18 Delicious Buca di Beppo Recipes for Italian Lovers

Are you a lover of all things Italian? Do you crave the rich flavors, hearty portions, and warm hospitality that Buca di Beppo is famous for? Look no further!

We’ve gathered 18 mouth-watering recipes that will transport your taste buds to the Tuscan countryside. From classic pasta dishes like Spaghetti with Meatballs and Marinara, to savory meatball subs and decadent desserts like Tiramisu, there’s something for every Italian food lover on this list.

Chicken Limone with Lemon Butter Sauce

This classic Italian-inspired dish combines juicy chicken breasts with a tangy and creamy lemon butter sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress.

Ingredients:

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 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, butter, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and brush the lemon butter mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. If using white wine, pour it into the baking dish around the chicken.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Serve hot with chopped parsley, if desired.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Spaghetti with Meatballs and Marinara

This iconic Italian-American dish is a staple of comfort food, featuring tender meatballs swimming in a rich marinara sauce and served over al dente spaghetti.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 pound spaghetti
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Form into meatballs (about 20-25) and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and gently roll to coat.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
5. While meatballs are cooking, heat crushed tomatoes in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until onion is translucent.
6. Combine marinara sauce with cooked meatballs. Simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
7. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Serve with meatball-marinara sauce.

Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes

Stuffed Shells with Ricotta and Mozzarella

Savor the comforting combination of cheese-filled pasta shells baked in a rich tomato sauce, perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients:

– 12-15 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 lb ground beef or sausage, cooked and drained
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and cooked ground beef or sausage. Mix well.
4. Stuff each pasta shell with the cheese mixture, placing them in a baking dish as you go.
5. Pour marinara sauce over the shells and top with additional mozzarella cheese (if desired).
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Eggplant Parmigiana with Fresh Basil

This recipe combines tender eggplant slices with a creamy tomato sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and fragrant fresh basil. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients:

– 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 cup tomato sauce
– 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, salt, and breadcrumbs.
3. Dip each eggplant slice into the flour mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook eggplant slices for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
5. In a separate baking dish, spread tomato sauce evenly.
6. Arrange cooked eggplant slices on top of the sauce, overlapping slightly.
7. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and chopped fresh basil over the eggplant.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes

Lasagna Bolognese with Béchamel Sauce

A timeless Italian dish that combines rich flavors and textures, this lasagna recipe is a staple of any pasta lover’s repertoire. With its slow-cooked ragù and creamy béchamel sauce, it’s a comfort food that never goes out of style.

Ingredients:

– 8-10 lasagna noodles
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 28 oz crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups Béchamel sauce (see below)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Béchamel Sauce:

– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 cup milk
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 10 minutes.
5. Assemble lasagna by spreading meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange noodles on top, followed by béchamel sauce and grated Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.

Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes

Shrimp Fra Diavolo with Spicy Tomato Sauce

Shrimp Fra Diavolo with Spicy Tomato Sauce: A classic Italian-American dish that combines succulent shrimp with a bold and spicy tomato sauce, perfect for those who like a little heat in their meals!

Ingredients:

– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
– 1/4 cup dry red wine
– 1 teaspoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add shrimp; cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, red wine, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
5. Bring sauce to a simmer; reduce heat to low and let cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Penne Cardinale with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Penne Cardinale with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce: A classic Italian pasta dish featuring penne pasta, roasted red peppers, and a blend of creamy cheeses.

Ingredients:

– 8 oz penne pasta
– 2 large red bell peppers, seeded and chopped
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss peppers with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until charred.
3. Cook penne pasta al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. In a blender or food processor, puree roasted peppers with heavy cream until smooth.
5. Combine cooked pasta, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Add the red pepper sauce and toss to combine.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped basil leaves if desired.

Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes

Veal Saltimbocca with Prosciutto and Sage

A classic Italian dish that combines the tender flavors of veal, prosciutto, and sage.

Ingredients:
– 4 veal cutlets (about 1/4 inch thick)
– 6 slices of prosciutto
– 2 tablespoons of butter
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh sage
– Salt and pepper to taste
– White wine (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the veal cutlets with salt and pepper.
3. In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the prosciutto slices and cook until crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
5. Place the veal cutlets in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Transfer the veal to a baking dish and top each cutlet with a prosciutto slice and a sprinkle of chopped sage.
7. Bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the veal is cooked to your liking.

Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes

Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms and Marsala Wine

Elevate your dinner game with this rich and savory dish featuring tender chicken breasts, sautéed mushrooms, and a hint of 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
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup Marsala wine
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add Marsala wine, chicken broth, and flour to the skillet. Whisk until smooth.
5. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Marinara

A hearty, comforting pasta dish that combines the flavors of Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a cozy night in or a family dinner.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound ziti pasta
– 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook Italian sausage over medium-high heat until browned, breaking apart with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Add marinara sauce to the skillet and stir to combine with the sausage. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
5. In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti pasta, sausage-marinara mixture, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons

Elevate your salad game with this simple yet impressive recipe that combines the tanginess of Caesar dressing with the crunch and flavor of homemade croutons.

