Skip to content

Top Navigation

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Healthy Recipes
  • Special Diets
  • Diabetes
  • Healthy Meal Plans
  • Healthy Eating
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Healthy Cooking
  • Shop
  • News
  • Videos
Log In Account Details

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Cooking Light Diet
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore EatingWell

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The Real Cost of Healthy Food

      Today, more Americans than ever—a staggering 50 million people—are experiencing hunger. EatingWell examines the barriers to getting healthy food and what is being done to help. Read More Next
    • 15 Easy Citrus Vinaigrettes That Will Make You Love Salad Again

      Read More Next
    • 22 Comforting Irish Recipes That Are Perfect for St. Patrick's Day

      Read More Next
  • Healthy Recipes

    Healthy Recipes

    See All Healthy Recipes
    • Healthy Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Healthy Lunch Recipes
    • Healthy Dinner Recipes
    • Healthy Snack Recipes
    • Healthy Dessert Recipes
    • Healthy Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Salad Recipes
    • Healthy Smoothie Recipes
    • Healthy Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Healthy Slow-Cooker & Crockpot Recipes
    • Healthy Kids Recipes
    • Healthy Holiday Recipes
    • Healthy Vegan Recipes
    • Healthy Vegetarian Recipes
    • Healthy Mediterranean Diet Recipes
    • Healthy Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Healthy Low-Calorie Recipes
    • Healthy Weight Loss & Diet Recipes
    • More Lifestyle Diet Recipes
    • More Health Condition Recipes
    • More Dietary Restriction Recipes
    • More Nutrient Focused Recipes
  • Special Diets

    Special Diets

    See All Special Diets
    • Clean Eating Diet Center
    • Mediterranean Diet Center
    • Low-Carb Diet Center
    • Weight Loss Center
    • Dairy-Free Diet Center
    • Gluten-Free Diet Center
    • High-Fiber Diet Center
    • Vegan Diet Center
    • Vegetarian Diet Center
    • Heart-Healthy Diet Center
    • Cholesterol Diet Center
    • Diabetes Diet Center
    • High Blood Pressure Diet Center
    • Low Sodium Diet Center
    • Healthy Aging Diet Center
    • Pregnancy Diet Center
  • Diabetes

    Diabetes

    See All Diabetes
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Diabetes Diet Center
  • Healthy Meal Plans

    Healthy Meal Plans

    See All Healthy Meal Plans
    • Meal Planning 101
    • Dinner Plans
    • Clean Eating Meal Plans
    • Mediterranean Diet Meal Plans
    • Low-Carb Meal Plans
    • Weight-Loss Meal Plans
    • Dairy-Free Meal Plans
    • Gluten-Free Meal Plans
    • High-Fiber Meal Plans
    • Vegan Meal Plans
    • Vegetarian Meal Plans
    • Heart-Healthy Meal Plans
    • Low Cholesterol Meal Plans
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Blood Pressure Meal Plans
    • Low Sodium Meal Plans
    • Anti-Aging Meal Plans
    • Pregnancy Meal Plans
    • Healthy Kids Meal Plans
    • ThePrep
  • Healthy Eating

    Healthy Eating

    See All Healthy Eating
    • Healthy Eating 101
    • Eat More Vegetables
    • 30-Day Challenges
    • Good Food Fast
    • Healthy Eating for Kids
    • Best Healthy Foods
    • Green and Sustainable Eating
    • The Beet
    • Transformed
  • Healthy Lifestyle

    Healthy Lifestyle

    See All Healthy Lifestyle
    • Wine, Beer & Spirits Guide
    • Entertaining
    • EatingWell in Real Life
    • Plant Your Plate
    • Healthy Pets
    • American Food Heroes
    • Future of Food
    • Food with Purpose
    • Obsessed
  • Healthy Cooking

    Healthy Cooking

    See All Healthy Cooking
    • Healthy Cooking How-To's
    • Ask the Test Kitchen
    • Budget Cooking Guide
    • Thrifty
    • Family Heritage Cooking
  • Shop

    Shop

    See All Shop
    • EatingWell Cookbooks & More
    • EatingWell Frozen Meals
  • News
  • Videos

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Cooking Light Diet
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home Chevron Right
  2. Healthy Recipes Chevron Right
  3. Healthy Regional Recipes Chevron Right
  4. Healthy European Recipes Chevron Right
  5. Healthy Italian Recipes Chevron Right
  6. Our Best Italian Recipes

Our Best Italian Recipes

August 27, 2019
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Whether you're dreaming of a trip to the Italian countryside or want inspiration for a delicious meal, you'll love these authentic Italian recipes. Enjoy pasta with a traditional Neopolitan puttanesca sauce or savor the flavors of Sicily with marinated olives and Eggplant Caponata. Venture to Verona for a refreshing taste of Spaghetti with Halibut & Lemon or to Puglia and Florence for delightfully fresh and simple Italian cuisine. Buon appetito!Watch Video
Start Slideshow

1 of 39

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Pasta e Fagioli

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This is the classic Italian soup recipe (pasta and beans in a tomato base), though we've reduced the sodium and swapped in whole-grain pasta. Tailor it to your taste with anchovy and crushed red pepper as desired.

