Italy is a country where dinner isn’t just a meal—it’s a ritual. From slow-simmered sauces that take all day to prepare to rustic dishes that highlight the freshest local ingredients, Italian dinners are about savoring life, family, and tradition at the table. For Italians, the evening meal is the highlight of the day, often stretching for hours with multiple courses and plenty of conversation.
While every region of Italy has its specialties, a few dishes have transcended borders and become international icons. These are the dinners that Italians hold close to their hearts but also proudly share with the world. They represent the perfect balance of simplicity, bold flavors, and cultural identity.
In this post, we’ll look at the three most popular Italian dinners: Lasagna alla Bolognese, Osso Buco, and Risotto alla Milanese. Each dish is a symbol of Italian cooking at its finest—hearty, comforting, and impossible to forget once you’ve had the real thing.
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Tips for Authentic Italian Cooking
Use the freshest ingredients available, especially for vegetables, herbs, and cheeses.
Cook pasta al dente for the best texture.
Keep recipes simple and let the natural flavors of the ingredients shine.
Season generously but taste as you go to avoid over-salting.
How to Eat
Each of these dinners is best enjoyed slowly, the Italian way. Lasagna alla Bolognese is usually served hot from the oven, layered with rich meat ragù and creamy béchamel. Osso Buco, a Milanese specialty, is savored with a spoon to scoop out the marrow along with the tender veal shank. Risotto alla Milanese, golden with saffron, is creamy enough to eat with just a fork, but never soupy. Always pair these meals with good bread to soak up every last drop of sauce.
How to Partner
Wine is essential when it comes to pairing. A robust red like Barolo or Chianti is perfect with lasagna, while Osso Buco shines with a bold Nebbiolo. Risotto alla Milanese, with its delicate saffron notes, pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio. For sides, a simple arugula salad with olive oil and lemon can balance the richness of these dinners, and no Italian meal feels complete without ending with a light dessert like panna cotta or fresh fruit.
One ongoing controversy is the way these dishes are often “Americanized” abroad. For example, lasagna is frequently overloaded with ricotta cheese or extra toppings, which Italians argue drowns out the balance of flavors. In Italy, less is more—the beauty lies in restraint.
Another debate is about Risotto alla Milanese: some chefs add extra ingredients like mushrooms, shrimp, or cream, while traditionalists insist it should only feature saffron, butter, Parmesan, and stock. To Italians, altering the classics feels like diluting centuries of culinary heritage.
Osso Buco also stirs controversy because many international recipes skip gremolata (a topping of parsley, garlic, and lemon zest), which Italians see as non-negotiable. Without it, the dish loses its bright finish that cuts through the richness of the meat. These disagreements highlight a bigger question—should recipes evolve to fit global tastes, or should authenticity always remain the priority?
Most Popular Dinners in Italy
1. Lasagna Bolognese
Ingredients:
12 lasagna noodles
1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 carrot, finely chopped
1 celery stalk, finely chopped
1 cup dry white wine
2 cans (14.5 oz each) crushed tomatoes
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 egg
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil
Instructions:
Prepare the Bolognese Sauce
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Sauté until softened.
Add ground beef and pork. Cook until browned. Add white wine and cook until evaporated. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Prepare the Lasagna Noodles
Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of Bolognese sauce. Layer with lasagna noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and Bolognese sauce. Repeat layers, ending with mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly. Let it cool for 15 minutes before serving.
Calories: Approximately 450-500 calories per serving (assuming 8 servings).
2. Risotto alla Milanese
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
4 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup dry white wine
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil
Instructions:
Prepare the Broth
Heat chicken broth in a saucepan and keep it warm over low heat. Add saffron threads to infuse.
Cook the Onion
In a large pan, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft.
Cook the Rice
Add Arborio rice to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the rice is lightly toasted. Add white wine and cook until absorbed.
Add Broth
Gradually add the warm broth, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly. Allow the broth to be absorbed before adding more. Continue this process until the rice is creamy and cooked al dente, about 18-20 minutes.
Finish the Risotto
Remove from heat and stir in the remaining butter and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Calories: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving (assuming 4 servings).
3. Osso Buco
Ingredients:
4 veal shanks (about 1 1/2 inches thick)
1 cup flour for dredging
1 large onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup dry white wine
2 cups beef broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon zest (for garnish)
Instructions:
Prepare the Veal Shanks
Season the veal shanks with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
Brown the Shanks
In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the veal shanks on all sides, then remove and set aside.
Cook the Vegetables
In the same pot, add chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until vegetables are soft.
Add Wine and Tomatoes
Stir in white wine, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
Add Broth and Simmer
Return the veal shanks to the pot. Add beef broth and simmer, covered, for about 2 hours, or until the meat is tender.
Finish and Serve
Remove the bay leaf. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon zest. Serve hot with risotto or mashed potatoes.
Calories: Approximately 500-550 calories per serving (assuming 4 servings).
Final Thoughts
Italian dinners are more than just recipes; they’re traditions passed down through generations. Whether it’s a bubbling tray of lasagna, a tender veal shank in Osso Buco, or a silky saffron risotto, these meals embody the heart of Italy’s culinary soul.
Cooking them at home isn’t just about the food—it’s about embracing the Italian philosophy of eating well, taking time, and enjoying meals with the people you love. Even if you can’t be in Rome or Milan, making these dishes in your own kitchen can transport you straight to Italy.
Ultimately, the best Italian dinners remind us why this cuisine is adored worldwide: it’s timeless, soulful, and deliciously simple. Master these three dishes, and you’ll understand why Italians consider dinner the most important—and most joyful—part of the day.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.