Craving a bit of Italy during your weeknights but short on time? We’ve got you covered. These 12 Italian dishes are all about bringing the warmth and flavor of Italy to your kitchen, without the fuss. From quick one-pan wonders to comforting classics, get ready to add a little Italian flair to your dinner routine, even on the busiest of evenings.
Italian Tomato Pasta Soup
Dive into a bowl of Italian tomato pasta soup for a warm, cozy dinner. Loaded with ground beef, sausage, mushrooms, and escarole, it’s like a big Italian hug in a bowl, ideal for those chillier nights.
Get the Recipe: Italian Tomato Pasta Soup
Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Brighten up your weeknight with lemon ricotta pasta. It’s a breeze to whip up, blending creamy ricotta with fresh basil and tomatoes. It’s the kind of dish that makes a regular evening feel a little more special.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Stuffed Chicken Marsala
Amp up your dinner game with stuffed chicken marsala. Think juicy chicken with mozzarella, tomato butter, and basil tucked inside. It’s a fun take on a classic Italian dish that’s surprisingly simple to pull off.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Chicken Marsala
Ciambotta
Ciambotta, the Italian vegetable stew, is a celebration of summer produce. Versatile and hearty, you can add beans, bread, pancetta, or meat, making it a flexible and fun dish to experiment with.
Get the Recipe: Ciambotta
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Bucatini cacio e pepe is the epitome of simple Italian cooking. With just five ingredients, including Pecorino Romano cheese, this dish turns everyday pasta into a creamy, comforting meal that’s both budget-friendly and easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Creamy Tomato Farfalle
In just 20 minutes, this creamy tomato farfalle can transform your evening. It’s a healthier twist on a cream sauce, with peas and crispy prosciutto thrown in for good measure. Quick, filling, and oh-so-comforting.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tomato Farfalle
Escarole Soup
Escarole soup is a hearty Italian classic that’s full of goodness. With escarole greens, white beans, sausage, and pasta, it’s a balanced meal that’s both healthy and satisfying, especially on a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Escarole Soup
Cod Piccata
Shake up your seafood routine with cod piccata. Almond-flour-coated cod gets pan-fried to perfection, then jazzed up with capers, lemon, and shallots. It’s tangy, bright, and totally doable on a weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Cod Piccata
Chicken Sorrentino
Chicken Sorrentino brings a bit of Italian flair to your dinner table. Picture breaded chicken layered with prosciutto, eggplant, and cheese, all baked in a rich tomato sauce. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough for any night.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sorrentino
Escarole and Beans
Escarole and beans is a classic Italian dish that’s all about simplicity and heartiness. It’s a cozy vegetarian option that’s packed with flavor, perfect for when you need something both comforting and easy.
Get the Recipe: Escarole and Beans
Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp
Quick and easy, bucatini with garlic shrimp is a go-to for a busy evening. Tossed with cherry tomatoes, it’s a simple yet flavorful dish that brings a bit of Italian elegance to your weeknight table in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp
Baked Skillet Gnocchi
Get cozy with this skillet gnocchi, a perfect mix of ground pork, tomatoes, spinach, and gooey mozzarella. It’s like a hug from Italy on a busy night, and you only need one pan to make it happen.
Get the Recipe: Baked Skillet Gnocchi