100 Easy Italian Dinners

• Weeknight Lazy Lasagna
• Chicken Provolone
• Hot Antipasto Subs
• Sausage-Topped White Pizza
• Grilled Eggplant Parmesan Stacks
• Loaded Chicken Carbonara Cups
• Tuscan Grapes and Sausages
• Italian Chicken and Penne
• Chicken Parmesan Slider Bake
• Lasagna Cups
• Easy Stuffed Shells
• Tasty-Italian Vegetable Soup
• Chicken Pesto Meatballs
• Hearty Minestrone Soup
• Italian Meat Loaves
• Stuffed Pasta Shells
• Sausage Bean Soup
• Pepper Ricotta Primavera
• Antipasto Kabobs
• Deep-Dish Sausage Pizza
• Quick Carbonara
• Watermelon Gazpacho
• Pancetta and Mushroom-Stuffed Chicken Breast
• Vegetarian Linguine
• Giant Meatball Sub
• Italian Turkey Cutlets
• Italian Sub Sandwiches
• Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce
• Meatball Pizza
• Calzone Rolls
• Creamy Prosciutto Pasta
• Gnocchi with Pesto Sauce
• Italian Chicken Tenderloins
• Pressure-Cooker Risotto with Chicken and Mushrooms
• Fire-Roasted Ziti with Sausage
• Saucy Skillet Lasagna
• Blushing Penne Pasta
• Tomato Baguette Pizza
• Sheet-Pan Chicken Parmesan
• Turkey Scallopini with Marsala Sauce
• Weeknight Ravioli Lasagna
• Sausage & Spinach Calzones
• Simple Sausage Pasta Toss
• Elegant Pork Marsala
• Creamy Pesto Penne with Vegetable Ribbons
• Chicken Florentine Meatballs
• Chicken Florentine Casserole
• Chicken Gnocchi Pesto Soup
• Personal Margherita Pizzas
• Penne alla Vodka
• Penne with Tomatoes & White Beans
• Grilled Sausage-Basil Pizzas
• Caprese Chicken
• Honeydew & Prosciutto Salad
• Basil-Lemon Crab Linguine
• Italian Sausage and Provolone Skewers
• Rustic Summer Vegetable Pasta
• Italian Sausage and Zucchini Soup
• Light & Lemony Scampi
• Chicken Alfredo with Grilled Apples
• Mushroom Bolognese with Whole Wheat Pasta
• Baby Kale Salad with Avocado-Lime Dressing
• Artichoke Florentine Pasta
• One-Pot Spinach Beef Soup
• Three-Cheese Meatball Mostaccioli
• Chipotle Manicotti Bake
• One-Pot Chicken Pesto Pasta
• Spicy Sausage Rigatoni
• Italian Smothered Pork Chops
• Arugula Pesto Chicken
• Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells
• Chard & Bacon Linguine
• Italian Sausage Orzo
• Zucchini-Crusted Pizza
• Chicken Pesto Roll-Ups
• Spicy Shrimp & Penne Pasta
• Stuffed Shells with Arrabbiata Sauce
• Meatball Submarine Casserole
• Garlic Tilapia with Mushroom Risotto
• Bacon-Wrapped Pesto Pork Tenderloin
• Bucatini with Sausage & Kale
• Shrimp Puttanesca
• Ricotta, Tomato & Corn Pasta
• One-Pan Tuscan Ravioli
• Grilled Caprese Quesadillas
• Eggplant Flatbread Pizzas
• Pressure Cooker Rigatoni with Sausage & Peas
• Italian Joes on Texas Toast
• Turkey Linguine with Tomato Cream Sauce
• Bruschetta Steak
• Spaghetti & Meatball Skillet Supper
• Chicken Florentine Pizza
• Pressure-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
• Pressure-Cooker Red Clam Sauce
• Pressure-Cooker Italian Sausage & Kale Soup
• Linguine with Fried Eggs and Garlic
• Chicken Francese
• Pasta with Creamy Fennel Sauce
• Arugula Pizza
• Arborio Rice and White Bean Soup

Weeknight Lazy Lasagna

On hectic nights, no one has time to stack several layers of lasagna. My version combines a few steps to cut down on prep, but keeps all the cheesy, saucy, noodle-y goodness that makes lasagna an all-time favorite. —Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania

Chicken Provolone Exps Wrsm17 40201 B03 28 2b 18

Chicken Provolone

Chicken Provolone, though one of my simplest dishes, is one of my husband’s favorites. It is easy to prepare and looks fancy served on a dark plate with a garnish of fresh parsley or basil. Add some buttered noodles for an easy side dish. —Dawn Bryant, Thedford, NebraskaGo to Recipe

Hot Antipasto Subs Exps Sdfm17 52772 B10 07 1b 7

Hot Antipasto Subs

Hot or cold, these loaded sandwiches are always a family hit. They blend all the robust flavors of antipasto into an easy-to-eat bun. —Sharlene Lander, Lake Placid, FloridaGo to Recipe

Sausage-Topped White Pizza

I love cooking, and I learned from Nana and Mom. Pizza is easily one of my favorite dishes to prepare. I switched up this recipe to make it my own. —Tracy Brown, River Edge, New JerseyGo to Recipe

Exps69630 Sd163617b02 03 5b 3

Grilled Eggplant Parmesan Stacks

We love eggplant Parmesan, but when it’s hot outside, the dish feels too heavy. Grilled eggplant slices topped with tomato, mozzarella and Parm satisfy everyone. —Joann Parlin, Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey Go to Recipe  

Loaded Chicken Carbonara Cups

Spaghetti cupcakes with a chicken carbonara twist make for a tasty, fun family dinner. Whole wheat pasta and reduced-fat ingredients make these quick and easy little pasta cakes nutritional winners, too. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, MinnesotaGo to Recipe

Tuscan Grapes and Sausages

This recipe is one of my go-tos when entertaining. It’s simple, elegant and you can entertain your guests instead of spending the entire time in the kitchen. It is always a crowd pleaser and everyone always asks for the recipe. The whole pieces of garlic in this dish become so sweet, a lovely complement to the sweet grapes and spicy sausage. I serve this over rustic hand-mashed red potatoes. —Melissa Zienter, Las Vegas, NevadaGo to Recipe

Italian Chicken And Penne Exps20748 Fm143298b03 11 9b Rms 6

Italian Chicken and Penne

This easy stir-fry combines the pasta with green pepper, mushrooms and tomatoes in an Italian-style sauce. I made up this recipe one evening, and it was a big hit with my family. —Janeen Longfellow, Wolcottville, IndianaGo to Recipe

Chicken Parmesan Slider Bake Exps Mtcbbz17 204498 D03 01 3b 4

Chicken Parmesan Slider Bake

Sliders are the perfect finger food for any get-together, and this flavorful chicken Parmesan version won’t disappoint. —Nick Iverson, Denver, ColoradoGo to Recipe

Lasagna Cups

I love lasagna and garlic bread, so it only made sense to put them together in these fun little cups. Have one as an appetizer or two for a meal! —Angelique Douglas, Maryville, Illinois Go to Recipe

Easy Stuffed Shells Exps42632 Th143193b04 23 6b Rms 6

Easy Stuffed Shells

I threw this recipe together one day when we had unexpected guests. It was an immediate hit and is now a family favorite. Get the kids involved when putting together this simple, savory dish. —Dolores Betchner, Cudahy, WisconsinGo to Recipe

Tasty-Italian Vegetable Soup

Here’s a dish that will warm you up fast. It takes just 25 minutes until you can sit down and start sipping on this soup. —Janet Frieman, Kenosha, WisconsinGo to Recipe

Chicken Pesto Meatballs Exps Sddj18 174952 D08 09 2b 16

Chicken Pesto Meatballs

These tender, pesto-stuffed meatballs get gobbled up in our house. They’re short on ingredients, but packed with flavor. I always make a double batch, freezing the other half for a busy night. —Ally Billhorn, Wilton, IowaGo to Recipe

Hearty Minestrone Soup

This fresh-tasting minestrone soup gets its zesty flavor from Italian sausage. When you want to use up your garden bounty of zucchini, try this recipe. If your family likes food extra spicy, use hot bulk Italian sausage instead. —Donna Smith, Fairport, New YorkGo to Recipe

Italian Meat Loaves

We raise hogs, so pork is something I cook with a lot. These miniature meat loaves made with ground pork and Italian herbs are full of flavor. Our children especially like the topping of ketchup and Parmesan cheese. -Patricia Staudt, Marble Rock, IowaGo to Recipe

