Are you in a cooking slump or just need to get a weeknight dinner on the table fast? Check out my list below of quick Italian meals that only take 30 minutes to cook. Whether it’s a pasta dish, chicken, or a quick soup, I’m sure you’ll find what you’re looking for.
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This collection of easy and quick recipes are ones that I make in my own home. Feel free to modify them according to your tastes and what you have on hand. When we are short on time and looking for something quick, these delicious and flavorful recipes will truly help!
If you want more ideas for dinner, make sure to check out my other Italian dinner recipes for additional inspiration.
30 Minute or Less Pasta (mostly) Dishes
These recipes can be made in less than 30 minutes. Some of them even in 15 minutes. Pasta is one of the quickest dishes to get on the table – it’s my go-to when I’m tired and don’t want to spend time in the kitchen. Feel free to check out even more of my pasta recipes.
The trick for many of these recipes is to cook the pasta straight away. While the water is boiling and the pasta is cooking, you should be working on the other ingredients and steps required.
Midnight Pasta
Mushroom Ricotta Pasta
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Pasta with Breadcrumbs
Italian Tuna Pasta Salad
Pasta Alfredo con Pollo (Chicken)
Pasta with Fresh Tomato and Garlic
Pasta and Peas Recipe
Tortellini in Brodo (Broth) Soup
Garlic Butter Pasta
Pasta with Swiss Chard and Tomatoes
Zucchini Noodles (zoodles) with Fresh Tomatoes
About 30 Minute Italian Dinners
The following list are recipes I like to make that will take about 30 minutes, perhaps a little longer if you’re new to the recipes. These all taste amazing! If you love these types of recipes, check out my Mediterranean Diet recipes too!
Pasta with Spinach and Cannellini Beans Recipe
Asparagus Pasta with Lemon
Pasta all’arrabbiata
Sausage Pasta Salad
Easy Lemon Shrimp Pasta with Olive oil and Garlic
Pasta with Peas and Asparagus
Pasta with Chicken and Olives
Quick Italian Chicken Dishes
Here are some recipes I love to make that use chicken as the main ingredient. The key to cooking chicken quickly in my opinion is to evenly slice the chicken thin.
Chicken Piccata
Chicken and Peas Italian-Style
Chicken with Green Olives
Fast Frittatas for Lunch or Dinner
Frittatas are basically thin egg omelets that aren’t folded over. They can be filled with lots of different fillings. This is more of a light dinner or lunch type dish, so I recommend pairing it with other quick dishes to round out the meal. You can also get more ideas by visiting my full list of frittata recipes.
Asparagus Frittata
Quick Pizzas That Take 30 Minutes
The secret to a quick pizza is using pre-made crusts. Whether they are your own or store-bought, it’s the ultimate time saving hack. Visit here for even more quick white pizza ideas.
Eggplant Pizza
Pizza Bianca
Baked Zucchini Pizza Boats
Ciabatta Bread Pizza
Grilled Margherita Pizza
Tips for Cooking Italian Food Under 30 Minutes
Regardless of why you want to cook a meal in under 30 minutes, I just really don’t think there’s any better cuisine than Italian cooking that fits the bill. Here are three tips to help save time and make that 30 minute goal!
- Start heating the pasta water first. Before even grabbing your ingredients, get the water started first. Then prep the other ingredients so you’re not waiting on the water and wasting time.
- Use quick-cooking ingredients. For example, asparagus quicks quickly, and if you buy them frozen, they are already cut for you (most of the time). Avoid ingredients like eggplant that take longer to cook down.
- Keep simple Italian staples on hand. Extra virgin olive oil, fresh or jarred garlic, canned tomatoes, pasta, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan can turn basic ingredients into a quick meal.
- Choose simple recipes with fewer ingredients. Less ingredients does not mean less flavor. The secret is to use quality ingredients so you get the most flavor out of each bite. This is especially true when it comes to Italian cheeses. If there’s no flavor, then switch to a different brand.
- Don’t stress, just prep. If you’re a planner, try to plan ahead or use ingredients already in your fridge. Leftover chicken is a great way to bulk up a dish or create a new recipe with a few items on hand.
More Menu Recipe Ideas
If you love Italian cooking, check out these recipes below.
Ciao Friend! I’d like to you my FREE mini-digital cookbook featuring 5 Easy Italian recipes perfect for spring and summer! Plus, you’ll receive easy and delicious Italian recipes every week.
If you want in, just sign up using this form! I’d love to start sharing my recipes with you!
I hope you’ve enjoyed these quick 30 minute or less recipes in your Italian cooking!
Liz