1 of 39

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 39

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Easy Chicken Cacciatore

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Fresh veggies and herbs spice up this tasty one-pot chicken that's easy to prepare for company or even on a busy weeknight.

2 of 39

3 of 39

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Spaghetti with Halibut & Lemon

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this delicious and simple pasta recipe, halibut is “cooked” ceviche-style in a zesty lemon marinade then tossed with warm spaghetti. While the fish marinates, throw together a salad for an easy and healthy dinner.

3 of 39

Advertisement

4 of 39

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Spinach & Cheese Stuffed Shells

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Our stuffed shells are filled with spinach, sautéed onions and part-skim ricotta and topped with prepared marinara sauce and Parmesan cheese. The shells hold and reheat well, which makes them great for entertaining.

  • Watch Video

4 of 39

5 of 39

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Skillet Gnocchi with Chard & White Beans

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this one-skillet supper, we toss dark leafy greens, diced tomatoes and white beans with gnocchi and top it all with gooey mozzarella. Serve with a mixed green salad with vinaigrette.

  • Watch Video

5 of 39

6 of 39

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Classic Marinara Meatballs

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

You can't go wrong with these classic marinara meatballs filled with applesauce, zucchini, and green onions.

6 of 39

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 39

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Tuscan Kale & White Bean Bruschetta

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this classic Tuscan combination, kale and white beans are whirled into a spread for this easy bruschetta recipe. Serve on crostini, toss it with pasta for an appetizer, use it as a panini spread or stir the bruschetta topping into a bowl of chicken soup.

7 of 39

8 of 39

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Basic Risotto

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Slowly adding hot broth to arborio rice helps release the starch from the rice, giving risotto its characteristic silky, creamy texture. We add a splash of wine along with each addition of broth to give the dish a more pronounced wine flavor. If you'd prefer the wine to be more subtle, add the entire cup at the end of Step 2 and cook, stirring, until the liquid is absorbed, then begin adding the broth. If you prefer to omit wine, use more broth in its place.

  • Watch Video

8 of 39

9 of 39

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chicken Alfredo

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Satisfy your cravings with this rich and creamy chicken Alfredo recipe. Top with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for an unforgettable meal.

9 of 39

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 39

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Fried Winter Squash with Black Olives

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this sautéed butternut squash recipe, vinegary, caramelized onions and black olives add sweet, salty and tangy flavors. Other hard winter squashes, such as hubbard or red kuri, work nicely in this dish as well.

10 of 39

11 of 39

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Orange, Anchovy & Olive Salad

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This delightful Italian salad recipe brings together oranges, olives and anchovies. Beautiful and refreshing, this simple salad can easily be made ahead. Serve as a first course or with roasted chicken.

11 of 39

12 of 39

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Red Wine Braised Mushroom Sauce

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Simple sautéed mushrooms are made sumptuous with the addition of red wine and rich mushroom or beef broth in this easy mushroom sauce recipe. Serve with steak or stir in a little sour cream and serve over egg noodles for a meat-free mushroom Stroganoff.

12 of 39

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 39

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Sicilian Eggplant Caponata

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this eggplant caponata recipe, the traditional eggplant and tomato combination is spiked with olives, capers and chile peppers. Serve with crostini as an appetizer or as a topping for chicken or fish.

13 of 39

14 of 39

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Baked Vegetable Soup

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Originally prepared in the wood-burning hearths of Italian homes, this peasant-style healthy vegetable soup recipe is simple to make in a modern oven. Brimming with artichokes, mushrooms, zucchini and leeks, this easy soup heats up the house as it becomes the perfect warming meal.

14 of 39

15 of 39

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Bread & Tomato Soup

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This healthy tomato soup recipe is a blend of two Tuscan classics, pappa al pomodoro (a hearty bread-thickened tomato soup) and acquacotta (which translates as “cooked water,” and is a soup made with tomatoes, greens and a poached egg, served over bread). This easy vegetable soup is the perfect light supper for those first cool evenings of fall.

15 of 39

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 39

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Fish Stew with Olives, Capers & Potatoes

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The olive, caper and tomato-based sauce in this healthy fish stew recipe gives this very traditional Italian dish tons of flavor. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.

16 of 39

17 of 39

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Cartwheel Pasta with Peppers & Onions

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This simple pasta recipe is one of the best ways to enjoy sweet bell peppers. The pasta sauce--red peppers stewed with caramelized onions and tomatoes--is tossed with wagon-wheel pasta for an easy and filling pasta dinner.

