Feel like you've tried every Italian dish under the sun? Try something new with these tasty twists on classic recipes.
45 Italian-Inspired Recipes You Haven’t Tried Yet
Updated on Sep. 19, 2024
1/45
Goat Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Chicken
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This spinach-stuffed chicken breast recipe is special to me because it has so much flavor, yet not too many calories. I love Italian food, but most of the time it is too heavy. This is a healthy twist on an Italian dish! —Nicole Stevens, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed chicken breast: 347 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 532mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 39g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 7 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
Check out these must-have Italian cookbooks for eating your way through Italy.
2/45
Grilled Bruschetta
Total Time
35 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my go-to appetizer in the summer when tomatoes and basil are fresh from the garden. The balsamic glaze takes this bruschetta recipe over the top. I like to use an olive oil infused with Tuscan herbs or basil for this. But, it's great with just plain olive oil too. —Brittany Allyn, Mesa, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 58 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 49mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
3/45
Pesto Vegetable Pizza
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves pizza, but we rarely have it delivered since I created this fresh and flavorful version. Always a winner in my house, it is a fast and delicious meal that even my young son looks forward to. —Kate Selner, Lino Lakes, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 310 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 707mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 fat, 1 lean meat, 1 medium-fat meat.
4/45
Italian Sausage Sloppy Joes
Total Time
4 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandma absolutely loves Italian food, so I decided to make a twist on classic sloppy joe sandwiches just for her. The mozzarella and tomato sauce are classic, and red peppers make it fun. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 661 calories, 35g fat (14g saturated fat), 121mg cholesterol, 1231mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 42g protein.
5/45
Mixed Berry Tiramisu
Total Time
35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Because I love tiramisu, I came up with this deliciously refreshing twist on the traditional coffee-flavored Italian dessert. Fresh softened berries star with crisp ladyfinger cookies and mascarpone cheese. Serve it from a glass bowl or in clear dishes to show off the luscious layers.
—Najmussahar Ahmed, Ypsilanti, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 501 calories, 26g fat (14g saturated fat), 105mg cholesterol, 77mg sodium, 63g carbohydrate (45g sugars, 5g fiber), 8g protein.
6/45
Arrabbiata Sauce with Zucchini Noodles
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This popular Italian dish is flavorful and spicy. We decided to re-create one of our favorite jarred sauces and serve over zucchini pasta for a lighter, healthier meal that's naturally gluten-free. The results were amazing! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup sauce with 1 cup zucchini noodles: 287 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 708mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
7/45
Green Chile Prosciutto Appetizers
Total Time
25 min
Servings
14 rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
I created these for my husband, who adores green chiles. He loves these rolls so much he could eat a whole pan. — Paula McHargue, Richmond, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 98 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 258mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
8/45
Spaghetti & Meatball Soup
Total Time
7 hours
Servings
8 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
A couple of nights a week our family ends up eating in shifts because everyone is going every which way, all at the same time. Having a hearty soup simmering in the slow cooker is an easy way to give them all a warm meal. —Susan Stetzel, Gainesville, New York
(Sop up this soup with a piece of one of these types of Italian bread.)
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 394 calories, 26g fat (9g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 1452mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 17g protein.
9/45
Italian Meatloaf
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband doesn’t even like meat loaf, but he’ll always eat this irresistible Italian meatloaf! He likes this dish because it offers a wide variety of flavors. —Myra Innes, Auburn, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 245 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 93mg cholesterol, 677mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
10/45
Tomato-Cucumber Mozzarella Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I used fresh mozzarella for the first time last year and loved it. I wanted to incorporate it into as many dishes as possible and came up with this tomato cucumber basil salad. It has quickly become a mainstay at my house. —Jennifer Klann, Corbett, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 160 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 265mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1 vegetable.
11/45
Italian Cream Cheese Cake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Buttermilk makes every bite of this awesome Italian cream cheese cake recipe moist and flavorful. I rely on this recipe year-round. —Joyce Lutz, Centerview, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 736 calories, 41g fat (19g saturated fat), 117mg cholesterol, 330mg sodium, 90g carbohydrate (75g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
12/45
Italian 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.
