Comfort Food

Comfort Food

28 Italian Recipes Better Than Takeout

Updated by Food Network Canada Editors on February 16, 2018

From pizza to pasta and everything in between, these mouth-watering Italian dishes are so simple and delicious, you’ll never order in again.

  • Pasta ai Quattro Formaggi
     
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    Pasta ai Quattro Formaggi

    <p> This hearty pasta dish features a cream sauce chock-full of mushrooms, fresh parsley and four cheeses: fontina, Parmesan, Romano and goat cheese. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pasta-ai-quattro-formaggi/16499/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>The Pioneer Woman's Pasta ai Quattro Formaggi</strong></a> </p>
  • Chicken Cacciatore
     
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    Chicken Cacciatore

    <p>This hunter-style Italian dish combines chicken braised in a tomato-based sauce with bell peppers, onions, garlic and white wine is sure to please your taste buds.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/giadas-chicken-cacciatore/15460/" target="_blank"><strong>Giada De Laurentiis' Chicken Cacciatore</strong></a></p>
  • Buffalo Mozzarella and Tomato Pizza
     
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    Buffalo Mozzarella and Tomato Pizza

    <p>Made with fresh and simple ingredients, this classic margherita-style pizza will win the heart of any Italian food lover.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/buffalo-mozzarella-and-tomato-pizza/11202/" target="_blank"><strong>Roger Mooking's Buffalo Mozzarella and Tomato Pizza<strong></a></p>
  • Shrimp Fra Diavolo
     
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    Shrimp Fra Diavolo

    <p>This fresh and delicious Italian dish includes sautéed shrimp and onions served in a thick tomato and herb sauce.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/shrimp-fra-diavolo/15446/" target="_blank"><strong>Giada De Laurentiis' Shrimp Fra Diavolo<strong></a></p>
  • Chicken Parmigiana
     
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    Chicken Parmigiana

    <p>Nothing says comfort food like a zesty, cheesy Italian chicken parmesan recipe, and Bobby Flay serves up a tasty and traditional version of this iconic dish.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-parmigiana/15874/" target="_blank">Bobby Flay's Chicken Parmigiana</a></strong></p>
  • Cacio E Pepe
     
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    Cacio E Pepe

    <p>While this dish may not be as well known, this simple authentic Italian pasta recipe is made with just four ingredients and can whipped up in 15 minutes or less!</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cacio-e-pepe/16588/" target="_blank"><strong>David Rocco's Cacio E Pepe<strong></a></p>
  • Chicken with Mustard Mascarpone Marsala Sauce
     
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    Chicken with Mustard Mascarpone Marsala Sauce

    <p>This feel-good comfort food involves chicken breasts smothered in a Marsala wine cream sauce with mushrooms and served with tender fettuccine.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-with-mustard-mascarpone-marsala-sauce/15456/" target="_blank"><strong>Giada De Laurentiis' Chicken with Mustard Mascarpone Marsala Sauce<strong></a></p>
  • Lasagna Rolls
     
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    Lasagna Rolls

    <p>A tasty alternative to your typical lasagna, this delicious cannelloni-style version is stuffed with spinach, ricotta, prosciutto and covered in a mouthwatering marinara and béchamel sauces.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/lasagna-rolls/15475/" target="_blank"><strong>Giada De Laurentiis' Lasagna Rolls</strong></a></p>
  • Fried Calamari
     
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    Fried Calamari

    <p>Make crispy delicious calarami at home with Chuck Hughes' easy recipe.</p> <p>Get the recipe <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/fried-calamari/11535/" target="_blank"><strong>Chuck Hughes' Fried Calamari</strong></a></p>
  • Spaghetti and Meatballs with Veal and Ricotta
     
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    Spaghetti and Meatballs with Veal and Ricotta

    <p>An Italian meatballs recipe is made best-ever, with veal, ricotta and Parmesan. A simple but stunning San Marzano tomato sauce and al dente pasta complete this eye-catching <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/best-ever-pasta-recipes/#!chicken-parmesan-stuffed-shells" rel="noopener" target="_blank">spaghetti and meatballs dinner</a>.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/food-network-canada-chef-school/recipe/spaghetti-and-meatballs-with-veal-and-ricotta/21293/" target="_blank"><strong>Mark McEwan’s Spaghetti and Meatballs with Veal and Ricotta</strong></a></p>
  • Spaghetti Carbonara
     
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    Spaghetti Carbonara

    <p>This simple and classic pasta recipe is made with freshly grated Parmigiano cheese and salty pancetta.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/david-roccos-spaghetti-carbonara/16569/" target="_blank"><strong>David Rocco's Spaghetti Carbonara<strong></a></p>
  • Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Sauce
     
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    Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Sauce

    <p>Delicious homemade potato gnocchi is covered in a rich and creamy gorgonzola sauce in this mouth-watering pasta dish.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/gnocchi-with-gorgonzola-sauce/8513/" target="_blank"><strong>Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Sauce</strong></a></p>
  • Bobby Flay's Eggplant Parmesan
     
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    Bobby Flay's Eggplant Parmesan

    <p>Similar to lasagna, this layered casserole boasts tons of delicious flavours, including a zesty roasted red pepper tomato sauce.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/bobby-flays-eggplant-parmesan/16831/" target="_blank"><strong>Bobby Flay's Eggplant Parmesan<strong></a></p>
  • Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli
     
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    Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli

    <p>Try making your own pasta at home with this simple recipe for ravioli stuffed with fresh spinach and soft ricotta cheese.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/spinach-and-ricotta-ravioli/16572/" target="_blank"><strong>David Rocco's Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli<strong></a></p>
  • Real Meatballs and Spaghetti
     
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    Real Meatballs and Spaghetti

