Love Pasta? 23 Italian Food Favorites To Make Nonna Proud

Photo of author

| Published:

Love Pasta? 23 Italian Food Favorites To Make Nonna Proud

If making Nonna happy is your goal, these 23 Italian essentials are here to help. Feel the warmth of the sun-drenched fields of Italy as you add the love of pasta and other special ingredients to your cooking. It’s not just about making food; it’s about bringing the cozy feel of an Italian kitchen to your home. These staples will help you create dishes that Nonna would be truly proud of.

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

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

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

Cozy up with a bowl of Chicken Gnocchi Soup – a comforting hug for your pals. Tender chicken and soft potato dumplings swim in a warm broth. It’s the kind of Italian comfort food that would surely make Nonna smile.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi 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.

Get ready to enjoy the goodness of Sausage Parmigiana – a dish all about hearty flavors. Juicy sausage, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey cheese come together, creating an Italian masterpiece to make Nonna proud.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Parmigiana

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.

Indulge in the bold taste of Garlic Shrimp Scampi – where succulent shrimp meets garlicky goodness. Simple ingredients, big flavors. It’s the kind of dish that brings the spirit of Nonna’s kitchen to your dining table.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Pesto Orzo Salad

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

Freshen up your meal with the zesty Pesto Orzo Salad – a flavorful addition to your table. Orzo’s earthiness meets the kick of pesto. A simple yet flavorful dish, perfect for showcasing Italian food favorites that would make Nonna proud.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad

Shrimp Scampi Pizza

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

Experience the best of both worlds with Shrimp Scampi Pizza – a fusion of seafood and pizza joy. Bold shrimp atop a familiar pizza base. A delicious twist on Italian favorites that would make Nonna proud indeed.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi Pizza

Italian Chicken

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

Enjoy the straightforward joy of Italian Chicken – a tasty tribute to timeless flavors. Tender chicken with that authentic Italian touch. It’s the kind of meal that brings the essence of Nonna’s kitchen right to your table.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken

Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone

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

Relish in the simplicity of Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone – a side dish with flair. Crispy asparagus meeting creamy mascarpone. A straightforward yet elegant addition, bringing Italian food favorites for Nonna’s pride.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone

Birria Pizza

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

Take a bite into the modern goodness of Birria Pizza – a delicious spin on tradition. Rich birria flavors meet the classic appeal of pizza. A fresh take on Italian favorites that would surely make Nonna proud.
Get the Recipe: Birria Pizza

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.

Embrace a bowl of comfort with Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken – a hearty mix of flavors. The richness of tortellini blending with wholesome kale and chicken. It’s the kind of dish that embodies Italian food favorites for Nonna’s approval.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken

Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

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

Experience the cheesy goodness of Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells – a dish boasting simplicity and flavor. Oversized pasta shells filled with a rich cheese blend, creating an Italian classic to make Nonna proud.
Get the Recipe: Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone

Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone in a black dish.
Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Indulge in the richness of Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone – a velvety side dish to savor. Spinach’s goodness mingling with smooth mascarpone. A decadent touch to any meal, highlighting Italian food favorites that would make Nonna proud.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone

Tomato Bruschetta

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

Enjoy the freshness of Tomato Bruschetta – a delicious appetizer that’s all about vibrant flavors. Ripe tomatoes, garlic, and basil atop crusty bread. A simple and tasty rendition of Italian favorites for Nonna’s approval.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Bruschetta

Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce

Gnocchi in Lemon-Parmesan Sauce on a black plate.
Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Tantalize your pals with Gnocchi and Lemon-Parmesan Sauce – a dish where pillowy pasta meets zesty cheese. The comfort of gnocchi bathed in a tangy parmesan sauce, creating an Italian favorite for Nonna’s approval.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce

Authentic Bolognese Sauce

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

Enjoy the rich flavors of Authentic Bolognese Sauce – a robust and hearty addition to your Italian kitchen repertoire. A slow-cooked sauce with a perfect blend of meats, making it a go-to for Italian food favorites that Nonna would love.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Bolognese Sauce

Keto Zuppa Toscana Soup

Low Carb Zuppa Toscana Soup in a white round bowl with small handles.
Keto Zuppa Toscana Soup. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Warm up with Keto Zuppa Toscana Soup – a low-carb twist on a classic. The richness of sausage and the earthiness of kale in a hearty broth. A flavorful and keto-friendly Italian favorite that would make Nonna proud.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana Soup

Polenta with Mascarpone

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

Indulge in the simplicity of Polenta with Mascarpone – a creamy and comforting side dish. Smooth polenta blended with velvety mascarpone. A straightforward yet luxurious addition to your meal, showcasing Italian favorites for Nonna’s pride.
Get the Recipe: Polenta with Mascarpone

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

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

Enjoy the heartiness of Pasta e Fagioli Soup – a dish that marries pasta and beans in a flavorful broth. The comfort of a bowl brimming with Italian goodness. A simple yet satisfying rendition of Italian food favorites for Nonna’s joy.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Classic Keto Caprese Salad

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

Enjoy the simplicity of a Classic Keto Caprese Salad – a refreshing blend of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. The vibrant colors and flavors come together. A low-carb and classic Italian favorite that would surely make Nonna proud.
Get the Recipe: Classic Keto Caprese Salad

Baked Pesto Salmon

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

Soice up your seafood experience with Baked Pesto Salmon – a dish that combines the richness of salmon with the boldness of pesto. Flaky salmon topped with a flavorful herb sauce, creating an Italian-inspired favorite for Nonna’s delight.
Get the Recipe: Baked Pesto Salmon

Grilled Bruschetta Chicken

Grilled Bruschetta Chicken on a white plate.
Grilled Bruschetta Chicken. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Enjoy the simplicity of Grilled Bruschetta Chicken – a dish that brings together grilled chicken and the freshness of bruschetta. Juicy chicken topped with tomato, garlic, and basil. An uncomplicated and delicious Italian favorite for Nonna’s approval.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bruschetta Chicken

Tomato Bruschetta Board

Tomato bruschetta board on a table.
Tomato Bruschetta Board. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Create a feast with a Tomato Bruschetta Board – an array of fresh ingredients for a delicious appetizer. An assortment of bruschetta toppings with crusty bread. A vibrant and shareable presentation of Italian favorites for Nonna’s joy.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Bruschetta Board

Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

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

Relish in the simplicity of Pasta with Ricotta and tomatoes – a dish that celebrates the harmony of pasta and fresh ingredients. Pasta coated in creamy ricotta with juicy tomatoes. A straightforward and delicious Italian favorite for Nonna’s treat.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

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.

Enjoy the heartiness of Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta – a flavorful combination of sausage and vibrant broccoli rabe. Pasta tossed in a simple yet robust sauce, creating an Italian favorite that would make Nonna proud.
Get the Recipe: Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.