If you’ve ever sat at a table in Italy, you know the food speaks of tradition, love, and a deep sense of place. This article brings you closer to the heart of Italy with 17 dishes that would make any Nonna proud. They’re rooted in the kind of home cooking that turns simple meals into memorable gatherings.
Each dish on our list has its own story, passed down through generations and perfected in the kitchens where family is everything. Think of recipes that have been lovingly prepared for Sunday dinners, special occasions and those just-because moments. It’s not just about eating; it’s about sharing moments that last a lifetime.
We’re not just talking about any food here. These dishes are gateways to understanding the Italian way of life, where every ingredient is chosen with care and every meal is an opportunity to connect. Join us as we celebrate the warmth and authenticity of Italian cooking, one dish at a time.
Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta
Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta mixes up bitter with full of flavor in a way only true Italian dishes can. It’s hearty, it’s full of greens and it’s something Nonna would have made sure you ate. Because in Italy, it’s not just about eating; it’s about enjoying what’s good for you.
Get the Recipe: Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta
Garlic Shrimp Scampi
Ever had Garlic Shrimp Scampi on a warm evening? It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to sit outside and enjoy the breeze. It’s light, it’s garlicky, and it screams authentic Italian seafood. Just like Nonna’s recipes, it’s all about the love and care put into it.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Shrimp Scampi
Chicken Gnocchi Soup
On a chilly day, Chicken Gnocchi Soup is like a warm blanket. It’s comforting, filled with tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi, just like you’d find in an Italian kitchen. This is a soup that Nonna approves of, reminding you of family, warmth, and tradition with every spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette
Think salads are boring? Not with Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette. It adds a punch to any greens and embodies the Italian principle of simplicity with flavor. It’s the kind of dressing Nonna would nod at, knowing it upgrades even the simplest dish to something memorable.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette
Authentic Bolognese Sauce
If you’re after something that tastes like it’s been simmering on an Italian grandma’s stove all day, Authentic Bolognese Sauce is your go-to. It’s a staple in Italian cuisine, perfect for a hearty meal Nonna would be proud of. With its rich history and even richer taste, it’s sure to turn any pasta dish into a comfort food classic.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Bolognese Sauce
Italian Chicken
How about Italian Chicken? It isn’t just dinner; it’s a tradition. With herbs and spices that fill the kitchen with aromas of Italy, it’s a dish that brings everyone to the table. This is the kind of meal Nonna prides herself on—simple ingredients, lots of love, and a taste of home.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken
Shrimp Scampi Pizza
Who says pizza can’t be fancy? Shrimp Scampi Pizza is where comfort food meets sophistication. It’s a fun twist on classic Italian, combining two favorites into one. Nonna would smile at the creativity, knowing well that good food is about bringing joy and people together.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi Pizza
Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes
If you’re in the mood for something that feels like a hug from Nonna, Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes is it. It’s simple, it’s classic, and it’s got that Italian flair without being over the top. Nonna would tell you it’s all about letting good ingredients shine, and this dish is a prime example.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes
Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone
When you roast asparagus and top it with mascarpone, you get Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone, a side dish that’s as simple as it is sophisticated. It’s a nod to Italy’s knack for upgrading vegetables into something Nonna would serve with pride. Plus, it’s an easy way to add a touch of Italian elegance to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone
Tomato Bruschetta Board
Nothing says “welcome to my Italian kitchen” quite like a Tomato Bruschetta Board. It’s an appetizer that combines fresh tomatoes and basil in a way that would make any Italian grandma proud. Ideal for sharing, it’s a celebration of simple ingredients and authentic flavors.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Bruschetta Board
Baked Pesto Salmon
Next, Baked Pesto Salmon, it brings together the best of Italian flavors and easy, healthy cooking. It’s a modern take on Italian dining that’s as delicious as it is nutritious. Perfect for a light, delicious meal that pays homage to Italy’s coastal cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Baked Pesto Salmon
Polenta with Mascarpone
Polenta with Mascarpone is a creamy, comforting dish that feels like a hug from an Italian grandmother. It’s a heartwarming choice that blends simplicity with the luxurious texture Nonna loves. A true taste of Italian home cooking, it’s a reminder of how good ingredients make good food.
Get the Recipe: Polenta with Mascarpone
Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells
Ever tried Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells? They’re basically hugs folded into pasta, filled with cheese, and baked to perfection. They’re a heartwarming meal that embodies the love and care of Italian home cooking, something Nonna would definitely approve of. It’s comfort food that brings a little piece of Italy to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells
Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce
For a light yet indulgent dish, Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce hits the spot. It’s a dish that could easily be found on a Sunday dinner table in Italy, with flavors Nonna would nod to in approval. It’s about bringing the simplicity and freshness of Italian cooking right to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce
Oven Roasted Tomato Soup
Oven Roasted Tomato Soup is a bowl of coziness, enriched with the flavors of beautifully roasted tomatoes. It’s a soup that tastes like it’s been passed down through generations of Italian grandmas. Perfect for those days when you need a bit of comfort, it’s a dish that brings the warmth of an Italian kitchen into your home.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Tomato Soup
Baked Scotch Eggs
If you’ve never tried Baked Scotch Eggs, you’re in for a treat. It’s not your typical Italian dish, but with a twist, Nonna might just give it a nod for creativity. They’re perfect for a snack or a unique appetizer at your next gathering, blending a bit of tradition with something unexpectedly delicious.
Get the Recipe: Baked Scotch Eggs
Chicken Piccata
Now, Chicken Piccata, that’s a classic you can bet every Nonna loves. This dish is a testament to the simple, yet bold flavors of Italian cooking. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it brings a piece of Italy right to your table, showing off the beauty of keeping it simple and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata