Taste of Italy: 19 irresistible must-try recipes

Photo of author

| Published:

Get ready to savor the essence of Italian cuisine with this collection of 19 must-try recipes. From hearty pasta dishes to savory soups, cheesy calzones to zesty tomato tarts, this recipe collection promises to leave you craving more. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting in the kitchen, these creations are sure to bring the flavors of Italy to your table.

Image shows Chicken tortellini soup in a ceramic enameled pot with a wooden spoon stirring it.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Caprese Panini

Image shows a sliced caprese panini on a wooden board with the melted cheese oozing out.
Caprese Panini. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Savor the melding of classic Italian flavors in this simple caprese panini, a delicious and easy sandwich filled with cheesy comfort. This ooey, gooey comforting sandwich lets you enjoy your favorite salad in a whole new way.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Panini

Simple Marinara Sauce

Image shows an overhead shot of a blue enameled cast iron pot with freshly made Marinara Sauce.
Simple Marinara Sauce. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Delight your taste buds with this savory homemade marinara sauce recipe. Bursting with the rich flavors of ripe tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a hint of garlic as any good Italian marinara does, this sauce is the perfect companion for your favorite pasta dishes or as a dipping sauce for crusty bread.
Get the Recipe: Simple Marinara Sauce

Cacio e Pepe

Image shows a plate with cacio e pepe in a neat pile topped with shaved parmesan cheese.
Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Cacio e pepe is one of those Italian comfort food meals that sounds (and tastes) fancy, but it’s incredibly simple to make. In fact, it takes about 15 minutes from start to finish, including getting your water to boil. Cheesy carbs don’t get any better than this.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Tomato Soup

Overhead image of a bowl of tomato soup with parmesan grated into it.
Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Instant Pot Tomato Soup is velvety-smooth, rich, and bursting with the flavors of ripe tomatoes in an effortless Instant Pot recipe. Get ready to warm your soul with this classic and satisfying soup that’s perfect by itself or with a grilled cheese sandwich for a taste of childhood.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Soup

Chicken Tortellini Soup

Image shows Chicken tortellini soup in a ceramic enameled pot with a wooden spoon stirring it.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Delight in a bowl of comforting Chicken Tortellini Soup, an Italian-inspired dish that’s made even more delightful with leftover rotisserie chicken. This recipe combines tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and flavorful broth for a satisfying and flavorful Italian comfort meal that tastes like your nonni made it.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Creamy Pea Pasta

Image shows Creamy Pea Pasta in an enameled cast iron pot.
Creamy Pea Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Creamy Pea Pasta is a dreamy and flavorful Italian comfort food dish that will leave you wanting more. This family favorite is quick and easy to make, perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta

Meatballs and Sauce

Image shows Spaghetti and meatballs with a fork twirling pasta in a white bowl.
Meatballs and Sauce. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

You will crave this Instant Pot Meatballs and Sauce recipe. Juicy meatballs, bathed in a savory and rich tomato sauce, get cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot in a far easier meal than traditional Italian all-day meatballs and sauce.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce

Potato Gnocchi

Image shows a bowl of Potato Gnocchi with grated cheese atop it.
Potato Gnocchi. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Indulge in the pillowy goodness of homemade Potato Gnocchi, a classic Italian dish that is surprisingly easy to make. These delicate dumplings will melt in your mouth. Serve them with your favorite sauce or pesto for a complete and satisfying Italian comfort meal.
Get the Recipe: Potato Gnocchi

Cheesy Stuffed Shells

Image shows an overhead shot of Easy Cheesy Stuffed Shells with a small plate holding one and the rest of the pan next to it.
Cheesy Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Dive into a gooey and comforting delight with these Cheesy Stuffed Shells. Filled with savory goodness, they are the perfect Italian comfort food meal to satisfy your cravings.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells

Slow Roasted Italian Tomatoes

Image shows an overhead shot of Slow Roasted Italian Tomatoes on a silpat baking sheet.
Slow Roasted Italian Tomatoes. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Enjoy this make-ahead appetizer with the bold and vibrant flavors of slow-roasted Italian tomatoes. Bursting with intense tomato goodness, these roasted beauties have a fantastic burst of flavor, and they’re great to eat by the handful alongside other veggies, adding Italian flair to your meals.
Get the Recipe: Slow Roasted Italian Tomatoes

Creamy Tuscan Bean Soup

Image shows a bowl of Refried Beans up close.
Creamy Tuscan Bean Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Experience the comfort and elegance of Creamy Tuscan Bean Soup, a velvety blend of beans, herbs, and savory goodness that warms you from within. Its creamy consistency makes sure you will savor the delightful Tuscan flavors.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Bean Soup

Ratatouille with an Italian Flair

Italian ratatouille in a glass casserole dish.
Ratatouille with an Italian Flair. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Veggies never looked so good. Savor this colorful and flavorful Italian-inspired baked ratatouille, a perfect comfort dish filled with fresh ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille with an Italian Flair

Calzones

Image shows an overhead shot of a Calzone cut in half on a wooden board with a small bowl of marinara above it.
Calzones. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Indulge in a savory delight with Calzones, filled with a your favorite pizza toppings. These pocket-sized wonders make for a satisfying Italian comfort food treat that the whole family will love as they customize their own calzones.
Get the Recipe: Calzones

Risotto with Peas and Lemon

Image shows a Spoonful of risotto with peas and lemon with the rest of the bowl in the background.
Risotto with Peas and Lemon. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Indulge in creamy Italian comfort food with our Instant Pot Risotto with Peas and Lemon. Creamy arborio rice, infused with the freshness of peas and a zesty hint of lemon, all achieved effortlessly in the Instant Pot. Forget standing over the pot and stirring – this is how to enjoy risotto.
Get the Recipe: Risotto with Peas and Lemon

Tomato Basil Bisque

Image shows a close up of a bowl of Tomato Basil Bisque with grated parmesan on top of it.
Tomato Basil Bisque. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Experience the comforting harmony of tangy tomatoes and aromatic basil in this rich and velvety Tomato Basil Bisque. This classic Italian comfort food soup is a delightful blend of flavors, offering a warm and satisfying dinner ready in 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque

Tuna and Tomato Pasta

Image shows a closeup view of tuna and tomato pasta in a white patterned bowl.
Tuna and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This Italian-inspired tuna and tomato pasta is so simple that kids can make it (with supervision, of course). This dinner is perfect for weeknight comfort food, as it’s ready in about 25 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta

Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups

Image shows a lasagna roll up on a white plaet.
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Discover the ultimate time-saving hack for lasagna lovers: irresistible lasagna roll-ups that can be whipped up in a flash. In just minutes, you’ll have perfectly portioned lasagna goodness, oozing with layers of cheese and Italian flavors. Say goodbye to long baking times and hello to quick and easy lasagna satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups

Spinach Orzo Salad

This photo shows a spinach orzo salad in a square glass bowl sitting on a black granite countertop.
Spinach Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Pair fresh hot orzo and spinach to create a perfect Italian comfort food that makes a delicious pasta side dish. This pairs beautifully with fish or chicken, or you can enjoy it on its own for a light and flavorful pasta dish.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Orzo Salad

Chicken and Pea Risotto

Image shows a bowl of chicken and pea risotto with parmesan cheese and parsley.
Chicken and Pea Risotto. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Enjoy a quick and flavorful twist on chicken and pea risotto with this cheater recipe that incorporates tender rotisserie chicken and peas into a creamy risotto-style dish, sans the traditional arborio rice and extensive stirring. With a hint of Parmesan cheese and aromatic herbs, this dish offers a delightful Italian-inspired shortcut without compromising on taste.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Pea Risotto

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.