Get the rustic, hearty taste of central Italy with these easy Tuscan recipes. Think hearty soups, simple pastas and lots of cannellini beans.
42 Super Simple Tuscan Recipes
Updated on Dec. 01, 2023
1/42
One-Pan Tuscan Ravioli
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sometimes I use chickpeas instead of cannellini beans, grated Asiago or Provolone instead of Parmesan, and all zucchini if I don’t have eggplant. Very flexible! —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 376 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 1096mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 8g fiber), 16g protein.
2/42
Roasted Asparagus and Tomatoes
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This dish is especially wonderful when locally grown asparagus is in season. It's so easy for celebrations because you can serve it hot or cold. —Jannine Fisk, Malden, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 95 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 294mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
3/42
Tuscan Grapes and Sausages
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings.
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 498 calories, 36g fat (15g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 799mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.
4/42
Tuscan Cauliflower Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
A classic Tuscan soup has lots of potatoes, but I make mine the low-carb way with cauliflower. Turns out, it has a heartier flavor. —Heather Bewley, Bemidji, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 358 calories, 30g fat (14g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 941mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 17g protein.
5/42
Tiramisu
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tiramisu is Italian for pick-me-up, and this one is definitely true to its name! My version of the classic Tuscan trifle has both coffee and espresso for layers of java flavor. —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 280 calories, 21g fat (11g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 115mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
6/42
Tuscan-Style Chicken
Total Time
6 hours 25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I found this Italian-style chicken recipe in a magazine and tweaked it to my family's tastes. I have taken it to potlucks and served it at dinner parties and no one ever guesses that it's made in the slow cooker. I serve this chicken entree with crusty bread and spinach salad with lemon vinaigrette. —Mary Watkins, Little Elm, Texas
7/42
White Bean Arugula Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My red, white and green salad is inspired by the Italian flag. Top it with shaved Parmesan. —Malia Estes, Allston, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 340 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 915mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 9g fiber), 15g protein.
8/42
Marinated Almond-Stuffed Olives
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Marinated stuffed olives go over so well with company that I try to keep a batch of them in the fridge at all times. —Larissa Delk, Columbia, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 78 calories, 7g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 455mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
9/42
Tuscan Fish Packets
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband does a lot of fishing, so I'm always looking for different ways to serve his catches. A professional chef was kind enough to share this recipe with me, and I played around with some different veggie combinations until I found the one my family liked best. —Kathy Morrow, Hubbard, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 270 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 658mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 7g fiber), 38g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
10/42
Spumoni Torte
Total Time
55 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I made up this recipe to end a big Italian Christmas Eve dinner. I thought it would be nice and light after a heavy meal. The cake frosts the best when it's been stored in the freezer for a day. —Lynne Ogg, East Bethel, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 307 calories, 24g fat (10g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 145mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
11/42
Artichoke Chicken
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Rosemary, mushrooms and artichokes combine to give chicken a wonderful savory flavor. I've served this dish for a large group by doubling the recipe. It's always a big hit with everyone—especially my family! —Ruth Stenson, Santa Ana, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 235 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 773mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein.
12/42
Authentic Pasta Carbonara
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I learned on my culinary internship in Tuscany that real Italian cuisine is simpler than you think! This carbonara is quick, simple and delicious, just the way they like it in Italy. —Lauren Brien-Wooster, South Lake Tahoe, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 353 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 326mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.
13/42
Tuscan Pork Stew
Total Time
8 hours 45 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Tender chunks of pork slowly cook in a nicely seasoned, wine-infused sauce. Add some crushed red pepper flakes to this pork stew for a little extra kick.—Penny Hawkins, Mebane, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 235 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 548mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 0.500 fat.
14/42
Green Bean Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings (3/4 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Serve up those green beans in a whole new way–with a green bean salad recipe! The tangy flavors and crunch of these balsamic green beans complement any special meal or holiday potluck. —Megan Spencer, Farmington Hills, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 77 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 112mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
15/42
Quick Italian Veggie Skillet
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When you don’t know what to serve, Italian flavors are a good starting point. We combine cannellini and garbanzo beans for this snappy rice dish. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 342 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 660mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 11g fiber), 16g protein.
