Eggplant Rollatini
Want to learn how to cook eggplant? Here's where to start. These authentic eggplant roll-ups may take some time to prepare, but the end result is restaurant-quality. Your family will request this recipe time and again. —Nancy Sousley, Lafayette, Indiana
Homemade Ravioli
I love to bake and cook, especially Italian dishes like this homemade ravioli recipe. In fact, my idea of a perfect day consists of cooking my family's favorite foods then watching them dig in!—Lori Daniels, Hartland, Michigan
Linguine with Fresh Tomatoes
This garlic and basil linguine is a perfect way to use up your late-summer tomato harvest. It makes a great light supper when paired with a salad, or you can make it heartier with some chopped chicken. —Susan Jones, Downers Grove, Illinois
Cherry Tomato & Basil Focaccia
When I had 80 pounds of tomatoes, I got creative incorporating them into meals. Sometimes I slice this loaf into squares to make sandwiches with fresh mozzarella cheese and deli meats. —Katie Ferrier, Houston, Texas
Tortellini with Tomato Spinach Cream Sauce
I enjoy all things pasta, and tortellini is my favorite. The flavor of this dish is amazing. Even my husband, who hates pasta of any kind, loves it! It's a great recipe for non-spinach fans to try, too. —Jenny Dubinsky, Inwood, West Virginia
Eggplant Parmesan
We really like eggplant and would rather have it baked than fried. This can be served as a side dish or main dish. —Donna Wardlow-Keating, Omaha, Nebraska
Grilled Bruschetta
This is my go-to appetizer in the summer when tomatoes and basil are fresh from the garden. The balsamic glaze takes this bruschetta recipe over the top. I like to use a Tuscan Herb or basil-infused olive oil for this. But, it's great with just plain olive oil too. —Brittany Allyn, Mesa, Arizona
Make-Ahead Spinach Manicotti
When I invite people to dinner, many have started requesting this pasta bake ahead of time because it's that good. Plus, the manicotti is stuffed before it's cooked, making it even more convenient. —Christy Freeman, Central Point, Oregon
Artichoke Caprese Platter
I dressed up the classic Italian trio of mozzarella, tomatoes and basil with marinated artichokes. It looks so yummy on a pretty platter set out on a buffet. Using fresh mozzarella is the key to its great taste. —Margaret Wilson, San Bernardino, California
Gnocchi Alfredo
This gnocchi is one of my go-to's for company and potlucks. It’s pure comfort food, especially in the wintertime. —Jessica Silva, East Berlin, Connecticut
Creamy Italian Potato Salad
I'm always on the lookout for potato salad recipes that are a little different, and this one certainly is! I found the basic recipe in a vegetarian cookbook and made a few changes in it to suit our individual tastes. —Jody Steinke, Nekoosa, Wisconsin
Panzanella Pasta
We take classic panzanella ingredients like ripe tomatoes, peppers and olives and toss them with hot noodles for a hearty pasta dish. My kids especially like the crunchy croutons. —Ashley Pierce, Brantford, Ontario
Bow Ties with Walnut-Herb Pesto
I can't resist having pasta at least once a week, but I also didn't want the fat and extra calories that come with. I created this dish, and now I sometimes can even have second helpings! —Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan
Mushroom Bolognese with Whole Wheat Pasta
A traditional Bolognese sauce is meat-based with everything from pork to pancetta. Skipping the meat, I loaded this pasta dish with baby portobellos and veggies. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Italian-Style Pizzas
With prepared pesto and pizza crusts, this recipe comes together in a flash. It makes two, and we love that we each get our own Italian style pizza! I like to complete the meal with a salad and fresh fruit. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Creamy Pasta Primavera
When I think of springtime, asparagus comes to mind. This pasta dish is a wonderful blend of tender, crisp, colorful vegetables and a creamy Parmesan cheese sauce. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Tuscan Portobello Stew
This is a heart-healthy, one-skillet meal that is quick and easy to prepare, yet elegant enough for company. Vegetarian teachers and students alike appreciate this stew at school potlucks. —Jane Siemon, Viroqua, Wisconsin
Slow-Cooker Caponata
This Italian eggplant dips preps quickly and actually gets better as it stands. Serve it warm or at room temperature. Try adding a little leftover caponata to scrambled eggs for a savory breakfast. —Nancy Beckman, Helena, Montana
Gnocchi with Mushrooms and Onion
Tender potato gnocchi is so delicious with sauteed mushrooms and onions. It's one of my family's go-to side dishes. —Kris Berezansky, Clymer, Pennsylvania
Quinoa Arancini
I wanted to make a healthier version of arancini, which is a crowd-pleasing appetizer, by substituting rice for quinoa. I prefer baking them than frying, too, and this way we can enjoy them guilt-free. —Sabrina Ovadia, New York, New York
Hearty Italian White Bean Soup
