The Coziest Italian Recipes to Cook Right Now

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When life feels like a never-ending Monday, there’s only one thing to do: pasta. These comforting Italian dishes are your edible escape hatch, whether it’s the gooey glory of Traditional Lasagna, the creamy coziness of Chicken Stuffed Shells, or Baked Rigatoni that basically gives you a carb-hug. Want something lighter that still hits all the comfort notes? Try Shrimp Pesto Pasta with Asparagus or a warm slice of Focaccia that’s practically a therapy session in bread form. From Bucatini all’Amatriciana with its saucy swagger to Crab Pasta that are surprisingly wholesome but still 100% satisfying, this lineup is here to make dinner feel like a warm, reassuring “ciao, bella.”

Crab Pasta

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Presenting a delicious Crab Pasta
Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

In just 20 minutes, you can have a delightful Crab Pasta dish ready to enjoy! This recipe combines simple ingredients like garlic, piquante peppers, and fresh crab meat, creating a flavorful and quick meal perfect for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Crab Pasta

Traditional Lasagna Recipe

A white baking dish of lasagna.
Photo credit: Culinary Hill

This Traditional Lasagna Recipe is a comforting classic, perfect for a family dinner. The secret to this crowd-pleaser? Three kinds of cheese and a fantastic homemade sauce. You’ll love how easy it is to assemble and how delicious it tastes!
Get the Recipe: Traditional Lasagna Recipe

Chicken Stuffed Shells

Stuffed pasta shells in a white baking dish.
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

These Chicken Stuffed Shells are a comforting and easy dinner that the whole family will enjoy. Featuring just 7 ingredients like chicken, ricotta, and marinara sauce, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, making meal prep a breeze!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stuffed Shells

Baked Rigatoni

Baked rigatoni in a white casserole dish.
Photo credit: Baking a Moment

This baked rigatoni recipe is the perfect comforting and balanced meal all in one pan! Packed with robust flavor from Italian sausage and melted cheese, it even sneaks in some hidden veggies. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Baked Rigatoni

Bucatini all’Amatriciana

Bucatini with amatriciana sauce in a white serving bowl with parmesan cheese and parsley garnish.
Photo credit: Cooking Classy

This Bucatini all’Amatriciana recipe is a classic Italian comfort food! Thick bucatini pasta is coated in a flavorful sauce made with pancetta, San Marzano tomatoes, and Pecorino Romano cheese. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini all’Amatriciana

Easy Pesto Pasta

A close-up of a dish featuring spaghetti pasta tossed with green pesto sauce and fresh spinach leaves, garnished with red pepper flakes. A wooden spoon rests in the pan, which is set on a marble surface.
Photo credit: Love and Lemons

This quick and easy pesto pasta recipe by Love and Lemons is a guaranteed hit for a weeknight dinner! It features bold, fresh basil pesto, pine nuts, and greens. Make it vegan by using vegan pesto and parmesan.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pesto Pasta

Focaccia

A full, unsliced loaf of focaccia bread.
Photo credit: Culinary Hill

This easy Italian Focaccia Bread recipe is perfect for beginner bakers. It’s a simple, forgiving, and extremely delicious way to bake your first loaf of bread. Top with fresh rosemary and flaked sea salt for a flavorful treat.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia

Caprese Grilled Cheese

Caprese Grilled Cheese stacked on top of each other showing the cheesy center.
Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

This Caprese Grilled Cheese is a delightful twist on a classic sandwich, featuring melty mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, and basil pesto between slices of buttery sourdough bread. It’s a quick and easy vegetarian option that brings the flavors of Italy to your lunch or dinner table. Add a drizzle of balsamic reduction for the perfect finish!
Get the Recipe: Caprese Grilled Cheese

Ravioli Salad

Presenting a delicious Ravioli Salad
Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

This Ravioli Salad is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s quick and easy to make! It combines four-cheese ravioli with pepperoni, provolone, artichoke hearts, olives, and a flavorful Italian dressing. Perfect for a potluck or a light dinner!
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Salad

Roasted Spaghetti Squash w/ Eggplant Puttanesca

Roasted Spaghetti Squash with Eggplant Puttanesca Sauce- a rich, robust vegetarian meal that is low in carbs, keto and gluten free! Easy and simple. | #keto #spaghettisquash #eggplant #puttnesca #vegan #vegandinner
Photo credit: Feasting at Home

This Roasted Spaghetti Squash with Eggplant Puttanesca is a simple, delicious, and healthy vegan meal! It’s packed with healthy veggies and full of robust flavors. Plus, it’s also Keto-friendly!
Get the Recipe: Roasted Spaghetti Squash w/ Eggplant Puttanesca

How to Create the Ultimate Italian Salad Platter

Italian-Inspired Salad Plate | #Italian #easy #recipe #foracrowd #salad foodiecrush.com
Photo credit: Foodie Crush

This Italian Salad Platter is a customizable and beautiful way to serve a crowd. Lay out your favorite salad fixings, like marinated chickpeas, artichokes, salami, and mozzarella, and let everyone create their own perfect salad! Don’t forget a tangy golden balsamic vinaigrette for the finishing touch.
Get the Recipe: How to Create the Ultimate Italian Salad Platter

Tomato and Hearts of Palm Salad

Tomato and Hearts of Palm Salad | #recipes #healthy #dressing #cherrytomatoes foodiecrush.com
Photo credit: Foodie Crush

Ready in just 10 minutes, this Tomato and Hearts of Palm Salad is a light and healthy side dish, perfect for potlucks and BBQs. The simple combination of cherry tomatoes, hearts of palm, and a tangy vinaigrette make it a refreshing addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Tomato and Hearts of Palm Salad

Shrimp Pesto Pasta with Asparagus

shrimp pesto pasta with asparagus in large white bowl
Photo credit: Cooking Classy

This Shrimp Pesto Pasta with Asparagus is a quick and easy dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes. The homemade basil-parsley pesto really elevates this dish, making it a family favorite. It’s a delicious way to enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal!
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Pesto Pasta with Asparagus

About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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