16 Italian Entree Menu Recipe Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Mar 17, 2024
When it comes to Italian cuisine, the main attraction for many is the entree menu. This course is typically the second course in a traditional Italian meal, following the antipasto or starter. Italian entrees are known for their rich and flavorful sauces, hearty meats, and comforting pasta dishes. Whether you're planning a dinner party or simply looking to expand your recipe repertoire, this article will provide you with a professional and well-organized introduction to creating a delicious Italian entree menu. From classic dishes to modern twists, you'll find everything you need to impress your guests or satisfy your cravings.
Italian meatballs are a classic dish that brings comfort and flavor to any meal. With a perfect blend of herbs, spices, and ground meat, these meatballs are a staple in Italian cuisine. Whether you choose to serve them with pasta, on a sandwich, or as an appetizer, you can't go wrong with this delicious and versatile recipe.
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Italian Meatballs {Great Big Italian Meatballs}
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Egg, Fresh Bread Crumbs
If you're looking for a hearty and filling meal, these great big Italian meatballs are just what you need. Made with a combination of beef and pork, these meatballs are extra juicy and flavorful. And don't forget to top them off with a generous helping of marinara sauce for the ultimate Italian experience.
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Keto Stuffed Peppers – Italian Style
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Olive Oil, Bell Peppers, Onion
For those on a keto diet, these Italian-style stuffed peppers are a perfect option. Filled with a combination of Italian sausage, ricotta cheese, and herbs, these stuffed peppers are a delicious and low-carb meal. Serve them as a main dish or as a side to your favorite Italian entree.
Braciole, also known as "braciola" in some regions of Italy, is a dish that consists of thin slices of beef rolled up with a filling and simmered in a delicious tomato sauce. This authentic Italian recipe is a must-try for any meat lover. Serve it over pasta or with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
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Homemade Italian Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Italian Bread, Grated Romano Cheese, Garlic, Fresh
Forget the frozen meatballs from the store, once you try this homemade Italian meatball recipe, you'll never go back. Made with a combination of ground beef and pork, these meatballs are perfectly seasoned with garlic, herbs, and parmesan cheese. Serve them with your favorite pasta for a classic Italian meal.
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Creamy Italian Ravioli
Main Ingredients: Ravioli, Fresh Baby Spinach, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Heavy
Take your ravioli to the next level with this creamy Italian ravioli dish. Stuffed with a delicious combination of cheese and spinach, these ravioli are smothered in a creamy alfredo sauce for a decadent and indulgent meal. Add some crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick of heat.
This Italian chicken casserole is a one-pan meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with chicken, vegetables, and pasta, this casserole is a complete meal that the whole family will love. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover veggies you have in your fridge.
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Easy Stromboli (Italian Stromboli)
Main Ingredients: Flour, Pizza Dough, Sliced Pepperoni, Capicola, Sliced
If you're a fan of pizza, you'll love this easy stromboli recipe. Made with Italian deli meats and cheese, this stuffed bread is a delicious and portable meal that is perfect for on-the-go. Serve it with a side of marinara sauce for dipping and you'll have a meal that's sure to please.
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Italian Sausage Bake
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausages, Mushrooms, Bell Peppers, Marinara
This Italian sausage bake is a hearty and comforting meal that's perfect for chilly nights. Made with Italian sausage, potatoes, and vegetables, this bake is a complete meal in one dish. Plus, the aroma of garlic and herbs will have your mouth watering as it cooks.
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Traditional Italian Bolognese Sauce - Ragu' alla...
Main Ingredients: Onion, Carrot, Celery Stalk, Olive Oil, Ground Beef
Bolognese, or ragu' alla bolognese, is a classic Italian sauce made with ground beef, tomatoes, and wine. This traditional recipe is simmered for hours to develop a deep and rich flavor. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a comforting and delicious meal.
This one pot Italian sausage pasta dish is a quick and easy meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. Made with just a few ingredients, including Italian sausage, tomatoes, and pasta, this dish is full of flavor and requires minimal clean-up. Plus, it's a hit with kids and adults alike.
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Italian Calzone
Main Ingredients: Pizza Dough, Baby Bella Mushrooms, Garlic Cloves, Baby
Calzones are essentially folded pizzas, and this Italian calzone recipe is a must-try for any pizza lover. Filled with pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, and ricotta cheese, this calzone is a delicious and portable meal. Serve it with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
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Baked Italian Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Meatballs, Marinara Sauce, Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to traditional fried meatballs, try these baked Italian meatballs. Made with a combination of ground turkey and seasonings, these meatballs are a lighter option that still packs a punch of flavor. Serve them with your favorite pasta or on a sandwich for a delicious meal.
