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Home » Roundups

13 Shockingly Simple Italian Recipes You’ll Wish You Tried Sooner

By: kseniaprints · Updated: Dec 22, 2024 · This post may contain affiliate links.

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Italian food is known for its simple ingredients and big flavors, but many people think making it at home is complicated. These recipes prove you don’t need fancy techniques or endless ingredients to enjoy authentic, delicious Italian dishes. Each one is quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights or effortless entertaining. Once you try them, you’ll wonder why you waited so long to make them.

A stainless steel pan contains cooked linguine pasta, lovingly mixed with diced tomatoes and herbs—a nod to Italian recipes. The pan is placed on a green and red checkered cloth, embodying the essence of simple recipes in every bite.
Easy Pasta Puttanesca. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Spaghetti With Mushroom Marinara Sauce

A close up of spaghetti with meat and basil.
Spaghetti With Mushroom Marinara Sauce. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

This dish features a rich, earthy mushroom marinara sauce that pairs beautifully with spaghetti. The mushrooms and tomatoes create a balanced, savory flavor that’s satisfying and hearty. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal with simple pantry ingredients. The result is a comforting pasta dish that’s filling and easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti With Mushroom Marinara Sauce

Crispy Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings With Italian Seasoning

A plate of seasoned and grilled chicken wings garnished with chopped herbs. Lemon wedges are visible in the background. The wings have a crispy, golden-brown texture.
Crispy Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings With Italian Seasoning. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

These wings are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and flavored with a blend of Italian herbs. They’re made in under 20 minutes using the air fryer, making them quick and hassle-free. The seasoning brings out the savory taste of the chicken while keeping it light and delicious. This recipe is ideal for a snack or as part of a casual dinner.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings With Italian Seasoning

Baked Feta Pasta

Side view of baked feta pasta on a plate.
Baked Feta Pasta. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Creamy and tangy, this pasta dish combines baked feta cheese with cherry tomatoes for a velvety sauce. The dish comes together in about 40 minutes with minimal effort and just a handful of ingredients. The baked feta provides a rich, cheesy base, while the tomatoes add a bright, sweet balance. It’s a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta

Mushroom Leek Pasta Bake

A close-up of a white dish filled with creamy mushroom pasta. The dish contains wide noodles mixed with mushrooms and herbs, set on a striped cloth background.
Mushroom leek pasta bake. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

This hearty bake features tender mushrooms, caramelized leeks, and pasta enveloped in a creamy sauce. It’s a warm, satisfying meal that’s easy to put together in under an hour. The leeks add a subtle sweetness that complements the earthiness of the mushrooms. Perfect for cozy family dinners, it’s a comfort dish everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Leek Pasta Bake

Chicken Tortellini Soup

A bowl of chicken tortellini soup, an Italian dish featuring pieces of shredded chicken, tortellini pasta, chopped carrots, celery, and herbs in a broth. A spoon rests in the bowl, and parsley is sprinkled on top—a delightful addition to your collection of simple recipes.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This soup combines tender chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and fresh vegetables in a light, flavorful broth. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a comforting and hearty meal that doesn’t require hours of preparation. The tortellini adds a creamy, satisfying bite, while the broth remains light and refreshing. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing option for any time of year.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Roasted Cauliflower Casserole With Tomatoes And Capers

A veggie casserole dish with tomatoes and herbs on a table.
Roasted Cauliflower Casserole With Tomatoes And Capers. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

This casserole combines roasted cauliflower, juicy tomatoes, and briny capers for a Mediterranean-inspired dish. It’s a quick side or main that takes about 35 minutes to prepare. The bold caper flavor complements the sweetness of the roasted vegetables, creating a well-rounded taste. It’s a great way to enjoy vegetables in a fresh, flavorful way.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower Casserole With Tomatoes And Capers

Lemon Balsamic Vinaigrette

A bowl of green salad with mixed leaves, sliced cucumber, and avocado showcases shockingly simple elegance. A silver fork rests in the bowl, while a small jar of dressing sits on a nearby saucer. Wooden salad utensils and sliced cucumbers grace the table, all atop a light green cloth.
Lemon Balsamic Vinaigrette. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

This vinaigrette blends tangy lemon juice and rich balsamic vinegar for a zesty and versatile dressing. It’s ready in under 10 minutes and pairs beautifully with salads, roasted vegetables, or grilled meats. The flavors balance acidity with a hint of sweetness, making it a staple for quick meals. It’s a simple way to enhance the taste of fresh ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Balsamic Vinaigrette

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Pan-seared chicken thighs in a creamy sauce with wilted spinach and sun-dried tomatoes make for one of those shockingly simple Italian recipes that's sure to delight.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish features tender chicken breasts in a creamy sauce with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic. The flavors are rich and comforting, with a balance of creamy and tangy notes from the sauce. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a perfect one-pan recipe for weeknight dinners. The combination of protein and vegetables makes it satisfying and wholesome.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Pan-Seared Cod With Fennel-Tomato Ragout

A white plate with a bowl of soup and a glass of wine.
Pan-Seared Cod With Fennel-Tomato Ragout. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

This dish pairs flaky cod with a light, savory fennel-tomato ragout for a bright and satisfying meal. The fennel adds a subtle licorice flavor that complements the acidity of the tomatoes. Ready in 20 minutes, it’s a quick, elegant option for weeknight dinners or entertaining. The simplicity of the ingredients lets the fresh flavors shine.
Get the Recipe: Pan-Seared Cod With Fennel-Tomato Ragout

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

A plate of cooked chicken thighs garnished with parsley, served with a stew of tomatoes, bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions. Embrace this simple Italian recipe as the dish is presented on a wooden board with a beige napkin beside it.
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Chicken cacciatore is a slow-cooked dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a tomato-based sauce with bell peppers and onions. It’s a hearty and flavorful recipe that takes about 4-6 hours in the slow cooker. The sauce is rich and aromatic, perfect for serving over pasta or rice. This dish is ideal for meal prep or hands-off cooking.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

Tomato Garlic Pasta

A bowl of penne pasta mixed with zucchini slices, halved cherry tomatoes, and ground meat, garnished with fresh basil leaves. This Italian recipe is placed on a folded red and white checkered cloth, with a spoon nearby—a shockingly simple dish to prepare.
Tomato Garlic Pasta. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

This dish features a simple yet flavorful combination of ripe tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil over pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a quick and satisfying meal for any day of the week. The garlic adds a warm, savory kick that perfectly complements the sweetness of the tomatoes. It’s an easy recipe that delivers classic Italian flavors with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Garlic Pasta

Zesty Italian Pasta Salad

A bowl of pasta salad with fusilli, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, artichokes, and arugula rests on a wooden platter. This shockingly simple Italian recipe is complemented by a fork and striped napkin beside the bowl. Parsley adds a touch of green in the background.
Zesty Italian Pasta Salad. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

This pasta salad is loaded with fresh vegetables, pasta, and a tangy Italian dressing. It’s a refreshing dish that takes about 20 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for potlucks or meal prep. The bold flavors of olives and herbs make it a standout side or light meal. Its simplicity and versatility make it a reliable go-to recipe.
Get the Recipe: Zesty Italian Pasta Salad

Easy Pasta Puttanesca

A stainless steel pan contains cooked linguine pasta, lovingly mixed with diced tomatoes and herbs—a nod to Italian recipes. The pan is placed on a green and red checkered cloth, embodying the essence of simple recipes in every bite.
Easy Pasta Puttanesca. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

This pasta features a bold, tangy sauce made with tomatoes, olives, capers, and anchovies. The ingredients combine for a salty, savory flavor that’s ready in just 30 minutes. It’s a classic Italian recipe that’s perfect for those who love robust, punchy flavors. With pantry staples as the base, it’s a quick and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pasta Puttanesca

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About Ksenia

Welcome to At The Immigrant's Table! I blend my immigrant roots with modern diets, crafting recipes that take you on a global kitchen adventure. As a food blogger and photographer, I'm dedicated to making international cuisine both healthy and accessible. Let's embark on a culinary journey that bridges cultures and introduces a world of flavors right into your home. Read more...

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