Pixicook

49 Best Easy Italian Recipes

Italian cuisine is revered for its use of fresh ingredients, simple yet robust flavors, and an array of dishes that appeal to all kinds of palates. Our Easy Italian Recipes collection brings the essence of Italy into your kitchen with minimal effort. Whether you're a novice cook or seasoned chef, these recipes offer the perfect blend of traditional Italian cooking techniques and modern simplicity, ensuring delicious results every time.

recipe-image

1. Cacio e Pepe

Cacio e Pepe is a fundamental Roman pasta, which true to its origins is surprisingly delicious given its simplicity.

See Recipe
recipe-image

2. Pasta Alla Gricia

Alla Gricia is another fundamental pillar of Roman pasta.. Basically, this pasta is just Cacio e Pepe plus rendered guanciale, which unsurprisingly is really delicious.

See Recipe
recipe-image

3. Pasta with Pesto Genovese

Embrace the traditional flavors of Italy with this vibrant Pasta with Pesto Genovese recipe. Delicate pieces of pasta are coated in a fresh, aromatic pesto, made from basil, pine nuts, and a mix of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheeses. This is a dish that truly sings of Italian summer, no matter the season.

See Recipe
recipe-image

4. Sun-dried Tomato Pesto Pasta

Here's a lovely pasta dish that brings a burst of flavor to the table without too much fuss. This sun-dried tomato pesto pasta is a comforting, satisfying meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special evening with someone dear.

See Recipe
recipe-image

5. Pasta with Walnut Pesto

This pasta with Walnut Pesto recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic pesto pasta. Nutty, aromatic, and brimming with flavor, this dish is easy to make and perfect for a cozy dinner for two.

See Recipe
recipe-image

6. Penne with Vodka Sauce

This indulgent pasta dish features a rich and creamy tomato sauce with a hint of Calabrian chili heat. Tomato, cream, and Parmesan cheese create a luxurious and velvety sauce that perfectly coats your pasta of choice.

See Recipe
recipe-image

7. Pasta with Broccoli Pesto

Dive into the fresh, vibrant flavors of this Pasta with Broccoli Pesto. This dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special meal, combines the comforting, chewy texture of al dente pasta with a bright, homemade broccoli pesto. With a finishing touch of lemon zest, it's a plate full of color, flavor, and joy. This recipe is also a great way to incorporate a hidden serving of vegetables into a meal for kids.

See Recipe
recipe-image

8. Pasta with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Comfort food gets an elegant makeover in this recipe for Pasta with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. The robust, earthy flavors of mixed mushrooms are elevated by a rich cream sauce and delicate aromatics, creating a hearty and satisfying dish that's perfect for a cozy evening at home.

See Recipe
recipe-image

9. Fettuccine Alfredo

Creamy, cheesy, rich, and oh-so comforting. Fettuccine Alfredo is a perfect meal for those cozy nights in, when you're in the mood for some serious pasta love.

See Recipe
recipe-image

10. Pasta with Prosciutto, Peas, and Cream

This pasta recipe is an ace up your sleeve for those busy weeknights. With a rich cream sauce, salty prosciutto, and sweet peas, it's an all-in-one meal that's simple yet satisfying.

See Recipe
recipe-image

11. Rigatoni alla Norma

Rigatoni alla Norma is a classic Sicilian pasta dish that incorporates rigatoni pasta, rich tomato sauce, sautéed eggplant, and a garnish of grated Ricotta Salata cheese. With its fresh flavors and hearty ingredients, it's a perfect dish for both weekday meals and special occasions.

See Recipe
recipe-image

12. Pasta with Fresh Tomato Sauce

This recipe features a refreshing pasta dish using fusilli and a vibrant sauce made from fresh tomatoes. The tomato sauce is prepared by blending raw tomatoes with olive oil and grated garlic, enhancing the natural sweetness of the tomatoes while adding a flavorful kick.

See Recipe
recipe-image

13. Pasta alla Puttanesca

A classic dish, the combination of olives, anchovies, capers, and tomatoes creates a savory and robust sauce.

See Recipe
recipe-image

14. Pasta Pomodoro

Spaghetti in a bright tomato sauce with garlic, olive oil, basil, and cheese. Spaghetti Pomodoro stands as a classic example of Italy's love for uncomplicated yet flavorful pasta dishes.

See Recipe
recipe-image

15. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a classic Italian dish that combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful, satisfying meal. Featuring a light sauce made from olive oil, garlic, and Calabrian chilis, this pasta dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy date night at home. The vibrant flavor of the parsley and the touch of saltiness from Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese really brings the dish together.

See Recipe
recipe-image

16. Pasta with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage

A flavorful dish made with pasta, broccoli rabe, and sausage. This is a recipe that comes together without much fuss to create a satiating meal.

See Recipe
recipe-image

17. Spaghetti Arrabiata for Two

Indulge in the fiery, savory delight of Spaghetti Arrabiata! This classic Italian dish combines al dente pasta with a spicy, garlicky tomato sauce, rounded off perfectly with a sprinkle of freshly microplaned pecorino and parmesan.

See Recipe
recipe-image

18. Chicken Piccata with Asparagus

A classic Italian dish featuring chicken and asparagus in a lemony caper sauce.

See Recipe
recipe-image

19. Roasted Half Chicken with Italian Dressing Marinade

Savor the simplicity and elegance of perfectly roasted half chicken, elevated by an aromatic Italian dressing marinade. This dish balances the richness of the chicken with the tangy and herb-infused notes of the marinade, creating a mouthwatering meal that's easy enough for weeknights yet impressive for guests.

See Recipe
recipe-image

20. Minestrone Soup

A hearty and vibrant Minestrone Soup, brimming with fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and tender pasta. This classic Italian dish is a comforting one-pot meal that's perfect for any season.

See Recipe
recipe-image

21. Crisp Gnocchi With Brussels Sprouts and Brown Butter

A delightful combination of textures and flavors, featuring crispy gnocchi and caramelized brussels sprouts with a touch of lemon.

See Recipe
recipe-image

22. Lemon Ricotta Gemelli Delight

A creamy and tangy pasta dish featuring gemelli, ricotta, Parmesan, and a burst of lemon.

See Recipe
recipe-image

23. Buttery San Marzano Tomato Sauce

A rich and luxurious tomato sauce made with San Marzano tomatoes, butter, and onion. Perfect for tossing with pasta.

See Recipe
recipe-image

24. Miso-Infused Parmesan Pasta

A creamy and umami-rich pasta dish infused with miso and Parmesan cheese, garnished with seaweed for an extra layer of flavor.

See Recipe
recipe-image

25. Garlicky Lemon Shrimp Scampi

A cozy and flavorful dish with succulent shrimp, a garlicky lemon sauce, and a touch of heat.

See Recipe
recipe-image

26. Simple Homemade Marinara Sauce

A simple and flavorful homemade marinara sauce made with San Marzano tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and fresh basil.

See Recipe
recipe-image

27. Zesty Zucchini and Ricotta Pasta Toss

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender zucchini, ricotta, and a hint of lemon zest.

See Recipe
recipe-image

28. Lemon-Caper Chicken Piccata

A delicious and tangy chicken dish made with lemon, capers, and a rich buttery sauce.

See Recipe
recipe-image

29. Creamy Corn Pasta

A delightful and comforting pasta dish with a creamy corn sauce, scallions, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs.

See Recipe
recipe-image

30. Creamy Pecorino and Pepper Pasta

A simple yet indulgent pasta dish made with Pecorino Romano, Parmigiano-Reggiano, black pepper, and good olive oil.

See Recipe
recipe-image

31. Crispy Gnocchi With Burst Tomatoes and Mozzarella

A delightful dish featuring crispy gnocchi, burst tomatoes, and melted mozzarella, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal.

See Recipe
recipe-image

32. Classic Basil Pesto

A traditional Italian sauce made with fresh basil, nuts, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese.

See Recipe
recipe-image

33. Tuscan-Style Tortellini & Sausage Skillet

A savory and quick skillet dish featuring cheese tortellini and sweet Italian sausage, enhanced with fresh cherry tomatoes, basil, and Parmesan cheese.

See Recipe
recipe-image

34. Spicy Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Orecchiette

A hearty, spicy blend of sausage, broccoli rabe, and perfectly cooked orecchiette, all brought together with the sharpness of Pecorino Romano.

See Recipe
recipe-image

35. Pepperoni Sheet-Pan Pizza

A delicious homemade pepperoni pizza made on a sheet pan, topped with a flavorful tomato sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, and pepperoni.

See Recipe
recipe-image

36. Classic New York-Style Pizza Sauce

A rich and flavorful pizza sauce perfect for New York-style pizzas, made with tomatoes, garlic, onion, and fresh herbs.

See Recipe
recipe-image

37. Golden Crust Pan Pizza

A delicious pan pizza with a golden, crispy crust, topped with pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your favorite toppings.

See Recipe
recipe-image

38. Creamy Tomato Vodka Penne

A rich and creamy pasta dish featuring a tomato vodka sauce with penne, finished with Parmigiano-Reggiano.

See Recipe
recipe-image

39. Aromatic Spaghetti Puttanesca

A robust and flavorful pasta dish featuring garlic, anchovies, capers, olives, and tomatoes. Optional tuna adds a protein boost.

See Recipe
recipe-image

40. Crispy Skillet Tortilla Pizza

A quick and easy crispy tortilla pizza cooked in a skillet and finished under the broiler.

See Recipe
recipe-image

41. Rustic Cast Iron Focaccia

A delicious and flavorful focaccia bread made with a slow fermentation process, resulting in a rich, chewy texture and crisp crust.

See Recipe
recipe-image

42. Effortless Artisan Pizza Dough

A simple and effective method to create a flavorful and easy-to-work-with pizza dough.

See Recipe
recipe-image

43. Silky Vegan Mushroom Carbonara

A rich and creamy vegan carbonara made with silken tofu, king oyster mushrooms, and nutritional yeast.

See Recipe
recipe-image

44. Sicilian-Style Square Pizza Dough

A classic Sicilian-style pizza dough recipe that results in a thick, airy crust perfect for topping with your favorite ingredients.

See Recipe
recipe-image

45. Farm-Fresh Fior di Latte Gelato

A simple yet exquisite treat that showcases the purity of best quality whole milk and heavy cream.

See Recipe
recipe-image

46. Creamy Sausage and Ricotta Skillet Ziti

A rich and creamy pasta dish featuring Italian sausage, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese, cooked in a savory tomato and cream sauce.

See Recipe
recipe-image

47. Classic Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe

A simple yet luxurious Italian pasta dish highlighting the rich flavors of Pecorino Romano and black pepper.

See Recipe
recipe-image

48. Quick-Bake Creamy Ziti Casserole

A creamy and comforting ziti casserole perfect for a quick and delicious meal.

See Recipe
recipe-image

49. Tuscan Tomato & Crisp Bread Salad

A vibrant and flavorful salad made with ripe tomatoes, crisp bread, and a delicious dressing.

See Recipe

Cooking Tips for Easy Italian Recipes

What Pasta Shapes Work Best for Pesto?

Short, textured pasta shapes like fusilli, rotini, and trofie are ideal for pesto, as they hold the sauce well.

How to Achieve Al Dente Pasta?

Cook pasta in boiling salted water until it's still firm to the bite. Start checking a few minutes before the time stated on the package.

Can You Freeze Homemade Pesto?

Yes, you can freeze homemade pesto in small portions, such as in ice cube trays, and then transfer to a freezer bag for long-term storage.

What is the Secret to Creamy Carbonara?

The key to creamy carbonara is to quickly mix the hot pasta with the eggs and cheese off the heat to avoid scrambling the eggs.

How to Properly Salt Pasta Water?

Use about 1 tablespoon of salt for every 4 quarts of water. This ensures the pasta is seasoned throughout.