Giada De Laurentiis has mastered the art of Italian cuisine, blending traditional flavors with modern twists. Whether you’re looking for a cozy pasta dish, a show-stopping main course, or a delightful dessert, these 19 must-try recipes will bring Italian excellence straight to your kitchen.
Irresistible Pasta Dishes
1. Lemon Spaghetti
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Bright, zesty, and incredibly simple, this Lemon Spaghetti is the perfect weeknight dish. The combination of fresh lemon juice, zest, and olive oil creates a light yet flavorful sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta. Topped with Parmesan and fresh basil, this dish is proof that sometimes, less is more when it comes to Italian cooking.
2. Penne with Vodka Sauce
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Giada’s take on the classic Penne alla Vodka is a rich and creamy masterpiece. The secret? A splash of vodka that enhances the tomatoes’ natural sweetness while balancing the richness of heavy cream. This dish is pure comfort food with a gourmet twist, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.
3. Baked Ziti with Meatballs
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Nothing says home-cooked Italian comfort like Baked Ziti. Giada’s version features layers of pasta, creamy ricotta, tangy marinara, and gooey melted mozzarella. It’s an easy, make-ahead meal that’s just as good the next day—if there’s any left!
4. Fettuccine Alfredo
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Indulgence at its finest! This Fettuccine Alfredo boasts a luxuriously creamy sauce made with butter, Parmesan, and a hint of nutmeg. Unlike heavy restaurant versions, Giada’s recipe keeps it fresh and flavorful, making it a timeless favorite.
5. Lasagna Rolls
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Love lasagna but hate the hassle? These Lasagna Rolls are your solution. Each roll is filled with ricotta, Parmesan, and spinach, then baked in marinara sauce until bubbling and golden. It’s an easy way to enjoy lasagna without all the layering!
Savory Meat & Seafood Creations
6. Chicken Piccata
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A restaurant-quality dish you can whip up at home in 30 minutes! This Chicken Piccata features thin, golden-browned chicken cutlets bathed in a bright lemon-butter sauce with briny capers. It’s tangy, rich, and pairs beautifully with pasta or a simple green salad.
7. Osso Buco
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For a dish that tastes like it simmered all day, try Osso Buco. Braised veal shanks slow-cooked in a wine-infused tomato sauce make for an ultra-tender, fall-off-the-bone meal. Serve it over creamy polenta for a true Italian experience.
8. Parmesan-Crusted Chicken
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Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside—this Parmesan-Crusted Chicken is an easy yet impressive dish. The golden, cheesy crust adds the perfect crunch, and a fresh tomato-basil salad on top keeps it light and flavorful.
9. Brown-Butter Risotto with Lobster
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Creamy, rich, and packed with delicate lobster flavor, this Lobster Risotto is a showstopper. The key is slow-cooked arborio rice that soaks up the lobster broth, creating a dish that’s luxurious but totally worth the effort.
10. Salmon with Lemon and Capers
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This Salmon with Lemon and Capers is proof that simple ingredients can make the most delicious dishes. Perfectly cooked salmon is drizzled with a bright, tangy sauce that enhances its natural flavor without overpowering it.
Appetizers & Sides That Steal the Show
11. Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil
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A classic Italian starter, Bruschetta is all about simplicity: fresh tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and basil piled onto crispy toasted bread. It’s light, flavorful, and perfect for entertaining.
12. Caprese Salad
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Few salads are as simple and delicious as the Caprese Salad. With just a few quality ingredients—juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze—you get a fresh, vibrant dish that tastes like summer in every bite.
13. Arancini (Rice Balls)
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Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside—Arancini are deep-fried risotto balls stuffed with melty cheese or a rich meat filling. These golden bites of goodness are perfect as an appetizer or snack and pair beautifully with marinara sauce for dipping.
14. Cheddar and Scallion Bread
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There’s garlic bread, and then there’s Giada’s Cheddar and Scallion Bread.
Buttery, crispy, and topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs, this side dish is so good it might steal the show from your main course.
15. Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta
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Roasting brings out the best in Brussels Sprouts, and when you add crispy pancetta, you take them to another level. This side dish is smoky, salty, slightly caramelized, and absolutely irresistible—even for Brussels sprouts skeptics!
Sweet Treats & Drinks to End on a High Note
16. Chocolate Tiramisu
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An Italian classic that never disappoints, Tiramisu is a dreamy, coffee-infused dessert with layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and a velvety mascarpone cream. Finished with a dusting of cocoa powder, it’s the perfect balance of rich and light.
17. Honey Ricotta Cheesecake
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This Ricotta Cheesecake is a lighter take on the classic, with a delicate, airy texture and a hint of citrus. Unlike dense American cheesecakes, this Italian version is fluffy and slightly tangy, making it the perfect ending to any meal.
18. Limoncello Cake
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Bright and citrusy, Limoncello Cake is infused with the sweet, zesty flavors of Italy’s famous lemon liqueur. Every bite bursts with fresh lemon flavor, making it a refreshing and elegant dessert for any occasion.
19. Triple Chocolate Biscotti
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If you love crunchy, chocolatey treats, Triple Chocolate Biscotti is the perfect snack for you. These classic Italian cookies are packed with chocolate and roasted hazelnuts, making them ideal for dipping into coffee, tea, or even hot cocoa.
Final Thoughts
Giada De Laurentiis has mastered the balance of simplicity and sophistication in her cooking, bringing out the best in traditional Italian flavors. Whether you’re craving a comforting pasta dish, a flavorful main course, or a decadent dessert, these recipes are guaranteed to impress.
Which one will you try first? Let us know in the comments! 🍝🍷✨