16/42
Sue’s Spicy Tomato Basil Tortellini
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend remarked about a similar baked tortellini dish at a restaurant, so I wanted to try re-creating it for her at home. My stovetop version makes it weeknight easy. —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 488 calories, 31g fat (17g saturated fat), 126mg cholesterol, 575mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
17/42
Tuscan Truffles
Total Time
25 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
For holiday potlucks, I make an appetizer truffle out of prosciutto, figs and toasted pine nuts. Mascarpone and goat cheese make them melt-in-your-mouth creamy. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 80 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 90mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
18/42
White Bean Soup with Escarole
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Pantry staples make this healthy soup oh, so simple to prepare. When I can't find escarole, I use fresh spinach. Just add to the soup pot moments before serving. —Gina Samokar, North Haven, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup soup with 1-1/2 teaspoons cheese: 174 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 572mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 8g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
19/42
Garden Bounty Panzanella Salad
Total Time
35 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My sister gave me fresh tomatoes and basil, so I made a bread salad known as Panzanella. The longer it sits, the more the bread soaks up the seasonings. —Jannine Fisk, Malden, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 131 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 310mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
20/42
Tuscan Sun-Dried Tomato Spread
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
1-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This jam has a robust flavor that complements anything it's served with. The taste and texture make it a yummy substitute for tomato paste.—Barbie Miller, Oakdale, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 55 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 164mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
21/42
Sausage Asparagus Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love asparagus, so I look for ways to go green. This pasta dish comes together fast on hectic nights and makes wonderful leftovers. —Carol Suto, Liverpool, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 247 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 441mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
22/42
Italian Apricot-Pancetta Strata
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For me, the combination of sweet and savory along with easy preparation make this Italian-inspired strata a winning dish for home cooks everywhere! It can be served for breakfast, brunch, or as a late afternoon meal.—Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 440 calories, 30g fat (15g saturated fat), 165mg cholesterol, 514mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein.
23/42
Tuscan Sausage & Bean Dip
Total Time
45 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a spinoff of a Mexican dip I had once. The original was wicked good, but since I was going through an "I’m-so-over-Mexican-dip" phase, I decided to switch it up. Take it to a party—I'll bet you no one else will bring anything like it! —Mandy Rivers, Lexington, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 200 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 434mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
24/42
Cherry Tomato Mozzarella Saute
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This side dish is full of flavor and so quick to put together. The cherry tomatoes and mozzarella are perfect alongside almost any main dish you can think of. —Summer Jones, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 127 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 194mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
25/42
Mascarpone-Mushroom Frittata Stack
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I bring this delicious egg dish to the table, I always get oohs and aahs! It looks impressive but is quite easy to prepare.—Gilda Lester, Millsboro, Delaware
Nutrition Facts:
1 wedge: 468 calories, 44g fat (18g saturated fat), 357mg cholesterol, 882mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 17g protein.
26/42
Penne with Tomatoes & White Beans
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I learned how to make this dish from friends in Genoa, Italy, where they're known for creating tasty combinations of veggies, pasta and beans. You can sub feta cheese to give this a Greek twist. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup tomato mixture with 1 cup pasta and 2 tablespoons cheese: 491 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 1505mg sodium, 77g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 9g fiber), 19g protein.
27/42
Tuscan Turkey Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Ladle up this quick, creamy soup chock-full of leftover turkey, pumpkin and beans to your hungry family and friends. It's fabulous! —Marie McConnell, Shelbyville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 167 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 549mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
28/42
Lemon Rosemary Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This baked rosemary chicken with a tangy lemon sauce is my husband's favorite, and my sister always wants it for her birthday dinner. —Laurel Dalzell, Manteca, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 1 tablespoon sauce: 252 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 93mg cholesterol, 355mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein.
