13 Mangia-Worthy Italian Dinners When You Need Some Comfort Food

Sometimes you just need a plate piled high with pasta or a dish bubbling with cheese to make everything feel right again. Italian food is the answer when you’re craving that cozy, full-belly satisfaction only comfort food can bring. These mangia-worthy dinners will satisfy those carb cravings and remind you why Italy has perfected the art of eating for the soul.

Chicken sorrentino on a serving spoon. — Chicken Sorrentino. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

A bowl of pasta with sauce, garnished with fresh herbs, on a table with a pepper grinder and a cloth napkin alongside. — Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Whip up this creamy pasta in under 30 minutes. It combines rigatoni with a sun-dried tomato sauce, parmesan, and spinach, making it a perfect weeknight comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli

A pan full of pasta and broccoli with a wooden spoon. — Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This lighter version of spaghetti alfredo adds broccoli for a tasty, cheesy meal that feels indulgent but is also healthier. A great pick for dinner any night.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli

Baked Skillet Gnocchi

Baked gnocchi in a skillet with spinach and potatoes. — Baked Gnocchi. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This one-pan meal mixes gnocchi with ground pork, crushed tomatoes, spinach, and melted mozzarella for a comforting Italian dinner. Great for a relaxed evening when you’re craving something hearty.
Get the Recipe: Baked Skillet Gnocchi

Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup

A bowl of tomato and tortellini soup on a table. — Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Make this creamy tomato tortellini soup in your Instant Pot for a quick, cheesy meal that’s packed with basil for freshness. Perfect for a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup

Chicken Sorrentino

Chicken Sorrentino layers breaded chicken with prosciutto, eggplant, and cheese in a rich tomato sauce. It’s a hearty dish that’s easy to make and sure to please on any night.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sorrentino

Cod Piccata

Enjoy this light and tangy cod piccata, featuring flaky cod fillets with a lemon and caper sauce. It’s a fresh take on a classic Italian dish, great for a simple yet flavorful dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cod Piccata

Instant Pot Bolognese

A plate of spaghetti with meat sauce and parmesan cheese. — Instant Pot Bolognese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This Instant Pot bolognese cuts cooking time but keeps all the rich flavors of the classic sauce. Serve it over your favorite pasta with plenty of parmesan for a filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Bolognese

Lemon Ricotta Pasta

A plate of pasta salad with tomatoes and basil. — Lemon Ricotta Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This dish brings together creamy ricotta, fresh basil, and tomatoes with a splash of lemon for a quick and comforting meal. It’s perfect when you’re in the mood for something light yet satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Escarole and Beans

Two bowls of white beans and green beans on a wooden table. — Escarole and Beans. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This simple dish uses escarole and beans to create a hearty, comforting meal that’s both easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Escarole and Beans

Pesto Salmon

This oven-baked pesto salmon is simple to prepare and ready in less than 25 minutes. It’s a healthy dinner option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon

Escarole Soup

Two bowls of pasta with meat and greens on a wooden table. — Escarole Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Dive into this robust escarole soup with sausage, white beans, and pasta in a garlicky broth. It’s a full-flavored dish that makes a satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Escarole Soup

Stuffed Chicken Marsala

Chicken marsala in a skillet with sauce and herbs. — Stuffed Chicken Marsala. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This stuffed chicken marsala packs a punch with mozzarella, tomato butter, and fresh basil inside juicy chicken. It’s a comforting twist on a traditional favorite.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Chicken Marsala

Lamb Bolognese

A plate of pasta with meat sauce and parmesan cheese. — Lamb Bolognese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Lamb bolognese brings a robust flavor to your table, simmered with carrots, onions, garlic, and tomatoes. It’s a comforting sauce that goes perfectly with tagliatelle or any pasta you like.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Bolognese

Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.