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19 Italian Recipes That Would Make Nonna Proud—Even If You’re Not Cooking in Her Kitchen

Celebrate the heart of Italian cooking with these recipes that would make any Nonna proud. Designed to blend tradition with simplicity, they make it easy to recreate classic dishes in your own home. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or something quick for yourself, these options offer the warmth and familiarity of traditional meals.

Giant Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells in two black serving dishes.
Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pasta e Fagioli Soup in 2 bowls with spoons.
Pasta e Fagioli Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A warm bowl of Pasta e Fagioli Soup is the comfort food you didn’t know you needed on a chilly day. With its roots deeply planted in Italian tradition, this soup brings warmth and comfort to any table. It’s the perfect recipe to warm you up from the inside out, reminding you of home. Finishing your meal with this hearty soup will leave you feeling satisfied and cozy.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Sausage Parmigiana

Sausage Parmigiana on a white plate with a red napkin and a glass of wine.
Sausage Parmigiana. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

For a hearty meal that fills the kitchen with aromatic scents, Sausage Parmigiana is a go-to. This dish pays homage to the classics while bringing a robust flavor profile to the table. An evening spent enjoying this meal promises a fulfilling experience. With every bite, it’s as if you’re getting a warm hug from Nonna herself.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Parmigiana

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

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

When the weather outside is frightful, Chicken Gnocchi Soup is nothing but delicious. Each spoonful is a blend of comfort and tradition, making it a favorite among those who cherish Italian cuisine. It’s an inviting dish that brings people together around the dining table. This soup is not just a meal; it’s a memory in the making.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

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.

Italian Pot Roast Pasta combines the heartiness of a traditional pot roast with the beloved staple of pasta. It’s a dish that bridges the gap between two worlds, offering a taste that’s both familiar and exciting. Perfect for those evenings when you crave something filling, it wraps you in warmth like a well-loved blanket. Let this dish be the star of your next cozy gathering.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pot Roast Pasta

Chicken Scampi

A white plate with Chicken Scampi and green beans resting in the center.
Chicken Scampi. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Nothing says cozy Italian dinner like a plate of Chicken Scampi. Its garlic-infused sauce and tender chicken pieces make for an unforgettable meal. Ideal for a quiet evening in, it’s a dish that speaks of comfort and simplicity. Each bite invites you to slow down and enjoy the moment, making it a prime choice for a comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Scampi

Baked Pesto Salmon

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

Baked Pesto Salmon is a testament to the versatility of Italian flavors, pairing perfectly with the richness of salmon. This dish is a gentle nudge to try something different while still staying true to comforting, familiar tastes. It offers a delicious experience, transforming a simple meal into something special. Gather around the table for this one; it’s worth enjoying every bite.
Get the Recipe: Baked Pesto Salmon

Italian Wedding Soup

Two bowls of Italian Wedding Soup beside the plate of bread.
Italian Wedding Soup. Photo credit: Gimme Soup.

On a brisk day, there’s nothing more inviting than a bowl of Italian Wedding Soup. It combines the simple pleasures of Italian cooking into a bowl that’s brimming with warmth and joy. Sharing this soup with loved ones or enjoying a quiet moment alone, it’s a dish that comforts and pleases. Every spoonful is like a promise of warmth, making it a must-have during the colder months.
Get the Recipe: Italian Wedding Soup

Chicken Piccata

Two chicken piccata on a white plate with parsley and lemon wedges.
Chicken Piccata. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken Piccata offers a burst of flavor in every bite, striking the perfect balance between hearty and light. This dish is an enticing option for anyone looking to enjoy a classic Italian meal that warms both body and heart. It’s a reminder of the simple joys that good food can bring to the table. End your day on a high note with this vibrant and comforting dish.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce

Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce in a black skillet.
Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Indulge in the creamy, rich taste of Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce without leaving your kitchen. This recipe brings the beloved restaurant flavor to your home, offering a genuine taste of Italy. It’s a wonderful way to turn an ordinary meal into something extraordinary. Wrap yourself in the comfort of creamy pasta tonight.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce

