14 Italian Recipes That Won’t Leave You Drowning in Leftovers

We all love a good Italian meal, but let’s be honest. Sometimes the portions leave us with more leftovers than we know what to do with. That’s why I’ve put together a list of Italian recipes that are perfectly portioned, so you can enjoy your favorite dishes without waste. Whether you're cooking for one or a small group, these recipes are designed to give you just the right amount of deliciousness.

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

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Air Fryer Garlic Bread

Close-up of a garlic bread slice topped with melted cheese and herbs held over a plate. — Air Fryer Garlic Bread. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This air fryer garlic bread is an ideal side to complement any Italian meal without leaving you with too many leftovers. Ready in just minutes, it offers a crispy, buttery texture that's perfect for a smaller serving. It’s a great way to enjoy the classic Italian flavor quickly and efficiently. Perfect for when you need a small addition to your meal. Enjoy the taste of Italy with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Bread

Individual Lasagna

Lasagna for One in small 10-ounce square baking pan. — Individual Lasagna. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This individual lasagna delivers the comforting layers of Italian lasagna in a portion-controlled serving. It’s an excellent choice for a quick, satisfying Italian meal without a lot of leftovers. Each serving is packed with classic flavors, making it a great option for a cozy dinner. Ready to eat in a short time, it’s ideal for smaller households. Enjoy Italian cuisine without the extra dishes.
Get the Recipe: Individual Lasagna

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

A bowl of chicken and spinach soup with a spoon. — Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken gnocchi soup offers a creamy, Italian-inspired option that’s perfectly sized for a small meal. The blend of tender chicken, gnocchi, and vegetables creates a comforting dish without the worry of excess. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for a weeknight Italian dinner. Enjoy a taste of Italy in a manageable portion. This soup is both warming and practical for those who prefer fewer leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Easy Lemon Ricotta Cookies

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

Easy lemon ricotta cookies provide a sweet Italian treat that’s just the right size for a small dessert. These cookies are quick to make and perfect for ending a meal without excessive leftovers. The light, citrus flavor complements the creamy texture, making it a refreshing choice. Ideal for when you want a small Italian-inspired dessert. Enjoy a touch of Italy with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Zucchini Bruschetta

Zucchini bruschetta is a light, Italian appetizer that's perfect for when you need just a few bites. The fresh zucchini combined with tomatoes and herbs offers a burst of Italian flavor in a small, easy-to-prepare portion. It’s a great choice for a quick start to your meal without having too much leftover. Enjoy a touch of Italy with this simple dish.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bruschetta

No Knead Italian Artisan Bread

Italian artisan bread sliced on cutting board. — No Knead Italian Artisan Bread. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This no knead Italian artisan bread is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh Italian bread without the hassle of excess. It yields just the right amount for a few servings, making it perfect for pairing with soups or pasta. The ease of preparation and quick baking time makes it ideal for a small household. Savor the taste of Italy without dealing with leftover bread.
Get the Recipe: No Knead Italian Artisan Bread

Salmon Pasta Alfredo

Salmon pasta alfredo combines the richness of alfredo sauce with tender salmon for an Italian-inspired meal that’s perfectly portioned. This dish offers a satisfying taste of Italy without leaving you with too much food. It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner. Enjoy the creamy, flavorful pasta in manageable servings.
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.

Steak pizzaiola offers the robust flavors of an Italian classic in a portion that’s just right for a smaller meal. The steak is cooked in a rich tomato sauce with herbs, providing a hearty yet manageable dish. It’s an excellent option for when you want an Italian-inspired dinner without excess leftovers. Ready in a short time, it’s perfect for a cozy meal.
Get the Recipe: Steak Pizzaiola

Shrimp Scampi

A plate with shrimp and bread on it. — Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Shrimp scampi is a quick, Italian-inspired dish that’s ideal when you need a smaller, flavorful meal. The garlic and lemon bring out the natural sweetness of the shrimp, creating a light and satisfying dinner. Perfect for when you want a taste of Italy without the burden of leftovers. This dish is simple and fast, ideal for a weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

Alfredo Steak Pasta

Alfredo steak pasta blends creamy alfredo sauce with savory steak for an Italian meal that’s just the right size. It’s perfect for those times when you want a hearty meal without the worry of too many leftovers. Quick and easy to prepare, this dish is ideal for a small family or a cozy dinner for two. Enjoy Italian flavors with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Alfredo Steak Pasta

Coconut Panna Cotta

A slice of white, creamy panna cotta topped with a fresh strawberry slice on a white plate, with a textured napkin beside it. — Coconut Panna Cotta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Coconut panna cotta offers a creamy Italian dessert that’s light and just the right amount for a small treat. The subtle coconut flavor adds a refreshing twist to this classic Italian sweet. Easy to make and perfect for one or two servings, it’s a great way to finish a meal. Enjoy a taste of Italy without excess. This dessert is quick and simple, ideal for a small indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Panna Cotta

Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

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

Air fryer roasted Roma tomatoes provide a quick, Italian-inspired side that adds a burst of flavor without the extra food. The air fryer enhances the sweetness of the tomatoes, making them a perfect addition to any meal. Ideal for when you want a small serving of Italian goodness. Ready in minutes, they offer convenience and taste in one.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

Ciambotta Italian Vegetable Stew

A pot of Italian vegetable stew with a spoon, garnished with chopped green herbs, on a white tablecloth with a small bowl of parsley on the side. — Ciambotta Italian Vegetable Stew. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Ciambotta Italian vegetable stew is a hearty option that provides a rich taste of Italy in a manageable portion. Packed with fresh vegetables, this stew offers a comforting meal without a lot of leftovers. Easy to prepare and perfect for a small family, it’s a great way to enjoy Italian flavors. Ideal for a cozy dinner, this stew is both satisfying and practical.
Get the Recipe: Ciambotta Italian Vegetable Stew

Minestrone Soup with Sausage

Minestrone soup with sausage is a robust Italian soup that’s perfect for a quick, filling meal. The blend of vegetables and sausage provides a satisfying dish without the excess. It’s an excellent choice for when you want a warm, hearty Italian meal without having too much leftover. Ready in no time, this soup offers a taste of Italy in a small serving.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup with Sausage