19 Italian Classics You Can Pull Off on a Tuesday Night

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Pasta Al Forno

This dish features perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a rich and tangy tomato cream sauce that strikes just the right balance of comfort and flavor. Each bite is creamy, savory, and satisfying, making it hard to stop at just one serving. It's finished with a generous layer of gooey melted cheese and a golden, crunchy breadcrumb topping that adds the perfect bit of texture. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or just craving something cozy, this pasta bake is sure to become a new favorite in your weekly rotation. It’s simple, hearty, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Al Forno

Eggplant Lasagna

This comforting eggplant dish is a delicious celebration of Italian flavors, with each bite offering a perfect balance of texture and taste. Crispy, golden slices of eggplant are layered with rich, melty cheeses and a savory, herb-infused tomato sauce that ties everything together. As it bakes, the layers meld into a warm, bubbly masterpiece that’s both hearty and satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a cozy hug from an Italian nonna—simple, rustic, and full of love. Whether served as a main course or a side, it’s Italian comfort food at its finest.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Lasagna

Chicken and Mushroom Risotto

This Chicken and Mushroom Risotto is the kind of warm, comforting dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. It brings together tender pieces of chicken and earthy mushrooms with creamy Arborio rice, slowly cooked to perfection for that signature risotto texture. The flavors are elevated with a generous handful of savory Parmesan cheese, adding richness and depth to every bite. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or a special night in, this dish offers a satisfying balance of heartiness and elegance. It’s a timeless Italian-inspired meal that never fails to impress.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Mushroom Risotto

Italian Baked Chicken Cutlets

These baked chicken cutlets are everything you want in a comforting Italian-style dinner—crispy on the outside, tender and juicy in the center, and topped with gooey melted cheese that ties it all together. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that feels special without requiring much effort. Whether you're cooking for the whole family or just need something easy after a long day, this recipe comes together quickly and delivers big on flavor. It's one of those meals that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation, especially when time is tight but you still want something homemade.
Get the Recipe: Italian Baked Chicken Cutlets

Osso Buco

Home cooks are often amazed that such an affordable cut of meat can turn into something so rich and elegant. With slow cooking and just the right blend of ingredients, it transforms into a tender, melt-in-your-mouth Italian dish that feels like it came from a fine dining restaurant. The sauce becomes incredibly velvety, coating each bite of beef in deep, savory flavor. It's the kind of meal that feels special enough for entertaining, yet simple and budget-friendly enough to enjoy any night of the week. Guests will be impressed—and no one will guess how easy it was to make.
Get the Recipe: Osso Buco

Frittata di Pasta: Traditional Italian Pasta Frittata

Frittata di pasta, often called frittata di maccheroni or frittata di spaghetti in southern Italy, is a comforting dish that turns simplicity into something truly special. Traditionally made from leftover pasta, it's a creative way to avoid waste while delivering big on flavor. The cooked pasta is mixed with eggs, cheese, and sometimes cured meats or vegetables, then pan-fried until it forms a golden, crispy crust. Inside, it remains soft and flavorful, making every bite a contrast of textures. This humble yet satisfying dish is a staple of Italian home cooking, often enjoyed hot or cold for lunch, dinner, or even a picnic.
Get the Recipe: Frittata di Pasta: Traditional Italian Pasta Frittata

Slow Cooker Chicken Minestrone Soup

This Slow Cooker Chicken Minestrone Soup is the kind of hearty, feel-good meal that makes any day a little cozier. Packed with tender chicken breasts, protein-rich beans, and perfectly cooked pasta, it's a complete and nourishing dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, making it incredibly easy to throw together even on your busiest days. With its wholesome ingredients and comforting warmth, this soup is a satisfying option for family dinners or cozy lunches all week long.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Minestrone Soup

One Pot Pasta Puttanesca

This one-pot pasta puttanesca brings the bold and briny flavors of Southern Italy right into your kitchen with minimal effort. Made all in one pot, it's a no-fuss meal that saves you time without sacrificing taste. The rich combination of garlic, olives, capers, and tomatoes creates a deeply satisfying sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish that feels both rustic and elegant—perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner gatherings.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Pasta Puttanesca

Italian Slow Cooker Pork Roast

This comforting slow cooker Italian pork roast is packed with flavor and incredibly easy to make. The pork is rubbed with a generous mix of Italian herbs and spices, then slow-cooked to perfection alongside tender potatoes and carrots. As it simmers low and slow, the meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender and infused with rich, savory goodness. It's the kind of hearty, home-cooked meal that feels special enough for holidays but is simple enough for busy weeknights. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Italian Slow Cooker Pork Roast

Italian Sausage Chili No Beans

Italian Sausage Chili is a comforting and flavor-packed dish that brings a bold twist to traditional chili. It combines the smoky heat of chipotle peppers with the deep, roasted sweetness of tomatoes, creating a rich and satisfying flavor in every bite. The savory Italian sausage adds a hearty depth that makes this chili incredibly filling and soul-warming. It’s the kind of meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings, game days, or when you just want something cozy and delicious to share with family and friends. Once you’ve tasted this version, regular chili just won’t cut it anymore.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Chili No Beans

