The Best Italian Recipes, Oklahoma City, OK (2025)

05/29/2025

🍝 Italian Meatball Spaghetti Stack
A towering baked spaghetti creation layered with rich tomato sauce, juicy meatballs, and melted cheese.

🛒 Ingredients
For the spaghetti:

12 oz spaghetti

2 cups marinara or homemade tomato sauce

1/2 cup grated Parmesan

1 egg (helps bind the spaghetti stack)

Salt & pepper to taste

For the meatballs:

1 lb ground beef (or beef/pork mix)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan

1/4 cup breadcrumbs

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 egg

2 tbsp chopped parsley

Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning

Olive oil for browning

For stacking:

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella

Chopped parsley or basil for garnish

Optional: extra marinara for drizzling

👩‍🍳 Instructions1. Make the meatballs:

Mix all ingredients in a bowl and form into 1.5-inch balls.

Brown in a skillet until golden. Set aside (they’ll finish baking).

2. Cook the pasta:

Boil spaghetti until just al dente.

Drain and mix with marinara, Parmesan, egg, and seasoning.

3. Stack it up:

Grease a small springform pan or tall ramekin.

Layer spaghetti, then a few meatballs, more spaghetti, more meatballs.

Top with mozzarella.

4. Bake:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Bake 20–25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Let rest 5–10 minutes before removing mold.

5. Garnish & serve:

Top with chopped parsley or basil. Serve with extra sauce on the side!

🌟 Pro Tips:

Want it even taller? Pack the spaghetti tightly and refrigerate 30 minutes before baking.

Use a ring mold for clean vertical lines.

Add ricotta between layers for a creamy twist.

05/29/2025

🧀 Baked Spaghetti with Meat Sauce & Garlic Breadsticks
A cheesy, hearty baked spaghetti dish layered with rich meat sauce and finished under the broiler for that golden top!

🛒 Ingredients
For the pasta and meat sauce:

12 oz spaghetti or linguine

1 tbsp olive oil

1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)

1 small onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 (24 oz) jar marinara or homemade tomato sauce

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Salt & pepper to taste

Pinch of sugar (optional)

For the cheese topping:

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella

1/4 cup grated Parmesan

Fresh parsley for garnish

For the garlic breadsticks (optional):

Store-bought or homemade frozen breadsticks

Garlic butter (melted butter + garlic powder + parsley)

👩‍🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the pasta:

Boil spaghetti in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the meat sauce:

Sauté onions in olive oil until soft.

Add garlic and ground beef. Cook until browned.

Stir in sauce, seasoning, and a pinch of sugar. Simmer 10–15 minutes.

3. Assemble the bake:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a greased baking dish, combine cooked spaghetti with most of the sauce.

Top with extra meat sauce and both cheeses.

4. Bake:

Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, then broil 1–2 minutes until bubbly and golden.

5. Bake or toast garlic breadsticks:

Brush with garlic butter and bake as instructed or air-fry until golden.

6. Serve:

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with warm breadsticks.

🌟 Pro Tips:
Add ricotta between pasta layers for an extra creamy version.

Make it ahead, chill, then bake right before serving.

Pairs perfectly with a fresh Caesar salad or roasted veggies.

05/29/2025

🍝 Cheesy Baked Rigatoni with Spinach
Creamy, comforting pasta baked with a tomato-cream sauce, sautéed spinach, and lots of melty mozzarella.

🛒 Ingredients

12 oz rigatoni pasta

1 tbsp olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes

1/2 cup tomato sauce

3/4 cup heavy cream

3 cups fresh spinach

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

1 tsp dried basil or Italian seasoning

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan

Salt & pepper to taste

👩‍🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the pasta:

Boil rigatoni until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the sauce:

In a skillet, heat olive oil. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.

Add crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in cream, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5–8 minutes.

3. Add the spinach:

Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted.

4. Mix & layer:

Combine cooked pasta with the sauce. Stir in half the mozzarella.

Pour into a baking dish, top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

5. Bake:

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.

6. Serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad!
🌟 Pro Tips:
Add grilled chicken or sausage for extra protein.

Use ricotta for an even creamier texture.

Swap spinach with kale or arugula for a twist.

05/28/2025

🍝 Homemade Pappardelle alla Bolognese 🇮🇹
A rustic Italian classic—wide ribbons of pasta smothered in rich, slow-cooked meat sauce. Pure comfort in a bowl.

