Italian food, the very same makes us say Mama Mia! Italy is one of the most scenic countries in the world and is home to the best food recipes. While it is often stereotyped for just pasta and pizza, Italian food has much to offer than what we know. The main ingredients which are indispensable to any Italian recipe are tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, basil and Parmesan. These basic ingredients form the essential grocery list of Italian food. Typical Italian menu comprises of Antipasti (starters), Zuppa e Salsa (soups and sauces), Pane (Bread), Pizzas, Pasta, Pesce (Fish Dishes) and ofcourse, the desserts. In this article, we shall discuss some of the best Italian food recipes with pictures that are surely going to make your mouth water!

Best Italian Food Recipes:

Non Veg:

1. Filet Mignon With Arugula Salad:

This recipe is one of the best tasting steak dish. Aragula is a peppery green salad, that goes very well with a well made steak. The simple and mildly seasoned steak on a bed of aragula leaves makes for a healthy and tasty lunch.

Ingredients:

  • 4 Beef Steaks.
  • ½ tbsp Salt.
  • ¼ tbsp Black Pepper.
  • ½ tbsp Garlic.
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Lime Juice.
  • 1 tbsp Oregano.
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil.
  • 1 tbsp Basil.
  • 1 Cup Aragula Leaves.
  • 1 cup Mushrooms.

Method:

  • To get started, start by marinating the steak piece in salt, oregano and olive oil with a hint of basil and then fry it well in olive oil and garlic.
  • Medium to well done is perfect.
  • Now use Italian salad dressing to mix up the arugula salad and add olives and peas as desired.
  • Cut and fry mushrooms in olive oil and add it to the salad with a side dish of garlic bread or olive oil toasted pasta.

2. Zuppa Toscana:

Zuppa Toscana literally means “Soup in the style of Tuscany”. This classic soup is made from kale, potatoes, celery, olive oil, Tuscany bread and Italian bacon. It is an extremely flavoursome soup can be served as a meal itself.

Ingredients:

  • 1 Cup mild Italian sausage.
  • 1 tbsp crushed Pepper.
  • 4 Slices Bacon.
  • 1 Large Onion.
  • 1 tbsp Garlic.
  • 2 cans chicken broth.
  • 3 potatoes.
  • 1 cup heavy cream.
  • ½ bunch spinach or Kale.

Method:

  • For this you would need link sausages smoked, bacon and chicken.
  • Now start by baking the sausages by pre heating the oven and then in a pan add garlic, onion and bacon and cook it in olive oil.
  • Once the bacon is thoroughly cooked, crumble it and cook some more.
  • Now mix the crumble in the soup with the chicken base or broth and drop the sausages in them.
  • Now add cream and serve.

3. Italian Sausage And Tortellini Soup:

This extremely flavoured soup has all the elements of Italian cooking. It is made with Italian sausages, garlic, tomato and red wine. The recommended serving is to take this soup with some warm Italian bread drizzled with olive oil. This soup is all you need on a rainy day.

Ingredients:

  • 1 Pack Italian sausages.
  • 1 cup chopped onion.
  • 3 garlic.
  • 4 cups chicken or beef broth.
  • ½ cup water.
  • ½ cup red wine.
  • 3 large tomatoes, peeled and deseeded.
  • 1 cup carrots.
  • ½ tbsp fresh basil leaves.
  • ½ spoon oregano.
  • 1 can tomato sauce.
  • 1 pack tortellini pasta.

Method:

  • Start by deep frying the sausages in a pan and crumbling them.
  • Set it aside on a napkin and then in a pan add beef broth, garlic, zucchini, thyme, basil, oregano, wine, bell peppers, tomato puree, tomatoes and sweet corns if desired.
  • Add the sausages and tortellini and simmer and serve with parmesan.

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4. Lemony Chicken Saltimbocca:

This Italian food recipes easy version can be made in quick time. Saltimbocca is an Italian dish that is made of veal wrapped chicken cutlets. The word Saltimbocca literally means “jump in the mouth”. This is the way these tasty cutlets are made and eaten.

Ingredients:

  • 4 Chicken cutlets.
  • 1tbsp salt.
  • 12 fresh sage leaves.
  • 8 strips of Prosciutto.
  • 4 tbsp extra virgin oil.
  • 1 cup Chicken broth.
  • 1 tbs lemon juice.
  • 1tbsp corn starch.

Method:

  • In this recipe, chicken is cut into fillets or sausages and then wrapped in prosciutto and lemon zest.
  • In a separate bowl, squeeze fresh lime or lemon and then pour in on the chicken.
  • Now use white wine and olive oil in a pan and sear the chicken pieces well.
  • You can add this as a side dish to pasta or garlic bread.

5. Chicken Marsala:

Chicken marsala is an Italian-American fusion dish. It is made from chicken cutlets, mushrooms and marsala wine. This dish was originated in the 19th century where many homes produced the famous Marsala wine. There are many versions to this popular dish.

