Fast & Fresh Italian Dishes

Here’s a fast twist on the Italian classic. Instead of cherry tomatoes, you can use larger tomatoes cut into pieces so they cook quickly and release their juices to form the flavorful sauce. Try the dish over pasta or polenta.

Recipe: Chicken Puttanesca

Taleggio, an Italian soft cheese, gives this risotto a distinctly rustic flavor that goes beautifully with the smokiness of the bacon.

Recipe: Risotto with Taleggio Cheese and Bacon

Silky with egg and melted cheese, freshened with parsley, and spiked with black pepper, spaghetti carbonara brings intense flavors into balance. We also love this dish for its short cooking time. The ingredients are things we tend to have always on hand, making it the ultimate weeknight-dinner solution. Just add a green salad or seasonal vegetable and the meal is complete.

Recipe: Spaghetti Carbonara

We love this combo of Italian favorites wrapped up into a tasty, easy sandwich that’s great for a quick dinner or lunch on the go.

Recipe: Radicchio, Roasted Pepper, and Provolone Ciabatta Sandwiches

This pretty soup takes on an added delicacy if you use ravioli made with thinly rolled pasta, but it’s good with the sturdier type, too.

Recipe: Herb Ravioli Soup

We love a good scaloppine and this lightly sweet and creamy veal version is a real favorite, especially with earthy mushrooms added to the sauce.

Recipe: Veal Scaloppine with Mushroom Marsala Sauce

Panzanella, a traditional Italian bread salad, gets an upgrade with sweet roasted fennel, fried eggs, and crispy, salty pancetta.

Recipe: Roasted Fennel, Egg, and Pancetta Panzanella

During cooler months, romas are the best fresh tomato option. Roasting concentrates their flavor, making them an intense foil for fresh mozzarella. A glass of Sauvignon Blanc or crisp Viognier blends in beautifully.

Recipe: Turkey Sandwiches with Roasted Romas Fresh Mozzarella and Arugula-Walnut Pesto

Sometimes we like our tomato sauce with a little kick, just like in this red pepper-flecked pasta. Serve with crusty bread to sop up any extra sauce.

Recipe: Penne All’Amatriciana

This hearty, less-is-more stew riffs on rustic Italian flavors. Serve with crusty bread and a green salad.

Recipe: Escarole and Cannellini Bean Stew

Bagna cauda, a warm, buttery Italian sauce with anchovies and garlic, is a great and way to enjoy an assortment of fresh veggies.

Recipe: Bagna Cauda

Italians love their radicchio and so do we in this winter salad studded with sweet dates, crunchy almonds, and bright citrus.

Recipe: Radicchio Salad with Citrus, Dates, Almonds, and Parmesan Cheese

Think of a frittata as an omelet made simple (thank you, Italians). They’re especially great for a light dinner with a green salad on the side.

Recipe: Swiss Chard and Sausage Frittata

The elegant sauce practically creates itself in the time it takes to toss the pasta.

Recipe: Linguine with Gorgonzola, Potatoes, Green Beans, and Sage