This authentic Italian meatball recipe is a must-try for any meatball lover. Made with a combination of beef and pork, these meatballs are perfectly seasoned with garlic, herbs, and cheese. Simmer them in your favorite marinara sauce for a delicious and comforting meal.
If you're a fan of hearty and flavorful sandwiches, this Chicago Italian beef sandwich is a must-try. Made with tender roast beef, giardiniera, and provolone cheese, this sandwich is full of bold and tangy flavors. Serve it with a side of au jus for dipping.
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Italian Style Breaded Chicken Cutlets
Main Ingredients: Italian Style Breadcrumbs, Parmigiano Reggiano, Garlic
These Italian-style breaded chicken cutlets are a delicious and easy meal that the whole family will love. Made with chicken breasts, breadcrumbs, and Italian seasoning, these cutlets are fried to perfection and topped with fresh mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce. Serve them with a side of pasta for a complete meal.
This Italian crescent casserole is a delicious and simple way to satisfy your Italian cravings. Made with crescent rolls, ground beef, and tomatoes, this casserole is a quick and easy meal that can be on the table in less than an hour. Plus, it's a great option for potlucks or family gatherings.
If you're following a keto diet, these Italian meatballs are a perfect option for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Made with a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage, these meatballs are packed with garlic, herbs, and parmesan cheese. Serve them over zucchini noodles for a low-carb and delicious dinner.
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Sheet Pan Italian Chicken Dinner
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast, Extra Virgin Olive
This sheet pan Italian chicken dinner is a simple and delicious way to get dinner on the table in a flash. Made with chicken thighs, vegetables, and potatoes, this meal is a complete and balanced dish that requires minimal prep and clean-up. Garnish it with some fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
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Hearty Italian Beef and Vegetable Soup
Main Ingredients: Medium Onion, Garlic Cloves, Large Carrots, Celery
This hearty Italian beef and vegetable soup is a comforting and flavorful meal that's perfect for colder days. Made with beef chuck roast, vegetables, and ditalini pasta, this soup is full of Italian seasoning and beef broth for a rich and delicious broth. Serve it with some crusty bread for dipping.
Creating a Traditional Italian Entree Menu
Antipasti: The Perfect Starter
No Italian meal is complete without a selection of antipasti to whet the appetite. These small dishes are designed to stimulate the taste buds and prepare the palate for the main course. Some popular antipasti options include bruschetta, cured meats and cheeses, marinated vegetables, and olives. For a more modern twist, try serving a charcuterie board with a variety of meats, cheeses, and accompaniments like nuts and dried fruits.
Primo: Pasta Perfection
Pasta is a staple in Italian cuisine and is often the star of the entree menu. From classic spaghetti and meatballs to more elaborate dishes like lasagna and carbonara, there are endless possibilities when it comes to pasta. For a lighter option, try a seafood pasta with fresh clams, mussels, and shrimp. And for a vegetarian option, a creamy mushroom and truffle risotto is sure to impress.
Secondo: Hearty Meat Dishes
The secondo course typically features a hearty meat dish, such as chicken, beef, or pork. A classic chicken parmesan or veal piccata are always crowd pleasers. For a more modern take, try a grilled lamb chop with a balsamic glaze or a roasted pork tenderloin with a fig and prosciutto stuffing.
Contorno: A Side of Vegetables
No entree menu is complete without a side of vegetables. In Italian cuisine, these are known as contorni and are often served as a separate course. Roasted vegetables, like eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers, are a staple in Italian cooking. For a healthier option, try a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette dressing.
Dolce: Sweet Endings
No Italian meal is complete without a sweet ending. For a classic dessert, tiramisu is a must-try. This coffee-flavored treat features layers of ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, and cocoa powder. For a lighter option, a fruit tart or gelato are also popular choices.
By following these traditional Italian entree menu ideas, you can create a delicious and authentic meal that will impress your guests or satisfy your cravings. So gather your ingredients, pour yourself a glass of red wine, and get cooking! Your taste buds will thank you.
Italian entree menu, traditional Italian cuisine, antipasti, primo, pasta, secondo, meat dishes, contorno, vegetables, dolce, sweet endings
