Are you a fan of authentic Italian cuisine? Look no further than Buca di Beppo, a beloved chain of restaurants known for their generous portions and flavorful dishes. But what if you could bring the taste of Italy into your own kitchen? That’s where these 20 delicious Buca di Beppo recipes come in! From classic pasta dishes to savory meatballs and more, we’ve gathered together some of the most popular and mouthwatering Buca di Beppo recipes to try at home. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these easy-to-follow recipes are sure to become new favorites.
In this article, we’ll be highlighting 20 must-try recipes that showcase the best of Italian cuisine. From comforting classics like Chicken Limone with Lemon Butter Sauce and Spaghetti with Meatballs and Marinara, to more adventurous options like Veal Saltimbocca with Prosciutto and Sage, there’s something for everyone on this list.
So grab your apron, get ready to cook up some authentic Italian flavor, and let’s dive in!
Chicken Limone with Lemon Butter Sauce
This recipe is a simple yet flavorful twist on traditional chicken dishes. The bright, citrusy flavor of lemon and the richness of butter create a harmonious union that will delight your taste buds.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil.
3. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow baking dish and brush with the lemon mixture.
4. Dot the top of each breast with butter.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spaghetti with Meatballs and Marinara
This comforting Italian dish is a staple of family gatherings and cozy nights in. With its tender meatballs, flavorful marinara sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 12 ounces spaghetti
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper in a bowl; mix well.
3. Form into meatballs (about 20-25) and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil.
4. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. In a large saucepan, combine crushed tomatoes, chopped onion, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper; simmer over medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes.
7. Add meatballs to the saucepan and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes.
8. Serve spaghetti with marinara sauce and meatballs. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Eggplant Parmigiana with Fresh Mozzarella
Eggplant Parmigiana with Fresh Mozzarella: A classic Italian-American dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor!
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into thin rounds
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix flour, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each eggplant slice in the flour mixture, then coat with breadcrumbs, shaking off excess.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; cook eggplant slices until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
5. In a separate baking dish, spread marinara sauce and arrange cooked eggplant slices.
6. Top with sliced mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Fettuccine Alfredo with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Elevate your pasta game with this rich and creamy Fettuccine Alfredo recipe, infused with the savory flavors of garlic.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz fettuccine pasta
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly shredded is best)
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
3. Sprinkle flour over the garlic mixture; whisk together. Gradually pour in heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
4. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine cooked pasta and creamy garlic sauce; toss to coat.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Stuffed Shells with Ricotta and Herbs
A classic Italian-American dish gets a flavorful boost from fresh herbs and creamy ricotta filling. This recipe yields a satisfying, comforting casserole perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 12 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, olive oil, garlic, parsley, Parmesan cheese, and egg; mix well.
4. Stuff each pasta shell with the ricotta mixture, placing them in a baking dish as you go.
5. Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, then top with mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Veal Saltimbocca with Prosciutto and Sage
A classic Italian dish that combines the tender flavor of veal, the savory taste of prosciutto, and the earthy aroma of sage.
Ingredients:
– 4 veal scallops
– 6 slices of prosciutto
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the veal scallops with salt and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the prosciutto slices to the skillet and cook until crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Place a veal scallop on each plate. Top with a slice of prosciutto, then sprinkle with chopped sage.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time:
– Prosciutto cooking time: 6-8 minutes
– Veal cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Shrimp Fra Diavolo with Spicy Tomato Sauce
Elevate your seafood game with this flavorful and spicy Italian-inspired dish. Shrimp Fra Diavolo is a classic recipe that combines succulent shrimp with a bold and tangy tomato sauce, perfect for pasta or as a standalone entree.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes per side.
6. Serve with pasta or as a standalone entree, garnished with fresh herbs.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lasagna Bolognese with Béchamel
This iconic Italian dish combines tender layers of pasta, rich meat ragù, and creamy Béchamel sauce for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 8 lasagna noodles
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Béchamel sauce:
+ 2 cups milk
+ 2 tbsp butter
+ 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add onion and garlic; cook until onion is translucent.
5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
6. To make Béchamel sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and milk; cook until smooth, stirring constantly.
7. Assemble lasagna by spreading meat ragù on bottom of 9×13-inch baking dish, followed by noodles, Béchamel sauce, and repeating layers two more times. Top with Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Let rest before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Chicken Marsala with Mushroom Wine Sauce
Elevate your dinner game with this rich and savory dish that combines the flavors of chicken, mushrooms, and Marsala wine. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup Marsala wine
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. In a large skillet, sauté mushrooms in butter until tender. Add flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add Marsala wine and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes or until sauce thickens.
5. Add chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on both sides and cooked through (about 20-25 minutes).
6. Serve hot, spooning some of the mushroom wine sauce over the top.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Penne Cardinale with Spicy Tomato Cream
This Penne Cardinale recipe combines the richness of tomato cream sauce with a spicy kick, making it a perfect twist on classic Italian comfort food. This creamy, spicy pasta dish is sure to become a new favorite!
Ingredients:
– 12 oz penne pasta
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes or until they release their juices.
3. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring mixture to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and add Parmesan cheese, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
5. Toss cooked penne pasta with the spicy tomato cream sauce.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic
Take your mashed potatoes to the next level by infusing them with the rich, savory flavor of roasted garlic. This recipe is a perfect side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
– 2 heads of garlic, separated into individual cloves
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Place the garlic cloves on a piece of aluminum foil, drizzle with olive oil, and fold into a packet.
