Nonna’s 13 favorite dishes from the old country are the ultimate comfort food jackpot. Each one is like a warm hug from the past, packed with the kind of flavors that make you wish you could hit rewind on every family dinner. These dishes aren’t just meals—they’re a delicious trip down memory lane with a side of heartwarming nostalgia. Forget fancy—just think cozy, classic, and full of love.
Pasta e Fagioli Soup
You know it’s a get-cozy kind of day when Pasta e Fagioli Soup is simmering on the stove. It’s the kind of soup that makes you want to curl up with a good book while it rains outside. Loaded with goodness, it’s just like how grandma used to make, if your grandma was a soup genius, that is! Soupy, hearty, and oh-so comforting, this is the bowl that brings everyone to the table.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Tomato Bruschetta
Tomato Bruschetta, anyone? It’s the little appetizer with a big personality, just bursting with color and flavor! A few simple ingredients, a little toast, and voila—a party in your mouth. It’s that snack you won’t want to share, but you’ll look so good making more, why not?
Get the Recipe: Tomato Bruschetta
Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce
When life gives you lemons, make Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce! Light, zesty, and just tangy enough to make your lips pucker with pleasure. It’s like a little Italian vacation right on your fork, swirl after delicious swirl. Pair it with a little green and you’ve got yourself a meal that says, “more, please!”
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce
Polenta with Mascarpone
Polenta with Mascarpone is like the smooth operator of side dishes; so creamy, so dreamy, and oh-so versatile. It sits quietly on the plate but trust us, it steals the show every time! Whether it’s playing backup to a bolder buddy or shining solo, it’s always a scoop of yum. So, when you’re looking for something a little swanky but simple, give it a go!
Get the Recipe: Polenta with Mascarpone
Chicken Piccata
Chicken Piccata does the tango with lemons and capers, and trust us, it’s a dance worth watching! This dish will zing and tang its way into your heart, with each bite better than the last. A little bit tart, a little bit tangy and a whole lot tasty. It’s dinner, it’s a show, it’s what’s on the menu tonight!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata
Authentic Bolognese Sauce
Oh, Authentic Bolognese Sauce, you rich, hearty soul-soother! There’s just something about a pot of this magic simmering away that makes a house a home. Cooked slow and served with love, it’s the kind of sauce that can make any pasta proud. So, gather round, pass the parmesan, and let’s make tonight pasta night!
Get the Recipe: Authentic Bolognese Sauce
Oven Roasted Tomato Soup
Who knew simplicity could taste as amazing as Oven Roasted Tomato Soup? This is not your average tomato soup; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. With every spoonful, it’s like summer never ended, making it just right for those cooler days or nights. So, grab a grilled cheese and let’s make dinner an easy win tonight!
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Tomato Soup
Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
Light, fresh, and oh-so-summery, that’s Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce for you. It’s the kind of dish that says, “I took time to make this,” even when it was almost too easy. Perfect for a quick dinner or a lazy weekend meal, it’s pasta at its peak. So twirl that fork and let this simple pleasure remind you why sometimes, less really is more.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
Chicken Scampi
Chicken Scampi doesn’t just dazzle, it dances in a garlicky, buttery light. With delicate flavors that flutter with each forkful, it’s the meal that turns a simple sit-down into a special occasion. Versatile and vivacious, this is chicken doing its best dinner dance yet! So, let’s give our weeknight something to cheer about.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Scampi
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe
Ready for a skillet of wonder? Try Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. This one-pan wonder is the king of the weeknight dinner rush, proving you can eat royally without the royal wait. Rich, filling, and just a little bit sassy; it’s ready to tackle hunger head-on. So, let’s flip the script on dinner tonight and dish out something delicious!
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe
Zuppa Toscana Soup
Zuppa Toscana Soup is the rustic, hearty bowl of comfort your soul has been craving. With every spoonful, it’s like a little piece of Italy right at your dinner table. Hearty and lush, it warms from the inside out, promising a well-rounded feast in each bowl. When the chill hits, this soup hits back with flavor and fervor. Just right for cradling with both hands and sipping slowly.
Get the Recipe: Zuppa Toscana Soup
Tomato Bruschetta Board
Gather everyone around for a bite; nothing says “welcome” like a beautifully arranged Tomato Bruschetta Board. It’s as if summer decided to show off, and who can blame it when it looks and tastes this good? Bursting with freshness and color, it’s the perfect way to kick off any gathering! Break some bread, share some tales, and let’s start this meal with a smile.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Bruschetta Board
Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells
When comfort food is calling, you answer with Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells. Each shell is a cheesy hug waiting to make your day better. Perfect for when you want that ooey-gooey cheese pull, and honestly, who doesn’t? Gather the clan, dish out the love, and watch them disappear faster than you can say “mangia!”
Get the Recipe: Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells