These must-try Italian side dishes are essential for when you want to bring a taste of Italy to your dinner table.
24 Italian Side Dishes to Make Tonight
Updated on Feb. 10, 2022
1/24
Garlic Bread
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Ever wonder how to make garlic bread? This homemade garlic bread is the answer! Minced fresh garlic is key to these flavor-packed crusty slices, which our big family would snap up before they even had a chance to cool. —Grace Yaskovic, Branchville, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 258 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 433mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
2/24
Italian Mushrooms
Total Time
4 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Only four ingredients create a rich and flavorful side dish that goes well with beef and mashed potatoes. —Kim Reichert, Fargo, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 99 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 281mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
3/24
Spinach-Parm Casserole
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For those who ignore Popeye and won’t eat their spinach, I find that spinach with garlicky butter and Parmesan helps change their minds. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 239 calories, 21g fat (9g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 703mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein.
4/24
Pumpkin Gnocchi in Sage Butter
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a delicious autumn spin on an Italian classic, try this hearty, seasonal gnocchi. Sage and garlic butter sauce complements the pumpkin wonderfully. —Donna Mosca Kahler, Jupiter, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 394 calories, 23g fat (14g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 312mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 6g protein.
5/24
Sausage-Stuffed Zucchini
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've always had to be creative when getting my family to eat vegetables, so I decided to make stuffed zucchini using the pizza flavors that everyone loves. It worked! We like to include sausage for a main dish but it could be a meatless side too. —Donna Marie Ryan, Topsfield, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
2 stuffed zucchini halves: 206 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 485mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
6/24
Italian Meatball Buns
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These soft little rolls come with a pleasant surprise inside—savory Italian meatballs. The apps are wonderful dipped in marinara sauce, which makes them fun for my grandkids—and adults too. I love how easy they are to put together. —Trina Linder-Mobley, Clover, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 bun with 1 tablespoon sauce: 98 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 253mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
7/24
Italian Zucchini Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Compliments crop up as fast as vines when folks sample this zucchini casserole. Even those who generally don't like zucchini find they enjoy it in this savory side dish. —Kimberly Speta, Kennedy, New York
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 174 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 576mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
8/24
White Beans and Spinach
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This skillet side is a variation of a recipe I received from my Italian mother. I've prepared spinach this way for years—because my children eat it happily! —Lucia Johnson, Massena, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 116 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 561mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 7g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch.
9/24
Linguine with Fresh Tomatoes
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This garlic and basil linguine is a perfect way to use up your late-summer tomato harvest. It makes a great light supper when paired with a salad, or you can make it heartier with some chopped chicken. —Susan Jones, Downers Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 233 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 567mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
10/24
Stuffed Mushrooms
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
At party time, I bring out a platter of my easy stuffed mushrooms. I like to make mine with reduced-fat sausage, but you can use regular for an indulgent treat. —Debby Beard, Eagle, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 79 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 167mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
11/24
Two-Bean Tomato Bake
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Parmesan cheese, basil and garlic spice up this mouthwatering medley of beans, mushrooms, onion and tomatoes. It's even more flavorful when you use your garden harvest. We love the cheesy crumb topping because it adds a fantastic crunch.—Dorothy Rieke, Julian, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 124 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 283mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
12/24
Parmesan Risotto
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Risotto is a creamy Italian rice dish. In this version, the rice is briefly sauteed, then slowly cooked in wine and seasonings. Watch for that magic moment when the risotto transforms from just rice in liquid to creamy, tender deliciousness. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 260 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 728mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
13/24
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.
14/24
Sun-Dried Tomato Scalloped Potatoes
Total Time
2 hours 10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family was tired of my traditional scalloped potatoes. So when I came across this recipe featuring a pesto and sun-dried tomato sauce, I knew I had to try it. I'm so glad I did, and so is my family! —Jamie Milligan, Kimberley, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 238 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 420mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein.
15/24
Italian Spaghetti Squash
Total Time
6 hours 30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a unique and easy way to cook spaghetti squash. Be sure the squash is on the small or medium side so that it fits into the slow cooker after being cut in half. —Melissa Brooks, Sparta, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 stuffed squash: 140 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 635mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat.
16/24
Five-Cheese Rigatoni
Total Time
50 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Who can resist cheesy pasta hot from the oven? This ooey-gooey rigatoni mac and cheese boasts a homemade white sauce. —Shirley Foltz, Dexter, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 362 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 586mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.
17/24
Oven-Roasted Tomatoes
Total Time
3 hours 20 min
Servings
16 servings (4 cups)
From the Recipe Creator:
I love tomatoes, as they're both healthy and versatile. You can use these roasted ones in sandwiches or omelets, or to top broiled chicken. —Julie Tilney (Gomez), Downey, California
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 45 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 373mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
18/24
Sicilian Steamed Leeks
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings.
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the challenge of developing recipes for my garden leeks, a delicious underused vegetable. This Italian-flavored dish is a family favorite. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 83 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 77mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
19/24
Zucchini Parmesan
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll knock their socks off with this easy-to-prep side dish that's absolutely delicious. My favorite time to make it is when the zucchini is fresh out of the garden. —Sandi Guettler, Bay City, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 81 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 581mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
20/24
Roasted Balsamic Red Potatoes
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I found a potato recipe that called for vinegar, I was intrigued. But without all the ingredients on hand, I had to improvise and gave it a whirl using Italian seasoning and balsamic vinegar. It was fantastic! —Lisa M. Varner, El Paso, TX
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 159 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 143mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
21/24
Garden Orzo Risotto
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
No one will believe this rich, creamy dish was prepared in less than 30 minutes! I developed the recipe when my garden tomatoes, zucchini and basil were coming on strong. Using orzo instead of Arborio rice makes the risotto so much easier to prepare. —Cindy Beberman, Orland Park, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 202 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 429mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
22/24
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.
23/24
Cranberry Ricotta Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sauce
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
To make light and airy gnocchi, work quickly and handle the dough as little as possible. You'll be pleased with the resulting pillowy dumplings. —Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 411 calories, 30g fat (16g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 503mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.
24/24
Butternut Squash Oven Risotto
Total Time
50 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Squash and beer make my risotto different and delicious. Plus, cooking it in the oven cuts down on hands-on time making it. Win-win. —Katie Ferrier Gage, Houston, TX
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 311 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 662mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