A bowlful of this soup is so satisfying, it's hard to believe it's actually good for you, too. I crave it all the time. With lots of beans and potatoes, it's filling and even hits the spot with meat lovers. —Kristina Krummel, Elkins, Arkansas
Five-Cheese Ziti al Forno
After having the five-cheese ziti at Olive Garden, I tried to make my own version of it—and I think I got pretty close. I always double this when I'm making it and freeze the second one for another meal. —Keri Whitney, Castro Valley, California
Mixed Olive Crostini
“These little toasts are pretty and irresistible—they’re always a big hit. Even though they look like you fussed, the ingredients are probably in your pantry.” —Laurie LaClair, North Richland Hills, Texas
Over-the-Rainbow Minestrone
This colorful soup is vegetarian-friendly and full of fresh flavors from a rainbow of vegetables. You can use any multi-colored pasta in place of the spirals. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Veggie Pizza with Herbed Tomato Crust
I love this recipe because the crust is so flavorful—tomato juice replaces most of the oil. It's one of my kids' favorite meals! —Karen Shipp, San Antonio, Texas
Muffin-Tin Lasagnas
This is a super fun way to serve lasagna for make-ahead lunches, potlucks or other fun get-togethers. My daughter took some of these to work and by noon was emailing me for the recipe. —Sally Kilkenny, Granger, Iowa
Provolone Ziti Bake
As easy as it is filling and delicious, this Italian meal appeals to everyone—and they won’t even miss the meat. Serve with salad and hot French bread, and watch it disappear. —Vicky Palmer, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Homemade Meatless Spaghetti Sauce
When my tomatoes ripen, the first things I make are BLTs and this homemade spaghetti sauce. —Sondra Bergy, Lowell, Michigan
Garlic Bread
Ever wonder how to make garlic bread? This homemade garlic bread is the answer! Minced fresh garlic is key to these flavor-packed crusty slices, which our big family would snap up before they even had a chance to cool. —Grace Yaskovic, Branchville, New Jersey
Ziti Bake
Many of my casserole recipes have been frowned upon by my children, but they give a cheer when they hear we're having Baked Ziti for supper. I've tried to incorporate more meatless meals into our menus, which is how this baked ziti without meat got started. No one misses the meat in this one. Even the leftovers are well-liked.—Charity Burkholder, Pittsboro, Indiana
Veggie Lasagna
No one will even miss the meat when you serve this vegetable-rich lasagna. It has a fresh, full-bodied flavor. To save time, prepare the carrot and spinach layers in advance.
Fettuccine with Black Bean Sauce
When my husband needed to go on a heart-smart diet, I had to come up with new ways to get more vegetables into our daily menus. This meatless spaghetti sauce is a winner; it's even prettier with spinach fettuccine. —Marianne Neuman, East Troy, Wisconsin
Pasta with Asparagus
Many terrific recipes change hands at my ladies' bridge group's monthly get-togethers. That's where I discovered this zippy, tempting dish. The garlic, asparagus, Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes create an irresistible taste combination. —Jean Fisher, Redlands, California
Grilled Goat Cheese & Arugula Sandwiches
To create a more “grown-up” grilled cheese sandwich, I threw in tangy goat cheese and peppery arugula. I enjoy a similar combination on pizza, and it worked here, too! —Jess Apfe, Berkeley, California
Caprese Salad Kabobs
Trade in the usual veggie party platter for these fun kabobs. I often make it for my family to snack on, and it's a great recipe for the kids to help make. —Christine Mitchell, Glendora, California
Italian Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
For an Italian twist on salad, I mix greens with red onion, mushrooms, olives, pepperoncini, lemon juice and seasoning. Add tomatoes and carrots if you like. —Deborah Loop, Clinton Township, Michigan
Vegetable & Cheese Focaccia
My family eats this flavorful bread as fast as I can make it. Sometimes I add different herbs, red onion or crumbled bacon. It's one of my best recipes! —Mary Cass, Baltimore, Maryland
Grilled Veggie Pizza
I came up with this recipe one summer as a way to use up vegetables from our garden. Grilling the veggies first brings out their sizzling flavors. Try it with a sprinkling of olives or pine nuts before adding the cheese. —Susan Marshall, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Orzo Timbales with Fontina Cheese
Take mac and cheese to a new level using orzo pasta and fontina. With a pop of color from sweet red peppers, these timbales bake in ramekins for perfect individual servings.—Gilda Lester, Millsboro, Delaware
Arborio Rice and White Bean Soup
Soup is the ultimate comfort food, and this hearty, satisfying soup with arborio rice is low in fat and comes together in less than 30 minutes. —Deanna McDonald, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Bruschetta Melts
I made this awesome bruschetta for my daughter’s baby shower, but I should've planned for more. We ran out right away! —Coleen McCrea Katz, Havertown, Pennsylvania
Olive and Red Pepper Linguine
With 16 grandchildren, I find that someone is always hungry. This is a quick dish to fix when I'm busy. I sometimes serve it along with garlic bread for an easy meatless meal. —Betty Carpenter, Hookstown, Pennsylvania
Caramelized Mushroom and Onion Frittata
When I was young, my grandmother used to make me buttery sauteed mushrooms. Now I enjoy them in a hearty breakfast frittata. — Melissa D'Antonio, Poughkeepsie, New York
White Pizza with Roasted Tomatoes
Like my grandmother taught me, I love using fresh, simple ingredients. In this low-cost recipe, creamy ricotta brings out the sweetness of the tomatoes, all on an onion and herb crust. —Debbie Roppolo, San Marcos, Texas
Spring Green Risotto
Once a week, I create a new recipe for my blog, An Officer and a Vegan. I first made this risotto when I needed something cheerful and comforting. It would be fantastic with asparagus, zucchini or summer squash, but use whatever veggies are in season. —Deanna McDonald, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Nutty Cheese Tortellini
I like to plant Italian flat-leaf parsley in a long terra-cotta planter so I always have some on hand. It adds bright, fresh flavor to this pasta dish. —Barbara Penatzer, Vestal, New York
Cherry Tomato Mozzarella Saute
This side dish is fast to fix and full of flavor. The mix of cherry tomatoes and mozzarella pairs well with almost any main dish you can think of. —Summer Jones, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Vegetarian Linguine
Looking for a tasty alternative to meat-and-potatoes meals? Try this colorful pasta dish, which is the brainchild of my oldest son. It's a stick-to-the-ribs supper that takes advantage of fresh mushrooms, zucchini and other vegetables as well as basil and provolone cheese. —Jane Bone, Cape Coral, Florida
Tasty Marinated Tomatoes
My niece introduced me to this colorful recipe some time ago. I now make it when I have buffets or large gatherings because it can be prepared hours ahead. —Myrtle Matthews, Marietta, Georgia
Cheese Ravioli with Veggies
When pasta and veggies are on the menu, my sons get to the table fast. The frozen medley is so convenient, but sometimes I throw in peas, corn, broccoli or zucchini instead. —Amy Burns, Charleston, Illinois
Italian Mushrooms
Only four ingredients create a rich and flavorful side dish that we love to eat with beef and mashed potatoes. —Kim Reichert, St. Paul, Minnesota
Tortellini with Asparagus & Lemon
This is a terrific warm-weather dish, loaded with fresh flavors. I make mine meatless, but some sliced grilled chicken on top would be awesome, too. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Spinach and Artichoke Pizza
My from-scratch pizza has a whole wheat crust flavored with beer. Top it with spinach, artichoke hearts and tomatoes, then add chicken or ham and fresh basil if you want to include meat. —Raymonde Bourgeois, Swastika, Ontario
Vegetable Lasagna
I cooked up this fresh lasagna for vegetarian customers at a local grocery store, where I work part-time. It's absolutely packed with veggies. —Sam Hunsaker, Lawrence, Kansas
Hearty Meatless Minestrone
A friend gave me this quick, healthy recipe, and it's oh-so-tasty. It makes a big batch and is great for leftovers. To enhance the flavor, add a pound or two of sweet Italian sausage. —Mickey Turner, Grants Pass, Oregon
Italian Cheese Loaf
Here's a deliciously different sandwich. It's yummy warm from the oven or off the grill at a cookout. The cheesy filling is complemented by a mix of garden-fresh ingredients and crusty bread. I usually serve it with a salad and onion rings. —Mary Ann Marino, West Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Spinach and Tortellini Soup
My tomato-y broth is perfect for cheese tortellini and fresh spinach. Add extra garlic and Italian seasoning to suit your taste. —Debbie Wilson, Burlington, North Carolina
Fresh Mozzarella and Tomato Salad
A splash of lemon and hint of refreshing mint brighten up the medley of red tomatoes, creamy mozzarella and ripe avocados in this colorful, sensational salad. —Lynn Scully, Rancho Santa Fe, California
Garden Cheddar Frittata
The potato crust on this pretty frittata is so easy to make, and everyone will love the taste. I’ve made it with goat cheese, too, and it’s delicious. You can also use other vegetables if you like. —Harbour House Inn B&B, Eva Amuso, Cheshire, Massachusetts
Olive Caprese Salad
When heirloom tomatoes arrive, feature them with red onions, green olives and a surprising twist-star anise. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington
Spinach Pie Parma
For a hearty pie with a lovely Italian flavor, try this recipe. Spinach has never tasted so good! —Nancy Reichert, Thomasville, Georgia
Tomato Tortellini Soup
No one will guess that you cheated by using canned tomato soup. This lovely soup tastes homemade all the way! —Sandra Fick, Lincoln, Nebraska
