Sunday dinners are a time for family, tradition, and delicious meals, and Italian cuisine makes them extra special.
These 15 Italian Sunday dinner recipes showcase the rich flavors and comforting dishes that bring everyone to the table.
From classic pasta dishes and hearty risottos to flavorful roasts and savory side dishes, there’s something for every palate.
Easy to prepare, satisfying, and full of authentic Italian taste, these recipes turn your Sunday dinner into a memorable event.
Celebrate family, flavor, and tradition with these Italian-inspired Sunday meals!
15 Hearty Italian Sunday Dinner Recipes You’ll Love
Exploring these 15 Italian Sunday dinner recipes highlights the warmth and richness of Italian cuisine.
Each dish combines fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and comforting textures that make Sunday dinners special.
From time-honored classics to creative variations, these recipes cater to a variety of tastes and skill levels.
By incorporating these meals into your weekend routine, you can bring family and friends together over memorable, flavorful dinners.
Make every Sunday a celebration of taste and tradition with these 15 Italian dinner recipes!
Classic Lasagna
This lasagna is rich, cheesy, and comforting.
Layers of tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, ricotta, and mozzarella are baked in a savory tomato sauce.
It is perfect for a family-style Italian Sunday dinner.
This meal is hearty, satisfying, and full of traditional flavors.
Ingredients:
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 cups tomato sauce
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
- Sauté ground beef with garlic, salt, pepper, and basil.
- Mix ricotta with egg and a pinch of salt.
- Layer noodles, beef, ricotta, and tomato sauce in a baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake 35–40 minutes until bubbly and golden.
This classic lasagna is rich, hearty, and comforting.
The layers of cheese, meat, and sauce create deep flavor and satisfaction.
It is perfect for a traditional Italian Sunday dinner.
Every bite is cheesy, savory, and indulgent.
Chicken Parmesan
This chicken Parmesan is crispy, tender, and flavorful.
Breaded chicken breasts are baked with marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
It is perfect for a cozy Italian dinner with family.
This meal is savory, satisfying, and full of rich flavors.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- ½ cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Coat chicken in egg and breadcrumbs.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown chicken on both sides.
- Place chicken in a baking dish and top with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until cheese melts and chicken is cooked.
- Serve hot with pasta or salad.
This chicken Parmesan is tender, cheesy, and full of flavor.
The crispy coating contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce and melted cheese.
It is perfect for a comforting Italian Sunday dinner.
Every bite is savory, gooey, and satisfying.
Risotto alla Milanese
This risotto is creamy, fragrant, and luxurious.
Arborio rice is slowly cooked in chicken broth and flavored with saffron for a golden hue and delicate aroma.
It is ideal for an elegant Italian Sunday dinner.
This meal is rich, velvety, and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ tsp saffron threads
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat chicken broth and keep warm.
- Sauté onion in butter until translucent.
- Add Arborio rice and toast lightly for 2 minutes.
- Gradually add warm broth, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly.
- Dissolve saffron in a bit of broth and add halfway through cooking.
- Stir until rice is creamy and tender.
- Mix in Parmesan, season, and serve immediately.
This Risotto alla Milanese is creamy, fragrant, and golden.
Saffron adds delicate aroma and elegance, while Parmesan enriches the texture.
It is perfect for a sophisticated and comforting Italian Sunday dinner.
Every bite is silky, flavorful, and indulgent.
Eggplant Parmesan
This eggplant Parmesan is crispy, cheesy, and hearty.
Sliced eggplant is breaded, baked, and layered with marinara sauce and mozzarella for a vegetarian-friendly Italian classic.
It is perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
This meal is rich, comforting, and full of Italian flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 large eggplant, sliced
- ½ cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Coat eggplant slices in egg and breadcrumbs.
- Bake or sauté slices in olive oil until golden.
- Layer eggplant, marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan in a baking dish.
- Bake 25–30 minutes until cheese melts and edges are golden.
- Serve hot.
This eggplant Parmesan is hearty, cheesy, and gluten-free.
The crispy eggplant pairs perfectly with rich tomato sauce and melted cheese.
It is perfect for a satisfying Italian Sunday dinner.
