12 Classic Italian Dishes That’ll Win Over Any Crowd
Italian food has a way of bringing people together—rich sauces, hearty pastas, and bold flavors that feel like a warm hug. In this roundup, we’re serving up 12 classic Italian dishes that are guaranteed crowd-pleasers, whether you’re hosting a family dinner or a casual get-together. From creamy risottos to perfectly cooked pastas, each recipe is packed with authentic flavor and comforting charm. Get ready to impress your guests with dishes that taste like they came straight from an Italian kitchen.
Pumpkin risotto
Pumpkin risotto is such a deliciously comforting meal! This version is based on traditional Italian recipes and is easy to make, filling, but not overly heavy. It’s a perfect plate of fall goodness.
Affogato – an Italian classic
f you are looking for a simple, easily prepared, crowd-pleasing dessert, look no further than this traditional Affogato Recipe. Known in Italian as Affogato al Caffe, which translates to “drowned coffee”, it is ice cream literally drowned by espresso coffee.
Easy Tiramisu Recipe
This tiramisu is so easy because it includes absolutely zero bake time! Instead, it is made with the traditional Italian tiramisu method of folding the whipped eggs into the mascarpone. This cream is then paired with coffee-soaked ladyfingers and sprinkled with cocoa powder for a decadent, simple, 15-minute dessert.
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe from Italy
This deliciously creamy, cheesy pasta dish is so beautiful in its simplicity and can be on the dinner table in 30 minutes or less. It’s an ancient Roman pasta dish that has held up over time due to its uncomplicated ingredients and naturally amazing flavor.
Traditional Italian Biscotti Recipe
Try out this Italian Biscotti Recipe that comes straight from Italy! This recipe will teach you the step-by-step perfect method for creating delicious, toasted, cozy biscotti.
Baked Eggplant Parmesan
An oven-fry method creates this crispy Baked Eggplant Parmesan that rivals any fried version. This is an easy, updated take on the classic Italian dish.
Sicilian fennel orange salad
This Sicilian fennel orange salad is incredibly simple but has a fantastic mix of sweet juiciness and savory crunch. It makes a great side salad or light lunch.
Porchetta
Porchetta is a classic Italian pork roast that’s also great in sandwiches. Left to infuse with herbs, fennel and salt overnight, the flavor is delicious, the fat crisp. So good.
Authentic Bucatini alla Carbonara
Carbonara originated in the Lazio region of Italy, where Rome is. Rome is known for it’s four pastas: carbonara, amatriciana, cacio e pepe and gricia. Of the four, carbonara is most similar to gricia. In fact, gricia is pretty much just an eggless carbonara! All four pastas are delicious and easy to make—it’s all about technique!
Pastiera napoletana (Neapolitan Easter cake/tart)
Pastiera napoletana is a lovely sweet Italian tart that’s a traditional dessert for Easter. This Neapolitan cake has a wonderfully creamy filling, thats gently aromatic with orange, and a crisp, buttery crust. A delicious treat whenever you enjoy it.
Chiacchiere (Italian carnival pastries)
Chiacchiere are wonderfully crisp, gently sweet fried pastries, traditionally enjoyed during carnival in Italy. They only need a short list of ingredients and a quick cook for flaky, crunchy deliciousness!
Beef osso buco
Osso buco is a traditional slow cooked Italian dish. You traditionally use veal shank but this beef osso buco is made in the same way with a cut you may find more easily (and cheaper). It has the same delicious meltingly tender meat and bright gremolata finish. Perfect comfort food.