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 homemade croutons (recipe below)
– 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste

Homemade Caesar Dressing:

– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Homemade Croutons:

– 1/2 loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Toss crouton ingredients in a bowl until evenly coated. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
3. In a large bowl, combine lettuce, Caesar dressing, and croutons.
4. Top with Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Garlic Bread with Melted Parmesan

Elevate your snack game with this simple yet delicious garlic bread recipe topped with melted parmesan cheese.

Ingredients:

– 1 loaf of French bread (14-16 inches)
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup of butter, softened
– 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice the French bread into 1-inch thick slices.
3. In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic and softened butter until well combined.
4. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly onto each bread slice.
5. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the garlic butter on each slice.
6. Place the bread slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
8. Remove from oven and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Tiramisu with Espresso and Mascarpone

Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert that combines the richness of mascarpone cheese, the boldness of espresso, and the sweetness of ladyfingers. This recipe is a simplified version of the traditional Italian dessert.

Ingredients:

– 12-16 ladyfingers
– 1 cup strong brewed espresso
– 8 oz mascarpone cheese
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large egg yolks
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Dip each ladyfinger into the espresso for about 3-5 seconds on each side. They should be soft and pliable.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
3. To assemble the tiramisu, start by creating a layer of ladyfingers in a 9×13 inch dish. You may need to trim them to fit the dish.
4. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers.
5. Repeat steps 3-4 to create another layer of ladyfingers and mascarpone.
6. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight before serving.

Cooking Time: 0 minutes ( Assembly only)

Cannoli with Sweet Ricotta Filling

This classic Italian dessert is a staple at any gathering. Our sweet ricotta filling cannoli recipe brings the authentic taste and texture of these Sicilian treats to your table.

Ingredients:

– 12-16 cannoli shells
– 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
– 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup chopped candied citron or orange peel (optional)
– Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
2. If using candied citrus peel, fold it into the ricotta mixture.
3. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the sweet ricotta filling into each cannoli shell.
4. Dust with powdered sugar and serve.

Cooking Time: None, as this is a no-bake recipe!

Enjoy your delicious homemade cannoli!

Chicken Cacciatore with Bell Peppers and Olives

Chicken Cacciatore with Bell Peppers and Olives: A hearty Italian-inspired dish that combines juicy chicken, sautéed bell peppers, onions, and green olives in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 1/4 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet.
3. Add bell peppers, onion, and garlic; cook until vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Return chicken to skillet; stir to coat with sauce.
6. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Pasta Carbonara with Pancetta and Eggs

This creamy pasta dish is a staple of Italian cuisine, featuring tender spaghetti, rich pancetta, and velvety eggs. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create this indulgent meal in no time.

Ingredients:

– 12 oz spaghetti
– 6 slices pancetta, diced
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a medium skillet, cook the pancetta over low heat for 4-5 minutes or until crispy.
3. Remove the pancetta from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set aside.
4. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk together with a fork. Season with salt and black pepper.
5. Add the cooked spaghetti to the bowl with the eggs and toss to combine.
6. Add the Parmesan cheese, cooked pancetta, and chopped parsley (if using) to the pasta mixture and toss until well coated.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Minestrone Soup with Fresh Vegetables

This classic Italian soup is a hearty and flavorful way to enjoy the best of fresh vegetables. This recipe makes a big pot, perfect for a family dinner or lunch for a crowd.

Ingredients:

– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 cups chopped fresh zucchini
– 2 cups chopped fresh bell peppers
– 2 cups cooked kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic, zucchini, bell peppers, and cooked kidney beans. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 10-12 minutes.
3. Add the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes

Pizza Margherita with Fresh Mozzarella and Basil

A quintessential Italian dish, Pizza Margherita is a flavorful and visually appealing meal that requires only a few ingredients. This recipe yields a perfectly cooked crust topped with creamy mozzarella, sweet tomato sauce, and fragrant basil leaves.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb pizza dough
– 2 cups fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 1 cup homemade or store-bought tomato sauce
– 8-10 fresh basil leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out the pizza dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
2. Place the dough on a baking sheet or pizza stone. Spread tomato sauce evenly, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Arrange mozzarella slices on top of the sauce.
4. Place basil leaves on top of the mozzarella, slightly overlapping each other.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted.
7. Remove from oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Summary

Get ready to indulge in a taste of Italy with these 18 delicious Buca di Beppo recipes! From classic pasta dishes like Spaghetti with Meatballs and Marinara, to hearty favorites like Lasagna Bolognese with Béchamel Sauce, there’s something for every Italian lover.

Savor the flavors of Chicken Limone with Lemon Butter Sauce or Eggplant Parmigiana with Fresh Basil. Or try your hand at Shrimp Fra Diavolo with Spicy Tomato Sauce or Veal Saltimbocca with Prosciutto and Sage. Whatever your craving, these recipes are sure to satisfy.