Family-style Italian restaurants often serve meals that are shared among the group, featuring classic dishes that cater to a wide range of tastes. Here are 10 of the most common types of meals ordered:

1.  Antipasti Platters
– A variety of Italian appetizers like cured meats (prosciutto, salami), cheeses (mozzarella, provolone), marinated vegetables, olives, and bruschetta.

2.  Pasta Dishes
– **Spaghetti and Meatballs**: A classic favorite with marinara sauce and hearty meatballs.
– **Fettuccine Alfredo**: Creamy and indulgent, often with chicken or shrimp.
– **Lasagna**: Layers of pasta, cheese, meat sauce, and béchamel or ricotta.
– **Penne alla Vodka**: Pasta tossed in a creamy tomato and vodka sauce.

3. Pizza
– Family-sized pizzas with popular toppings like Margherita, pepperoni, sausage, and vegetable combinations.

4. Chicken Dishes
– Chicken Parmesan: Breaded chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese, served with pasta.
– Chicken Marsala: Chicken cooked in a rich mushroom and Marsala wine sauce.

5. **Seafood Dishes**
– **Shrimp Scampi**: Shrimp sautéed in garlic, butter, and white wine, often served over linguine.
– **Frutti di Mare**: A medley of seafood (clams, mussels, shrimp, calamari) in a tomato-based sauce served over pasta.

6. **Risotto**
– Creamy Arborio rice dishes, often flavored with mushrooms, seafood, or saffron (Risotto alla Milanese).

7. **Eggplant Parmesan**
– Slices of breaded and baked eggplant layered with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.

8. **Veal Dishes**
– **Veal Piccata**: Thin veal cutlets cooked in a lemon, caper, and butter sauce.
– **Veal Saltimbocca**: Veal topped with prosciutto and sage, cooked in a white wine sauce.

9. **Tiramisu or Cannoli for Dessert**
– Tiramisu: A coffee-flavored layered dessert with mascarpone cheese and cocoa.
– Cannoli: Fried pastry tubes filled with sweetened ricotta.

10. **Family-Style Salad and Bread**
– Generous servings of Caesar salad or house salad with fresh Italian bread, often included with meals.

These dishes embody the warmth and flavor of Italian family dining, encouraging everyone to share and savor the experience.

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