Italian dishes hold a special place in hearts and kitchens around the world, celebrated for their comforting flavors and universal (read: kid-friendly) appeal. While dining out at your favorite Italian restaurant can be a treat, there are undoubtedly times when you’d rather skip the expense or hassle and enjoy a cozy night at home.
That’s where these Italian recipes come in as a delicious, approachable way to bring the authentic taste of Italy straight to your table, all without the need for hours in the kitchen. Whether you're craving iconic pasta recipes for everyday or upscale date night recipes, these Italian dinner recipes will transport you straight to Bella Italia.
HOMEMADE PASTA
What makes pasta recipes even tastier? Homemade noodles. And while you may picture making pasta as a labor-intensive task, this streamlined recipe breaks down the barriers with just four simple ingredients you likely have on hand—and requires no special equipment. This fun (and yummy) recipe is perfect for getting the whole family involved in the kitchen, creating memories and mouthwatering meals together, while getting a little messy in the process!
HOMEMADE PASTA SAUCE
With its fragrant blend of spices, this homemade pasta sauce will make your home smell as though it’s been simmering all day — yet in reality, it only requires a brief, 30-minute investment. This take on homemade pasta sauce offers a rich, velvety base you can serve as is, or use as a starting point to customize with your favorite proteins, from juicy sausage to rotisserie chicken, or loaded with roasted vegetables. Pair it with long noodles like spaghetti or linguine, or short options, such as penne and rigatoni, to reinvent this staple every time.
CHEESY CRUSTED CHICKEN PARM
This ooey-gooey delight comes together in less than 45 minutes and is basic enough for a quick family meal but also special enough for entertaining or as one of your date night recipes. Tender chicken breasts are coated in a crispy blend of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, with a shake of McCormick Garlic, Herb and Black Pepper and Sea Salt All Purpose Seasoning adding pizzazz. You’ll bake it to a golden brown perfection, then smother it in marinara sauce, grated mozzarella cheese and another sprinkle of seasoning, before popping it back in the oven to achieve melty perfection.
PASTA CARBONARA
This sophisticated dish might sound intimidating, but don't let its fancy reputation fool you! This creamy, indulgent Italian recipe is surprisingly easy to whip up. With just a few straightforward ingredients, including spaghetti, bacon (and as we know, any dish with bacon is a winner!), eggs and Parmesan cheese, you can create a hearty and impressive meal effortlessly.
CREAMY TOMATO RISOTTO
Risotto may feel like the epitome of upscale Italian cuisine, yet it’s another posh dish that… boom…we just made accessible to any cook. This Italian recipe removes the guesswork out of seasoning through the convenience of a packet of McCormick Thick And Zesty Spaghetti Sauce Seasoning Mix. But don't worry, this recipe isn’t all based on shortcuts. You'll still get to experience the therapeutic joy of stirring the pot so make sure you have ample room in your schedule and a willingness to commit to some quality stove time. Add chicken, shrimp or the protein of your choice to make this a complete meal or use as an attention-getting side.
SHRIMP SCAMPI
Equally delicious as the risotto above, and requiring way less hands-on effort, this simplified shrimp scampi recipe takes a mere 10 minutes — a ridiculously short time for such a refined Italian dish. While this nostalgic classic is often served atop pasta, orzo or rice can offer a refreshing change of pace from traditional linguine or capellini accompaniments.
SHRIMP ALFREDO
Here’s another restaurant-quality shrimp concoction to add to your date night recipes repertoire. In this most decadent of Italian recipes, buttery shrimp and al dente pasta are smothered in a luxurious creamy Parmesan cheese sauce infused with a blend of spices: McCormick Marjoram Leaves and McCormick Whole Rosemary Leaves, with McCormick Crushed Red Pepper adding a touch of heat.
LASAGNA RECIPE
Always a crowd pleaser, lasagna is your quintessential comfort food, featuring layers of delicately cooked lasagna noodles, rich meat sauce, aromatic spices and a creamy blend of cheeses, harmonizing to create a satisfying one-dish favorite. (While you’re at it, why not make an extra to freeze?)