Stuffed Grilled Zucchini
Pair up these zucchini boats with charred pork chops, smoked fish and other grilled greats. Not warm enough for cooking al fresco? Your old-fashioned oven will do. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
Insalata Caprese
A classic Caprese salad has colors that resemble the Italian flag. For extra zing, I add a splash of balsamic vinegar. —Melba Wilson, Murrells Inlet, SC
Calico Pepper Frittata
For a dish that fits any meal, you can’t beat the frittata. We add red and green peppers and use the stovetop instead of the oven. —Loretta Kelcinski, Kunkletown, Pennsylvania
Veggie Calzones
Bread dough makes it a breeze to assemble these savory turnovers. If you have a favorite pizza dough, use it instead. These freeze well and once they are frozen, they can be heated in half an hour. —Lee Ann Lowe, Gray, Maine
Italian Zucchini Casserole
Compliments crop up as fast as vines when folks sample this zucchini casserole. Even those who generally don't like zucchini find they enjoy it in this savory side dish. —Kimberly Speta, Kennedy, New York
Tomato Olive Quiche
Salty, savory olives, two kinds of onions, juicy tomatoes and layers of cheese make this quiche a dish to remember. —Stephanie Proebsting, Barrington, Illinois
Quick Italian Veggie Skillet
When you don’t know what to serve, Italian flavors are a good starting point. We combine cannellini and garbanzo beans for this snappy rice dish. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
Tomato & Brie Focaccia
Combine tender, golden yeast bread with creamy, melted brie and tomatoes, and you've got an appetizer that guests will line up for. It also makes a great side to soup, salad or pasta dishes. —Laurie Figone, Petaluma, California
Italian Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
I made up this recipe for the students in the foods and nutrition class I teach. The kids like it so much, they often go home and fix it for their families. —Beth Hiott, York, South Carolina
Roasted Italian Green Beans & Tomatoes
When you roast green beans and tomatoes, their flavors really shine through. The vibrant colors light up our family table. —Brittany Allyn, Mesa, Arizona
Basil Polenta with Ratatouille
For our wedding reception, we wanted to provide a vegan menu to our guests. Not one complained; they raved about the polenta topped with colorful ratatouille, our version of the classic French stewed vegetable dish. —Kimberly Hammond, Kingwood, Texas
Garlic Green Beans with Gorgonzola
I updated this green bean holiday side dish by adding a touch of white wine, fresh thyme and green onions. It's delicious, easy to make and my family loves it! —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Hearty Portobello Linguine
If you love Mediterranean cuisine, you’ll love this entree! It turns any night into a special occasion. I like to serve it with fresh bread and a crisp white wine. —Tre Balchowsky, Sausalito, California
Italian Cheese Wontons
A cheesy filling gives wonton wrappers a taste-tempting, Italian twist. The hot and crisp snacks get gobbled up...no matter how many I make!—Barbara Pletzke, Herndon, Virginia
Italian Pizza Omelet
Savory and special, this tasty omelet with classic pizza flavors will be a hit with all who taste it. —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario
Ricotta Gnocchi in Tomato Sauce
If you like trying out new dishes and enjoy Italian food, you should give this recipe a try. We think you'll agree that homemade pasta just tastes better.—Jenn Martin, Sebago, Maine
Morel Mushroom Ravioli
My friend and I enjoy mushroom hunting. The exercise and fresh air, along with the beauty of the outdoors is invigorating. I came up with this recipe to use up the bounty of our harvest. The dish is easy, yet elegant. It's absolutely delicious. —Kelly Knoblock, Emmett, Idaho
Full Garden Frittata
I was cooking for a health-conscious friend, and wanted to serve a frittata. To brighten it up, I added leftover bruschetta topping and fresh mozzarella. Now that's breakfast. It's become a favorite among my friends and family, and a staple in my recipe book. —Melissa Rosenthal, Vista, California
Mama Rachel's Mediterranean Pizza
Pizza has been a regular weekend dinner at our house since my pizza-crazy boys, now 21 and 25, were just little guys. We laughingly call pizza an art form around here. Every one is an original! —Rachel Barton, Austin, Texas
Polenta Cakes with Fresh Salsa
These polenta cakes are the perfect way to switch up your summer menu. —Jacque O'Connor, Chicago, Illinois
Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Sauce
When my mom made spaghetti sauce, the house would smell so good that I'd open the windows to torture the neighbors. It even tastes wonderful the next day, when the flavors have really melded. —Vera Schulze, Holbrook, New York
Cheese Manicotti
Cheese manicotti was the first meal I cooked for my husband, and years later he still enjoys it! —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
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Carolyn Lewis