3. Roast the garlic in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.
4. Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
5. Drain the potatoes and mash with butter, heavy cream, roasted garlic, salt, and pepper.
Cooking Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes
Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing
Transform your salad game with this timeless recipe, featuring a rich and creamy homemade dressing.
Ingredients:
– 1 large head of romaine lettuce, washed and torn into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup homemade Caesar dressing (recipe below)
– 1/4 cup croutons
– 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
Homemade Caesar Dressing:
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a blender or food processor, combine olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Blend until smooth.
3. Add Parmesan cheese and blend until well combined.
4. Toss lettuce with croutons and Parmesan cheese.
5. Drizzle homemade dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Tiramisu with Espresso and Mascarpone
This creamy and rich dessert is a staple of Italian cuisine, featuring the bold flavors of espresso and the velvety texture of mascarpone cheese.
Ingredients:
– 12-16 ladyfingers
– 1 cup strong brewed espresso
– 8 oz mascarpone cheese
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
– 4 ounces heavy cream, whipped
– Cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the espresso and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Dip each ladyfinger into the espresso mixture for about 3-5 seconds on each side. They should be soft and pliable but not too wet.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the mascarpone cheese with a fork until it’s smooth.
4. To assemble the tiramisu, start with a layer of ladyfingers in a serving dish. You may need to trim them to fit the dish.
5. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers. Top with another layer of ladyfingers, then repeat the process.
6. Dust the top of the tiramisu with cocoa powder and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
Cooking Time: None
Cannoli with Sweet Ricotta Filling
Elevate your dessert game with these classic Italian pastries filled with a creamy sweet ricotta mixture.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup lard or vegetable shortening
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
– Sweet Ricotta Filling (recipe below)
Sweet Ricotta Filling:
– 16 ounces ricotta cheese
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add lard or shortening and mix until crumbly.
4. Gradually add granulated sugar, eggs, and Confectioners’ sugar; mix until smooth.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/16 inch thickness.
6. Cut into circles using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass.
7. Fry cannoli shells for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
8. Drain excess oil and dust with Confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Sweet Ricotta Filling:
1. Mix ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl.
2. Use immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Prosciutto Stuffed Chicken with Fontina
This recipe combines the rich flavors of prosciutto and fontina cheese to create a mouthwatering stuffed chicken dish that’s perfect for special occasions or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 6 slices of prosciutto, chopped
– 1 cup of fontina cheese, shredded
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Stuff each breast with a mixture of chopped prosciutto, fontina cheese, and garlic.
4. Drizzle the tops with olive oil.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Rigatoni with Sausage and Peppers
A hearty and flavorful Italian-inspired dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. This recipe combines sweet onions, bell peppers, and savory sausage with rigatoni pasta.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 large onions, sliced
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 12 oz rigatoni pasta
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the onions and bell peppers to the skillet; cook until they’re tender, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and crushed tomatoes to the skillet; stir to combine. Bring to a simmer.
4. Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
5. Combine the cooked pasta with the sausage and pepper mixture; season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Pollo Rosa Maria with Prosciutto and Fontina
This classic Italian dish is a masterclass in simplicity, elevating chicken breasts to new heights with the salty sweetness of prosciutto and the creamy richness of fontina. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the process of creating a mouthwatering Pollo Rosa Maria that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 6 slices of prosciutto, thinly sliced
– 1 cup of fontina cheese, shredded
– 2 tablespoons of butter
– 1/4 cup of white wine (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Butter a baking dish and layer the chicken, prosciutto, and fontina in that order.
4. If using white wine, drizzle it over the top layer of fontina.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Baked Ziti with Three Cheeses
A creamy, cheesy twist on the classic Italian dish, this Baked Ziti recipe combines tender pasta, rich sauce, and a blend of three cheeses for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ziti pasta
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine marinara sauce and ricotta cheese. Mix well.
4. Add cooked ziti pasta to the bowl and toss until coated with the sauce mixture.
5. Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta.
7. Drizzle olive oil over the cheese.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chocolate Chip Cookie Sundae with Vanilla Gelato
Elevate your dessert game with this indulgent treat that combines the classic flavors of chocolate chip cookies and creamy vanilla gelato. This sundae is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!
Ingredients:
– 1 pint vanilla gelato
– 12-15 chocolate chip cookies (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup hot fudge sauce
– 1 cup whipped cream
– Chopped nuts or sprinkles for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Scoop the vanilla gelato into a sundae dish or glass.
2. Place 3-4 chocolate chip cookies on top of the gelato, slightly crushing them to create a cookie crumble.
3. Drizzle hot fudge sauce over the cookies.
4. Top with whipped cream and garnish with chopped nuts or sprinkles if desired.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None! Just assemble and serve.
Garlic Bread with Melted Mozzarella
Elevate your bread game with this simple yet satisfying recipe that combines the pungency of garlic with the creaminess of melted mozzarella.
Ingredients:
– 1 loaf of Italian bread (14-16 inches)
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup of butter, softened
– 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice the Italian bread in half lengthwise.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic and softened butter until well combined.
4. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly onto each bread half.
5. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the garlic butter.
6. Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Remove from the oven, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the flavors of Italy with these 20 authentic Buca di Beppo recipes! From classic dishes like Spaghetti with Meatballs and Marinara, to creative twists like Chicken Limone with Lemon Butter Sauce, there’s something for everyone. Other highlights include Eggplant Parmigiana with Fresh Mozzarella, Fettuccine Alfredo with Creamy Garlic Sauce, and decadent desserts like Tiramisu with Espresso and Mascarpone. With a range of dishes from pasta to meat to seafood, this collection has got you covered.