🍲 Full Recipe: Pappardelle with Bolognese Sauce
🛒 Ingredients
For the Bolognese:

2 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped

2 carrots, finely chopped

2 celery stalks, finely chopped

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 lb ground beef (or mix with pork)

1/4 cup tomato paste

1/2 cup dry red wine

1 cup whole milk

1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

Salt, pepper, and pinch of nutmeg

Optional: bay leaf or thyme sprig

For the pasta:

12 oz pappardelle pasta (fresh or dry)

Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Fresh basil or parsley, optional

👨‍🍳 Instructions
1. Sauté the base:
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened (8–10 min). Add garlic and stir for 1 min.
2. Brown the meat:
Add ground beef and cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Build the sauce:
Stir in tomato paste, then pour in the red wine. Let it reduce by half. Add milk and crushed tomatoes. Stir well.
4. Simmer low and slow:
Add a pinch of nutmeg and optional herbs. Simmer uncovered on low heat for at least 1.5–2 hours, stirring occasionally.
5. Cook pasta & combine:
Boil pappardelle until al dente. Drain and add directly into the Bolognese sauce. Mix until well coated.
6. Serve:
Top with fresh-grated Parmesan and herbs. Mangia!

05/28/2025

Baked Ziti with Meatballs
🛒 Ingredients
For the Ziti:

1 lb ziti or rigatoni pasta

3 cups marinara or pasta sauce

2 cups shredded mozzarella

1/2 cup grated Parmesan

1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese (optional for creaminess)

Chopped parsley for garnish

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground beef (or a mix with pork)

1/4 cup breadcrumbs

1 egg

1/4 cup grated Parmesan

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 tbsp chopped parsley

Salt & pepper to taste

👨‍🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the pasta:
Boil ziti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the meatballs:
Mix meatball ingredients together and form into small balls. Brown them in a skillet with oil until golden (or bake at 400°F for 15–20 mins).
3. Combine & layer:
Mix cooked pasta with marinara sauce (reserve some for topping). In a baking dish, layer:

Pasta & sauce

Ricotta (if using)

Meatballs

Mozzarella

Repeat
Finish with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan and remaining mozzarella.

4. Bake:
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
5. Garnish & serve:
Top with chopped parsley and serve hot!

05/28/2025

🇮🇹 Creamy Prosciutto Rigatoni
A simple yet indulgent Italian dish featuring rich cheese sauce, black pepper, and savory ribbons of prosciutto.

🛒 Ingredients:

12 oz rigatoni pasta

1 cup heavy cream

¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tbsp butter

Freshly ground black pepper (generous)

4–6 slices prosciutto, torn

Salt to taste

👨‍🍳 Instructions:
1. Cook the Rigatoni:
Boil in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan and plenty of black pepper. Stir until smooth.
3. Combine:
Add drained pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Use reserved pasta water to loosen if needed.
4. Serve:
Top with torn prosciutto, more Parmesan, and extra pepper.

05/22/2025

🇮🇹✨ Pizzicati (Italian Pinch Cookies) 🍓🍋🍪
Flaky, buttery cookies filled with sweet jam and pinched into a perfect little hug. Lightly crisp outside, soft inside, and dusted with powdered sugar — these classic Italian treats are simple, stunning, and straight-up eleganza. 💅🏽

📌 Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour

½ cup powdered sugar

1 tsp baking powder

Pinch of salt

Zest of 1 lemon (optional but lovely)

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

2 egg yolks

2–3 tbsp milk (as needed)

Filling:

Your fave jam (raspberry, strawberry, apricot, or fig — go wild!)

Topping:

Powdered sugar, for dusting

🔥 Instructions:
1. Make the Dough:

In a bowl, whisk flour, powdered sugar, baking powder, salt & lemon zest.

Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingertips until crumbly.

Add egg yolks and vanilla. Mix just until combined.

Add milk 1 tbsp at a time until a soft, smooth dough forms.

Wrap & chill for 30–60 mins.

2. Shape the Cookies:

Roll dough on floured surface to about ⅛–¼” thickness.

Cut into rectangles (about 2x3 inches).

Place a small dollop of jam in the center of each.

Pinch two sides of the dough together over the jam to make that signature “pizzicati” shape.