Stuffed Pasta Shells

These savory shells never fail to make a big impression, even though the recipe is very easy. One or two of these shells makes a great individual serving at a potluck, so a single batch goes a long way. —Jena Coffey, St. Louis, Missouri Go to Recipe

Sausage Bean Soup

You’re moments away from a flavor-packed soup that keeps you warm on even the chilliest nights. It’s just the kind of recipe we Minnesotans love. —Marlene Muckenhirn, Delano, MinnesotaGo to Recipe

Pepper Ricotta Primavera Exps Thjj17 8919 B02 08 1b 2

Pepper Ricotta Primavera

Garlic, peppers and herbs top creamy ricotta cheese in this meatless skillet meal you can make in just 20 minutes. —Janet Boulger, Botwood, Newfoundland and LabradorGo to Recipe

Antipasto Kabobs Exps Sdjj18 26676 C02 14 2b 1

Antipasto Kabobs

My husband and I met at a cooking class. We have loved creating menus and entertaining ever since. These make-ahead antipasto skewers are always a hit. —Denise Hazen, Cincinnati, OhioGo to Recipe

Deep-Dish Sausage Pizza

My grandma made the tastiest snacks for us when we stayed the night at her farm. Her wonderful pizza, hot from the oven, was covered with cheese and had fragrant herbs in the crust. Now this pizza is frequently a meal for my husband and me and our family. —Michele Madden, Washington Court House, OhioGo to Recipe

Quick Carbonara Exps Sddj18 11253 C08 04 5b 8

Quick Carbonara

Carbonara is a dinnertime classic, but my version cuts down on the time it takes to make. Loaded with ham, bacon, olives, garlic and Parmesan, it certainly doesn’t skimp on flavor. —Carole Martin, Tallahassee, FloridaGo to Recipe

Watermelon Gazpacho Exps Sdjj18 44137 D02 08 15 11b 5

Watermelon Gazpacho

This is a delightfully simple, elegant dish. Serve as a side or with pita and hummus for a meal. It’s so refreshing—guests will love it. —Nicole Deelah, Nashville, TennesseeGo to Recipe

Pancetta And Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast Exps Thfm18 163192 B09 14 2b 11

Pancetta and Mushroom-Stuffed Chicken Breast

I was inspired by a stuffed chicken Marsala dish I had at a restaurant and wanted to come up with my own version using a different flavor profile. —Ashley Laymon, Lititz, PennsylvaniaGo to Recipe

Vegetarian Linguine

Looking for a tasty alternative to the usual meat-and-potatoes meals? Try this colorful pasta dish. My oldest son came up with the scrumptious supper that takes advantage of fresh mushrooms, zucchini and other vegetables as well as basil and provolone. —Jane Bone, Cape Coral, FloridaGo to Recipe

Giant Meatball Sub Exps17780 Gb143373d01 15 2bc Rms 4

Giant Meatball Sub

As either a hearty party sandwich or a filling lunch or dinner, this sub will rise to the top of your list of favorites. It’s also a perfect contribution to a potluck…but don’t expect to have any leftovers! —Deana Paul, San Dimas, CaliforniaGo to Recipe

Italian Turkey Cutlets

“Because I’m watching my weight, I’ve used this recipe for years,” writes Janet Bumb of Beallsville, Maryland. “Served with a flavorful tomato sauce, these cutlets taste so good that my son, who is thin and doesn’t need to worry about his weight, requests them for his birthday dinner!”Go to Recipe

Italian Sub Sandwiches

I serve these sandwiches for a special party treat. The red and green peppers add color along with flavor. — Judy Long, Effingham, IllinoisGo to Recipe

Chicken Piccata With Lemon Sauce Exps Dsbz17 26212 B01 13 5b 6

Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce

Once you’ve tried this tangy, yet delicate lemon chicken piccata, you won’t hesitate to make it for company. Seasoned with parmesan and parsley, the chicken cooks up golden brown, then is drizzled with a light lemon sauce. —Susan Pursell, Fountain Valley, CaliforniaGo to Recipe

Meatball Pizza

I always keep meatballs and pizza crusts in the freezer to make this specialty on the spur of the moment. Add a tossed salad and you have a delicious dinner. —Mary Humeniuk-Smith, Perry Hall, MarylandGo to Recipe

Calzone Rolls Exps Ugfbmz17 25070 D04 28 3b 1

Calzone Rolls

Big pizza flavor comes through in these rolls, thanks to the peppers, mushrooms, olives and pepperoni. This recipe makes two pans of rolls, and you can make the dough in a bread machine. —Barb Downie, Peterborough, Ontario Go to Recipe

Creamy Prosciutto Pasta Exps Sdam18 25787 B12 01 3b 15

Creamy Prosciutto Pasta

I’m always looking for dinners that I can put together quickly. I re-created a favorite pasta dish from an Italian restaurant by using grocery store convenience products. Add crusty bread and a salad for a complete meal. —Christine Ward, Austin, TexasGo to Recipe

Gnocchi with Pesto Sauce

Perk up gnocchi and vegetables with a flavorful pesto sauce. If you don’t have pine nuts for the topping, skip or substitute any nut you like. —Taste of Home Test KitchenGo to Recipe

Italian Chicken Tenderloins

My friend made this meal for my husband and me after our first child was born. Since chicken tenderloin recipes can be so caloric, I trimmed down the fat and carbs, but we love it just the same. —Beth Ann Stein, Richmond, IndianaGo to Recipe

Pressure Cooker Risotto With Chicken And Mushrooms Exps Dai19 206289 B02 13 2b 24

Pressure-Cooker Risotto with Chicken and Mushrooms

Portobello mushrooms add an earthy flavor to this creamy classic, while shredded rotisserie chicken makes it a snap to prepare. You’ll savor every bite. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, FloridaGo to Recipe

Exps30998 Sd153323d06 04 5b 7

Fire-Roasted Ziti with Sausage

We punch up our pasta with smoked sausage and fire-roasted tomato sauce. It’s an easy recipe to switch up—use whatever noodles and spaghetti sauce are in your pantry. —Jean Komlos, Plymouth, MichiganGo to Recipe

Exps24788 Th153343a06 11 2b Ap 9

Saucy Skillet Lasagna

Thanks to no-cook noodles, this skillet lasagna makes a fresh, filling, flavorful and fast entree for any Italian meal. —Meghan Crihfield, Ripley, West VirginiaGo to Recipe

Blushing Penne Pasta Exps Sdfm17 34895 B10 06 9b 7

Blushing Penne Pasta

I reworked this recipe from an original that called for vodka and heavy whipping cream. My friends and family had a hard time believing a sauce this rich, flavorful and creamy could be light. —Margaret Wilson, Hemet, California Go to Recipe

Tomato Baguette Pizza Exps Sddj17 40299 C08 25 7b 4

Tomato Baguette Pizza

When my tomatoes ripen all at once, I use them up in simple recipes like this one. Cheesy baguette pizzas, served with a salad, make an ideal lunch. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, OntarioGo to Recipe

Sheet Pan Chicken Parmesan Exps Thfm18 206935 D09 14 2b 24

Sheet-Pan Chicken Parmesan

Saucy chicken, melty mozzarella and crisp-tender broccoli—all in one pan. What could be better? —Becky Hardin, St. Peters, MissouriGo to Recipe

Turkey Scallopini with Marsala Sauce

My family requests this entree at least once a month. The slightly sweet Marsala sauce is yummy over the turkey slices and hot cooked noodles. —Briana Knight, Ferndale, WashingtonGo to Recipe

Exps55577 Th153343c04 23 7b 10

Weeknight Ravioli Lasagna

My husband and I love lasagna, but it’s time-consuming to make and we always end up with too much. Using frozen ravioli solves everything. —Pamela Nicholson, Festus, MissouriGo to Recipe

Sausage Spinach Calzones Exps Sdfm18 26276 C10 10 2b 7

Sausage & Spinach Calzones

These quick, comforting calzones are perfect for easy meals—or even a midnight snack. My co-workers always ask me to make them when it’s my turn to bring in lunch. —Kourtney Williams, Mechanicsville, VirginiaGo to Recipe

Exps45653 Sd153323d06 09 7b

Simple Sausage Pasta Toss

For a flash of tasty inspiration, grab a skillet and stir up turkey sausage with tomatoes, garlic and olives. Toss everything with spaghetti, and sprinkle with Parmesan. —Taste of Home Test KitchenGo to Recipe