Ingredients:

  • 4 Chicken cutlets.
  • 1 tbs flour.
  • Kosher Salt.
  • Black Pepper.
  • 1/4th cup extra virgin oil.
  • 4 Prosciutto.
  • 8 ounces mushrooms.
  • ½ cup Marsala Wine.
  • ½ cup chicken stock.
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter.
  • 1/4th cup Parsley.

Method:

  • Wrap chicken pieces in flour and basil and prior to this rub oregano in it.
  • Now lightly toss the chicken in olive oil to get a slight golden color.
  • In a pan add Marsala wine and sherry and then toss in the olive oil fried garlic mushrooms.
  • Add tomatoes and thyme and put in the chicken pieces.

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6. The Classic Spaghetti And Meatballs:

This is a classic Italian dish and every Italian home has their own version to it. It is basically an Italian-American dish where the traditional Italian spaghetti is combined with the American meatballs. This is a tangy dish and is made with tomato sauce.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pack Spaghetti.
  • Salt.
  • 1 cup meat.
  • 2 tbsp Worchester Sauce.
  • 1 egg.
  • ½ cup Italian bread crumbs.
  • ¼ cup Grated Parmesan.
  • 2 Garlic.
  • 1 cup Olive oil.
  • Beef stock.
  • Spices.
  • Cream.

Method:

  • In a pan sear mince beef with onion, olive oil, thyme, sour cream or yoghurt, oregano and basil.
  • Toss lightly until proper color and now make balls out of them.
  • In a separate pan boil pasta with olive oil in the water.
  • Now pour a little water or wine or sour cream in a pan along with classic herbs and prepare the meatballs.

7. Lasagna:

Lasagna is one of the classic dishes straight from Italy where soft pasta and molten cheese is the prime ingredient alongside heavy stuffing. The stuffing can be made from veg or minced meat paired with oregano, basil, tomatoes and some more cheese and you would end up with mouthwatering layered lasagna.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pack beef.
  • 1 onion.
  • 1 can mushrooms.
  • 1 jar Pasta Sauce.
  • 1 cup cheese.
  • 1 cup Ricotta Cheese.
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese.
  • 2 eggs.
  • 1 pack Lasagna sheets.

Method:

  • Preheat oven to 175 degreeCel.
  • Now in a large wok, take some oil and fry the beef till brown.
  • Add mushrooms and onions.
  • Add pasta sauce.
  • Now combine all the cheeses and egg.
  • Spread this mixture evenly in a oven bowl.
  • Add a lasgna sheet and add more mixture to the top.
  • Layer the ingredients and cook for 45 minutes.

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8. Shrimp Arrabbiata:

Arrabbiata gets its name from the word “angry”. The sauce is made to be spicy and is usually based out of tomatoes, garlic and chilli flakes. Shrimp arrabbiata is one of the most easy to make Italian recipes and is quite delicious.

Ingredients:

  • 1 Pack Fresh Shrimp.
  • 2 tbsp olive oil.
  • Salt.
  • ½ cup Onion.
  • 2 tbsp garlic.
  • ½ tbsp basil.
  • ½ tbsp chilli flakes.
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste.
  • 1 can tomatoes.
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley.

Method:

  • Boil shrimp and pasta and then mix in the necessary herbs like thyme or basil along with oregano.
  • Then toss it lightly in olive oil with onion, diced tomatoes, crushed garlic and then serve.

9. Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Frittata:

The frittata is like a pancake that is made in a skillet. This is extremely tasty and delicious. Frittata can be served for broth breakfast and meal times, as it quite filling and super nourishing food. When you combine it with sausages and broccoli, nothing can beat this recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 3 large eggs.
  • ½ cup whole milk.
  • ½ cup cheddar cheese.
  • Kosher Salt.
  • Black Pepper.
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil.
  • ½ cup onion.
  • ½ cup Italian sausage.
  • 1 cup broccoli.

Method:

  • Whisk eggs in a bowl and add cheddar, salt and pepper.
  • Now heat a skillet and add some oil.
  • Fry some sausages, broccoli, onions.
  • Pour the egg mixture on top and cook thoroughly.

10. Pasta with Clams and Italian Sausage:

If you love sea food and sausage, you get to taste the best of both world’s in this super easy recipe. It is quite light, but very flavorsome in taste. Clams are considered to be exotic foods in Italian cuisine and are treated as delicacies.

Ingredients:

  • 1 Pack Spaghetti.
  • 2 tbsp olive oil.
  • 4 Italian sausages.
  • 1 pack clams.
  • ¼ cup dry wine.
  • Kosher Salt.
  • 1 tbsp butter.
  • 1 tbsp parsely.

Method:

  • Cook Pasta and drain water.
  • Heat a skillet and add some olive oil.
  • Add sausage, clams, cooking wine, butter and pasta.
  • Combine them well.

11. Salami, Smoked Mozzarella, and Basil Stromboli:

This is a classic Italian American dish, which is a type of wrap that is filled with various Italian cheeses, meat and vegetables. The base is made with an Italian bread dough and is similar to a calzone. The exception is that Stromboli does not use tomato sauce.

Ingredients:

  • Italian Dough.
  • 1 tbsp garlic.
  • 2 cups mozzarella.
  • 4 slices salami.
  • ¼ cup basil.
  • ¼ cup cherry tomatoes.
  • 1 tbsp rosemary.
  • 1 tbsp sea salt.

Method:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  • Roll the dough into a rectangle and cut into strips.
  • Later it with garlic, mozzarella, basil, salami, cherry tomatoes, rosemary and sea salt.
  • Cover it with another strip of dough.
  • Line the baking tray with butter.
  • Bake these for 20 minutes.

12. Cuttlefish ink Risotto:

This risotto is made with cuttlefish ink, which is also known squid ink. This is a traditional Croatian dish, but is also famous in Italy. It gets it dark blueish black color from the ink squid. Check out this unique recipe below to know how to make it:

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups Vegetable Stock.
  • 1 lb. cuttlefish.
  • 2tbso olive oil.
  • 1 medium onion.
  • Kosher Salt.
  • Black Pepper.
  • 1 small carrot.
  • 1 cup arborio rice.
  • ¼ cup dry wine.
  • 2 tbsp cuttlefish ink.
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese.

Method:

  • In a big vessel bring the stock to simmer and add the squid.
  • Remove them once opaque and set aside.
  • In a big wok heat some olive oil and add onion, carrot, salt and pepper.
  • Add squid, rice , wine and stock, squid ink.
  • Cook till rice is done.
  • Add Parmesan cheese and cook for 5 more minutes.

Italian Snacks:

13. Caprese Salad With Pesto Sauce:

This is a popular anti-pasti or starter dish in Italian cuisine. It has the tanginess of a tomato, the freshness of Basil and the soft texture of mozzarella. The best part of this dish is the balsamic reduction of pesto sauce which when drizzled on this dish, elevates it to a whole new level.

Ingredients:

  • 3 Tomatoes.
  • 1 pack mozzarella cheese.
  • Fresh Basil.
  • 2 tbsp olive oil.
  • 1 tbsp pesto.
  • 2 tbsp Balsamic vinegar.
  • 1 tbsp honey.
  • Salt.
  • Pepper.

Method:

  • Slice the tomatoes in equal thickness.
  • Slice mozzarella cheese in the same thickness.
  • Arrange them one on top of each other alternatively.
  • Sprinkle chopped basil leaves.
  • Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt and pepper.
  • Drizzle on top of the salad.

14. Panzanella:

This is another popular Italian salad dish that works wonderfully as a starter. Especially on a hot summer dish, this cool bowl of salad can be instantly refreshing. It is quite light and needs no cooking. You can make it dish in a jiffy without much prep work.

Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup Tomato Cubes.
  • ¼ cup Cucumber cubes.
  • ¼ cup onion cubes.
  • ½ cup mixed bell peppers.
  • Kosher Salt.
  • Pepper.
  • 3 tbsp olive oil.
  • Basil Leaves.
  • 1 tbsp Capers.
  • Vinaigrette dressing.

Method:

  • In a bowl combine all the ingredients together.
  • Toss them well and drizzle the dressing on top of it.
  • Garnish with some bread croutons.

15. Bruschetta:

This is one of the best snacks in Italian cuisine. It is made with basic ingredients like Tomatoes, bread, olive oil and cheese. If you are having an Italian themed party, this snack is a must serve on the menu. You can even add some mushrooms as topping.

Ingredients:

  • 2 ripe tomatoes.
  • 2 cloves garlic.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil.
  • 1 tbsp Vinegar.
  • 1 bunch basil leaves.
  • Salt.
  • Pepper.
  • 1 loaf fresh bread.

Method:

  • First blanch and peel the tomatoes.
  • Chop them into cubes and remove seeds.
  • Add garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, vinegar to tomato cubes.
  • Toast the bread slices.
  • Spread the mixture on top.
  • Sprinkle basil leaves and drizzle more olive oil.

Italian cuisine is one of the most flavor some cuisines in the world. It uses fresh ingredients and doesn’t need a lot of cooking. To ensure the taste of the dish, one must make sure the quality of ingredients is not compromised. Unlike other cuisines which mask the flavor with spices, Italian food is all about making the main ingredients the hero of the dish. Fresh cheese, fresh and ripe tomatoes, fresh basil and good quality olive oil is of utmost importance to Italian cuisine. We hope you liked this article and will try some of these recipes at home.

Sireesha

About Sireesha

Sireesha is a nutritionist and passionate content writer. She has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition, and Health. She helped to realize how diet and health go hand-in-hand. Her writings have now become very basic, precise, and holistic. Check out her profiles to know more.
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