    <p>These moist, juicy and flavour-packed meatballs are loaded with ground veal, pork and beef, bread crumbs, fresh parsley and Parmesan, and are served on a big bed of spaghetti with lots of tomato sauce and extra cheese.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/real-meatballs-and-spaghetti/15417/" target="_blank"><strong>Ina Garten's Real Meatballs and Spaghetti</strong></a></p>
  • Chicken Piccata
     
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    Chicken Piccata

    <p>This Italian-style chicken dish features sliced chicken that is dredged, pan-fried and served with a delicious lemon-caper sauce.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-piccata/15445/" target="_blank"><strong>Giada De Laurentiis' Chicken Piccata</strong></a></p>
  • Beef and Cheese Manicotti
     
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    Beef and Cheese Manicotti

    <p>Manicotti pasta is stuffed with a ricotta and beef mixture then topped with melty cheese and baked in a delicious Italian marinara sauce.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/beef-and-cheese-manicotti/15447/" target="_blank"><strong>Giada De Laurentiis' Beef and Cheese Manicotti</strong></a></p>
  • Rustic Italian Pizza
     
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    Rustic Italian Pizza

    <p>Skip the takeout and opt to make this cheesy Italian comfort food at home instead. We guarantee it’s worth it.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/rustic-italian-pizza/14989/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Rustic Italian Pizza</strong></a></p>
  • Pasta Primavera with Fresh Linguine
     
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    Pasta Primavera with Fresh Linguine

    <p>Homemade linguine is the secret to this creamy, dreamy pasta dish chock full of asparagus, peas, beans and loads of Parmesan.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pasta-primavera-with-fresh-linguine/16959/" target="_blank"><strong>Nancy Fuller's Pasta Primavera with Fresh Linguine<strong></a>.</p>
  • Slow Cooker Beef Ragout with Rigatoni
     
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    Slow Cooker Beef Ragout with Rigatoni

    <p>Like many slow cooker recipes, this makes a generous batch of beef ragout, perfect to serve as a hearty pasta sauce, or even as a stew over cooked potatoes.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooker-beef-ragout-with-rigatoni/12810/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Anna Olson's Slow Cooker Beef Ragout with Rigatoni</strong></a></p>
  • White Pizza
     
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    White Pizza

    <p>Coated with pesto and topped with mushrooms, artichokes, prosciutto, Parmesan and arugula, this white pizza is the perfect alternative to the heavy cheese and pepperoni classic. </p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/white-pizza/10067/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Anna Olson's White Pizza</strong></a></p>
  • Angie’s Meat Sauce and Gnocchi
     
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    Angie’s Meat Sauce and Gnocchi

    <p>This feather-light gnocchi is a labour of love, but one you’ll want to make time and time again. Topped with ground beef and plenty of spices, this recipe is a real winner.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/annies-meat-sauce-and-gnocchi/12368/" target="_blank">Angie’s Meat Sauce and Gnocchi</a></strong>. </p>
  • Pizza Bianca
     
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    Pizza Bianca

    <p>The crust of this tomato sauce-less pizza is cooked until golden, and topped with Parmigiano-Reggiano lemon zest, thyme and mortadella for an absolutely delicious dish.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pizza-bianca/17010/" target="_blank"><strong>Giada De Laurentiis' Pizza Bianca<strong></a></p>
  • Rigatoni with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
     
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    Rigatoni with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

    <p>This hearty pasta dish involves thick rigatoni noodles covered in a creamy white wine sauce laced with assorted mushrooms, shallots and Parmesan.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/rigatoni-with-creamy-mushroom-sauce/16796/" target="_blank"><strong>Giada De Laurentiis's Rigatoni with Creamy Mushroom Sauce<strong></a></p>
  • Pasta Puttanesca
     
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    Pasta Puttanesca

    <p>This 15-minute olive oil-based pasta features salty capers, olives, basil, garlic, parmesan and grape tomatoes. Bellissimo!</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/the-pioneer-woman/recipe/pasta-puttanesca/15586/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>The Pioneer Woman's Pasta Puttanesca</strong></a></p>
  • Linguine with Shrimp and Lemon Oil
     
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    Linguine with Shrimp and Lemon Oil

    <p>A bright dish with shrimp, arugula, garlic and shallots over linguine and drizzled with an easy lemon oil sauce.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/linguine-with-shrimp-and-lemon-oil/15499/" target="_blank"><strong>Giada De Laurentiis' Linguine with Shrimp and Lemon Oil</strong></a></p>
  • Mark McEwan’s Ricotta Gnocchi
     
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    Mark McEwan’s Ricotta Gnocchi

    <p>A switch-up to traditional potato gnocchi, this pillowy ricotta version is lighter, easier to make and just as versatile. Served with a luxurious gorgonzola cream sauce, the Italian dumpling will be your new go-to for an extraordinary dish that’s a breeze to pull off.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/food-network-canada-chef-school/recipe/mark-mcewans-ricotta-gnocchi/21133/" target="_blank">Mark McEwan’s Ricotta Gnocchi</a></strong></p>
  • Lynn Crawford’s Seafood Risotto with Crab and Scallops
     
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    Lynn Crawford’s Seafood Risotto with Crab and Scallops

    <p>Succulent scallops and sweet crab are complimented by a touch of red Thai chili, white wine, Parmesan and lemon for a creamy, classic Italian risotto recipe with real coastal style. Entertaining-worthy but weeknight-friendly, this risotto will delight any gourmet.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/food-network-canada-chef-school/recipe/seafood-risotto-with-crab-and-scallops/21132/" target="_blank">Lynn Crawford’s Seafood Risotto with Crab and Scallops</a></strong></p>
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