Elegant Pork Marsala Exps45353 Th143190a09 25 4bc Rms 7

Elegant Pork Marsala

Wine and mushrooms lend elegance to this oh-so-simple pork dish. Use pre-sliced mushrooms and minced garlic to save time. Cleanup is one-pan easy. —Kim Gillis, High Falls, New YorkGo to Recipe

Creamy Pesto Penne With Vegetable Ribbons Exps47396 Thcs143381d12 19 1bc Rms 2

Creamy Pesto Penne with Vegetable Ribbons

This beautiful dish will wow guests. It’s not just the colors; they’ll really be amazed by the taste. Taste of Home Test Kitchen Go to Recipe

Chicken Florentine Meatballs Exps Thcsf16 47913 A06 01 2b 8

Chicken Florentine Meatballs

Served over squash and a chunky, mushroom-tomato sauce, these tender meatballs are tops when it comes to great flavor. —Diane Nemitz, Ludington, MichiganGo to Recipe

Chicken Florentine Casserole Exps Chbz18 87035 C10 19 4b 3

Chicken Florentine Casserole

Creamy and comforting, this chicken and spinach bake is sure to be a hit at dinnertime. The toasty bread crumb topping delivers a bit of a crunch. —Dori Jackson, Gulf Breeze, FloridaGo to Recipe

Chicken Gnocchi Pesto Soup Exps Chkbz18 72834 B10 12 1b 6

Chicken Gnocchi Pesto Soup

After tasting a similar soup at a restaurant, I created this quick and tasty version. The pesto adds an extra-nice Italian flavor that is often missing from other gnocchi soups. —Deanna Smith, Des Moines, Iowa tGo to Recipe

Personal Margherita Pizzas Exps167540 Sd2847494d02 08 4bc Rms 9

Personal Margherita Pizzas

This family-friendly supper is simplicity at its finest. Golden-brown, melted fresh mozzarella and a sprinkling of fresh basil give these personal pies Italian-inspired flavors. —Jerry Gulley, San Francisco, CA Go to Recipe

Penne Alla Vodka Exps Diyd19 111856 E09 11 3b 4

Penne alla Vodka

This easy and impressive pasta is always on the menu when my husband and I have new friends over for dinner. Years later, they’ve asked me to make this Penne alla Vodka recipe again. —Cara Langer, Overland Park, Kansas Go to Recipe

Penne With Tomatoes White Beans Exps140997 Sd143205a01 31 2bc Rms 9

Penne with Tomatoes & White Beans

I learned how to make this dish from friends in Genoa, Italy, where they’re known for creating tasty combinations of veggies, pasta and beans. You can sub feta cheese to give this a Greek twist. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, IdahoGo to Recipe

Exps87182 Sd143205a01 30 4b Web 7

Grilled Sausage-Basil Pizzas

We love basil recipes, and these easy little pizzas are a wonderful change of pace from the classic cookout menu. Let everybody go crazy with the toppings. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, FloridaGo to Recipe

Caprese Chicken Exps150303 Th143192d02 06 2bc Rms 5

Caprese Chicken

I love a Caprese salad of tomatoes, basil and cheese, so why not try a chicken caprese? You can grill this dish, but my family agrees it’s juicier straight from the oven. —Dana Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona Go to Recipe

Honeydew Prosciutto Salad Exps Jmz18 152605 B03 01 4b 2

Honeydew & Prosciutto Salad

For parties, I turn melon and prosciutto into an easy salad with a honey mustard dressing. To add zip, stir in fresh basil and mint. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, WashingtonGo to Recipe

Exps160784 Sd153320c12 09 3b 1

Basil-Lemon Crab Linguine

I always add herbs to pasta to really punch up the flavor. This linguine looks and tastes like it’s from a five-star restaurant. We love it. —Tonya Burkhard, Palm Coast, Florida Go to Recipe

Exps94127 Sd153320b12 10 3b 2

Italian Sausage and Provolone Skewers

My husband made sausage and veggie kabobs when we didn’t have buns to make classic sausage bombers. Grill ‘em up, then add cheese cubes. —Cindy Hilliard, Kenosha, WisconsinGo to Recipe

Exps89843 Th153342b02 20 5b 2

Rustic Summer Vegetable Pasta

My veggie pasta proves you can’t have too much of a good thing. Feel free to change it up with whatever fresh veggies are in the garden or farmers market. —Bryn Namavari, Chicago, Illinois Go to Recipe