Every bite is savory, cheesy, and comforting.
Osso Buco
This dish is tender, aromatic, and traditional.
Veal shanks are braised slowly in a tomato, wine, and vegetable sauce until meltingly tender.
It is ideal for an impressive Italian Sunday dinner.
This meal is rich, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 4 veal shanks
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 cup white wine
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot and brown veal shanks on all sides.
- Remove shanks and sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.
- Return shanks to pot and add broth and wine.
- Cover and simmer on low for 2–2.5 hours until meat is tender.
- Serve hot with gremolata or polenta.
This Osso Buco is tender, rich, and aromatic.
Slow braising creates deep flavors while vegetables enrich the sauce.
It is perfect for an elegant and hearty Italian Sunday dinner.
Every bite is savory, melt-in-your-mouth, and flavorful.
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Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken
This dish is creamy, rich, and comforting.
Tender fettuccine noodles are tossed in a luxurious Parmesan cream sauce with sautéed chicken.
It is perfect for a cozy Italian Sunday dinner with family.
This meal is indulgent, satisfying, and full of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook fettuccine according to package instructions and drain.
- Heat butter in a skillet and sauté garlic and chicken until cooked.
- Pour in cream and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add Parmesan and stir until sauce thickens.
- Toss pasta with sauce and serve immediately.
This Fettuccine Alfredo with chicken is creamy, rich, and comforting.
The Parmesan cream sauce envelops the pasta for indulgent flavor.
It is perfect for a cozy, satisfying Sunday dinner.
Every bite is cheesy, tender, and flavorful.
Pasta e Fagioli (Italian Bean Soup)
This soup is hearty, comforting, and gluten-free if made with gluten-free pasta.
Tender pasta, cannellini beans, vegetables, and a savory tomato broth create a classic Italian dish.
It is perfect for a warming Sunday dinner.
This meal is nutritious, filling, and full of traditional Italian flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup small pasta (or gluten-free pasta)
- 1 can cannellini beans, drained
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté onion, carrot, and celery until tender.
- Add beans, broth, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer 10 minutes.
- Add pasta and cook until al dente.
- Serve hot with a drizzle of olive oil.
This Pasta e Fagioli is hearty, flavorful, and gluten-free-friendly.
The beans and pasta create a filling texture while vegetables enrich flavor.
It is perfect for a wholesome Italian Sunday dinner.
Every bite is savory, comforting, and satisfying.
Veal Saltimbocca
This dish is elegant, tender, and full of flavor.
Veal cutlets are topped with prosciutto and sage, then pan-seared in a white wine sauce.
It is perfect for an impressive Italian Sunday dinner.
This meal is savory, aromatic, and indulgent.
Ingredients:
- 4 veal cutlets
- 4 slices prosciutto
- 4 fresh sage leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup dry white wine
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place a slice of prosciutto and sage on each veal cutlet.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sear cutlets 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Add wine to the skillet and simmer 2 minutes to deglaze.
- Serve hot with pan sauce drizzled on top.
This Veal Saltimbocca is tender, aromatic, and savory.
Prosciutto and sage enhance the flavor while wine adds richness.
It is perfect for an elegant Italian Sunday dinner.
Every bite is juicy, flavorful, and indulgent.
Risotto ai Funghi (Mushroom Risotto)
This risotto is creamy, earthy, and gluten-free.
Arborio rice is slowly cooked with mushrooms, garlic, and Parmesan for a luxurious texture.
It is perfect for a cozy, comforting Italian Sunday dinner.
This meal is rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat broth and keep warm.
- Sauté onion and mushrooms in butter until tender.
- Add rice and toast 2 minutes.
- Gradually add warm broth, stirring constantly, until rice is creamy.
- Stir in Parmesan, season with salt and pepper, and serve hot.
This Mushroom Risotto is creamy, gluten-free, and savory.
Mushrooms provide earthy depth while Parmesan enriches flavor.
It is perfect for a comforting, indulgent Italian Sunday dinner.
Every bite is velvety, flavorful, and satisfying.
Osso Buco alla Milanese
This dish is rich, tender, and traditional.
Veal shanks are braised with wine, tomatoes, and vegetables until meltingly tender.