13/45
Turkey Scallopini
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Quick-cooking turkey breast slices make this recipe a winner when you only have a few minutes to fix a satisfying meal. I've also used flattened boneless skinless chicken breast halves in place of the turkey of this entree. —Karen Adams, Cleveland, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked turkey: 358 calories, 17g fat (10g saturated fat), 169mg cholesterol, 463mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 38g protein.
14/45
Blue Cheese Garlic Bread
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is an irresistible way to dress up an ordinary loaf of bread. Serve slices as an appetizer or with a meal. —Kevalyn Henderson, Hayward, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 250 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 546mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
15/45
Mushroom Pasta Carbonara
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I absolutely love this creamy and cheesy mushroom carbonara. I serve it with a side salad and rolls to make a complete meal. —Cindi Bauer, Marshfield, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 511 calories, 33g fat (18g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 525mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.
16/45
Pizza Burgers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm not sure where I first saw this pizza burger recipe, but I'm glad I did! My family requests this meal often. A dash of oregano livens up canned pizza sauce. —Sharon Schwartz, Burlington, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 205 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 357mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 16g protein.
17/45
Tiramisu Cookies
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These tiramisu cookies bring out the delicious flavors of tiramisu, sandwich-style. Pack these treats in a decorative container for an easy edible hostess gift. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich cookie: 344 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 176mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
18/45
Peach Mango Caprese Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Summer in the Midwest offers a bounty of fresh produce. I wanted to come up with a new recipe for the harvested goods, and this bright, flavorful salad is the refreshing end result. —Richard Robinson, Park Forest, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 248 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 156mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
19/45
Pesto Halibut
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The mildness of halibut contrasts perfectly with the robust flavor of pesto in this recipe. It takes only minutes to get the fish ready for the oven, leaving you plenty of time to get started on your side dishes. Nearly anything goes well with this entree. —April Showalter, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 188 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 481mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
20/45
Slow-Cooked Lasagna Soup
Total Time
5 hours 35 min
Servings
8 servings (about 2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I modified one of my favorite soup recipes so I can prep it the night before and put it in the slow cooker in the morning. Slow-cooker lasagna soup makes a welcome contribution to work parties. My colleagues love it! —Sharon Gerst, North Liberty, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 266 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 725mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 5g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch.
21/45
Portobello Melts
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We're always looking for satisfying vegetarian meals, and this one tops the list. These melts are especially delicious in the summer when we have tons of homegrown tomatoes. —Amy Smalley, Morehead, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 open-faced sandwich: 460 calories, 35g fat (7g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 934mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 12g protein.
22/45
Italian Pasta Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The first time I tasted this delicious salad was at my wedding, and I recall, even in the blur of that day, the recipe was in high demand. That was years ago and I'm still asked to bring it to cookouts and parties! —Sarah Ryan, Geneva, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 273 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 817mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
23/45
Parmesan Pork Tenderloin
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love all things pork, both old recipes and new. Here’s a dish I came up with myself. —John Hansen, Marstons Mills, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 388 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 118mg cholesterol, 472mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 43g protein.
24/45
Chicken Parmesan
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband used to order chicken parmigiana at restaurants. Then I found this recipe in our local newspaper, adjusted it for two and began making the beloved dish at home. After more than 50 years of marriage, I still enjoy preparing his favorite recipes. —Iola Butler, Sun City, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 444 calories, 26g fat (8g saturated fat), 166mg cholesterol, 1496mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.
25/45
Slow-Cooker Spumoni Cake
Total Time
4 hours 10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this cake for a holiday potluck one year. It has become one of my most requested desserts. If you prefer, you can use all semisweet chips instead of a mix. —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 588 calories, 27g fat (9g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 594mg sodium, 79g carbohydrate (54g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein.
26/45
Parmesan Scones
Total Time
30 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
The addition of onions gives these scones a nice bite. You can even stir in some basil or oregano if you like. —Jolie Stinson, Marion, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 scone: 378 calories, 21g fat (12g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 551mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.
27/45
Lemon Artichoke Romaine Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this dish when I was trying to duplicate a very lemony Caesar salad. I think my version is not only delicious but more healthful, too! —Kathy Armstrong, Post Falls, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 105 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 541mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat.
28/45
That’s Amore Baked Potatoes
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed potato: 794 calories, 35g fat (15g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 1279mg sodium, 73g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 7g fiber), 42g protein.