Exps184154 Sd153322b04 08 5b 15

Italian Sausage and Zucchini Soup

Everyone in my family likes this soup recipe. Sometimes I add mini farfalle because my grandchildren say the noodles look like tiny butterflies. This recipe also works in a slow cooker. —Nancy Murphy, Mount Dora, FloridaGo to Recipe

Exps189916 Th153343b04 22 4b 4

Light & Lemony Scampi

A touch more lemon helped me trim the calories in our favorite shrimp scampi recipe. For those who want to indulge, pass around the Parmesan. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts Go to Recipe

Exps73372 Sd153323d06 04 2b 4

Chicken Alfredo with Grilled Apples

If you’ve never grilled apples before, here’s your excuse to start. I created this Alfredo-style chicken for a party. By the number of recipe requests, I knew it was a hit. —Richard Robinson, Park Forest, Illinois Go to Recipe

Exps87880 Th153343b04 23 1b 4

Mushroom Bolognese with Whole Wheat Pasta

A traditional Bolognese sauce is meat-based with everything from pork to pancetta. Skipping the meat, I loaded this pasta dish with baby portobellos and veggies. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas Go to Recipe

Exps167922 Th163620d11 18 8b Web 8

Baby Kale Salad with Avocado-Lime Dressing

We pull a bunch of ingredients from our garden when we make this baby kale salad with zucchini and sweet onion. The yogurt dressing layers on big lime flavor. —Suzanna Esther, State College, PennsylvaniaGo to Recipe

Exps188008 Th153343c04 16 6b 6

Artichoke Florentine Pasta

Pasta loaded with artichokes and creamy cheese is everything a Sunday dinner should be: rich, tasty and memorable. Add cooked chicken, shrimp or crab if you like. —Nancy Beckman, Helena, Montana Go to Recipe

One Pot Spinach Beef Soup Exps Cscsbz19 159230 C04 05 1b 6

One-Pot Spinach Beef Soup

My idea of a winning weeknight meal is this beefy soup simmering in one big pot. Grate some Parmesan and pass the saltines. —Julie Davis, Jacksonville, FloridaGo to Recipe

Three Cheese Meatball Mostaccioli Exps Gbbz22 187474 E10 14 2b

Three-Cheese Meatball Mostaccioli

When my husband travels for work, I make a special dinner for my kids to keep their minds off missing Daddy. This tasty mostaccioli is meatball magic. —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, MichiganGo to Recipe

Exps182391 Hc153708a07 07 4b 1

Chipotle Manicotti Bake

I found this recipe while searching for a vegetarian dish that I could use as a main course. This rich manicotti has the added spiciness that I love in Mexican cuisine. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, MarylandGo to Recipe

Exps117847 Sd163614d12 08 3b 3

One-Pot Chicken Pesto Pasta

When my garden basil goes nuts, I make pesto and keep it frozen in small containers for the right opportunity, like this saucy one-pot chicken pesto pasta recipe. —Kimberly Fenwick, Hobart, IndianaGo to Recipe

Spicy Sausage Rigatoni Exps202586 Jsv133167b04 11 7b Rms 13

Spicy Sausage Rigatoni

My inspiration for this recipe came from a Cajun pasta dish I make with blackened chicken, but here I substitute Italian sausage. I love this dish. It makes a hearty meal that warms you up all over. —Toni Dishman, Mooresville, North CarolinaGo to Recipe

Exps116079 Sd163615c04 07 10b 3

Italian Smothered Pork Chops

My brother and I come from an Italian family, and we designed these pork chops to include Italian staples like fresh mozzarella, sweet red peppers and broccoli rabe. —Shana Lewis, Totowa, New Jersey Go to Recipe

Exps193823 Th163621b02 10 3b 4

Arugula Pesto Chicken

We had an abundance of arugula in our garden, so I turned it into pesto. The bold green color reminds my son of something the Incredible Hulk would eat. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas Go to Recipe

Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells Exps Sdfm18 202025 C10 06 4b 4

Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells

When chicken Parmesan meets stuffed shells, it’s love at first bite. The texture of the chicken holds up in the deliciously creamy and cheesy mixture. —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, FloridaGo to Recipe

Exps84613 Sd163617b02 02 7b 6

Chard & Bacon Linguine

I use Swiss chard every way I can, and that includes stirring it into this breezy linguine. When you’re short on time, this dish keeps life simple. —Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan Go to Recipe