It is perfect for a Sunday dinner that feels special and indulgent.
This meal is aromatic, hearty, and deeply flavorful.
Ingredients:
- 4 veal shanks
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot and brown veal shanks.
- Sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.
- Add broth and wine, cover, and simmer 2–2.5 hours until meat is tender.
- Serve hot with gremolata or risotto.
This Osso Buco alla Milanese is rich, tender, and aromatic.
Slow braising creates deep flavors while vegetables enhance the sauce.
It is perfect for a hearty, traditional Italian Sunday dinner.
Every bite is savory, melt-in-your-mouth, and satisfying
Penne alla Vodka with Chicken
This dish is creamy, tangy, and indulgent.
Penne pasta is tossed with a rich tomato-cream sauce, vodka, and tender chicken pieces.
Fresh basil adds aromatic depth and a vibrant finish.
It is perfect for a comforting and elegant Italian Sunday dinner.
This meal is creamy, flavorful, and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup vodka
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook penne according to package instructions and drain.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté garlic and chicken until cooked.
- Add tomato sauce and vodka, simmer 5 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
- Toss pasta with sauce and garnish with fresh basil.
This Penne alla Vodka with Chicken is creamy, savory, and aromatic.
Vodka enhances the sauce while cream provides richness.
It is perfect for a special Italian Sunday dinner.
Every bite is tender, flavorful, and indulgent.
Baked Ziti with Sausage
This baked pasta is hearty, cheesy, and comforting.
Italian sausage is mixed with ziti pasta, tomato sauce, and mozzarella, then baked until golden.
It is perfect for a family-style Italian Sunday dinner.
This meal is savory, filling, and full of traditional flavors.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ziti according to package instructions and drain.
- Mix cooked sausage, ziti, and tomato sauce.
- Transfer to a baking dish and top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
This baked ziti is cheesy, savory, and satisfying.
Sausage adds hearty flavor while cheese creates a rich, gooey texture.
It is perfect for a cozy, indulgent Italian Sunday dinner.
Every bite is flavorful, tender, and comforting.
Pollo alla Cacciatora (Hunter’s Chicken)
This chicken dish is rustic, flavorful, and gluten-free.
Chicken thighs are braised with tomatoes, olives, onions, garlic, and herbs for a rich Italian stew.
It is ideal for a hearty Sunday dinner.
This meal is savory, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup black olives
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown chicken on both sides.
- Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
- Add tomatoes, olives, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and simmer 25–30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or polenta.
This Pollo alla Cacciatora is tender, aromatic, and flavorful.
Tomatoes and olives enrich the sauce while herbs provide depth.
It is perfect for a comforting and rustic Italian Sunday dinner.
Every bite is savory, hearty, and satisfying.
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
This vegetarian pasta is creamy, cheesy, and comforting.
Large pasta shells are stuffed with a ricotta and spinach mixture, then baked in tomato sauce.
It is ideal for a satisfying Italian Sunday dinner.
This meal is hearty, flavorful, and wholesome.
Ingredients:
- 12 large pasta shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta shells according to package instructions and drain.
- Mix ricotta, spinach, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each shell with the ricotta mixture and place in a baking dish.
- Cover with tomato sauce and top with mozzarella.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
These stuffed shells are creamy, cheesy, and flavorful.
Spinach adds freshness while ricotta enriches texture.
It is perfect for a hearty, comforting Italian Sunday dinner.
Every bite is savory, cheesy, and satisfying.
Veal Piccata
This dish is tangy, tender, and classic.
Veal cutlets are sautéed and served in a lemon, caper, and white wine sauce.
It is perfect for an elegant Italian Sunday dinner.
This meal is light, flavorful, and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 4 veal cutlets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 2 tbsp capers
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sear veal cutlets 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Remove veal and add chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers.
- Simmer 3–5 minutes, then stir in butter.
- Pour sauce over veal and serve immediately.
This Veal Piccata is tender, tangy, and flavorful.
Lemon and capers provide brightness while butter adds richness.
It is perfect for a classic, elegant Italian Sunday dinner.
Every bite is savory, delicate, and satisfying.
