Skipping these Italian classics is a decision Nonna wouldn’t take lightly. These dishes have been filling tables for generations, and for good reason. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a big family gathering, they bring everyone back for seconds. Skip them, and you might just get a disappointed head shake from Nonna—followed by a lecture you won’t soon forget.
Italian Wedding Soup
Italian Wedding Soup is like a family gathering in a bowl – warm, inviting, and full of comforting elements. It’s tradition served with a spoon, perfect for those evenings when only a hug from Nonna will do, but you’ll have to settle for the next best thing. Every ingredient comes together to remind you of home, making it impossible to consider skipping this classic at dinner. Nonna wouldn’t forget, and neither should you.
Get the Recipe: Italian Wedding Soup
Classic Shrimp Scampi
When you’re in the mood for seafood with an unmistakable Italian flair, Classic Shrimp Scampi answers the call. It’s the kind of dish that’s both effortless and impressive, delivering a punch of flavor with minimal fuss. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or when company’s over, it’s as versatile as it is delicious. Even if Nonna isn’t around to applaud your choice, you’ll know you’ve hit the mark.
Get the Recipe: Classic Shrimp Scampi
Italian Pot Roast Pasta
Italian Pot Roast Pasta melds the heartiness of a well-cooked roast with the comforting embrace of pasta, making it a standout dish for any night. This dish is a testament to the joy of slow-cooked meals and the depth of flavor they bring to the table. Whether you’re feeding a group or just treating yourself, it’s a dish that speaks the language of love and comfort. Nonna’s nod of approval would be all but guaranteed.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pot Roast Pasta
Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Nothing says comfort quite like a bowl of Chicken Gnocchi Soup on a cool evening. This dish wraps you in warmth with its creamy base and succulent pieces, making each bite a soothing experience. It’s the perfect balance of simplicity and indulgence, proving that sometimes, the best flavors are the ones we find most familiar. It’s easy to picture Nonna standing over the stove, stirring a pot of this homestyle favorite.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers
Bring a slice of Little Italy into your kitchen with Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers. This dish is a hearty nod to the simple pleasures of well-cooked sausage and perfectly seasoned peppers. It’s as generous on the plate as it is in flavor, likely to inspire second helpings and satisfied nods around the table. It’s the kind of meal that would make Nonna push you towards the stove, eager for you to learn.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers
Chicken Cacciatore
With Chicken Cacciatore, you’re not just making dinner; you’re weaving a tapestry of flavors that speak to the heart of Italian cooking. This classic dish combines the rustic charm of countryside cooking with the meticulous balance of flavors Italy is known for. It’s about more than just eating; it’s about celebrating food and family. Nonna would tell you this is not just cooking; it’s heritage on a plate.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cacciatore
Pizza Pasta Salad
Pizza Pasta Salad is where fun and flavor have a rendezvous on your plate. This dish takes all the beloved elements of your favorite pizza and tosses them together with pasta for a whimsical yet utterly fulfilling meal. Whether you’re looking for a side dish that steals the show or a light main course that tickles the fancy, this salad has got you covered. It’s the dish that Nonna would call a playful twist on tradition.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad
Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup
For a soup that feels like a warm embrace, Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup has no equal. It’s a bowlful of comfort, steeped in the richness of Italian traditions and homestyle cooking. Every spoonful tells a story of family, love, and the simple joys of a well-made meal. Nonna would surely spoon this into bowls with a proud smile, knowing it’s as close to her heart as it is to Sicily’s soul.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup
Shrimp Scampi Pizza
Shrimp Scampi Pizza is what happens when you dare to mix tradition with a twist, creating a dish that’s boldly flavorful. This pizza brings a wave of freshness with its seafood topping, merging two worlds into one surprising and successful combination. It’s a culinary adventure meant for those nights when the same old just won’t do. Nonna might be skeptical at first, but one bite and she’d be reaching for more.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi Pizza
Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone
When you serve Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone, you’re offering more than just a side dish; you’re upgrading the entire meal. This preparation brings out the natural sweetness of the asparagus, perfectly complemented by the creamy mascarpone. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. And while Nonna might insist she’s had better, the empty plates say otherwise.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone
Birria Pizza
Birria Pizza takes the pizza game to an entirely new level, blending rich flavors in an innovative way that’s bound to intrigue. This fusion dish combines bold spices and tender meat, creating a pizza that’s anything but ordinary. It’s the choice for adventurous palates and those looking to shake up pizza night. Nonna might wonder at first, but she’d appreciate the daring departure from the norm.
Get the Recipe: Birria Pizza
Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo
With Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo, you can recreate a restaurant favorite right in your own kitchen. This dish offers a creamy, luxurious sauce paired with the succulent taste of shrimp, all served over your favorite pasta. It’s a recipe for those special dinners where you want to pull out all the stops. Even Nonna would have to admit, some traditions are worth adapting.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo
Ham & Asparagus Pizza
If you’re looking to bring some Italian pizzeria vibes to your dinner table, then Ham & Asparagus Pizza is the way to go. It’s a unique twist on classic pizza that combines the saltiness of ham with the crispness of asparagus. Perfect for when you want something a bit different but still crave that comforting pizza feel. Plus, it’s a great excuse to fire up your oven and get the whole house smelling amazing.
Get the Recipe: Ham & Asparagus Pizza
Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone
For those days when you want to add a little extra luxury to your meal, Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone is your go-to. This dish takes a traditional side and turns it into something you’d brag about making. The smooth and rich texture makes every bite feel indulgent. It’s the kind of recipe that could easily become a regular in your meal rotation for its simplicity and crowd-pleaser potential.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone
Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells
With Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells, you’re in for a treat that screams comfort food. It’s all about the joy of biting into pasta shells oozing with cheese. This dish is perfect for those dinners where you want to impress without too much fuss. It’s the ideal combination of easy-to-make and hard-to-forget, making it a real winner for any pasta lover.
Get the Recipe: Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells
Tomato Bruschetta Board
This recipe keeps it simple and fresh, making it a crowd favorite. Everyone gets to build their perfect bite—crunchy, soft, tangy, or rich. Tomato Bruschetta Board is perfect for kicking off a meal or for laid-back nights with good food and conversation. It proves that simple ingredients can become something extraordinary with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Bruschetta Board
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka brings a restaurant favorite right into your kitchen. It’s the kind of dish that wows everyone, not just with its name but with its rich and creamy texture. Ideal for those special dinners or when you’re craving something that feels gourmet without going out. It provides a satisfying experience, proving that making restaurant-quality pasta at home is totally doable and highly rewarding.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka