights. Whip it together with simple but tasty ingredients, and it will feed the whole family in just a few simple steps.

Cannoli Cake

A luscious, chocolate-studded cannoli filling separates the tender layers of this rich cannoli cake, which (surprise!) starts with a packaged mix. Serve it chilled, with Italian red wine, as desired.

Skillet Lasagna

Skillet lasagna is made in a single skillet and features creamy, cheesy layers full of classic flavors. The best part? No oven required.

Slow-Cooker Pizza Casserole

Crockpot pizza casserole is the recipe for a satisfying one-and-done meal. This comforting casserole with mass appeal is just what you need when cooking for a crowd.

Italian Lemon Cookies

Bright, light and full of citrusy flavor, these zesty Italian lemon cookies are a real treat. Top them with the simple colored sugar called for in this recipe, or switch it up with a glaze or frosting for a richer cookie.

Spumoni Slices

My sweet rectangles get their name from the old-fashioned tri-colored ice cream. Our whole family prefers them. —Mary Chupp, Chattanooga, Tennessee

Four-Cheese Chicken Fettuccine

As a cattle rancher, my husband's a big fan of beef. For him to comment on a poultry dish is rare. But he always tells me, "I love this casserole!" I first tasted it at a potluck; now, I fix it for my family (we have a 3-year-old daughter) once or twice a month, and I'm asked to take it to most every get-together. —Rochelle Brownlee, Big Timber, Montana

Pizzelle Cookies

Making an anise-scented pizzelle cookies recipe is a rite of passage in many Italian families. The light, crisp and tender cookie with the snowflake design is perfect for holidays, but they're great with a cup of hot chocolate any time of year.

Artichoke Spinach Lasagna

Friends of ours served this homey dish when we visited them in Maryland. We just had to get the recipe, and we have since added a few ingredients to make it even tastier. —Carole Rago, Altoona, Pennsylvania

Minestrone Soup

This minestrone soup recipe is packed with vegetables, pasta and beans in a bright tomatoey broth. It ticks all the boxes: It's hearty, incredibly comforting and a breeze to make!

Antipasto Platter

A bold and effortless mix of savory meats, tangy cheese and crisp vegetables, this antipasto platter is the ultimate go-to for an easy and crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Tomato-French Bread Lasagna

For a big hearty meal, I make this recipe as a side dish to go with veal cutlets or a roast. But you could also serve the beefy lasagna as a main dish. Just pair it with a tossed green salad and loaf of garlic bread. —Patricia Collins, Imbler, Oregon

Italian Hot Dish

My husband had a poor perception of healthy food until he tried this beefy casserole. The combination of pasta, oregano, mushrooms and green peppers makes it a favorite healthy pasta recipe in our house. —Theresa Smith, Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Alfredo Sauce

Keep this creamy homemade Alfredo sauce recipe on deck for when you need a bowl of easy comfort food in less than 30 minutes.

Florentine Spaghetti Bake

This hearty sausage entree will appeal to just about everyone. My daughter serves it often to her hardworking family on their wheat ranch in Montana. —Lorraine Martin, Lincoln, California

Sausage Manicotti

This classic Italian entree comes together in a snap but tastes as if it took hours. It's so tasty and easy to fix. My family always enjoys it. —Carolyn Henderson, Maple Plain, Minnesota

Artichoke Chicken Pasta

This artichoke chicken pasta combines tender chicken, crisp veggies and a creamy sauce for a delicious meal that feels restaurant-worthy, all made in your kitchen. It's easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and can be adapted for various dietary needs.

White Bean and Sausage Soup

White bean and sausage soup blends Mediterranean flavors, creamy beans, veggies and fresh herbs for an Italian-style bowl that's nutritious, filling and comforting.

Cheese Tortellini with Tomatoes and Corn

Fresh corn and basil make this dish taste like summer. I think it's a good one for bringing to picnics or gatherings, but it's great along with any side dish for a weeknight dinner! —Sally Maloney, Dallas, Georgia

Italian Herb and Cheese Breadsticks

Thanks to convenient frozen dough, these delectable breadsticks are oven-ready in 20 minutes. The cheesy bites are so good dipped in warm marinara sauce. —Rebekah Beyer, Sabetha, Kansas

Lasagna Dip

My lasagna noodle chips turned out great and are out-of-this-world crispy. And the dip truly tastes like rich, cheesy Italian-American lasagna. —Linda Cifuentes, Mahomet, Illinois