Italian Sausage Orzo Exps Hck17 115368 C08 24 7b 2

Italian Sausage Orzo

This light dish is perfect for any night of the week, and it looks as good as it tastes! If you have leftover sauteed mushrooms or other vegetables, toss them in as well. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, FloridaGo to Recipe

Zucchini-Crusted Pizza

Flavorful, nutritious and versatile, this pizza is easy to prep ahead and freeze—and fun to make with kids. It also quadruples nicely. What’s not to like? —Ruth Hartunian-Alumbaugh, Willimantic, Connecticut Go to Recipe

Chicken Pesto Roll Ups Exps Thfm17 95733 B09 21 4b 6

Chicken Pesto Roll-Ups

One night I looked in the refrigerator and pondered what I could make with chicken, cheese, mushrooms and pesto. This pretty dish was the result. Add Italian bread and a fruit salad for a complete meal! —Melissa Nordmann, Mobile, ALGo to Recipe

Spicy Shrimp Penne Pasta Exps Sddj17 180629 16 C08 03 6b 2

Spicy Shrimp & Penne Pasta

I created this creamy pasta dish when I needed to use up some marinara. Red pepper flakes give it a little heat, which my family loves. It’s super versatile, so try it with chicken, or simply stir in some fresh basil, too. —Lorri Stout, Gaithersburg, Maryland Go to Recipe

Stuffed Shells with Arrabbiata Sauce

This Italian classic takes on a distinctive Latin American flourish with the addition of chorizo. The sausage adds an extra kick and awesome flavor to a dish that’s already a favorite. —Crystal McDuffy, Fairfax, Virginia. Go to Recipe

Exps184259 Sd153322a04 01 4b Pieceout 1

Meatball Submarine Casserole

We were hosting a bunch of friends, and after a comedy of errors, I had to come up with a plan B for dinner. I realized that much-loved meatball subs are even better as a hearty casserole—so delicious! —Rick Friedman, Palm Springs, CaliforniaGo to Recipe

Garlic Tilapia with Mushroom Risotto

Boxed risotto makes it quick; mushrooms, shallots and cheese make it tasty. Serve the risotto alongside seasoned fish for a weeknight supper in a hurry. —Lynn Moretti, Oconomowoc, WisconsinGo to Recipe

Bacon-Wrapped Pesto Pork Tenderloin

I love to serve this family-favorite tenderloin—maybe because of the compliments that come with it! When the weather warms up, we grill it instead. —Megan Riofski, Frankfort, Illinois Go to Recipe

Bucatini With Sausage Kale Exps Sdfm17 197513 B10 04 1b 6

Bucatini with Sausage & Kale

I was short on time but wanted to make an elegant dinner for my husband and me. That night, we ate this simple pasta starring spicy sausage and our homegrown kale. —Angela Lemoine, Howell, New JerseryGo to Recipe

Shrimp Puttanesca

I throw together these bold ingredients for a feisty seafood pasta. —Lynda Balslev, Sausalito, CaliforniaGo to Recipe

Ricotta Tomato Corn Pasta Exps Sdjj17 151400 B02 10 3b 2

Ricotta, Tomato & Corn Pasta

I love to make healthy meals with produce from my latest farmers market trip. This pasta takes just 30 minutes from pantry to dinner table. You can easily make it a meat entree by adding cooked, shredded chicken. —Jerilyn Korver, Bellflower, CaliforniaGo to Recipe

One Pan Tuscan Ravioli Exps Sdjj17 77765 B02 09 1b 9

One-Pan Tuscan Ravioli

Sometimes I use chickpeas instead of cannellini beans, grated Asiago or Provolone instead of Parmesan, and all zucchini if I don’t have eggplant. Very flexible! —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California Go to Recipe

Grilled Caprese Quesadillas

Here’s a quick and easy summer lunch that makes great use of garden-grown tomatoes. Feel free to make your quesadillas heartier by adding grilled chicken. —Amy Mongiovi, Lititz, PennsylvaniaGo to Recipe

Eggplant Flatbread Pizzas

I’m now a professional chef, but I loved making this recipe for the family on Friday nights as a home cook. We like to shake pizza up with unique, fresh toppings. —Christine Wendland, Browns Mills, New JerseyGo to Recipe