3. Bake:

Place cookies on parchment-lined tray.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 mins, until edges are just golden.

4. Finish:

Cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar like it’s snowing in Naples ❄️🇮🇹

✨ Light. Fruity. Buttery. Perfect with espresso or a cold glass of milk.
These are the cookies that vanish in minutes — better make a double batch 😏

05/22/2025

🍋🧄 Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites w/ Parmesan Linguine 🍝✨
Juicy, golden chicken bites tossed in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce, served up with silky parmesan linguine. Bright, bold, buttery — this combo is the perfect weekday win or date night flex. 😮‍💨💛

📌 Ingredients:

For the Chicken Bites:

1½ lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

2 tbsp cornstarch or flour (for that light crisp)

1 tsp garlic powder

Salt & pepper to taste

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

Juice + zest of 1 lemon

1 tbsp honey (optional for balance)

Fresh parsley, chopped

For the Parmesan Linguine:

12 oz linguine (or spaghetti)

2 tbsp butter

1 cup heavy cream

¾ cup grated parmesan

½ tsp garlic powder

Salt & pepper to taste

Optional: splash of pasta water to loosen

🔥 Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

Boil linguine until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

2. Make the Chicken Bites:

Toss chicken with cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Sauté in olive oil over medium heat until golden and cooked through.

Add butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, zest, and honey (if using).

Toss to coat in that garlicky lemon butter sauce. Remove from heat and garnish with parsley.

3. Whip Up the Sauce:

In the same pasta pot, melt butter and pour in cream.

Stir in parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Toss cooked pasta in sauce, adding a splash of pasta water if needed for creaminess.

🍽️ Plate It Like a Pro:

Twirl that creamy linguine on one side of the plate

Stack the juicy chicken bites on the other

Garnish with extra parsley or a squeeze of lemon

✨ Creamy, zesty, garlicky perfection.
This one’s guaranteed to have folks lickin’ the plate and askin’ for the recipe. 💯

05/22/2025

🧄🍅 Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken 🍗🌿
Juicy chicken thighs seasoned and oven-roasted in a buttery garlic-herb sauce, topped with sweet blistered cherry tomatoes and fresh parsley. Tender, savory, and straight-up foolproof. 🥵💯

📌 Ingredients:

6 bone-in or boneless chicken thighs (or breasts)

1 pint cherry tomatoes

4 tbsp butter, melted

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp olive oil

1½ tsp Italian seasoning

1 tsp paprika

Salt & black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Optional: splash of lemon juice or balsamic at the end

🔥 Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prep:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.

2. Mix the Sauce:

In a bowl, mix melted butter, olive oil, and minced garlic.

3. Assemble & Bake:

Place chicken in a baking dish. Pour garlic butter sauce over the top.

Scatter cherry tomatoes around the chicken.

Bake uncovered for 30–35 mins (or until internal temp hits 165°F).

Broil the last 2–3 mins to get that golden top 🔥

4. Garnish & Serve:

Top with fresh parsley or basil.

Optional: Drizzle a lil’ lemon juice or balsamic glaze to finish.

🍽️ Serve With:

Garlic mashed potatoes

Rice or orzo

Roasted veggies or a crusty baguette to soak up all that sauce 😮‍💨

✨ Easy. Saucy. Packed with flavor.
This one’s gonna be on repeat — and nobody has to know how simple it was 👀

05/20/2025

🍗🧀 Creamy Baked Chicken Tetrazzini 🍝🔥
Loaded with juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that pulls like a dream — this baked classic is rich, melty, and straight-up soul-soothing. It’s giving family favorite, potluck legend, and leftover gold all in one pan. 💯🙌

📌 Ingredients:

For the Base:

12 oz spaghetti (or linguine)

2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)

2 tbsp butter

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional but fire)

For the Cream Sauce:

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1½ cups sour cream

½ cup chicken broth

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

Salt & pepper to taste

Optional: ½ tsp Italian seasoning or parsley

For the Cheese Topping:

1 cup shredded cheddar

1 cup shredded mozzarella

Optional: parmesan for extra richness

🔥 Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

Boil spaghetti until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté the Veggies:

In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté onions, garlic, and mushrooms until soft and fragrant.

3. Mix the Sauce:

In a big bowl, combine both soups, sour cream, broth, and seasonings.

Add sautéed veggies, cooked chicken, and pasta. Mix until everything’s coated and cozy.

