10+ Fast and Easy Italian Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Italian cuisine is loved for its rich flavors and comforting dishes. Many people think that creating these dishes takes a lot of time and effort. However, you’ll be pleased to find that there are plenty of fast and easy Italian recipes that you can whip up in no time.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a casual gathering, you can impress your family and friends with delicious meals. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making Italian food can be both quick and satisfying. You’ll discover just how easy it can be to bring the taste of Italy into your kitchen.

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a classic Italian dish that’s quick and easy to make. You only need a few simple ingredients, which makes it perfect for busy nights. This flavorful recipe features garlic, olive oil, and a touch of red pepper flakes.

To start, cook your spaghetti in boiling water until it’s al dente. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan and add thinly sliced garlic. Sauté the garlic until it turns golden brown.

Once the pasta is ready, drain it and add it directly to the pan. Toss the pasta with the garlic oil and red pepper flakes for that perfect kick. You can also sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top if you like.

Enjoy this delicious dish in less than 30 minutes!

Ingredients

• Spaghetti
• Olive oil
• Fresh garlic
• Red pepper flakes
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil water and cook spaghetti until al dente.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add sliced garlic and sauté until golden.
4. Drain pasta and add to the pan.
5. Toss with garlic oil and red pepper flakes.
6. Top with Parmesan cheese if desired.

2) Caprese Salad

Caprese salad is a classic Italian dish that is fresh, simple, and full of flavor. You only need a few ingredients to create this delightful meal that highlights the taste of summer.

Start with ripe tomatoes and creamy mozzarella cheese. Slice them up and layer them on a plate. Add fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

Drizzle some olive oil and balsamic glaze on top. You can also sprinkle a little salt and pepper for extra taste. This dish is perfect as an appetizer or a light meal.

Enjoy the bright colors and flavors of this easy salad!

Ingredients

• Ripe tomatoes
• Fresh mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil
• Balsamic glaze
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella cheese.
2. Arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices on a plate.
3. Add fresh basil leaves between the layers.
4. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze on top.
5. Sprinkle with salt and pepper before serving.

3) Pasta Carbonara

Pasta Carbonara is a classic Italian dish that’s quick and satisfying. You can enjoy this creamy, cheesy pasta in just about 20 minutes. It features simple ingredients that you likely already have at home.

To make it, you will need spaghetti, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and bacon. The hot pasta cooks the eggs, creating a rich sauce without any extra cream.

This dish comes together easily. First, cook the spaghetti until al dente. While it cooks, crisp up the bacon in a pan. Once both are ready, combine them with whisked eggs and cheese to create a silky sauce.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti
• 4 oz (115 g) bacon
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti until al dente.
2. While the pasta cooks, cut the bacon and fry it in a pan until crispy.
3. In a bowl, whisk together eggs and Parmesan cheese.
4. Drain the pasta, saving some water, and add it to the pan with bacon.
5. Quickly mix in the egg and cheese mixture, adding pasta water for creaminess.
6. Season with salt and pepper, then serve hot.

4) Margherita Pizza

Margherita Pizza is a simple yet classic Italian dish. It’s known for its fresh flavors and ease of preparation. You can make this delicious pizza at home in no time.

Start with a basic pizza dough. You can use store-bought for convenience or make your own. Choose a high-quality tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves for that authentic taste.

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Spread the sauce on the dough, add slices of mozzarella, and sprinkle fresh basil on top. Bake until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.

This pizza is perfect for a quick dinner or a tasty snack. You’ll love the mix of flavors and how easy it is to prepare.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil
• Salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface.
3. Spread tomato sauce evenly on the dough.
4. Add mozzarella cheese slices.
5. Place fresh basil leaves on top.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden.
8. Slice and enjoy!

5) Fettuccine Alfredo

Fettuccine Alfredo is a classic Italian dish that’s both rich and creamy. You can make it in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick dinner.

To start, you only need a few basic ingredients. Cook the fettuccine pasta until it’s al dente. While it’s cooking, heat butter and heavy cream in a pan.

Once the pasta is ready, drain it and add it to the pan with the sauce. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and thick.

You can garnish your dish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy this comforting meal with a side salad or garlic bread!

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) fettuccine pasta
• 1/2 cup (115 g) butter
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook fettuccine in boiling salted water until al dente.
2. In a pan, melt butter and add heavy cream on medium heat.
3. Stir until combined and add Parmesan cheese.
4. Drain pasta and add it to the sauce. Mix well.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve with parsley if desired.

6) Pesto Genovese

Pesto Genovese is a classic Italian sauce that’s quick and easy to make. It’s full of fresh flavors and perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip.

