10+ Amazing Italian Recipes for Your Next Family Gathering

Many people love Italian cuisine for its rich flavors and comforting dishes. From pasta to pizzas, there are endless possibilities to explore. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, you’ll find amazing Italian recipes that are simple to make and sure to impress.

Each recipe reflects the warmth of Italian tradition and showcases fresh ingredients. With a variety of dishes, you can easily create a memorable meal for family and friends that captures the essence of Italy.

Margherita Pizza

Margherita pizza is a classic dish from Italy that is loved around the world. It features a simple combination of fresh ingredients that create a delicious flavor. You make it with a thin crust, tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil.

To start, you can use either store-bought or homemade dough. Then, preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). This high heat helps the pizza get that perfect crispy crust.

Spread crushed San Marzano tomatoes on the dough, then layer on slices of fresh mozzarella. Add fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch. A little olive oil on top enhances the flavor.

Bake the pizza for about 10-12 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown. Let it cool for a moment before slicing and serving.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough
• 1 can San Marzano tomatoes
• Fresh mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil
• Salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C).
2. Prepare the pizza dough.
3. Spread crushed tomatoes on the dough.
4. Add slices of mozzarella cheese.
5. Place fresh basil leaves on top.
6. Drizzle with olive oil.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
8. Slice and enjoy!

2) Spaghetti Carbonara

Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic Italian dish that’s simple yet delicious. Made with just a few quality ingredients, it’s perfect for a quick dinner.

To prepare this dish, start by cooking spaghetti in salted water. While it boils, you can cook the guanciale or pancetta in a pan with olive oil. This adds a savory flavor.

Next, beat some eggs and mix them with pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper. Once the pasta is ready, reserve a bit of the hot pasta water before draining it.

Combine the hot pasta with the cooked guanciale. Then, remove the pan from heat and add the egg mixture. Stir quickly to create a creamy sauce. If needed, add a bit of pasta water to reach your desired creaminess.

Ingredients

• 400g spaghetti
• 150g guanciale or pancetta
• 3 large eggs
• 100g pecorino Romano cheese
• Black pepper
• Olive oil
• Salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil salted water and cook spaghetti until al dente.
2. In a pan, cook the guanciale or pancetta in olive oil.
3. Beat the eggs and mix with cheese and black pepper.
4. Drain pasta, reserving some hot water.
5. Combine pasta with guanciale in the pan.
6. Remove from heat, add egg mixture, and stir quickly.
7. Adjust creaminess with reserved pasta water if needed.

3) Tiramisu

Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert that combines layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and a creamy mascarpone mixture. Its rich flavors make it a favorite for many.

To make this dessert, you will need quality espresso. This gives tiramisu its signature coffee taste. The ladyfingers must be dipped quickly to keep them from getting too soggy.

The creamy layer uses mascarpone cheese and egg yolks. This mix creates a smooth and rich texture. Topped with cocoa powder, it looks as good as it tastes.

Try making tiramisu at home. It’s perfect for gatherings and special occasions. Everyone will love this delightful treat.

Ingredients:

• 300 g Savoiardi (Ladyfingers)
• 500 g mascarpone cheese
• 4 medium eggs
• 100 g granulated sugar
• 300 ml strong espresso
• Cocoa powder for dusting

Cooking Instructions:

1. Brew the espresso and let it cool.
2. Beat the egg yolks with sugar until creamy.
3. Add mascarpone cheese and mix until smooth.
4. Dip ladyfingers into the espresso quickly.
5. Layer soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone mixture in a dish.
6. Repeat layers and finish with cocoa powder.
7. Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours before serving.

4) Risotto alla Milanese

Risotto alla Milanese is a rich and creamy Italian dish that is both comforting and elegant. This classic recipe features Arborio rice cooked slowly with broth and flavored with saffron, giving it a beautiful golden color.

To make this dish truly special, it often includes onions sautéed in butter and bone marrow. This adds a deep, savory flavor. You can serve it as a first course or as a side dish to meat.

This risotto is creamy and has a wonderful texture. It pairs perfectly with Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for extra richness. Enjoy the warm, comforting taste of Italy with this traditional dish.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
• 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup dry white wine
• 1 pinch saffron threads
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the broth in a pot over medium-high heat until simmering.
2. In another pot, melt the butter and cook the chopped onion until soft.
3. Add the Arborio rice and stir until coated with butter.
4. Pour in white wine and let it evaporate.
5. Add a ladle of hot broth and stir. Repeat until the rice is creamy and cooked.
6. Crush and dissolve saffron threads in a bit of broth, then add to the rice.
7. Stir in the cheese, salt, and pepper before serving.

5) Pesto Genovese

Pesto Genovese is a classic Italian sauce known for its vibrant flavors. Made mostly with fresh basil, it is a versatile and delicious addition to many dishes.

To prepare this authentic pesto, you will need ingredients like extra virgin olive oil, garlic, pine nuts, and a mix of Parmigiano Reggiano and Pecorino cheese. Each of these ingredients plays a key role in creating its rich taste.

You can use Pesto Genovese to enhance pasta dishes or as a spread on bread. Its fresh taste brightens up any meal, making it a favorite for both home cooks and chefs.

Ingredients

• Fresh basil leaves
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Garlic
• Pine nuts
• Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
• Pecorino cheese
• Salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Coarsely chop the basil leaves and garlic.
2. Add the pine nuts and salt, and blend for a few seconds.
3. Gradually mix in the cheeses.
4. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while blending until smooth.

6) Lasagna Bolognese

Lasagna Bolognese is a classic dish that features layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy béchamel. It’s a hearty meal that brings comfort and warmth to any table.

To start, you will need fresh lasagna sheets. The Bolognese sauce is made with minced beef, pancetta, and vegetables like onions and carrots. Simmering this mixture creates deep flavors.

The béchamel sauce adds a smooth and creamy texture. This combination makes each bite satisfying.

When preparing Lasagna Bolognese, bake it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-40 minutes. The top should be golden and bubbly when done.

Ingredients

• 14 lasagna sheets
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/4 pound pancetta
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 can (14 oz) tomato passata
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups béchamel sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese for topping

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pancetta in a pan.
2. Add onions and carrots; cook until soft.
3. Stir in ground beef and cook until browned.
4. Add tomato passata and simmer for 2 hours.
5. Layer lasagna sheets, Bolognese sauce, and béchamel in a baking dish.
6. Top with Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake for 30-40 minutes at 375°F (190°C).

7) Osso Buco

Osso Buco is a classic Italian dish that features veal shanks. This meal is popular for its rich flavor and tender meat. The bone marrow adds a unique touch that enhances the overall taste.

To make this dish, you will start by seasoning the veal with salt and black pepper. You then sear it in a hot pot to get a nice brown color. After that, you’ll simmer it slowly, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.

Typically, you serve Osso Buco with gremolata, a fresh mix of lemon zest, garlic, and parsley. This adds brightness that balances the hearty meat. Enjoy this delightful Italian recipe with a side of risotto or polenta.

Ingredients

• 4 veal osso buco (cross-cut veal shanks)
• Salt and black pepper
• 50 g (½ stick) unsalted butter
• Olive oil
• Gremolata (lemon zest, garlic, parsley)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Season the veal shanks with salt and black pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium-high heat and sear the shanks until browned.
4. Add butter and continue to cook for a few more minutes.
5. Add any vegetables and broth, then cover and simmer for about 1½ hours.

8) Caprese Salad

Caprese Salad is a fresh and colorful dish that highlights simple ingredients. It features ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil. This salad is known for its vibrant colors that reflect the Italian flag!

To make it, start by slicing the tomatoes and mozzarella into thick slices. Layer them on a plate, alternating between the two. Then, add fresh basil leaves for flavor and garnish. Drizzling a bit of olive oil and balsamic vinegar enhances the taste.

This salad is perfect as a starter or side dish. It’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

• Ripe tomatoes
• Fresh mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Salt
• Pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella into thick slices.
2. Arrange the slices on a plate, alternating between tomato and mozzarella.
3. Add fresh basil leaves on top.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

9) Focaccia Bread

Focaccia bread is a delicious Italian flatbread that is easy to make at home. Its crispy outside and soft inside make it a perfect side dish or snack.

To start, you need to gather your ingredients. You just need some flour, water, yeast, olive oil, and salt. Feel free to add toppings like rosemary, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.

You’ll activate the yeast in warm water first, which helps the bread rise. Then, mix everything together until it forms a dough and let it rise until it doubles in size.

Once it’s ready, shape it into a flatbread and press your fingers into it to make dimples. After that, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle your favorite toppings before baking. Cook it at 425°F (220°C) until it’s golden brown.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups warm water
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon sea salt
• Optional toppings (rosemary, olives, etc.)

Cooking Instructions

1. Dissolve yeast in warm water.
2. Mix in flour, olive oil, and salt.
3. Knead for a few minutes and let it rise until doubled.
4. Shape into a flatbread and create dimples with fingers.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and add toppings.
6. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes.

10) Saltimbocca alla Romana

Saltimbocca alla Romana is a classic Italian dish that features tender veal, savory prosciutto, and aromatic sage. This dish is known for its rich flavors and simple preparation.

To make it, you will layer sliced prosciutto and fresh sage on veal cutlets. Then, cook them quickly in a hot skillet with a splash of white wine. This method helps keep the meat juicy and flavorful.

Many Italians love this dish for its elegant taste that feels special but is easy enough for a weeknight dinner. Pair it with a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 4 veal cutlets
• 4 slices of prosciutto
• 4 fresh sage leaves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons white wine
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Place a slice of prosciutto and a sage leaf on each veal cutlet, then secure with a toothpick.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (about 190°C).
3. Cook the cutlets for about 2–3 minutes on each side until golden.
4. Add white wine to the pan and let it simmer for another 2 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then serve hot.