Three Classic and Versatile Italian Dishes

Are you looking to impress an upcoming dinner date with your spin on an Italian classic? Perhaps you have a gathering of family and friends that you'd love to cook for but aren't sure where to start. The good news is that serving up classic Italian dishes is the perfect option for any occasion, no matter how picky your guests! Here are three dishes that are considered Italian classics that can be perfectly suited to any taste!

Lasagna

If you are looking for an Italian meal that will surely be a favorite, look no further than a traditional lasagna. With layers of fresh pasta sheets, ricotta cheese, herbs, sauce, and mozzarella, lasagna is widely known as a comfort food that is perfect for impressing dinner guests. Lasagna is a dish that can easily be tailored to suit your tastes and therefore makes a classic dish for any company you might have over!

Found in several categories including those based in cheese, vegetables, and meat, lasagna is proven to be an extremely versatile dish that holds very well over time. This makes for a great meal to bring over for gatherings as it's often even better the next day so leftovers will not be an issue at all!

If you are in the mood for a lighter version of this dish, go for an all-vegetable option. Not only will this make for a healthy meal but a savory one that will wow your guests! For those who enjoy a more hearty meal, adding savory ground beef or Italian sausage will prove to be a delectable delight.

Spaghetti

When it comes to finding an Italian dish that everyone will love, it is hard to beat the truly classic meal of spaghetti. In fact, this dish might be the first thing many people think of when you mention Italian food—and for good reason!

While spaghetti might seem like a straightforward meal, the truth is that it can still be made in a variety of ways that will be perfect for any occasion. Sauces can be made into a variety of styles. Some prefer their sauces to be on the sweeter side, for instance, while others like a more savory flavor.

For those who prefer a vegetarian diet, spaghetti sauces can be entirely composed of vegetables including tomatoes, garlic, carrots and zucchini. For those who enjoy a more meaty sauce, ground beef, sausage, or meatballs can be added. Speaking of meatballs, these can be as big or small as you wish! Large meatballs are always a crowd-pleaser and make for a fantastic addition to your spaghetti that transforms it into a hearty dish.

Pizza

When it comes to pizza, it's going to be hard to find a more universally-loved food! Pizza comes in a vast variety of styles, flavors, and even shapes! This dish truly has something for everyone and can easily be customized to suit exactly the type of flavor you're looking for.

Sauces can be robust, traditional, meaty, or tangy, just to name a few styles. Cheeses are also varied and while mozzarella is certainly the traditional choice, it's not uncommon to also find Asiago, Parmesan, and Romano cheeses making an appearance as well.

For those who are not looking for anything fancy, opting for a plain cheese pizza is the way to go. Classic, light, and full of flavor, a cheese pizza is the perfect meal that can easily be paired with a refreshing salad and glass of wine.

For those looking for a classic taste, try a Margherita! Diced tomatoes, mozzarella and basil will be an absolute delight in your mouth! For those looking for a bit of an adventure, consider a pizza that features salty and sweet notes for a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Salty prosciutto paired with figs and a drizzle of balsamic will make for a meal you will not forget anytime soon!

Whether you want an Italian dining experience at a restaurant or for your catered event, Picano’s Italian Grille is here to help. Check out our menu to find the Italian flavors that will delight you and your loved ones.