Pretend You’re on Vacation with these 21 Italian Recipes

Bring the Italian vacation to your kitchen and pretend you’re dining on a busy city piazza, by the Mediterranean Sea or in a Tuscan vineyard in Italy. Whether it’s pizza night or pasta time, these delicious Italian-inspired recipes are perfect for a cozy night in or a dinner party at home. Grab a bottle of wine and let your cooking whisk you away!

Two slices of pepperoni pizza with basil on top on a blue plate.
Homemade Pizza. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Pizza Pinwheels

A plate of pizza pinwheels garnished with herbs.
Pizza Pinwheels. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Impress everyone with these Pizza Pinwheels. A deceivingly easy recipe, these fun, bite-sized pizza rolls are perfect for parties or snacking.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pinwheels

Peach Bellini

Two peach bellinis sit on woven coasters alongside a bowl of fresh mint, a cork and its cage and a pitcher of peach juice.
Peach Bellini. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Peach Bellinis, made with prosecco and peach nectar, are perfect for brunch or to hand out before a dinner party. This sweet and fizzy beverage is perfect for any summer gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Peach Bellini

Penne Rosa with Parmesan Crusted Chicken

A black plate with pasta topped with grilled chicken, cheese, and herbs. A glass of wine, a napkin with black cutlery, a red rose, and another plate are in the background.
Penne Rosa with Parmesan Crusted Chicken. Photo credit: Feast + West.

This luscious Penne Rosa is perfect for date night or a weeknight dinner, featuring creamy rosa sauce made with jarred pasta sauce. This dish adds a flavorful centerpiece to any Italian dinner party menu.
Get the Recipe: Penne Rosa with Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Tiramisu Martini

a tiramisu martini with chocolate sauce and a ladyfinger garnish on a gold coaster.
Tiramisu Martini. Photo credit: Feast + West.

The indulgent Tiramisu Martini is a dessert cocktail with chocolate sauce and a ladyfinger garnish. It is perfect for an after-dinner treat after a filling Italian dinner.
Get the Recipe: Tiramisu Martini

Homemade Mozzarella Sticks

A pink platter of air fryer mozzarella sticks.
Homemade Mozzarella Sticks. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Homemade Mozzarella Sticks in the air fryer are a healthier alternative to deep-frying, yet still make a crispy and delicious snack. They are perfect for an Italian dinner party or a cozy night in, plus the kids will love them.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Mozzarella Sticks

Prosecco Punch

Two glasses of orange juice with rosemary sprigs.
Prosecco Punch. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Celebrate your friends and family with a pitcher of sparkling Prosecco Punch, a bright and citrusy drink for any occasion, from holiday drinks to summer soirées.
Get the Recipe: Prosecco Punch

Lemon Drop Cookies

lemon cookies on a silver cooling rack.
Lemon Drop Cookies. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Fluffy lemon cookies with a zesty glaze are like lemonade in a cookie. They are a summery treat perfect for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Drop Cookies

Italian Margarita

A lemon basil margarita garnished with salt and a lime.
Italian Margarita. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Made with limoncello, tequila and basil, this fun, citrusy Italian margarita is perfect for everything from pizza night to taco night. It is so delicious and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Italian Margarita

Affogato

Two cups of espresso with ice cream on top.
Affogato. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Affogato is the dessert of a coffee lover’s dreams, combining sweet gelato with espresso. This classic Italian treat the ideal summertime treat.
Get the Recipe: Affogato

Aperol Spritz

An aperol spritz on grey coasters on a white background with oranges.
Aperol Spritz. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Sip on the bubbly summer classic Aperol Spritz, made with Aperol and prosecco. This crisp and stunning cocktail is perfect for any summer gathering.
Get the Recipe: Aperol Spritz

Tuscan White Bean Dip

A teal towel next to a black bowl of tuscan white bean dip.
Tuscan White Bean Dip. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Tuscan White Bean Dip features white beans, juicy tomatoes, onion, garlic, and fresh herbs. This is a memorable appetizer for any summer party.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan White Bean Dip

Negroni

A glass with a Classic Negroni and orange peels.
Negroni. Photo credit: Feast + West.

The classic Negroni cocktail, made with gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari, is a bittersweet and sophisticated drink that will make you feel like you’re on the streets of Italy.
Get the Recipe: Negroni

Caprese Salad Skewers

Caprese skewers on a silver tray.
Caprese Salad Skewers. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Caprese Salad is a popular Italian side dish. When you mix it up and serve it on skewers with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil and balsamic vinegar, you’ll find it’s a great way to serve this sometimes messy dish for a party. They work as either an appetizer or side dish.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Salad Skewers

Limoncello Spritz

Two champagne glasses with limoncello spritz and a lemon twist garnish.
Limoncello Spritz. Photo credit: Feast + West.

The Limoncello Spritz is a light and bright cocktail, perfect for any celebration. It combines prosecco and limoncello, creating a drink with a sparkling lemonade vibe.
Get the Recipe: Limoncello Spritz

Tiramisu Trifle

A glass trifle dish filled with layered tiramisu, featuring creamy and cocoa-dusted layers, sits on a white background with a stack of plates and a napkin with gold utensils beside it.
Tiramisu Trifle. Photo credit: Feast + West.

This Tiramisu Trifle is a sumptuous statement at any party, with layers of sweet marscarpone cream, ladyfinger cookies, coffee and liqueur. It is great for an Italian-themed summer party.
Get the Recipe: Tiramisu Trifle

White Negroni

Two glasses of White Negroni on a marble table.
White Negroni. Photo credit: Feast + West.

The White Negroni is a flavorful pre-dinner sipper with a bitter, herbal and slightly sweet taste. It is a unique twist on the classic that every Negroni lover should try.
Get the Recipe: White Negroni

Italian White Bean Hummus

A bowl of hummus with pita chips and olives.
Italian White Bean Hummus. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Creamy and fluffy, this Italian Hummus made with white beans, olive oil, and fresh herbs is a Mediterranean twist on a classic appetizer. Serve it with homemade foccacia for a perfect summer party starter.
Get the Recipe: Italian White Bean Hummus

Homemade Limoncello

A gold-rimmed coupe glass holds a yellow cocktail garnished with a lemon peel curl on a white surface.
Homemade Limoncello. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Sweet and tart, Homemade Limoncello is a delicious after-dinner sipper and makes the ultimate gift. It is ideal for any summertime celebration.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Limoncello

Italian Soda

Two soda drinks, one red and one yellow, sit side by side. Mint sprigs and a gold spoon sit on the white surface as well.
Italian Soda. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Homemade Italian soda, made with your favorite flavored syrups and carbonated water, is a quick and refreshing two-ingredient drink for any summer occasion.
Get the Recipe: Italian Soda

Pizza Dough Breadsticks

Close-up of seasoned breadsticks on a white plate, showing herbs and spices sprinkled on top.
Pizza Dough Breadsticks. Photo credit: Feast + West.

You can whip up a batch of homemade pizza dough and store it for later, allowing you to make pizza dough breadsticks anytime you want. These are perfect for a summertime Italian dinner party or a cozy pizza night in.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Dough Breadsticks

Negroni Sbagliato

A negroni sbagliato cocktail with a slice of orange next to it.
Negroni Sbagliato. Photo credit: Feast + West.

It might just be the drink of the summer (again). The Negroni Sbagliato, made with prosecco instead of gin, is a light yet complex cocktail. It is refreshing and incredibly easy to make, and a little lighter than the regular Negroni.
Get the Recipe: Negroni Sbagliato

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