Italian cuisine is known for its rich and delicious flavors, and one of the most iconic meals in Italian culture is dinner. Whether it's a cozy night in with your loved ones or a special occasion with friends, a traditional Italian dinner is always a crowd-pleaser. In this article, we'll be sharing some of our favorite Italian dinner recipes that are easy to make and sure to impress.
One of the most beloved Italian dishes is spaghetti and meatballs. This classic recipe is simple yet packed with flavor, making it a staple in many Italian households. To make this dish, start by mixing together ground beef, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic, and Italian seasoning in a large bowl. Roll the mixture into small balls and bake them in the oven until fully cooked. In a separate pot, cook spaghetti according to the package instructions and heat up your favorite marinara sauce. Once everything is ready, combine the spaghetti, meatballs, and sauce in a large serving dish and top with fresh basil and parmesan cheese. This traditional Italian dinner is guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Eggplant Parmesan
For a delicious and hearty vegetarian option, try making eggplant parmesan for your next Italian dinner. Start by slicing eggplant into thin rounds and coating them in a mixture of flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. Fry the eggplant slices in a pan until golden brown and set aside. In a separate pan, heat up marinara sauce and add a layer of the sauce to the bottom of a baking dish. Layer the fried eggplant slices on top of the sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used up, and bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This vegetarian Italian dinner is sure to satisfy even the meat-lovers at the table.
Risotto Milanese
If you're looking for a more sophisticated Italian dinner option, try making risotto Milanese. This creamy and flavorful rice dish is a staple in Northern Italian cuisine and is perfect for special occasions. To make this dish, start by heating up chicken or vegetable broth in a pot. In a separate pan, sauté chopped onion and garlic in butter until translucent. Add arborio rice to the pan and stir until coated in the butter mixture. Slowly add the heated broth to the pan, stirring constantly until the rice has absorbed the liquid. Finish off the risotto by stirring in saffron, parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. This elegant Italian dinner is best served with a glass of red wine and some crusty bread.