Easy Italian Recipes That Didn’t Take All Day (But Taste Like They Could Have): 13 Weeknight Wonders

Photo of author

| Published:

Easy Italian Recipes That Didn’t Take All Day (But Taste Like They Could Have): 13 Weeknight Wonders

Weeknights can be hectic, but that doesn’t mean a delicious Italian meal is out of reach. With these 13 easy recipes, you can enjoy dishes that taste like they’ve been cooking all day, even if they haven’t. These recipes are perfect for those evenings when you want a good meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Each one is simple to prepare, making them ideal for any weeknight dinner. You’ll find a variety of dishes that bring the essence of Italian cuisine to your table quickly and effortlessly.

A pizza with shrimp and cheese on top.
Shrimp Scampi Pizza. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sausage Parmigiana

Sausage Parmigiana on a white plate with a red napkin and a glass of wine.
Sausage Parmigiana. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Sausage Parmigiana offers a quick way to enjoy Italian cuisine on a weeknight. With minimal prep time, you can create a dish that feels hearty and indulgent. Perfect for those evenings when you crave something comforting but don’t have hours to spare. It’s an ideal recipe to whip up after a busy day, giving you a sense of home-cooked satisfaction without the lengthy process. It’s a simple yet delicious option for a family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Parmigiana

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Two Chicken Gnocchi Soup copycat soup recipes on a table.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you need a warm, comforting meal, Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a great choice. It’s rich and satisfying, making it perfect for a cozy evening at home. Despite its luxurious taste, it’s quick to prepare and doesn’t require all-day cooking. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner that feels like a special treat. It’s an easy way to bring a bit of Italian warmth to your table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

A bowl of olive garden creamy shrimp alfredo pasta served in a black bowl with a spoon.
Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo is a fantastic dish to make at home for those who love creamy pasta. It’s a quick recipe that can be made in under 30 minutes, yet it tastes like it took hours. Perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels like a restaurant-quality meal. The rich and creamy Alfredo sauce with shrimp makes it a hit for seafood and pasta lovers alike. A great option when you want something easy and impressive.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

Birria Pizza

Birria Pizza on a pizza stone.
Birria Pizza. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A unique dish that doesn’t require a lot of time but delivers a lot of taste. Birria Pizza combines the best of both worlds – Italian pizza and rich, flavorful birria. Great for a weeknight meal that’s a little different from the usual. Perfect for pizza lovers who want to try something new without a long prep time. It’s an exciting way to mix up your dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Birria Pizza

Italian Chicken

Creamy Italian Chicken on a plate.
Italian Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Italian Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. It’s easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe when you need dinner on the table quickly. The Italian seasonings give it a wonderful taste without a lot of effort. Ideal for those nights when you want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a versatile recipe that pairs well with many sides.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken

Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce

Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce in a black skillet.
Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Recreating Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce at home is easier than you think. This recipe allows you to enjoy the rich, creamy sauce without the need for extensive preparation. Perfect for a quick pasta dish that tastes like it’s from your favorite Italian restaurant. It’s an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner that feels special. Simple ingredients and easy steps make it a favorite for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce

Baked Pesto Salmon

Salmon with spinach sauce on a white plate.
Baked Pesto Salmon. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Baked Pesto Salmon is a great option for a healthy and delicious meal that doesn’t take long to make. The pesto adds a burst of flavor to the salmon, and it bakes in no time. Perfect for a weeknight dinner that’s both nutritious and tasty. It’s an easy way to incorporate more seafood into your diet without a lot of fuss. A quick, flavorful dish that fits into any busy schedule.
Get the Recipe: Baked Pesto Salmon

Pizza Sauce

Homemade tomato sauce in a mason jar with a spoon.
Pizza Sauce. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Making your own Pizza Sauce at home is a quick and easy way to upgrade your pizza nights. It requires minimal effort and can be prepared in advance. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want to make homemade pizza without spending too much time on it. The fresh taste of homemade sauce makes a big difference. It’s a simple addition that can transform your homemade pizza.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Sauce

Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich

2 Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwiches on a black plate.
Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Perfect for a busy weeknight, Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich is an easy way to enjoy a meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare. Juicy chicken, fresh tomatoes, and creamy cheese combine to make a sandwich that’s both hearty and satisfying. Pair with a simple side salad for a complete meal. Quick to assemble and packed with classic flavors. Great for a fast yet impressive dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich

Authentic Bolognese Sauce

Bolognese Sauce on pasta.
Authentic Bolognese Sauce. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Rich and comforting, Authentic Bolognese Sauce brings the taste of Italy right to your dinner table. Simmering the sauce on low heat while you do other tasks makes this recipe practical for weeknights. Serve it over pasta or use it as a base for lasagna. Leftovers are even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping. Your family will love the depth of flavor that comes from slow-cooked ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Bolognese Sauce

Oven Roasted Tomato Soup

A bowl of oven-roasted tomato soup with two spoons.
Oven Roasted Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Simple to make yet rich in taste, Oven Roasted Tomato Soup is a warm, inviting option for any weeknight. Roasting the tomatoes enhances their sweetness, creating a robust soup. Enjoy it with a side of crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich. This comforting dish is ready in no time, perfect for when you need a quick and satisfying dinner. Leftovers make a great lunch the next day.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Tomato Soup

Shrimp Scampi Pizza

A pizza with shrimp and cheese on top.
Shrimp Scampi Pizza. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Combining two favorites, Shrimp Scampi Pizza is a creative and delicious way to mix things up on a weeknight. The shrimp cooks quickly, making this pizza both fast and flavorful. A crispy crust, tender shrimp, and a hint of garlic make it a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for a fun and easy dinner. Impress your family without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi Pizza

Polenta with Mascarpone

Polenta with mascarpone in a white bowl.
Polenta with Mascarpone. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Creamy and indulgent, Polenta with Mascarpone is a comforting dish that feels gourmet but is simple to prepare. Cooking polenta requires minimal effort, and adding mascarpone takes it to the next level. Pair with sautéed vegetables or a protein for a complete meal. Great for a weeknight when you want something warm and satisfying. This dish is both easy and elegant.
Get the Recipe: Polenta with Mascarpone

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.