Rigatoni With Sausage Peas Exps206290 Sd143206b04 03 4b 12

Pressure Cooker Rigatoni with Sausage & Peas

With a tomato-y meat sauce and tangy goat cheese, this weeknight wonder is my version of comfort food. You want to have bowl after bowl. —Lizzie Munro, Brooklyn, New YorkGo to Recipe

Italian Joes on Texas Toast

This is toasty-good for a weeknight on the go. If you double the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, meat and wine, you’ll have enough sauce to freeze. —Ashley Armstrong, Kingsland, GeorgiaGo to Recipe

Turkey Linguine with Tomato Cream Sauce

I love an easy weeknight meal! This meal comes together quickly and uses up the half block of cream cheese that always ends up in my fridge. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North DakotaGo to Recipe

Bruschetta Steak

My husband and I love bruschetta, especially in the summertime with fresh tomatoes and herbs from our garden. —Kristy Still, Broken Arrow, OklahomaGo to Recipe

Spaghetti And Meatball Skillet Supper Exps Sdon17 191148 D06 30 4b 19

Spaghetti & Meatball Skillet Supper

I developed this one-skillet spaghetti and meatball dish to cut down on cooking time on busy nights. The beans, artichokes and tomatoes bump up the nutrition factor, while the lemon and parsley make it pop with brightness. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, CaliforniaGo to Recipe

Chicken Florentine Pizza Exps Thd17 62729 B08 11 8b 8

Chicken Florentine Pizza

On pizza night, we like to switch things up with this chicken and spinach version. One taste of the ricotta cheese base and you won’t miss traditional sauce one bit. —Phil Corder, Monroe, LouisianaGo to Recipe

Pressure Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Exps207868 Ewd153732c03 27 3b 5

Pressure-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

My husband and I own and operate a busy farm. There are days when there’s just no time left for cooking! It’s really nice to be able to come into the house at night and have dinner ready in just a few minutes. —Aggie Arnold-Norman, Liberty, PennsylvaniaGo to Recipe

Pressure Cooker Red Clam Sauce Exps Cfcsbz17 207930 C09 07 1b 10

Pressure-Cooker Red Clam Sauce

This recipe tastes as if you’ve been working on it all day. What a classy way to jazz up pasta sauce! —JoAnn Brown, LaTrobe, PennsylvaniaGo to Recipe

Pressure-Cooker Italian Sausage & Kale Soup

The first time I made this colorful soup, our home smelled wonderful. We knew it was a keeper to see us through cold winter days. —Sarah Stombaugh, Chicago, IllinoisGo to Recipe  

Linguine With Fried Eggs And Garlic Exps Tham18 144640 D11 07 3b 3

Linguine with Fried Eggs and Garlic

This recipe is perfect for those nights when you want something quick, savory and healthy for your family. Even when the cupboard is bare, there are usually a couple of eggs and some cloves of garlic to work with. —E. Gelesky, Bala Cynwyd, PennsylvaniaGo to Recipe

Chicken Francese Exps Tham18 213060 C11 09 6b 4

Chicken Francese

I grew up on this tender, lemony chicken Francese recipe that’s a classic in Italian cooking. It’s delicious as is, but we sometimes add sauteed mushrooms. Serve it with pasta or crusty bread to mop up all that delicious pan sauce. —Joe Losardo, Taste of Home Executive Marketing ManagerGo to Recipe

Pasta With Creamy Fennel Sauce Exps Tham18 208682 C11 14 6b 13

Pasta with Creamy Fennel Sauce

When pureeing fennel one day, I realized its velvety texture would make for a creamy, delicious pasta sauce—without all the guilt. My experiment worked, and now I enjoy this good-for-you pasta sauce all the time. —Deb Schwab, Moraga, California Go to Recipe

Arugula Pizza

This arugula pizza is great served as an appetizer for get-togethers with family or friends. My girlfriends and I love it because it has that sophisticated gourmet touch, and it’s healthy, too! This also serves four as a main course. —Annette Riva, Naperville, IllinoisGo to Recipe

Arborio Rice And White Bean Soup Exps Sdfm18 190100 D10 06 4b

Arborio Rice and White Bean Soup

Soup is the ultimate comfort food. This hearty, satisfying soup with arborio rice is low in fat and comes together in less than 30 minutes. —Deanna McDonald, Grand Rapids, MichiganGo to Recipe

The post 100 Easy Italian Dinners appeared first on Taste of Home.