19 rustic Italian recipes straight from the countryside kitchen

Rustic Italian cooking is all about simple ingredients, rich flavors, and time-honored traditions. These recipes highlight the heart of Italian home cooking, where fresh ingredients and comforting dishes take center stage. Perfect for cozy dinners or sharing with family and friends, these rustic Italian recipes bring a taste of the countryside straight to your table.

Peposo

Classic peposo simmers beef, red wine, garlic and cracked pepper slowly until tender for rich, bold flavor in a classic Tuscan comfort dish.
Get the Recipe: Peposo

Cannelloni

Stuffed beef cannelloni with bold tomato sauce, creamy béchamel, and cheese—rich, flavorful, and perfect for cozy dinners or feeding a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Cannelloni

Roasted Artichokes

Master the art of roasting artichokes for that perfect flavor. Although artichokes are often overlooked, they really are a delicious option.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Artichokes

Chicken Valdostana

Chicken Valdostana pairs tender chicken, mushrooms, prosciutto and melty fontina in a white wine sauce for a quick, elegant Italian dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Valdostana

Lasagna Alla Bolognese

Lasagna alla Bolognese is the ultimate comfort food with rich ragu, creamy bechamel and layers of tender pasta baked to golden perfection.
Get the Recipe: Lasagna Alla Bolognese

Stracciatella Soup

Stracciatella soup is a simple Italian egg soup made with eggs, cheese and hot broth for a quick, cozy meal with authentic Italian appeal.
Get the Recipe: Stracciatella Soup

Porchetta Roast

This porchetta roast features pork belly, pork loin, herbs and fennel for crisp skin, juicy meat and true Italian flavor in every slice.
Get the Recipe: Porchetta Roast

Eggplant Rollatini

Eggplant rollatini has roasted eggplant slices filled with ricotta, baked in marinara and topped with cheese for a simple Italian dinner.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Rollatini

Escarole And Bean Soup

Escarole and bean soup is hearty, flavorful and easy to make. This cozy Italian-style bean soup is perfect for lunch or a light evening meal.
Get the Recipe: Escarole And Bean Soup

Chicken Puttanesca

Chicken puttanesca pairs browned chicken thighs with a briny tomato sauce with olives and capers. It’s bold, tasty and weeknight-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Puttanesca

Chicken Limone

Chicken limone is pan-seared chicken in a creamy lemon sauce with garlic and broth. It’s bright, rich and quick to make for a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Limone

Sunday Sauce

Sunday sauce simmers into a rich tomato gravy with tender meats and deep Italian flavor. Serve it with pasta and enjoy tasty leftovers later.
Get the Recipe: Sunday Sauce

Stracotto

Stracotto is a slow-braised Italian beef dish cooked in red wine and tomatoes until fall-apart tender. Hearty, rustic and rich in flavor.
Get the Recipe: Stracotto

Chicken Scarpariello

Bold flavors shine in this Italian-American dish, where tender chicken, sausage, and peppers simmer in a tangy-sweet sauce for a hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Scarpariello

Steak Pizzaiola

Steak Pizzaiola is a cozy Italian steak dish simmered in tomato sauce with garlic, peppers, mushrooms and red wine.
Get the Recipe: Steak Pizzaiola

Rustic Chicken Cacciatore

This rustic Chicken Cacciatore is simmered in a rich tomato and wine sauce with peppers, mushrooms, and olives. One pot, big flavor!
Get the Recipe: Rustic Chicken Cacciatore

Garlic Cheese Bread

This easiest garlic cheese bread is super delicious and cannot be easier to make. Turn a simple French loaf into the best garlic bread.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Cheese Bread

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Succulent Tuscan Chicken in a dreamy, creamy Parmesan sauce. This delightful dish is packed with goodies and loaded with flavor!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Cacio E Pepe

Cacio e Pepe is quick and made with only 4 ingredients! Cheese, butter, & pepper are mixed with spaghetti to create this pasta dish!
Get the Recipe: Cacio E Pepe