Pizza and spaghetti dinners are common, but over time, they get old.
If you want to upgrade your family’s Italian nights, you need to get more creative with the recipes. Italian food is vibrant, fresh, and full of flavor, which is why you don’t want to limit yourself. Let your taste buds explore other combinations so the family doesn’t get bored with dinner.
Take a look below for some of the best Italian recipe ideas and bite into something unforgettable.
1. White Pizza
If you want to change up the Italian night, but still stick with something great, white pizza is a great option.
Instead of a red sauce, this lighter take on pizza uses garlic sauce, various cheeses, and plenty of herbs. Tomatoes can lead to heartburn because of their high-acidity levels, but you don’t have to worry when you bite into this pie!
2. Chicken Parmesan
Chicken Parmesan is a favorite at the restaurants, but many people overlook the meal in their kitchens.
All you need is sauce, noodles, cheese, and chicken to make the dish. Some people add crushed red pepper to spice things up. To mellow the acidity, add a touch of brown sugar to balance ingredients.
If you don’t eat meat, you can use vegan or plant-based alternatives. Eggplant is perfect in place of the chicken, but there are other options available at the stores. For authentic ingredients, check out this Italian grocery store!
3. Beef Ragu
The cold fronts have just begun, and many people are looking for warm and comforting dishes.
One of the most comforting Italian night dinners is beef rago. This meaty pasta dish incorporates the best Tuscan herbs, and is great when it’s topped with fresh basil and parmesan cheese. To make your meal more authentic, use pappardelle noodles and fresh tomatoes.
4. Caprese Salad
Appetizers and side dishes can be just as important as the main part of the meal.
Caprese salad has quick meal preparation time, is light, and healthy. Fresh mozzarella, basil, olive oil, and salt and pepper make up this take on salad. Some people eat the salad as is, but others like to add the ingredients on top of fresh bread.
5. Penne Alla Vodka
If you want a silky pasta dish with penne noodles, there’s no better topping than vodka sauce.
This dish uses a small amount of vodka, instead of water, to offer a kick of flavor. The vodka helps break down the tomatoes, highlighting aromas of basil, oregano, and garlic. Before you strain the noodles, put a bit of pasta water in the sauce!
As long as the sauce simmers long enough, the vodka should evaporate. Before you give the kids a try, taste the sauce to ensure there isn’t raw vodka.
Add Spice to Your Italian Night
You don’t have to travel abroad to enjoy delicious Tuscany flavors for Italian night.
Whether you follow a plant-based diet or are a full-carnivore, you can find a meal that’s comforting. Beef ragu and white pizza are great dishes, especially since you can customize the spices and other ingredients. Don’t be afraid to get creative and add a personal touch to your recipes so no bite goes wasted. If you want to learn more about Italian meals and get new recipe ideas, check out blog for the latest content!