We love the rich and hearty flavor of Italian food, but most authentic recipes require way too much time in the kitchen for our tastes. When we’re craving the flavors of Italy, but need dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes, these dishes are our favorite solutions. They’re quick, easy and Old World delicious.
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Thick bucatini noodles are the perfect base for this simple cheese-and-pepper pasta dish. Who knew you could pull together such a delicious meal with just a few pantry staples??
Pasta All ‘Arrabbiata
Add some spice to your standard penne, “all‘arrabbiata”, which means ‘angry’ in Italian. Tomatoes, diced onions, Parmesan cheese and Italian herbs create a simple red sauce, and crushed red pepper flakes kick it up a notch.
Hearty Chicken Parmesan Casserole
This lighter twist on an Old World classic is a terrific way to use up leftover chicken. Seasoned croutons replace traditional pasta, and cubed chicken offers a healthier alternative to breaded cutlets in this creative take on chicken Parmesan.
Quick and Easy Skillet Lasagna
Substitute bow-tie pasta for lasagna noodles, and cook your favorite lasagna recipe on the stove top in just one pan. The pasta simmers in your favorite tomato sauce, along with crumbled Italian sausage, and it’s topped with a combination of gooey cheeses for authentic lasagna flavor.
(Find another recipe or scrap this, as it takes longer than 30 minutes)
Cheesy Veggie Risotto
This creamy risotto combines broccoli, herbs and cheeses into a spectacular dinner dish that even meat-eaters rejoice over. Serve it with a fresh tossed salad and fruit for a quick, satisfying and healthy meal option.
Fettuccine With Sardines and Tomatoes
Thick noodles such as tagliatelle or fettuccine are ideal for oil-based sauces. Saute cherry tomatoes and sardine pieces, season with Italian spices, and toss the mixture with pasta for a light and healthy dinner in less than 20 minutes.
Olive Garden-Inspired Tuscan Soup
This rich and creamy zuppa Toscana recreates the flavors of your favorite Italian eatery. Hearty sausage and potatoes meld with crunchy kale and crisp bacon in this savory soup recipe.
Gnocchi With Sausage
These Italian potato dumplings taste great in a simple brown-butter sauce, and store-bought packages are typically ready to serve in under five minutes. Add crumbled Italian sausage, onions and some Parmesan cheese, and you have a hearty Italian dinner on the table in just 20 minutes.
Making this versatile Italian staple at home is fairly simple. Whip up this potato gnocchi recipe when you have extra time in the kitchen, and freeze a few batches to rescue future weeknight dinners.
(Don’t link to this recipe, as it takes longer than 30 minutes to make gnocchi)