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15 Italian Dishes Nonna Swears By

Get ready for 15 Italian classics that have Nonna’s stamp of approval, and yes, she’s serious about it. Each dish has been made to deliver a bit of Italian magic with every bite. Nonna wouldn’t want it any other way! Try these out, and watch as your kitchen transforms into a bustling Italian feast – just be prepared for your family to keep asking for more.

A top-down shot of a classic caprese salad in a black dish.
Classic Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Two Chicken Gnocchi Soup copycat soup recipes on a table.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Pull out the soup pot for a comforting bowl of Chicken Gnocchi Soup that Nonna stands by. A spoonful of this dish is like a warm hug on a rough day. It’s the go-to for turning around a dreary afternoon or mending the sniffles. You don’t need a rainy day as an excuse to indulge in its homestyle goodness.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

A bowl of olive garden creamy shrimp alfredo pasta served in a black bowl with a spoon.
Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Bring a restaurant favorite home with Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo. No reservations or dress code necessary to enjoy this classic. You get to decide how much parmesan goes on top – and in our book, that’s always more. It’s about enjoying the little luxuries without stepping foot outside.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

Baked Pesto Salmon

Salmon with spinach sauce on a white plate.
Baked Pesto Salmon. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Swap out the usual dinner routine with Baked Pesto Salmon; it’s a game changer. The oven does all the heavy lifting, bringing you closer to that satisfying meal. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table on time. Trust us, no one’s going to be late when this is on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Baked Pesto Salmon

Low-Carb Baked Feta Pasta

A plate of Low-Carb Baked Feta Pasta garnished with fresh herbs.
Low-Carb Baked Feta Pasta. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

If you’re watching your carbs but craving something indulgent, Low-Carb Baked Feta Pasta hits the mark. This dish proves you don’t need a pile of pasta to feel pampered. Go ahead, dig in without the side of guilt that usually comes with comfort food. This is what smart indulgence looks like.
Get the Recipe: Low-Carb Baked Feta Pasta

Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

A plate of Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers sprinkled with chopped herbs.
Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

You can recreate restaurant vibes at home with Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser, whether you’re hosting a dinner or need a solid potluck option. The smell alone will have you counting down until dinner. Whoever said you need a fancy outing for top-notch Italian hasn’t tried this.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

Pizza Pasta Salad

A fork with pizza pasta salad in a bowl.
Pizza Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

When you’re caught between craving pizza and needing something portable, Pizza Pasta Salad is your answer. It packs all your favorite toppings without the hassle of delivery. This is the side dish that often steals the show at get-togethers. And yes, going back for seconds is not only accepted but encouraged.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup

Two bowls of Copycat Carrabba's Mama Mandola's Sicilian Chicken Soup, accompanied by two spoons, a black pepper grinder, and a napkin.
Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Sometimes, you just need a soup that feels like it’s been simmering for hours; enter Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup. It’s like Nonna pulled out her old-school cookbook for this one. This soup isn’t just a meal, it’s a nod to tradition. One bowl and you’ll understand why it’s a staple at family tables.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup

Classic Shrimp Scampi

Two cast iron skillets contain shrimp scampi garnished with lemon wedges.
Classic Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Nonna’s big on seafood, especially when it comes to Classic Shrimp Scampi. This is what you whip up when you want to impress without too much fuss. It’s about coming home to something special yet surprisingly simple. Trust this to turn a regular night into a ‘remember-when’ dinner.
Get the Recipe: Classic Shrimp Scampi

Chicken Cacciatore

A white dish filled with pieces of Chicken Cacciatore in a red sauce, garnished with chopped herbs.
Chicken Cacciatore. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

If you’re after something that screams Italian home cooking, Chicken Cacciatore has got you covered. This is Nonna’s solution for those ‘what’s for dinner?’ nights. It’s all about letting the oven work its magic. Gather the family around the table; this one deserves company.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cacciatore

Italian Pot Roast Pasta

A hand lifting a fork with a bite of Italian Pot Roast Pasta on a bowl.
Italian Pot Roast Pasta. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Longing for comfort? Italian Pot Roast Pasta blends homestyle cooking with Italian finesse, delivering a cozy, flavorful twist that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Curled up on the couch with a bowl of this dish is the definition of a well-spent evening, and trust me, it’s the kind of meal that’ll have everyone begging for a Sunday dinner invite!
Get the Recipe: Italian Pot Roast Pasta

Ham & Asparagus Pizza

A pizza with ham and asparagus on a pizza stone.
Ham & Asparagus Pizza. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Picture your nonna sliding out a fresh pie from the brick oven, that’s the heart of this classic. Gather ’round the table for a slice that brings back memories of big family dinners with Ham & Asparagus Pizza. It’s simple, honest food—no fancy tricks needed, just the good stuff. So, grab a slice, maybe a cold one to go with it, and enjoy a meal that feels like home.
Get the Recipe: Ham & Asparagus Pizza

Authentic Bolognese Sauce

Bolognese Sauce on pasta.
Authentic Bolognese Sauce. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

You haven’t really experienced pasta until you’ve had it with Authentic Bolognese Sauce. This is what pasta dreams are made of, and Nonna wouldn’t steer you wrong. It’s all about slow cooking and deep, rich layers of taste. It’s the sort of meal that makes you want to linger at the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Bolognese Sauce

Oven Roasted Tomato Soup

A bowl of oven-roasted tomato soup with two spoons.
Oven Roasted Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you need something lighter, Oven Roasted Tomato Soup is the go-to. It’s perfect for those days when you crave simplicity with a touch of elegance. Who knew a humble tomato could be transformed into something so comforting? Pair it with a grilled cheese, and you’ve got a match made in heaven.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Tomato Soup

Polenta with Mascarpone

Polenta with mascarpone in a white bowl.
Polenta with Mascarpone. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Polenta with Mascarpone is like the plush velvet of Italian cuisine. Nonna swears it’ll convert anyone into a polenta lover. It’s creamy, it’s comforting, and it’s rich without trying too hard. Whether you’re serving it as a cozy side dish or letting it steal the spotlight as the main event, this dish is ready to impress. Just a little sprinkle of your favorite toppings, and you’ve got pure comfort on a plate.
Get the Recipe: Polenta with Mascarpone

Classic Caprese Salad

A top-down shot of a classic caprese salad in a black dish.
Classic Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

This salad doesn’t just belong on a fancy platter. It’s the no-frills, fresh approach to an appetizer or side that’s always welcomed. It’s proof that a few quality ingredients can speak volumes. Bring this Classic Caprese Salad to the table, and you’ve got instant freshness and vibrancy.
Get the Recipe: Classic Caprese Salad

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