To make pesto, you need fresh basil, garlic, nuts, and quality cheeses. The combination of these simple ingredients creates a rich and vibrant sauce.

Just chop the basil and garlic, add nuts and cheese, and blend everything in a food processor. Slowly pour in some extra virgin olive oil for a smooth texture. You can make it in about 10 minutes!

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
• 1/2 cup grated Pecorino cheese
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash and dry the basil leaves.
2. Place basil, garlic, and nuts in a food processor.
3. Pulse until coarsely chopped.
4. Add cheese and pulse again.
5. With the processor running, slowly add olive oil.
6. Season with salt to taste. Enjoy your pesto!

7) Lasagna Bolognese

Lasagna Bolognese is a classic Italian dish that’s perfect for family dinners. It combines layers of rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and sheets of pasta for a comforting meal.

To start, prepare the Bolognese sauce. You’ll need ground beef, ground pork, onions, carrots, and tomato passata. Simmer this mix to allow the flavors to meld.

Next, make the béchamel sauce with butter, flour, and milk. This creamy layer adds a delicious texture to your lasagna.

Now, layer your ingredients. Start with a bit of meat sauce, then pasta, béchamel, and repeat. Top with cheese for a tasty finish. Bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until golden and bubbly.

Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Ground pork
• Onion
• Carrot
• Tomato passata
• Butter
• Flour
• Milk
• Lasagna noodles
• Cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the ground meat with onion and carrot until browned.
2. Add tomato passata and simmer for 1–2 hours.
3. In another pot, melt butter, stir in flour, then add milk to make béchamel.
4. Layer meat sauce, noodles, béchamel, and cheese in a baking dish.
5. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes until bubbly.

8) Risotto alla Milanese

Risotto alla Milanese is a classic Italian dish known for its creamy texture and vibrant golden color. The secret ingredient is saffron, which gives it a unique flavor and appearance.

To make this dish, you will need Arborio rice, which is perfect for absorbing flavors. Using chicken broth adds richness, while a splash of dry white wine enhances the taste.

Start by heating the broth in a pot. In a separate pan, melt some butter, then cook onions until they’re soft. Add the rice and stir for a few minutes. Gradually add the broth, allowing the rice to absorb it slowly.

Once the rice is tender, finish with Parmesan cheese and a little more butter for creaminess. Enjoy your delicious Risotto alla Milanese!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat chicken broth in a pot.
2. In a separate pan, melt butter over low heat.
3. Sauté chopped onion until soft.
4. Add Arborio rice and cook for 2-3 minutes.
5. Slowly add the broth, one ladle at a time.
6. Stir frequently until rice is tender.
7. Mix in saffron, Parmesan, and remaining butter.

9) Tiramisu

Tiramisu is a delightful Italian dessert that combines layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers with a creamy mascarpone mixture. It’s quick to make and perfect for impressing your friends.

To prepare, you’ll need ingredients like ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, eggs, sugar, and coffee. This dessert comes together in about 15 minutes, but letting it chill for a couple of hours enhances the flavors.

Simply dip the ladyfingers in coffee, layer them with the creamy filling, and finish with cocoa powder. You can enjoy this dish in just a few hours.

Ingredients

• 6 ladyfingers
• 1 cup mascarpone cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 cup brewed coffee (cooled)
• Cocoa powder for dusting

Cooking Instructions

1. Whisk egg yolks and sugar until creamy.
2. Add mascarpone cheese and mix until smooth.
3. Dip ladyfingers briefly in coffee and layer in a dish.
4. Spread mascarpone mixture over layers.
5. Repeat layers and finish with cocoa powder.
6. Chill for at least 2-3 hours before serving.

10) Cacio e Pepe

Cacio e Pepe is a simple yet classic Italian pasta dish that you can make in no time. With just four ingredients, you can have a delicious meal ready to impress.

To make this dish, you’ll need pasta, Pecorino Romano cheese, black pepper, and salt. Many people enjoy using spaghetti, but you can choose your favorite type.

Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once it’s boiling, add a generous amount of salt. Cook the pasta until it’s al dente. Before draining, save a cup of the pasta water.

Once drained, return the pasta to the pot. Add the cheese and black pepper, mixing well. Slowly add some reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce.

Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese and pepper if desired. Enjoy your tasty meal!

Ingredients:

• 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
• 1 cup (100g) grated Pecorino Romano cheese
• 1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
• Salt

Cooking Instructions:

1. Boil a large pot of salted water.
2. Cook pasta until al dente.
3. Reserve 1 cup pasta water; drain.
4. Return pasta to pot; add cheese and pepper.
5. Mix in pasta water until creamy.
6. Serve hot with extra cheese and pepper if desired.