Italian Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

This easy Italian ground beef skillet is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need something hearty, comforting, and quick. In just 30 minutes or less, you can have a flavorful meal on the table that feels like it took much longer to make. Juicy ground beef is simmered in a creamy, savory tomato sauce, then combined with low-carb cauliflower rice for a satisfying base. The dish is finished with a generous sprinkle of melted mozzarella cheese and a touch of fresh parsley for added color and flavor. It’s a simple yet cozy meal that the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Italian Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore with Chicken Thighs

This Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore is a warm, comforting dish that brings classic Italian flavors to your table with minimal effort. Made with juicy, slow-cooked chicken thighs simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce, it's hearty, satisfying, and perfect for feeding the whole family. The slow cooker does all the work, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day and freeze wonderfully for future meals. It's the kind of recipe you'll turn to again and again when you want something cozy and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore with Chicken Thighs

Italian Meatball Soup

Warm, cozy, and packed with flavor, Italian Meatball Soup is the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. Each spoonful brings together tender, juicy meatballs simmered in a rich, savory broth that’s been infused with classic Italian herbs and spices. It’s a hearty, soul-soothing dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you need a little comfort. Whether you’re feeding the family or craving a taste of home, this soup delivers all the warmth and satisfaction of traditional Italian cooking.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Soup

Instant Pot Orecchiette

Instant Pot Orecchiette is a cozy, flavorful pasta dish that feels both comforting and elegant, yet is surprisingly simple to make. The ear-shaped orecchiette cooks right in the Instant Pot, soaking up all the savory flavors and creating a naturally creamy sauce with minimal effort. Paired with sautéed kale and served over a cloud of whipped, seasoned ricotta, every bite is rich, satisfying, and full of texture. Best of all, it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something homemade and delicious. You can easily make it your own by tossing in Italian sausage, roasted veggies, or whatever extras you love.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Orecchiette

Chicken Sorrentino

Chicken Sorrentino is one of those comforting Italian classics that brings together all the flavors you crave in one satisfying dish. It starts with tender breaded chicken cutlets layered with savory prosciutto, melt-in-your-mouth eggplant, and a generous helping of gooey melted cheese. Everything is nestled into a rich, hearty tomato sauce that ties the whole dish together beautifully. Baked until bubbly and golden, it's the kind of meal that feels both elegant and cozy—perfect for a special dinner or a comforting night in. Best of all, it’s surprisingly easy to recreate at home.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sorrentino

Homemade Bolognese Sauce with Gigli Pasta

If you’re a fan of Italian food, this homemade Bolognese sauce is something you simply have to try. It’s a rich, slow-simmered sauce that takes a bit of time and care to prepare, but the deep, savory flavors that develop are absolutely worth the wait. There’s something incredibly comforting about the way the meat, tomatoes, and herbs come together into a velvety, hearty sauce. Pair it with Gigli pasta—an elegant, fluted shape believed to have originated in Southern Tuscany—and you’ve got a meal that feels both rustic and refined. It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary dinner into something truly special.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Bolognese Sauce with Gigli Pasta

Gnocchi Carbonara

Gnocchi Carbonara is the kind of cozy, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. In just 15 minutes, you can create a rich and creamy carbonara using a handful of simple ingredients—no fancy skills required. It’s a great introduction if you’ve never made traditional Italian carbonara before, offering all the flavor with none of the fuss. The soft, pillowy gnocchi soaks up the velvety sauce beautifully, making each bite irresistibly indulgent. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or craving a little comfort food, this dish delivers big on flavor and ease.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi Carbonara

Penne Pomodoro

Penne pomodoro is a comforting Italian classic that brings together simple, wholesome ingredients in the most delicious way. Made with tender pasta, vibrant tomatoes, and fresh basil, it’s a dish that proves you don’t need much to create something truly satisfying. It comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver on those hectic weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast. Despite its simplicity, it’s packed with flavor and always manages to impress. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or just craving something cozy, this tomato basil pasta is sure to become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Penne Pomodoro

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pasta e Fagioli is a comforting Italian classic that captures the warmth and tradition of home-cooked meals straight from Nonna’s kitchen. This soul-soothing soup combines tender ditalini pasta, creamy cannellini or borlotti beans, and aromatic vegetables simmered in a rich, savory tomato broth. Every spoonful is hearty and satisfying, making it an ideal dish for chilly evenings or when you're craving something warm and nourishing. Inspired by the popular Olive Garden version, this copycat recipe brings that same restaurant-quality taste right to your own table. Pair it with some crusty bread or a simple side salad, and you’ve got a cozy, satisfying meal that feels both rustic and refined.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup