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Nanna’s Secret Italian Stash: 13 Recipes Straight From The Old Country

Nanna’s secret Italian stash is like discovering a delicious food goldmine, filled with 13 recipes straight from the old country. These dishes bring the authentic flavors and traditions of Italy right into your kitchen, making every meal a special occasion. Each recipe is a cherished piece of Nanna’s heritage, passed down through generations and filled with love. Enjoy the rich, savory tastes of Italy and feel the warmth of family with every bite!

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 Heather.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

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

This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is comfort in a pot, just like how nonna made it back in the day. There’s tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a broth that warms you to your toes. It’s a bowlful of love, the kind you need on a chilly evening. Gather ’round, ladle it into bowls, and watch it vanish as everyone digs in.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Garlic Shrimp Scampi on a bed of rice in a black oval dish.
Garlic Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sometimes the simple things hit the spot, and that’s what you get with Garlic Shrimp Scampi. Garlic and juicy shrimp come together in this recipe that’s been in the family for who knows how long. It’s the perfect thing for when you want something that feels fancy without the fuss. When you try this, it’ll be like nonna is right there with her apron on, telling you to eat up.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette

A white plate of creamy balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing resting next to a plate of salad.
Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette is the kind of dressing nonna would whip up by the bowlful. It turns any greens into something you can’t stop eating. It’s rich, tangy, and pulls together a salad like nothing else. You’ll want to keep this recipe handy, because it’s good on just about everything.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette

Italian Chicken

Creamy Italian Chicken on a plate.
Italian Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Italian Chicken is a staple that brings the family running to the table every time. It’s all about tasty herbs and just the right cooking to keep the chicken juicy. It fits right in with any side dish, making it as versatile as it is delicious. And wouldn’t you know, it tastes like it’s straight from nonna’s worn recipe cards.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken

Birria Pizza

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

Take a little trip from Italy to Mexico with this Birria Pizza. It takes an Italian classic and gives it a twist with rich and hearty Mexican flavors. It’s a bold move, but once you taste it, you’ll see why it’s a keeper. Serving this up is like opening a door to a whole new world of flavors.
Get the Recipe: Birria Pizza

Pesto Orzo Salad

Orzo salad resting on a dark plate.
Pesto Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Pesto Orzo Salad is a refreshing break from the heat, one of those dishes that screams summer in Italy. With a burst of pesto flavor and delicate orzo, it’s a surefire hit at any table. Take it on a picnic or serve it up cool, it’s got a way of making any meal feel a little more special. And with a recipe like this, you’re keeping nonna’s kitchen alive.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad

Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken

Kale and tortellini soup in a bowl on a wooden table.
Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken is a big hug in a bowl, something to gather around when you’re hungry for a bit of home. Picture perfectly cooked chicken, fresh kale, and tortellini swimming in a savory broth. This is the soup that you crave when you want a full meal without the fuss. And every spoonful tastes like it’s from nonna’s secret recipe book.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken

Ham & Asparagus Pizza

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

Ham & Asparagus Pizza is an unexpected treat that knocks traditional pizza on its head. It’s all about taking a risk and reaping the tasty rewards. Each slice is a little bit of old-world Italy, a little bit of nonna’s wisdom on a plate. Serve it up when you’re in the mood to shake up pizza night but still want that home-cooked feeling.
Get the Recipe: Ham & Asparagus Pizza

Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Ricotta and Tomato Pasta in a white bowl.
Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

There’s this Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes that nonna always made when the family gathered around. It’s all about creamy ricotta and ripe tomatoes hugging your favorite pasta. This is one of those trusty recipes no Italian stash should be without. And when you take a bite, it’s like being back in that warm, bustling kitchen with laughter all around.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

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 Heather.

Straight from an Italian nonna’s kitchen, this dish is like a secret hug from the old country. It’s simple: juicy sausage and sweet peppers, cooked up like only a family recipe can. Think of sitting at a big table, passing around the Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers. There’s a reason dishes like this get passed down through generations.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta

Broccoli Rabe and Sausage in a serving bowl with tomatoes in the background.
Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta is a dish with roots, the kind of meal that’s been on the Sunday table for ages. A little spicy sausage, some beautifully bitter broccoli rabe, and you’ve got a plate that’s full of character. It’s hearty, it’s bright, and it’s got the power to pull everyone to the table. This is one of those recipes that’s wrapped in tradition.
Get the Recipe: Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta

Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone

A plate of asparagus with mascarpone and lemon.
Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

There’s something about Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone that feels like a celebration. When asparagus gets along with the creaminess of mascarpone, good things happen. This dish is all about letting simple ingredients shine. And it’s got that old-school Italian touch, just the way nonna would serve it.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone

Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Tortellini Soup with Sausage in a white bowl.
Tortellini Soup with Sausage. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Nothing says ‘made with love’ quite like a pot of Tortellini Soup with Sausage. It’s got cheese-filled tortellini and savory sausage in a tasty broth, all whipped up with a nod to the old country. This one’s perfect for those days when you need a little extra warmth. And it’s got that taste of tradition, just the way nonna would want.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Sausage

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