Grilled Pears with Mascarpone Cheese

For a light dessert after a big barbecue, we stuff pears with mascarpone cheese and gingersnap cookies. Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for a sweet touch. —Faith Cromwell, San Francisco, California

Tangerine Chocolate Semifreddo

When I wanted a new frozen treat for my family, I came up with this citrusy, chocolaty version of classic Italian semifreddo. For an elegant presentation on special occasions, top each serving with whipped cream, a tangerine section and baking cocoa. —Claire Cruce, Atlanta, Georgia

Grilled Garden Veggie Flatbreads

Grilled flatbread is a tasty way to put fresh garden vegetables to use. It's so versatile: Simply change the vegetables and cheese to suit your family's taste. It also works well cooked indoors, on a grill pan with a lid. —Carly Curtin, Ellicott City, Maryland

Marinated Almond-Stuffed Olives

Marinated stuffed olives go over so well with company that I try to keep a batch of them in the fridge at all times. —Larissa Delk, Columbia, Tennessee

Sweet Almond Twists

These delicate almond pastries make lovely light-as-air accompaniments for coffee, tea or cocoa. Your guests will never guess the recipe calls for packaged frozen dough. When I give them as a fresh-baked gift, I tuck in a note saying that they're best served warmed—and right away! —Gloria Devendittis, Waterford, Connecticut

Summer Orzo Salad

I’m always looking for fun ways to use the fresh veggies that come in my Community Supported Agriculture box, and this summer orzo salad is one of my favorite creations. I like to improvise with whatever I have on hand, so feel free to do the same here! —Shayna Marmar, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Shrimp Asparagus Pasta

Shrimp and asparagus pasta sounds fancy and tastes incredible—but even home cooks who shy away from seafood can easily master it.

White Bean Arugula Salad

My red, white and green salad is inspired by the Italian flag. Top it with shaved Parmesan. —Malia Estes, Allston, Massachusetts

Antipasto Skewers

Antipasto skewers—the finger-friendly Italian kabobs with marinated vegetables, cheeses and tortellini— are precisely what you need for your next gathering. Mix and match your favorite ingredients for a unique and varied spread.

Meatball Submarine Casserole

We were hosting a bunch of friends, and after a comedy of errors, I had to come up with a plan B for dinner. I realized that much-loved meatball subs are even better as a hearty casserole—so delicious! —Rick Friedman, Palm Springs, California

Fennel Salad with Orange-Balsamic Vinaigrette

A sweet balsamic vinaigrette always pulls everything together in a delicious harmony of flavors. Raspberries are one of my very favorite fruits, so I'm always eager to find a new use for them. —Susan Gauthier, Falmouth, Maine

Hot Chocolate Tiramisu

Instead of using coffee and rum, I let cinnamon shine in this tiramisu. It's best if eaten within two days—if it even lasts that long! —Cathy Geniti, Saratoga Springs, New York

Limoncello Cream Pie

After a big Christmas dinner, we love the cool refreshment of a frozen lemon pie. Limoncello brings a little sophistication to each smooth, creamy slice. —Jessie Grearson-Sapat, Falmouth, Maine

Sausage & Mushroom Pizza Frittata

I love this frittata because the combination of fresh flavors makes it special. It's the perfect sunny South Florida breakfast.—Wolfgang Hanau, West Palm Beach, Florida

Meaty Arugula Pizzas

When I was growing up, my mom always made homemade pizza every Friday night. We'd watch a movie as a family or have friends over, too. Now that I'm married, I carry on the pizza tradition. —Morgan Harvey, Longview, Washington

Crunchy Breadsticks

These thin, crisp breadsticks created in our Test Kitchen add a bit of elegance to a holiday dinner. Each bite is perfectly seasoned with thyme and coarse salt.

Arugula & Mushroom Breakfast Pizza

It's a challenge to be creative with breakfast every morning, and I like to come up with fun foods the kids will love. This is a great recipe for the kids to join in and help make for breakfast. You can also make and freeze it before you add the eggs, then finish baking another day. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia

Spaghetti Meatball Supper

It was such a joy to come home and find my mom making spaghetti and meatballs for dinner. This recipe has always been dear to my heart. —Debbie Heggie, Laramie, Wyoming

Cioppino

Is cioppino a soup or a stew? It doesn't matter! This cioppino recipe teems with fish and shellfish swimming in an aromatic tomato broth that calls out for a hunky of crusty bread.

