Italian-Inspired Recipes to Keep on Repeat

Italian-inspired recipes bring together simple ingredients and bold flavors in a way that’s both comforting and approachable. From pasta and pizza to soups and salads, there’s something here for every kind of meal. These dishes are great for casual dinners or special occasions.

Many of these recipes use pantry staples like tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and olive oil. You’ll also find cheeses, cured meats, and fresh vegetables playing a big role. The focus is on ingredients that work well together without being complicated.

These meals can be quick or slow-cooked, depending on what you’re in the mood for. Whether it’s a one-pan bake or a fresh pasta dish, there’s plenty to explore. Great for weeknights or when you just want something familiar and full of flavor.

Creamy Tortellini Soup

This soup is rich, cozy, and filled with tender tortellini in a creamy broth. It’s loaded with vegetables, a touch of garlic, and just the right amount of seasoning to keep things flavorful. Perfect for cooler days or when you need something warm and filling. One pot, minimal effort, and plenty of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tortellini Soup

Caprese Chicken Recipe

This dish brings together juicy chicken, melted mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, and basil. It’s light but packed with flavor, and great for an easy weeknight dinner. A drizzle of balsamic glaze ties it all together beautifully. Pairs well with a side salad or roasted veggies.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Chicken Recipe

Rainbow Fathead Pizza

This low-carb pizza has a cheesy, chewy base and is topped with colorful vegetables for a bright, fun twist. It’s a great way to load up on veggies without missing out on pizza night. The crust holds up well and can be customized with your favorite toppings. A good option for anyone skipping the traditional dough.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Fathead Pizza

Italian Ricotta Cookies

These soft cookies have a cake-like texture and a hint of lemon or almond, depending on your choice. The ricotta keeps them extra moist, and the glaze on top adds just the right sweetness. Great for holiday trays or afternoon snacks. They stay fresh for days, making them a go-to recipe.
Get the Recipe: Italian Ricotta Cookies

Chicken Piccata

Lightly breaded chicken in a buttery lemon-caper sauce makes this dish simple but bold in flavor. It’s quick to prepare and goes well with pasta, mashed cauliflower, or a light salad. The sauce is tangy and bright without being overpowering. Great for a weeknight dinner that still feels special.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

Mediterranean Grilled Chicken

Marinated in herbs, garlic, and olive oil, this grilled chicken brings a lot of flavor without much effort. Serve it with hummus, grilled veggies, or a fresh cucumber salad. It works well for meal prep too. Juicy, fresh, and perfect for warmer days.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Chicken

Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli

Creamy Alfredo sauce coats spaghetti and tender broccoli in this quick and comforting meal. It’s a nice way to sneak in some greens without losing the comfort food factor. Add grilled chicken or shrimp if you want to bulk it up. Quick to make and easy to love.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli

Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken

This baked chicken dish is topped with melty mozzarella and fresh tomato slices. It’s a simple combo that works well on its own or served over pasta. Bakes in one dish for easy cleanup. A great go-to when you want something hearty but not too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken

Garlic Knots

Soft, fluffy rolls brushed with garlic butter—these are always a hit at the dinner table. You can use pizza dough or make your own for a quick side dish. Serve them with marinara for dipping or alongside pasta dishes. Warm, garlicky, and just the right amount of chewy.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Alfredo Steak Pasta

Tender strips of steak and a creamy Alfredo sauce come together in this rich, filling pasta dish. It’s great when you want something a little more indulgent. The combination of savory meat and velvety sauce makes each bite worth it. A nice option for date night or a cozy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Alfredo Steak Pasta

Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback

This chicken dish is sliced and stuffed with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil before baking. The flavors blend as it cooks, and it looks impressive on the plate without being complicated. Serve it with a side of veggies or over a bed of greens. Simple prep with a fresh twist.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Crispy outside, juicy inside—this air fryer version keeps things lighter without losing the crunch. Top with marinara and melted cheese for a classic feel. Great for a fast dinner that doesn’t require a lot of oil or cleanup. Serve with pasta, salad, or even zucchini noodles.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Creamy, comforting, and filled with tender gnocchi and chicken, this soup is a crowd-pleaser. Carrots and spinach round it out, making it hearty without being too heavy. It’s one of those meals that tastes even better the next day. Perfect for a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Minestrone Soup with Sausage

This version of minestrone gets a boost from savory sausage, making it extra filling. It’s packed with vegetables and beans, and you can tweak it based on what you have on hand. Simmered in a tomato-based broth, it’s great with crusty bread on the side. Ideal for meal prepping or feeding a group.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup with Sausage

Stuffed Bell Peppers without Rice

These bell peppers skip the rice but keep all the flavor with a mix of seasoned meat, veggies, and cheese. Baked until tender and golden, they’re great for low-carb meals. Easy to prep ahead and reheat throughout the week. A smart choice when you’re looking for something hearty but lighter.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Peppers without Rice

Baked Skillet Gnocchi

Soft gnocchi baked in a rich tomato sauce with plenty of melted cheese on top—it’s simple and delicious. You only need one skillet, which makes cleanup easy. Add sausage or veggies for a complete meal. Comfort food with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Baked Skillet Gnocchi

Low Carb Gnocchi Tomato Basil

This dish uses a low-carb gnocchi alternative, paired with a bright tomato basil sauce. It’s light, fresh, and comes together quickly for an easy weeknight meal. Add grilled chicken or shrimp if you want more protein. A good option when you’re skipping pasta but still want comfort food vibes.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Gnocchi Tomato Basil

Individual Lasagna

Layered with sauce, cheese, and noodles, these mini lasagnas are perfect for portion control and easy serving. Bake them in ramekins or a muffin tin for a fun twist. They freeze well too, making them great for prepping ahead. Classic flavor, smaller format.
Get the Recipe: Individual Lasagna

Lamb Bolognese

This Bolognese swaps traditional beef for ground lamb, giving it a deeper, richer flavor. Simmered low and slow with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, it’s perfect over pasta or zucchini noodles. It’s a bit unexpected but still familiar. Great for when you want something cozy with a bit of depth.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Bolognese

Sausage Tortellini Soup

Hearty and flavorful, this soup combines cheesy tortellini with seasoned sausage in a rich broth. Spinach or kale adds color and freshness, making it a complete one-pot meal. It’s quick to put together and always hits the spot. Great for cold nights or easy leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Tortellini Soup