17 of 39

18 of 39

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Fusilli with Yellow Squash & Grape Tomatoes

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

For this healthy and quick pasta recipe, corkscrew-shaped pasta, fusilli, is tossed with silky sautéed summer squash, ripe red tomatoes and fresh thyme. Serve with a green salad with vinaigrette and crusty whole-grain bread.

18 of 39

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 39

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Stuffed Eggplant

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this Italian stuffed eggplant recipe, fresh breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese and parsley make a simple, yet delicious filling for an “inside-out” eggplant Parmesan. Serve these stuffed eggplants as a light dinner along with a big salad.

19 of 39

20 of 39

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Macaroni with Sausage & Ricotta

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A bit of sausage goes a long way in flavoring the creamy ricotta tomato sauce in this healthy and quick pasta recipe. Serve with a green salad and crusty Italian bread.

20 of 39

21 of 39

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this classic Italian pasta recipe, anchovies are mashed into olive oil to add amazing depth to the garlicky sauce. If broccoli rabe is too bitter, you can use broccolini or broccoli in its place.

21 of 39

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 39

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Dario's Florentine Steak

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

While the cooking method for this steak recipe means standing it up on the “T,” celebrity Florentine butcher Dario Cecchini guarantees it yields truly juicy results. It's important to get a T-bone steak that's 1 1/2 inches thick or it won't stand on its end on the grill, as instructed. Ask your butcher to cut one to order for you.

22 of 39

23 of 39

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Stuffed Fresh Sardines

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this stuffed sardine recipe, fresh sardines get a cheesy filling before being cooked in olive oil. Serve as a first course or with a salad for an easy supper.

23 of 39

24 of 39

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Bucatini alla Puttanesca

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This classic Italian pasta recipe for bucatini (spaghetti with a hole in the center) with a flavorful tomato sauce, seasoned with olives, anchovy, oregano and capers, comes together in just 30 minutes. Puttanesca was named after the “ladies of the night” who, according to legend, cooked it to seduce their clients. Serve atop sautéed chicken cutlets with a simple tossed salad for a restaurant-worthy meal.

24 of 39

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 39

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

EatingWell's Eggplant Parmesan

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This lighter take on eggplant parmesan maintains all the flavors of the classic dish but is baked instead of fried. There are also 11 grams of filling protein in this hearty vegetarian side dish.

  • Watch Video

25 of 39

26 of 39

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Almond Cookies

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The Italian name of these almond cookies, Brutti-Buoni, roughly translates to “ugly but good.” These delicious cookies are traditionally dropped directly on a cookie sheet, but shaping them as directed here gives a more elegant look. Enjoy them for dessert with an espresso.

26 of 39

27 of 39

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Mascarpone-Stuffed Figs

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A creamy, honey-scented mascarpone filling makes this fresh fig recipe luxurious, yet still lets the fruit be the star. Serve these pretty stuffed figs to top off a special meal.

27 of 39

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 39

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chestnut Bread

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This authentic Tuscan chestnut bread recipe, castagnaccio--not exactly bread and not sweet enough to be considered cake--is in a category by itself. Serve this Italian delicacy on a cheese platter or as part of an antipasti spread.

28 of 39

29 of 39

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Puglian-Style Paella

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this Italian paella recipe, potatoes and other vegetables are layered with mussels and rice and baked in a casserole dish. Be sure to cover the rice completely with vegetables to ensure it cooks properly.

29 of 39

30 of 39

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Italian Hazelnut Cookies

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These crispy cookies are made with Piedmontese staples--hazelnuts and eggs--and called Brutti Ma Buoni: literally, “Ugly But Good.” But they are really more plain-looking than “ugly,” and pack a powerful, sweet, nutty burst of flavor, making them welcome at any table.

30 of 39

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 39

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Grissini

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Long, crispy, thin breadsticks like these grissini are laid right on the tablecloth at many Piedmontese restaurants.

31 of 39

32 of 39

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Tuna-Stuffed Peppers

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These tuna-stuffed peppers are ubiquitous in delis all over Susa, Italy.

32 of 39

33 of 39

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Red-Wine Risotto

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Rich, red-wine-infused risotto is served as a first course or side dish all over Northern Italy. The type of wine used varies according to region. In Piedmont, a local Barbera or Barbaresco is the wine of choice. Any dry red wine that's good enough to drink can be used in its place.

33 of 39

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

34 of 39

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Hunter's Chicken Stew

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Hunter's Chicken is found across Northern Italy, with many variations. This version uses meaty bone-in chicken thighs and is full of onions, mushrooms and tomatoes. It's also delicious served over egg noodles.

34 of 39

35 of 39

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Broccoli Rabe with Garlic & Anchovies

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Pungent broccoli rabe (or broccoli rape, broccoli raab or rapini) is tossed with a rich mixture of garlic, olive oil and anchovies in this easy side dish.

35 of 39

36 of 39

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Socca