29/42
Spinach Tortellini Soup
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
A simple tomato-enhanced broth is perfect for cheese tortellini and fresh spinach. Increase the garlic and add Italian seasoning to suit your taste. —Debbie Wilson, Burlington, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 164 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 799mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
30/42
Feta-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband adores mushrooms, and portobello mushrooms have loads of room for stuffing with feta cheese and pesto. Plan on one mushroom per person. —Amy Martell, Canton, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed mushroom: 273 calories, 22g fat (5g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 783mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 9g protein.
31/42
Tortellini with Asparagus & Lemon
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a terrific warm-weather dish, loaded with fresh flavors. I make mine meatless, but some sliced grilled chicken on top would be awesome, too. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 594 calories, 28g fat (15g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 843mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 24g protein.
32/42
Tuscan Chicken and Beans
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Rosemary and beans make a nice rustic Italian meal in this flavorful dish. —Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 216 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 517mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch.
33/42
Italian Shredded Pork Stew
Total Time
8 hours 20 min
Servings
9 servings (about 3-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Need a warm meal for a chilly night? Throw together this slow-cooked stew that’s brightened with fresh sweet potatoes, kale and Italian seasoning. The shredded pork is so tender, you’re going to want to make this dish all season long. —Robin Jungers, Campbellsport, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 283 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 860mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein.
34/42
Tuscan Chicken
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy, rich chicken dish is special enough to serve to company. Even better, it comes together in only 45 minutes. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 1/2 cup sauce: 591 calories, 41g fat (21g saturated fat), 187mg cholesterol, 857mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 43g protein.
35/42
Tomato & Garlic Butter Bean Dinner
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
On the days I get home late and just want a warm meal, I stir together tomatoes, garlic and butter beans. Ladle it over noodles if you're in the mood for pasta. —Jessica Meyers, Austin, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups (calculated without pasta and cheese): 147 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 353mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 9g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
36/42
Italian Bread
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2 loaves (12 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
I think Mom used to bake at least four of these tender loaves at once, and they never lasted long. She served the bread with every Italian meal. I love it toasted too. —Linda Harrington, Windham, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 106 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 197mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
37/42
Creamy Spinach & Rigatoni Bake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Macaroni and cheese is one of the ultimate comfort foods. My recipe gives it an Italian twist. —Tammy Rex, New Tripoli, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 643 calories, 35g fat (20g saturated fat), 99mg cholesterol, 1438mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 28g protein.
38/42
Tuscan Artichoke & Spinach Strudel
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Strudels originated in Austria and often boast sweet flavors. This one is savory with Tuscan influences of tomatoes, mushrooms and pesto. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 353 calories, 23g fat (7g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 616mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 15g protein.
39/42
Rustic Summer Vegetable Pasta
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My veggie pasta proves you can’t have too much of a good thing. Feel free to change it up with whatever fresh veggies are in the garden or farmers market. —Bryn Namavari, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 315 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 445mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 8g fiber), 15g protein.
40/42
Panzanella Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings (1 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
We take classic panzanella ingredients like ripe tomatoes, peppers and olives and toss them with hot noodles for a hearty pasta dish. My kids especially like the crunchy croutons. —Ashley Pierce, Brantford, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 297 calories, 18g fat (5g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 739mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
41/42
Orzo with Spinach
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This side dish brings instant comfort. I first made it without spinach so my husband and daughter would like it. The next time, I added spinach for the extra health benefits. They still devoured it, so in my book that's a win-win. —Dawn Moore, Warren, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 271 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 422mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 9g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
42/42
Pork Chop Cacciatore
Total Time
4 hours 30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It’s hard to believe the wonderful flavor of these tender chops could come from such an easy recipe! Our taste panel loved it. Pair with noodles and a simple green salad, and dinner’s served. Tracy Hiatt Grice - Somerset, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 3/4 cup noodles and 1/2 cup sauce : 371 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 458mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
