Italian Night Recipe Ideas

Italian Night Recipe Ideas

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I enjoy making Italian recipes and sharing them with my family–usually with a salad and a nice bottle of wine. And did you know that here in United States, we celebrate Italian-American Heritage Month in October? But for me, every month is a great time to enjoy Italian food! Here are a few Italian Night Recipe Ideas to serve to your family.

Serving Fettuccine with Truffle Sauce on Villa Della Luna Plates by Pfaltzgraff

(Post modified on 4/12/23.)

Did you know that a Traditional Italian dinner might consist of six courses that would last over 2 hours? This type of meal is more like an event–perhaps on a Sunday afternoon with family and friends and plan for plenty of visiting in-between courses. Because there are so many courses, the portions are smaller than what we might see in the U.S.  If you would like to learn more about a Traditional Italian dinner, see this POST about a dinner I made for our family that had six courses!

 

Let’s Begin with Italian Appetizers

Every Italian meal begins with some type of Antipasto to whet your appetite. This can be as simple as a tray of cheese with salami and olives. Below are a few more ideas that would work as well.

 

Mozzarella Cheese Sticks – These cheese sticks are simply fabulous and a great start to your Italian dinner. Fried in a seasoned bread coating with oozy mozzarella cheese. Oh yes, please.

Mozzarella Cheese Sticks
Here's a delicious recipe to try. It takes a little bit of time, and can be messy, but believe me, these cheese sticks rival any you'll eat at a restaurant. So good!
Check out this recipe
Recipe for Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

 

 

Homemade Toasted Ravioli – When we were in St. Louis one weekend, we tried our first toasted ravioli and were amazed at the wonderful flavor. If you’ve never tried these little jewels, please give this recipe a try! I think you will be very pleased, as will your guests for the evening!

Homemade Toasted Ravioli
As you may know already, I enjoy making Italian food. Here's a new recipe I made after tasting my first Toasted Ravioli in St. Louis one spring. Enjoy!
Check out this recipe
Featured Image - Recipe for Homemade Toasted Ravioli

 

 

Baked Gruyere Cheese Dip is especially good served with a toasted hard bread such as my Tangy Sourdough Bread or with freshly sliced apples or pears.

Baked Gruyere Cheese Dip
Here's a delicious recipe I tried for a Wine and Cheese Tasting Party I had with hubby. Of all the dishes I experimented with that evening, we both liked this one best. Enjoy!
Check out this recipe
Recipe for Baked Gruyere Cheese Dip

 

 

The Bread Basket

Italians serve bread during the meal, usually some type of breadstick or rustic bread that you break off, or even flatbread. Americans would probably serve a green salad or soup with the bread.

 

Cheesy Bread Sticks – Everyone loves when I serve these cheesy bread sticks. Soft and perfectly seasoned with herbs and garlic, they go perfectly with any saucy main dishes. 

Cheesy Bread Sticks
Here's a recipe I serve our family when we want a little something special to go with spaghetti or lasagna. Enjoy!
Check out this recipe
Recipe for Cheesy Bread Sticks

 

 

Soft Breadsticks – Everyone loves breadsticks, whether they are loaded with cheese or buttered with garlic and herbs. These soft breadsticks again go well with any saucy main dishes. 

Soft Breadsticks
Here is a quick and easy recipe for delicious breadsticks to serve with just about any Italian dish, such as Spaghetti and Meatballs or Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup.
Check out this recipe
Recipe for Soft Featured Image - Breadsticks

 

 

Rustic Sourdough Baguettes are so delicious. Our family loves when I make them. Hard and crusty on the outside, chewy on the inside, and just the right taste of tangy sourness.

Rustic Sourdough Baguettes
Oh my goodness! This is the best recipe for Sourdough Baguettes--hard and crusty on the outside, chewy on the inside, and just the right taste of tangy sourness.
Check out this recipe
Featured Image - Rustic Sourdough Baguettes

 

 

Sourdough Olive Flatbread is loaded with lots of flavor from the sourdough, olives, and herbs. Plus it’s crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside.

Sourdough Olive Flatbread
Here's a delicious recipe for when you want something extra special. Serve with a salad, grilled pork, chicken, or steamed shrimp.
Check out this recipe
Recipe for Sourdough Olive Flatbread

 

 

Soups and Side Dishes

Classic Minestrone Soup is one of my favorite potluck dinners to take to church. It makes a lot, plus it’s perfect for my Tangy Sourdough Bread, which also makes enough to feed a large group. 

