13 Italian Dishes That Bring That Slow, Sunday Dinner Feeling

ByBella B

Italian cooking brings warmth and comfort straight to your kitchen. The flavors are rich, hearty, and full of love. Cooking these dishes makes any day feel special. Simple ingredients come together to create meals that are both satisfying and memorable. Sharing them with friends and family makes the experience even better.

A plate of spaghetti topped with eggplant rollatini filled with ricotta cheese, marinara sauce, grated cheese, and a basil garnish.
Eggplant Rollatini. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Steak Marsala

Two pieces of steak covered with brown mushroom sauce and garnished with herbs in a large enameled skillet—perfect for those seeking flavourful beef recipes.
Steak Marsala. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Steak Marsala combines elegance with simplicity for a dinner that feels special. Tender steak meets earthy mushrooms in a rich, flavorful wine sauce. It is perfect for a cozy date night or a small gathering with friends.
Get the Recipe: Steak Marsala

Shrimp Oreganata

Baked shrimp with breadcrumb topping in a white dish, surrounded by lemon wedges, bread slices, grated cheese, herbs, and tableware on a blue tiled surface.
Shrimp Oreganata. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this Shrimp Oreganata recipe. Tender shrimp get a crisp topping of breadcrumbs, garlic, oregano, and Parmesan, finished with a hint of zesty lemon. Every bite combines buttery, savory, and citrusy elements for a dish that is both comforting and fresh.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Oreganata

Mostaccioli

A close-up of a baked pasta dish with penne, tomato sauce, ground meat, and melted cheese, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Mostaccioli. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Nothing says cozy like a hearty Mostaccioli bake loaded with gooey cheese, tender pasta, and rich marinara sauce. Savory Italian sausage blends perfectly with garlic and herbs to create a flavor everyone will love. As it comes out of the oven bubbling and golden, the kitchen fills with a mouthwatering aroma that makes dinner impossible to resist.
Get the Recipe: Mostaccioli

Pasta Puttanesca

A white oval dish filled with spaghetti topped with tomato sauce, olives, and herbs, surrounded by small bowls of seasonings and a glass of white wine.
Pasta Puttanesca. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Pasta Puttanesca offers a lively mix of garlicky tomato sauce, anchovies, olives, and capers for a bold, full-flavored meal. Though it comes together quickly, the sauce has a rich depth that tastes like it simmered for hours. Simple pantry staples combine to create a fragrant, rustic dish perfect with crusty bread.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Puttanesca

Chicken Valdostana

Three pieces of chicken breast topped with cooked mushrooms and melted cheese, served with sauce on a white oval plate.
Chicken Valdostana. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Juicy chicken meets earthy mushrooms, salty prosciutto and melty fontina cheese in this elegant Chicken Valdostana. The white wine sauce adds a rich, savory finish that elevates the dish. It comes together quickly, making it ideal for both a cozy meal at home or a memorable date night.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Valdostana

Stracotto

A plate of shredded beef in a thick tomato-based sauce, garnished with chopped fresh herbs.
Stracotto. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Stracotto is a comforting Italian braised beef that melts in your mouth with every forkful. Slow-simmered with wine, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, it turns simple ingredients into a flavorful, hearty dish. It’s ideal for a cozy dinner or a special gathering with loved ones.
Get the Recipe: Stracotto

Minestrone Verde

A bowl of vegetable soup with pasta, snap peas, white beans, kale, pesto, parmesan shavings, and a lemon slice, served with bread on the side.
Minestrone Verde. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Packed with leafy greens, beans, peas, and a hint of pesto, this Minestrone Verde soup celebrates the best of seasonal produce. It warms the soul while giving you a boost of energy and flavor. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a wholesome lunch, this soup makes green eating delicious and effortless.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Verde

Balsamic Chicken

A plate with mashed potatoes and a serving of braised chicken with vegetables and sauce, garnished with herbs. A fork and knife rest on the plate.
Balsamic Chicken. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Tender chicken simmers in a rich balsamic glaze, filling the air with the scent of garlic and herbs. The sauce combines savory depth with a hint of sweetness, coating every piece beautifully. Fresh herbs, honey, and Dijon bring out a warmth that makes this dish comforting and simple to enjoy any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Chicken

Pasta e Patate

A bowl of pasta with tomato sauce and grated cheese, garnished with herbs, sits on a table alongside a napkin, parmesan cheese, chopped herbs, and a glass of white wine.
Pasta E Patate. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

If you’re craving a warm and comforting meal, Pasta e Patate delivers every time. This classic Southern Italian dish blends pasta and potatoes into a creamy, satisfying broth. Simple ingredients like pancetta, tomato paste, and olive oil create a rich, savory flavor that feels indulgent without being complicated.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Patate

Eggplant Rollatini

A plate of spaghetti topped with eggplant rollatini filled with ricotta cheese, marinara sauce, grated cheese, and a basil garnish.
Eggplant Rollatini. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This baked Eggplant Rollatini brings together tender roasted eggplant and a rich ricotta filling for a satisfying meatless meal. Each slice wraps around a creamy cheese mixture before baking in flavorful marinara sauce until golden and bubbly. It makes a perfect make-ahead dish for busy nights when you crave comforting Italian flavors.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Rollatini

Chicken Francese

A white platter with cooked chicken breasts in a yellow lemon sauce, garnished with sliced lemons and chopped parsley.
Chicken Francese. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Chicken Francese offers a delightful combination of golden, crispy chicken and a lively lemon-butter sauce with white wine. Every bite brings tangy, savory flavors that feel fresh and comforting. This dish makes weeknight dinners feel a little more luxurious.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Francese

Pasta alla Zozzona

A close-up of rigatoni pasta mixed with tomato sauce, ground meat, and grated cheese, being stirred with a wooden spoon in a white pan.
Pasta Alla Zozzona. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Hearty and full of character, Pasta alla Zozzona blends the best of carbonara and amatriciana into a single comforting dish. A rich tomato sauce, crispy guanciale, and a creamy cheese and egg mixture create layers of savory flavor. It makes a perfect dinner for sharing with family or enjoying on a quiet night in.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Zozzona

Osso Buco

A pan filled with braised meat in a chunky tomato-based sauce, garnished with chopped herbs, sits on a wooden surface with a spoon serving a portion.
Osso Buco. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This Osso Buco recipe brings a taste of Italy straight to your table. Tender veal shanks simmer with vegetables, pancetta, and herbs in a rich tomato and red wine sauce. Served over creamy polenta or mashed potatoes, it makes every meal feel special and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Osso Buco