Just like with Meatless Mondays and Taco Tuesdays, we like to meal plan by assigning a theme to each weekday night. It keeps meal planning easy and quick – just the way it should be! For Wednesdays, we love choosing one of our Easy Italian Recipes that not only are family favorites, but also quick and simple to prepare.
(Psst! Bookmark this page in your browser because we’ll be adding to this list to keep the inspiration coming your way!)
More Meal Planning Inspiration: 5 Steps to Getting Back to Family Dinners
Why Italian Wednesdays?
With savory tomato sauce as the base of most Italian dinner recipes, Italian Wednesdays are a surefire hit with our families week in and week out. We also love this weekly theme since many of our Italian meals are served family-style, offering a communal experience at dinner time.
Not into tomatoes? We get it! While we’ve included a few of our favorite tomato-sauce based recipes, we’ve also showcased two of our favorite dishes that don’t require a single tomato!
So, whether you’re looking for easy meals to be enjoyed around the table or you’re seeking a little inspiration outside of typical spaghetti, keep scrolling, friend. We have plenty of ideas for you!
Easy Italian Recipes
Nana’s Homemade Italian Meatball recipe is a staple in our homes. Not only does it pair perfectly with spaghetti, but it’s also ideal for meatball subs, a complement to fresh Italian salad, or just by themselves – they’re THAT good!
This easy, halfway homemade Italian Flatbread Pizza recipe is one of our weeknight go-tos. Not only are they simple to prepare, but the toppings can be customized to fit each family member’s taste!
With simplicity in mind, Nana’s Easy Eggplant Parmesan only requires 5 ingredients and can be made in just 30 minutes. (P.S. This is also a great recipe for Meatless Monday meals!)
Looking for an Italian Wednesday recipe that doesn’t require tomatoes? We’ve got you covered with Nana’s Aglio e Olio, a simple but flavorful dish that can be paired with a protein or served solo.
If you’re looking to make a dish ahead of time, our New England Tortellini Summer Salad is for you! This cheesy, veggie-rich dish actually tastes the best when made the night before or the morning of and placed in the refrigerator to chill, allowing the flavor of the dressing to blend with the vegetables, fruit and tortellini pasta.
Italian Wednesdays Must-Haves
When we were growing up, many of the Italian-American meals Nana made were served family style. We didn’t realize it then, but by making that simple choice, our grandmother helped create a special, shared experience among loved ones. Therefore, we encourage you to find decorative serveware that encourages a communal experience as your favorite meals are passed from loved one to loved one.
Finally, we also suggest investing in quality dinnerware that can be used for any season. While a complete set will allow you to be ready for any type of meal, we have to admit that with Italian Wednesdays, the soup and salad bowl is the star of the show!
Speckled Cream Stoneware Serving Bowl
Ideal for pasta, salad, or rolls, this stoneware serving bowl offers a unique finish that blends with any existing decor.
The Essential Soup and Salad Bowl
Invest in quality and ethical sourcing with our dinnerware crafted by skilled Tunisian artisans. No two pieces are the same, creating a unique look just for you and your family. Made in two neutrals, chalk and pita, your dinnerware set will allow you to seamlessly flow from season to season.
Don’t Forget to Tag Us on Social!
Finally, if you try out any of these Italian Wednesday favorites, remember to tag us on social @thebusybee.co and use the hashtags #hostfulatheart or #hostfulhacks for a chance to be featured! We’d love to share how your Hostful Heart opens to those you love most, and how Italian Wednesdays look in your home!
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