Classic Minestrone Soup
Here's a yummy soup recipe when you'd like something with an Italian flare. Serve with Tangy Sourdough Bread or Sourdough Baguettes.
Check out this recipe
Recipe for Classic Minestrone Soup

 

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is so delicious. Serve this creamy soup with a hard, crusty bread for a drool-worthy, but simple dinner fit for your most honored guests.

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is so delicious. Seared pieces of chicken breast cooked in an aromatic buttery base of vegetables, then finished off with light cream, homemade potato gnocchi, and a sprinkling of fresh spinach.
Check out this recipe
Recipe for Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

 

Butternut Squash Risotto with Saffron is a new favorite. Creamy risotto with tender roasted butternut squash, flavored with the subtle essence of savory saffron. A perfect side dish for autumn, served with your favorite chicken or pork recipes.

Butternut Squash Risotto with Saffron
Butternut Squash Risotto with Saffron is a new favorite dish. Creamy risotto with tender roasted butternut squash, flavored with the subtle essence of savory saffron. A perfect side dish for autumn, served with your favorite chicken or pork recipes.
Check out this recipe
Recipe for Butternut Squash Risotto with Saffron

 

Asparagus and Mushroom Risotto is well worth trying! Creamy, satiny rice with bits of asparagus and mushrooms. You’ll feel like you’ve attained a great achievement!

Asparagus and Mushroom Risotto
With just a little time and attention, this Asparagus and Mushroom Risotto is well worth trying! Creamy, satiny rice with bits of asparagus and mushrooms. You’ll feel like you’ve attained a great achievement!
Check out this recipe
Recipe for Asparagus and Mushroom Risotto

 

I’ve recently become a fan of homemade gnocchi and this Skillet Gnocchi and Brussels Sprouts is so easy and delicious to make, you’ll be coming up with all kinds of meals to serve it with!

Skillet Gnocchi and Brussels Sprouts
I’ve recently become a fan of homemade Gnocchi and this Skillet Gnocchi and Brussels Sprouts is so easy and delicious to make, you’ll be coming up with all kinds of meals to serve it with!
Check out this recipe
Featured Image - Recipe for Skillet Gnocchi and Brussels Sprouts

 

 

 

 

Choosing an Italian Main Entree

Here in America, we often combine our main entree with pasta and vegetables. Sausage is very popular as is chicken. In Italy the portions are probably much smaller and have less meat, but don’t expect that in the US.  I remember the first time I ate at an authentic Italian restaurant in Chicago. They served us huge family-style portions. And it was fabulous.

You can make any one of these dishes to enjoy in your own home, which will also be truly fabulous!

 

 

Pasta and Italian Sausage Dishes

Baked Five-Cheese Ravioli – My husband loves when I make homemade ravioli. It’s one of his favorite dishes. This casserole is loaded with lots of yummy red sauce and my little cheesy jewels. 

Baked Five-Cheese Ravioli
Baked Five-Cheese Ravioli is my husband's favorite meal made with fresh pasta. I call these ravioli our little treasures as they are filled with five different cheeses and seasonings. Oh my! So Good!
Check out this recipe
Recipe for Baked Five-Cheese Ravioli

 

 

Ragu Bolognese with Homemade Pappardelle – Ragu is one of most traditional Italian dishes. This recipe is simmered low and slow on the stove and then served over a bed of thickly sliced homemade pappardelle. So good. One of my favorite Italian comfort foods.

Ragu Bolognese with Homemade Pappardelle
I love trying new recipes especially classic Italian and French dishes. Here's my take on Ragu Bolognese with Homemade Pappardelle. This dish simmers on the stove for hours, cooking down to a dense, flavor-intense sauce, that's simply wonderful. Comfort Food, Italian-style.
Check out this recipe
Recipe for Ragu Bolognese with Homemade Pappardelle

 

 

Our family loves Italian food, especially when I make my homemade Spaghetti Sauce and Mighty Meatballs. The sauce cooks long and slow and fills the kitchen with such a delightful aroma it makes everyone hungry.