White Beans and Spinach

This skillet side is a variation of a recipe I received from my Italian mother. I've prepared spinach this way for years—because my children eat it happily! —Lucia Johnson, Massena, New York

Mascarpone-Mushroom Frittata Stack

When I bring this delicious egg dish to the table, I always get oohs and aahs! It looks impressive but is quite easy to prepare.—Gilda Lester, Millsboro, Delaware

Biscotti Recipe

Take a break and have some coffee or tea with one of these tasty biscotti. It's sweet but not overly so, and it's a crunchy, satisfying snack that's fantastic for when you want to relax and have something simple to eat.

Zucchini & Cheese Roulades

My husband enjoys this recipe so much that he even helps me roll up the roulades! You can change the filling any way you like—I have used feta instead of Parmesan, or sun-dried tomatoes in the place of the olives. —April McKinney, Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Brownie Affogato Sundaes

We can’t resist brownie sundaes. I combined an affogato (coffee-based beverage) idea with a brownie to get this decadent sundae that mixes it all in there: warm, cold, sweet and salty. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington

Frittata Florentine

My family is all about brunchy meals like this gorgeous Italian omelet. Lucky for us, it’s loaded with ingredients we tend to have at the ready. —Jenny Flake, Newport Beach, California

Meatballs

Our baked meatball recipe shows you how to whip up this delicious comfort food quickly and easily.

Chicken Meatball Soup

Chicken meatball soup is a brothy, comforting bowl of vegetables with savory chicken meatballs and tender white beans. A smart shortcut ingredient, boxed stuffing mix, is the secret to flavorful meatballs that stay tender in the soup.

Amaretto Cheesecake

Creamy, delicious and deceptively easy to put together, this amaretto cheesecake demands more than one slice.

Almond-Ricotta Twists

A very dear friend gave me this recipe so I make these to remind me of our time together. I like to drizzle melted white chocolate or chocolate chips on the baked cookies.—Paula Prechtl, Brockport, Pennsylvania

Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Sauce

When my mom made this spaghetti sauce, the house would smell so good that I'd open the windows to torture the neighbors. It even tastes wonderful the next day, when the flavors have really melded. —Vera Schulze, Holbrook, New York

27 Recipes for Anyone Who Loves Pesto

Whether you bought a jar of prepared pesto or have some fresh herbs laying around, enjoy our favorite recipes using pesto. We found delicious ways to include it in appetizers, dinners and even pizza!

Creamy Garlic-Lemon Chicken

I needed an easy way to prepare my family's favorite meal, lemon chicken, and this recipe is it! My entire family loves this rich slow-cooker dish, and everyone who eats it asks for the recipe—it's a keeper. I serve the chicken over a bed of rice or couscous and spoon some of the creamy sauce over the top.—Nan Slaughter, Sammamish, Washington

Chicken Cacciatore

This chicken cacciatore recipe is simple—it’s just chicken simmered with onions, bell peppers and mushrooms in a robust tomato sauce. But the ingredients combine to create a rustic stew with hearty, rich, complex flavors.

Pumpkin Tiramisu

Put a twist on a classic dessert just in time for fall. Learn how to make pumpkin tiramisu filled with cozy flavors.

Herbed Vinegar

This herb vinegar would be a great addition to your favorite salad dressing or could be used in place of vinegar in any recipe. The terrific flavors of tarragon and basil really shine through. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Focaccia Barese

This focaccia has been in my mom's family for several generations. It is one of my most-requested recipes whenever I am invited to a party—I am not allowed to attend unless I bring it! —Dora Travaglio, Mount Prospect, Illinois

Stuffed Shells with Arrabbiata Sauce

This Italian classic takes on a distinctive Latin American flourish with the addition of chorizo. The sausage adds an extra kick and awesome flavor to a dish that's already a favorite. —Crystal McDuffy, Fairfax, Virginia.

Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Lemon-garlic shrimp pasta balances briny, zesty and savory flavors in a sparkling dish that seems too quick and easy to be true.

Polenta Mushroom Appetizers

Simple ingredients—in fact you probably have most if not all in your kitchen— are used to create a fantastic, but different appetizer.—Meta West, Abilene, Kansas

Parmesan Risotto

Parmesan risotto is a good way to get your feet wet if you love risotto, but have been too intimidated to make it at home. It's a relatively simple recipe, so you can focus on getting the technique right.

Next: Try Ina Garten’s summer garden pasta’s recipe.

Lobster alla Diavola

I’ve cooked lobster alla diavola (devil’s style) since I was first married. We serve lobster at family celebrations, usually with linguine or capellini. —Marcia Whitney, Gainesville, Florida