29/45
Spiced Pear Risotto
Total Time
50 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love risotto and are always in search of fun and different ways to prepare it. I like to serve this fruity version with pork tenderloin.—Kim Berto, Port Orchard, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 293 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 675mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
30/45
Chicken Caprese
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love a Caprese salad of tomatoes, basil and cheese, so why not try a chicken caprese? You can grill this dish, but my family agrees it’s juicier straight from the oven. —Dana Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 525 calories, 34 g fat (11g saturated fat), 139 mg cholesterol, 761 mg sodium, 5 g carbohydrate (4 g sugars, 1 g fiber), 45 g protein.
31/45
Spinach Artichoke Lasagna
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Friends of ours served this homey dish when we visited them in Maryland. We just had to get the recipe, and we have since added a few ingredients to make it even tastier. —Carole Rago, Altoona, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 269 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 755mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
32/45
Sicilian Nachos
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Crispy bread replaces the classic tortilla chips and savory meat sauce tops things off. This hearty appetizer easily doubles as a main dish. Add a salad and you have dinner. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 212 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 455mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
33/45
Creamy Pumpkin Tortellini
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids love the creamy, rich sauce on these tortellinis so much that they don't even realize there's pumpkin inside. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best nutty and delicious flavor. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 363 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 610mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.
34/45
Ravioli Casserole
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The whole family will love this yummy dish that tastes like lasagna without all the fuss. Timesaving ingredients like prepared spaghetti sauce and frozen ravioli make it a cinch to put together. Children can help you assemble this one. —Mary Ann Rothert, Austin, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 518 calories, 25g fat (12g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 1411mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 5g fiber), 30g protein.
35/45
Deviled Eggs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Herbs lend amazing flavor to these deviled eggs, which truly are the best you can make! The recipe includes tasty variations that feature bacon, chipotle peppers and crab.—Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed egg half: 73 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 81mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
36/45
Shrimp Pasta Primavera
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. So when I invite that special guy to dinner, I like to prepare something equally wonderful. This well-seasoned pasta dish has lots of flavor, and it won't hurt your budget! —Shari Neff, Takoma Park, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 581 calories, 32g fat (6g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 783mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein.
37/45
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.
38/45
Turkey Bolognese Polenta Nests
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This delicious appetizer combines two of my favorite foods, polenta and bolognese meat sauce, uniting them into one incredibly tasty bite! —Lidia Haddadian, Pasadena, California. Looking for more? Try making Emily Blunt’s turkey bolognese.
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 80 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 154mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
39/45
White Lasagna
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom made this lasagna for special occasions, such as birthdays. When she passed, I inherited her cookbooks—tucked inside one of them, I found this recipe folded into a letter she wrote to me while I was stationed overseas. It's a hearty, rich dish that reminds me of home. —Janet Wing, Minot, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 462 calories, 30g fat (16g saturated fat), 114mg cholesterol, 787mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
40/45
Spumoni Baked Alaska
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a dazzling yet refreshing end to a rich holiday meal, try this freezer finale. It's bound to garner oohs and aahs. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 554 calories, 29g fat (13g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 314mg sodium, 68g carbohydrate (52g sugars, 3g fiber), 11g protein.
41/45
Sicilian Mac & Cheese
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
To give our mac and cheese a Sicilian touch, we mix sausage, basil and fennel with three cheeses for an incredibly comforting casserole. —Michael Cohen, Los Angeles, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 814 calories, 49g fat (25g saturated fat), 189mg cholesterol, 1610mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 37g protein.
42/45
Tuscan Grapes and Sausages
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings.
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is simple and elegant. The whole pieces of garlic in this dish become so sweet, a lovely complement to the sweet grapes and spicy sausage. I serve this over rustic hand-mashed red potatoes. —Melissa Zienter, Las Vegas, Nevada
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.
43/45
Baked Veggie Cups
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These colorful veggie cups are not only tasty, but they also pack in a surprising amount of nutrition! The addition of mozzarella and Parmesan is the perfect Italian touch. —Cathy Horvath, Surrey, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 40 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 63mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.
44/45
Cuccidati
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
The compliments from family and friends make these Sicilian cookies worth the effort. It’s the best recipe I’ve found! —Carolyn Fafinski, Dunkirk, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 132 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 67mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
45/45
Pressure-Cooker Sicilian Steamed Leeks
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the challenge of developing recipes for the fresh leek from my garden, a delicious but 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.