4. Assemble & Bake:

Pour mixture into a greased 9x13" baking dish.

Top with shredded cheddar and mozzarella.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 mins, or until hot and bubbly.

Broil 1–2 mins at the end for that golden cheesy crust 😮‍💨

✨ Creamy. Dreamy. Cheesy. Cozy.
Serve it up with garlic bread and a green salad… or just fork it straight out the pan — no judgment 😏

05/20/2025

🍝🔥 Slow Braised Roast Beef Pasta (Pappardelle Style) 🥩🍷🌿
Fall-apart tender roast beef simmered low and slow in a savory herb gravy, tossed with wide ribbons of pappardelle pasta and finished with parmesan and parsley. Deep flavor, rustic vibes, and straight comfort in every forkful. 💯😮‍💨

📌 Ingredients:

For the Braised Beef:

2–2½ lbs chuck roast or stew beef, cut into large chunks

2 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

2–3 carrots, peeled and chopped

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 cup red wine (or beef broth)

2 cups beef broth

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Salt & pepper to taste

Optional: 1 bay leaf

For the Pasta:

12 oz pappardelle or tagliatelle (wide pasta)

½ cup reserved pasta water (for sauce magic)

Grated parmesan + fresh chopped parsley for finish

🔥 Instructions:
1. Sear the Beef:

Season beef chunks with salt and pepper.

Sear in olive oil in a Dutch oven or deep pot until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

2. Build the Flavor:

In the same pot, sauté onions, carrots, and garlic until softened.

Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.

Deglaze with wine or broth, scraping up the brown bits.

3. Simmer Low & Slow:

Add beef back to the pot. Pour in remaining broth, add herbs.

Cover and simmer on low for 2½–3 hours until beef is fork-tender. (Or braise in the oven at 325°F.)

4. Shred & Thicken:

Shred the beef in the pot and let it simmer uncovered 10–15 more mins to thicken the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning.

5. Cook the Pasta:

Boil pappardelle until al dente, then toss directly into the sauce.

Add pasta water as needed to help the sauce coat every ribbon.

✨ Top with fresh parsley and a snowy sprinkle of parmesan.
Serve hot with garlic bread or a glass of red wine. It’s rustic, rich, and straight up chef’s kiss perfection. 🤌🇮🇹

05/19/2025

🍝🔥 Cheesy Baked Spaghetti w/ Alfredo & Meat Sauce 🧄🧀🍞
Layers of creamy Alfredo spaghetti and bold, seasoned meat sauce baked under gooey mozzarella until golden and bubbling. Served with buttery garlic bread for the ultimate fork-twirling comfort meal. It’s lasagna meets spaghetti — and it SLAPS. 💯

📌 Ingredients:

For the Alfredo Spaghetti Base:

12 oz spaghetti, cooked al dente

1½ cups heavy cream

1 stick (½ cup) butter

1 cup grated parmesan

½ tsp garlic powder

Salt & pepper to taste

For the Meat Sauce:

1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage

½ onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1½ cups marinara or pasta sauce

1 tbsp tomato paste

Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar

Cheese Layer:

1½ cups shredded mozzarella

Optional: a sprinkle of cheddar or provolone for a blend

Dried parsley for garnish

Garlic Bread (on the side):

French bread or Texas toast

Butter + garlic powder + parsley + shredded cheese (optional)

🔥 Instructions:
1. Make the Alfredo Sauce:

Melt butter in a pan, add cream and garlic powder. Simmer gently.

Stir in parmesan and season to taste.

Toss cooked spaghetti in the sauce. Set aside.

2. Cook the Meat Sauce:

Brown the meat with onion and garlic.

Stir in tomato paste, marinara, and seasoning. Simmer 10–15 mins until thick and rich.

3. Layer It Up:

In a greased baking dish, add a layer of Alfredo spaghetti.

Spoon meat sauce over top.

Sprinkle with mozzarella and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 mins or until bubbly. Broil for 2–3 mins for that golden cheese top 🔥

4. Toast the Garlic Bread:

Mix softened butter with garlic powder and parsley. Spread on bread.

Bake or broil until golden. Optional: add cheese before broiling.

✨ Creamy, cheesy, saucy, and crispy all in one bite.
This plate is guaranteed to have people askin’ for seconds — and the recipe 😏