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    Home / Roundups

    11 Italian Inspired Recipes You Didn't Know You Needed

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Feb 14, 2025 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    Get ready to take a trip to Italy with our Italian-inspired recipes you didn't know you needed. From comforting pasta dishes to delicious desserts, each recipe is crafted to take you to the heart of Italy. Whether you're a seasoned home cook looking to expand your meal plans or a beginner eager to explore new flavors, these recipes are sure to inspire you to create delicious meals with a touch of Italian flair. So, grab your apron and let's dig into the world of Italian cuisine together!

    Fried steak topped with a chunky tomato and basil sauce, served on a white plate.
    Steak Pizzaiola. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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    No Knead Italian Artisan Bread

    Loaf of bread sliced open with a pat of butter on one slice.
    No Knead Italian Artisan Bread. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Enjoy the rustic flavors of homemade Italian artisan bread with this no-knead recipe. Perfect for Italian-inspired recipes you didn't know you needed, this bread offers a crusty exterior and soft interior, perfect for dipping in olive oil or serving alongside your favorite dishes. Quick to make and requiring minimal effort, it's a convenient option for adding a homemade touch to your Italian-inspired meals without the need for complicated techniques. Whether paired with pasta or enjoyed as a side with soup, this Italian artisan bread is sure to elevate your dining experience with its authentic taste and simplicity.
    Get the Recipe: No Knead Italian Artisan Bread

    Coconut Panna Cotta

    Panna cotta with spoonful taken out on plate topped with sliced strawberries.
    Coconut Panna Cotta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Get the creamy sweetness of coconut panna cotta, a perfect addition to your Italian-inspired recipes. With its silky texture and tropical flavor, this dessert offers a refreshing twist on a classic Italian treat. Quick to prepare and requiring simple ingredients, it's a hassle-free option for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether served as a light ending to a meal or as a standalone dessert, this coconut panna cotta is sure to impress with its homemade goodness and exotic taste.
    Get the Recipe: Coconut Panna Cotta

    Shrimp Scampi

    Grilled shrimp with garlic and herbs served with slices of toasted bread.
    Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Treat yourself to the savory goodness of shrimp scampi, a delightful dish for your Italian-inspired recipes. With its succulent shrimp and garlic-infused butter sauce, this dish offers a burst of flavor in every bite. Quick to cook and requiring minimal ingredients, it's a convenient option for satisfying your seafood cravings without the need for extensive preparation. Whether served over pasta or alongside crusty bread, this shrimp scampi is sure to please with its homemade aroma and irresistible taste.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

    Easy Lemon Ricotta Cookies

    Lemon ricotta cookies on rack with icing bowl.
    Easy Lemon Ricotta Cookies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These easy lemon ricotta cookies are a delightful addition to your Italian-inspired recipes. With their soft texture and tangy lemon flavor, they offer a burst of freshness in every bite. Quick to bake and requiring simple ingredients, they're a convenient option for satisfying your sweet cravings without the need for elaborate techniques. Whether enjoyed as a snack or as part of a dessert spread, these lemon ricotta cookies are sure to impress with their homemade charm and delightful taste.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Lemon Ricotta Cookies

    Zucchini Bruschetta

    Slices of zucchini topped with diced tomatoes, basil, grated cheese, and herbs are arranged on a white surface. These recipes from around the world are anything but boring.
    Zucchini Bruschetta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

    Upgrade your appetizer game with zucchini bruschetta, a perfect starter for your Italian-inspired recipes. With its crunchy baguette slices and flavorful zucchini topping, it offers a refreshing twist on a classic dish. Quick to assemble and requiring minimal ingredients, it's a hassle-free option for impressing your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether served at a party or as a light meal, this zucchini bruschetta is sure to please with its homemade appeal and vibrant flavors.
    Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bruschetta

    Minestrone Soup with Sausage

    A bowl of hearty vegetable and meat soup with a spoon.
    Minestrone Soup with Sausage. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Warm up with a bowl of hearty minestrone soup with sausage, a comforting dish for your Italian-inspired recipes. With its robust flavors and wholesome ingredients, it's a satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings. Quick to prepare and requiring simple pantry staples, it's a convenient option for satisfying your hunger without the need for extensive cooking. Whether served as a starter or as a main course, this minestrone soup with sausage is sure to warm your soul with its homemade goodness and nourishing taste.
    Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup with Sausage

    Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

    A plate of roasted tomatoes garnished with herbs and spices, served on a white plate.
    Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These air fryer roasted Roma tomatoes are a flavorful addition to your Italian-inspired recipes. With their caramelized sweetness and tender texture, they offer a burst of flavor in every bite. Quick to cook and requiring minimal effort, they're a convenient option for enhancing your dishes without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether served as a side or used as a topping for pasta and pizza, these roasted Roma tomatoes are sure to elevate your meals with their homemade appeal and vibrant taste.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

    Salmon Pasta Alfredo

    A plate of creamy salmon pasta garnished with lemon slices and parsley.
    Salmon Pasta Alfredo. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Get the luxurious flavors of salmon pasta alfredo, a decadent dish for your Italian-inspired recipes. With its creamy alfredo sauce and tender salmon pieces, it offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Quick to prepare and requiring simple ingredients, it's a convenient option for impressing your guests or treating yourself to a special meal. Whether served as a romantic dinner for two or as a family meal, this salmon pasta alfredo is sure to please with its homemade elegance and irresistible taste.
    Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Alfredo

    Steak Pizzaiola

    Fried steak topped with a chunky tomato and basil sauce, served on a white plate.
    Steak Pizzaiola. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Treat yourself to the bold flavors of steak pizzaiola, a classic dish for your Italian-inspired recipes. With its tender steak and rich tomato sauce, it offers a satisfying and hearty meal. Quick to cook and requiring minimal ingredients, it's a convenient option for enjoying restaurant-quality flavors at home. Whether served over pasta or alongside roasted vegetables, this steak pizzaiola is sure to impress with its homemade charm and comforting taste.
    Get the Recipe: Steak Pizzaiola

    Individual Lasagna

    Two square ceramic dishes of baked lasagna with melted cheese on top, next to a red and white checkered napkin, on a light textured surface.
    Individual Lasagna. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These individual lasagnas are a perfect choice for your Italian-inspired recipes. With their layers of pasta, cheese, and savory sauce, they offer all the flavors of traditional lasagna in a convenient single-serve portion. Quick to assemble and requiring simple ingredients, they're a hassle-free option for enjoying this classic dish without the need for a large pan. Whether served for a cozy dinner or packed for lunch, these individual lasagnas are sure to please with their homemade goodness and comforting taste.
    Get the Recipe: Individual Lasagna

    Alfredo Steak Pasta

    Alfredo steak pasta in skillet with wooden spoon.
    Alfredo Steak Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Enjoy the indulgent flavors of alfredo steak pasta, a decadent dish for your Italian-inspired recipes. With its tender steak slices and creamy alfredo sauce, it offers a luxurious dining experience. Quick to prepare and requiring minimal ingredients, it's a convenient option for treating yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home. Whether served for a special occasion or as a comforting weeknight dinner, this alfredo steak pasta is sure to impress with its homemade elegance and irresistible taste.
    Get the Recipe: Alfredo Steak Pasta

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    About Lisa MarcAurele

    Lisa MarcAurele is a blogger and cookbook author. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa is also a co-founder of Daily Life Travels, where you can discover new places to visit and things to do. You can sign up for her recipe emails to see all her latest content.

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