Pizza Pasta Salad

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

Transform your dinner into an Italian fiesta with Pizza Pasta Salad. This dish blends the joy of pizza with the comfort of pasta, creating a unique meal that’s bound to please. It’s perfect for those nights when you can’t decide what to eat but know you want something satisfying. Invite warmth and laughter to your table with this delicious dish.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Shrimp Scampi Pizza

A pizza with shrimp and cheese on top.
Shrimp Scampi Pizza. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Shrimp Scampi Pizza innovates on two Italian favorites, combining them into one mouthwatering creation. This exciting blend of flavors is perfect for anyone looking to spice up their dinner routine. It’s a fun twist on traditional dishes, promising an enjoyable eating experience. Light the candles and set the table; it’s time for a memorable meal.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi Pizza

Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

A white bowl of rigatoni pasta with creamy sauce, garnished with cheese and green herbs, is placed on a wooden surface. A hand is holding a fork with a piece of pasta.
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

For a dish that feels like a warm embrace, Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka is your go-to. This recipe captures the essence of Italian dining, making it easier than ever to recreate a restaurant-quality meal at home. It’s an invitation to indulge in the comfort of your dining room. This pasta promises an evening filled with pleasure and warmth.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

Birria Pizza

Birria Pizza on a pizza stone.
Birria Pizza. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Birria Pizza is a culinary adventure that merges Italian tradition with innovative flavors. It’s perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave something unique and comforting. This dish guarantees a memorable dining experience, combining rich flavors with the coziness of pizza. Wrap up in a blanket and enjoy this fusion of taste and tradition tonight.
Get the Recipe: Birria Pizza

Classic Shrimp Scampi

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

Revisit a timeless favorite with Classic Shrimp Scampi. This dish is a gentle reminder of the beauty in simplicity, offering flavors that speak directly to the heart. Ideal for a relaxed evening, it’s a straightforward yet flavorful option that impresses. Enjoy a meal that feels like a hug from someone special.
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.

Chicken Cacciatore is a staple in Italian cuisine for a good reason. Its slowly simmered sauce and tender meat create a deeply comforting and hearty meal. Perfect for a cold evening, it’s a dish that brings the family together. Let this meal be the centerpiece of your next dinner, guaranteeing smiles all around.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cacciatore

Polenta with Mascarpone

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

A creamy, comforting side that beautifully complements any main dish is Polenta with Mascarpone. It’s an elegant reminder of the simplicity and richness of Italian cooking. Perfect for adding a touch of warmth to your meal, it invites you to indulge in its smooth, velvety texture. Enjoy this comforting dish on a night when you crave something soothing.
Get the Recipe: Polenta with Mascarpone

Oven Roasted Tomato Soup

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

As the cold air sets in, Oven Roasted Tomato Soup becomes a must-have. This soup is a warm, inviting option that perfectly captures the essence of home-cooked meals. It’s a reminder of the power of simple ingredients to create something truly special. End your day with a bowl of this soup, and let it comfort you through the evening.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Tomato Soup

Tomato Bruschetta

Tomato Bruschetta on a platter.
Tomato Bruschetta. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Tomato Bruschetta is a celebration of flavors, making it an ideal starter for any meal. Its combination of freshness and warmth makes it a crowd-pleaser. This dish is a beautiful way to start an evening of good food and conversation. Let it set the tone for a night of warmth and joy, shared with those you love.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Bruschetta

Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

Giant Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells in two black serving dishes.
Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A heartwarming dish that invites you to indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of Italy is Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells. This meal is a beautiful blend of cheese and pasta, guaranteeing a satisfying experience. It’s the ultimate comfort food for a cozy night in, promising contentment with every bite. Enjoy a dish that wraps you in warmth and cheesy goodness.
Get the Recipe: Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

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