Italian Food So Good, It’s Criminal: 17 Must-Try Recipes

If you’re someone who loves Italian food, you won’t want to miss out on this set of 17 must-try recipes. Each one offers a unique spin on traditional favorites, ensuring that there’s something new for you to try whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s bring the flavors of Italy to your mealtime!

Asparagus and White Bean Risotto

Combining the heartiness of white beans and the tender crunch of fresh asparagus, this Asparagus and White Bean Risotto is a comfort food that brings warmth to any table. It’s a testament to the versatility of Italian cuisine, offering a fulfilling meal that melds simplicity with robust taste. Perfect for both a family dinner or a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus and White Bean Risotto

Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta

Enjoy a plate of pasta that stands out with its striking red pepper base, blending the perfect balance of creaminess and plant-based goodness. Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta brings a colorful twist to the dinner table, showcasing a modern take on classic Italian flavors.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta

Pizza Sauce

Mastering the base of any good pizza, this Pizza Sauce is a careful blend of herbs and tomatoes, slow-simmered to perfection. Whether for a classic Margherita or a more experimental creation, a good pizza sauce is an indispensable part of the pizza-making process.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Sauce

Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto

An homage to summer flavors, the risotto celebrates the sweetness of corn and the subtle onion-like taste of leeks. Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto is ideal for those looking to add a hint of sweetness to their savory meal, it’s a dish that stands out in the Italian repertoire.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto

Air Fryer Pizza

Experience the joy of pizza with a modern cooking twist, as the air fryer quickly turns out a crispy, golden crust. Air Fryer Pizza is a quick and energy-efficient method to enjoy an all-time favorite that fits today’s busy lifestyles. With this innovative approach, pizza nights can become an easy, regular pleasure without compromising on the quality Italians are known for.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pizza

Vegan Amaretti Cookies

Vegan Amaretti Cookies are a charming nod to Italian baking tradition, bringing almond-rich bites that are crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside. With their vegan-friendly ingredients, they extend the invitation to enjoy Italian sweets to everyone.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Amaretti Cookies

Easy Vegan Chili Pizza

Adding a hearty chili twist to pizza transforms it into an unexpected and fulfilling meal that is both nourishing and totally vegan. It breaks the mold of traditional toppings while still keeping the spirit and fun of Italian pizza-making alive. Easy Vegan Chili Pizza is perfect for those eager to shake up their pizza routine and embrace a topping that’s as bold as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Chili Pizza

Tuscan White Bean Skillet with Kale

Tuscan White Bean Skillet with Kale is a rustic, down-to-earth meal that’s packed with nutrition and rooted in the simplicity of Italian country cooking. Perfect for any day of the week, it’s a testament to how uncomplicated ingredients can come together to form a truly hearty dish.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan White Bean Skillet with Kale

Olive Pizza

For olive lovers, Olive Pizza offers a slice of Mediterranean bliss with each bite. The salty and briny flavors of olives are front and center, delivering an unapologetic taste of Italy’s coastal regions. It’s a bold choice for pizza enthusiasts looking to steer away from more conventional toppings in favor of something distinct and memorable.
Get the Recipe: Olive Pizza

Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

Dig into Italy’s lesser-known pasta sauces with Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta. It’s a beautifully simple yet surprisingly nuanced sauce that provides an alternative to the more common tomato or cream-based pasta coatings. This recipe offers both a textural treat and a welcome divergence from the conventional, making it a must-try for pasta aficionados seeking something new.
Get the Recipe: Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

Vegan Cauliflower Pizza Crust with Garlicky Mushroom & Tomato Topping

Revolutionizing pizza crust with cauliflower offers a lighter, grain-free base to cater to dietary preferences without sacrificing taste. Vegan Cauliflower Pizza Crust with Garlicky Mushroom & Tomato Topping is ideal for those looking to indulge in pizza with a nutritious twist, this recipe demonstrates the creative adaptability of Italian cooking.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Cauliflower Pizza Crust with Garlicky Mushroom & Tomato Topping

Minestrone Soup

Comfort in a bowl, Minestrone Soup is a staple of Italian cuisine with a rich history of nourishing generations. It’s packed with a variety of vegetables, showcasing the Italian knack for making even the simplest of ingredients shine. On chilly evenings or whenever you need a bowl of warmth, this soup serves as a welcoming and wholesome choice.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup

Mushroom Pizza

Celebrating earthy, umami-rich mushrooms, this pizza is a favorite for both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Mushroom Pizza pairs the fungi with complementary flavors, resulting in a hearty and filling take on the classic Italian dish. Offering a fulfilling meal option is proof of how versatility and simple, quality ingredients are hallmarks of Italian cooking.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pizza

Basil Pesto

Originating from Genoa, Basil Pesto is a testament to the power of fresh basil leaves and their unmistakable fragrance. Sharing a jar of homemade pesto with family and friends is like giving them a piece of the Italian coast, where the sauce has its roots.
Get the Recipe: Basil Pesto

Caprese Appetizer

Brings guests together with a dish that showcases the colors of the Italian flag and the balance of freshness and richness. Caprese Appetizer is a simple, yet elegant way to start a meal or serve as a light accompaniment to any Italian feast. With its focus on quality and freshness, it echoes the Italian emphasis on reverence for good, honest food.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Appetizer

Best Lemon Pasta

Brighten up the dinner table with Best Lemon Pasta. It is a refreshing change of pace from heavier sauces, offering a light and tangy complement to the pasta. Ideal for warm-weather dining or as a sunny pick-me-up in colder months, it’s reminiscent of the Amalfi coast where lemons are cherished for their flavor.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta

Caprese Skewers

Caprese Skewers are a playful take on the classic salad, delivering the same beloved combination of ingredients in a bite-sized form. Easy to assemble and perfect for gatherings, they offer a touch of Italian elegance to any appetizer spread. They embody the Italian spirit of conviviality and the joy of sharing food with others.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Skewers