Spaghetti Sauce and Mighty Meatballs
This recipe is my go-to recipe when I make Spaghetti and Meatballs for our family. It serves ten people and our grandchildren love the Huge, Mighty Meatballs.
Check out this recipe
Serving Spaghetti Sauce and Mighty Meatballs with Fresh Parmesan

 

 

Bow Tie Pasta with Sausage – This recipe was probably the first Italian dish I made using fresh herbs and seasonings. My eyes were opened to the possibilities and I never turned back. This is a simple dish to make and great for weeknight dinners. 

Bow Tie Pasta with Sausage
Here's a delicious recipe to serve with French Bread or Sourdough. A great weeknight dinner idea!
Check out this recipe
Featured Image - Bow Tie Pasta with Sausage

 

Homemade Lasagna with Ricotta Cheese – Our family loves lasagna and this is a made with homemade lasagna noodles, meat sauce, and lots of cheese. So yummy. Plus it feeds a large family. Serve this up with a nice salad and a hard, crusty bread, and you have a winner for dinner!

Homemade Lasagna with Ricotta Cheese
Here is a delicious recipe when you want to serve your family something special.
Check out this recipe
Recipe for Homemade Lasagna with Ricotta Cheese

 

 

Italian Meatloaf with Mozzarella – This Italian Meatloaf is loaded with herbs and spices along with chunks of fresh mozzarella. Serve this dish with your favorite marinara sauce. This is another winning recipe at our house. 

Italian Meatloaf with Mozzarella
Our family loves Italian Meatloaf with Mozzarella so much, it's requested on a regular basis and ranks right up there with grilled steaks. It's much more than your average meatloaf, loaded with herbs and cheese and topped with a homemade marinara sauce. 
Check out this recipe
Recipe for Italian Meatloaf with Mozzarella

 

 

Pasta and Chicken Dishes

Chicken Parmesan with Linguine – This dish was one of the first Italian meals that I made. It’s still one of our favorites, with thin servings of chicken in a red sauce and topped with lots of mozzarella. Then served over a bed of homemade linguine. Yum!

Chicken Parmesan with Linguine
Chicken Parmesan with Linguine was one of the first "Italian" dishes that I learned to make. Crispy Chicken with a tantalizing tomato herb sauce and loaded with mozzarella.
Check out this recipe
Featured Image - Recipe for Chicken Parmesan with Linguine

 

 

Creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo – When I first started making Chicken Alfredo, I used Bertolli Alfredo Sauce. And then I made the alfredo sauce from scratch. Which was amazingly simple. And so very delicious. I encourage you…no, I challenge you to try making your own. I think you’ll love it. Add in some frozen cauliflower and broccoli for a little color and some added vegetables. So good. 

Creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
Here's a recipe using homemade Fettuccine and Alfredo sauce that is simply delicious. I hope you will enjoy it!
Check out this recipe
Recipe for Creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

 

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe hits the spot with butter, garlic, and heavy cream, plus Parmesan cheese. So, yummy. And perfect for a weeknight dinner. I like to serve it with mashed potatoes for a true comfort food dinner.

Creamy Garlic Chicken
Some nights I just want something creamy and easy for supper. This Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe hits the spot with butter, garlic, and heavy cream, plus Parmesan cheese. So, yummy.
Check out this recipe
Recipe for Creamy Garlic Chicken

 

Italians Love Pizza – Americans Do Too!

Pizza, pizza, pizza. Americans love pizza. They tend to load their pizza with a bit more toppings than our Italian friends across the water, such as the Chicago Style Stuffed Pizza below.

 

Here’s my take on Chicago-Style Stuffed Pizza, a wonderful dish we ate at a family-owned pizzeria in Gunnison, Colorado called Mario’s Pizza. The trick here is lots of layers, and lots of cheese!

Chicago-Style Stuffed Pizza
Here’s my take on Chicago-Style Stuffed Pizza, loaded with three types of meat, a mix of vegetables, and lots of cheese, stuffed between two flavorful crusts. This pizza is massive and perfect for a large family gathering. 
Check out this recipe
Featured Image - Recipe for Chicago-Style Stuffed Pizza

 

 

Classic Italian Stromboli is made with a homemade pizza crust and then loaded with Canadian bacon, pepperoni, onions, green bell peppers, black olives, and plenty of cheese. It’s seasoned with a creamy Italian dressing that easily leaves you wanting another piece. 

Classic Italian Stromboli
Here's a recipe I've worked long and hard on to get "just" right. I'm happy to report that this one pleased our family perfectly.
Check out this recipe
Featured Image - Classic Italian Stromboli

 

 

Thin and Crispy Pizza – If we include a recipe for Stromboli, we have to include one for Thin and Crispy Pizza. A staple at our house. The secret to this crust is 00 Italian Flour, which you can purchase online, and which is worth every penny! 

Thin and Crispy Pizza
Here's one of the best cracker thin pizza crusts that I've tried. The secret is in the flour. Love it, love it, love it! Make some tonight!
Check out this recipe
Featured Image - Thin and Crispy Pizza

 

Time for Dessert

Italians like to end their meals with a light dessert and a cup of espresso. This could be as simple as a cookie, fruit and cheese, or maybe a dish of frozen gelato. The serving of espresso helps aid digestion after a big meal. Here in America, as I’m sure you can guess, desserts tend to be a bit larger. Think Cheesecake or a Rustic Crostata. Here are a few ideas to tempt you.

 

Tiramisu with Cream Cheese is a delicious recipe to try the next time you serve an Italian dinner for your family! Filled with coffee-flavored custard cream and freshly whipped cream layered between ladyfinger cookies and topped with a heavy sprinkling of baking cocoa. So yummy.

Tiramisu with Cream Cheese
This delicious and "nearly" classic recipe for Tiramisu is made with cream cheese instead of mascarpone, which sometimes is hard to find in our area.
Check out this recipe
Recipe for Tiramisu with Cream Cheese

 

 

Ricotta Cheesecake with Apple Topping – Ricotta Cheesecake is so easy to make–compared to the traditional baked cheesecake. It’s light and airy, and so very delicious. We love this fall version of this dessert with added apple topping, English walnuts, and caramel sauce.

Ricotta Cheesecake with Apple Topping
Here's a delicious recipe for cheesecake made out of ricotta. It uses my base recipe for Italian Cheesecake, but is perfect for fall with it's apple topping, walnuts and caramel drizzle.
Check out this recipe
Recipe for Ricotta Cheesecake with Apple Topping

 

 

Hazelnut Chocolate Espresso Gelato is one of my favorite Italian desserts. So creamy and delicious. Flavored with hazelnut chocolate and a touch of espresso. It’s so much better than anything you can buy in the store.

Hazelnut Chocolate Espresso Gelato
This recipe for Hazelnut Chocolate Espresso Gelato is one of my favorite frozen desserts. So creamy and delicious. Flavored with hazelnut chocolate and a touch of espresso. It’s so much better than anything you can buy in the store.
Check out this recipe
Recipe for Hazelnut Chocolate Espresso Gelato

 

 

The first time I tasted a Pizzelle, I fell in love with the light, crispy cookie. They have a lovely design, practically melt in your mouth, and are perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.

Crispy Italian Pizzelle Cookies
Here's a recipe for Italian Sugar Cookies that are round, thin, and flat and made with a special Pizzelle iron (kind of like a waffle iron). Perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.
Check out this recipe
Recipe for Crispy Italian Pizzelle Cookies

 

 

I would be remiss if I failed to include chocolate in this list of desserts.  Double Chocolate Biscotti with Almonds is delicious and earned a thumbs up from my family. Perfect as a simple dessert after a yummy meal.

Double Chocolate Biscotti with Almonds
I'm a huge fan of biscotti and always thought it would be too difficult to make, but it's so easy! Here's a delicious recipe that earned a "double" thumbs up from my family.
Check out this recipe
Recipe for Double Chocolate Biscotti with Almonds

 

 

Homemade Cannoli with Creamy Ricotta – Cannoli, cannoli, cannoli. These delicious Italian treats are worth every little effort to make. First you make the fried shell, decorate them in chocolate and chopped pistachios. Then you fill them with this amazing creamy ricotta filling. This recipe makes 16 but they will be gone before you can say Cannnoli, Cannoli, Cannoli! 

Homemade Cannoli with Creamy Ricotta
I love learning about and trying new Italian recipes. Homemade Cannoli with Creamy Ricotta is a delicious dessert that has just the right amount of sweetness. Plus chocolate and pistachios! Our family loves them.
Check out this recipe
Recipe for Homemade Cannoli with Creamy Ricotta

 

I hope you have enjoyed this post on some of my favorite Italian-style recipes. See even more Italian Night Recipe Ideas HERE. Browse Entertaining Ideas Here. 

 

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