17 Italian Dishes That Transport Me to Nonna’s Table

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17 Italian Dishes That Transport Me to Nonna’s Table

Bring the family together with 17 Italian dishes that transport me to Nonna’s table. These recipes are perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknights to special gatherings. Each dish carries the warmth and love of traditional Italian cooking, making every meal feel like a celebration. Everyone at home will be asking for seconds of these comforting and delicious meals!

Two flatbread pizzas on a tray.
Air Fryer Flatbread Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Minestrone Soup with Sausage

Minestrone Soup with Sausage in white bowl with spoonful.
Minestrone Soup with Sausage. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

When the weather cools down, a bowl of Minestrone Soup with Sausage becomes the go-to comfort food. It’s hearty, filled with vegetables and sausage, making it a complete meal on its own. Many swear by its ability to warm them up from the inside out. It’s like getting a warm hug from your grandma, reminding you of the simplicity and richness of home-cooked meals.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup with Sausage

Eggplant Tomato Stacks

Eggplant tomato stacks with grilled eggplant slices and tomato layers.
Eggplant Tomato Stacks. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Eggplant Tomato Stacks are a testament to the versatility of vegetables in Italian cooking. Layers of eggplant with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and melted cheese come together to create a dish that’s both simple and deeply satisfying. It’s perfect for those days when you want something light yet fulfilling. Plus, it adds a beautiful pop of color to any dining table, making it as appealing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Tomato Stacks

Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken

Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken inside cast iron.
Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

There’s something about the combination of chicken, tomato, and mozzarella that feels like home, and Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken encapsulates this feeling perfectly. The chicken comes out juicy every time, topped with melted mozzarella and fresh tomatoes. It’s an easy weeknight meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for convenience. Sitting down to this dish is like joining an Italian family for dinner, where the food speaks of love and tradition.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken

Ratatouille with an Italian Flair

Italian ratatouille in a glass casserole dish.
Ratatouille with an Italian Flair. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Adding an Italian twist to the classic, Ratatouille with an Italian Flair, showcases vegetables in a celebration of simplicity and taste. This version brings a touch of Italy with herbs and spices that complement the rich vegetable flavors. It’s a vibrant dish that pays homage to the garden’s bounty. Enjoying it, you appreciate the careful balance between simplicity and flavor that Italian cuisine is known for.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille with an Italian Flair

Stuffed Chicken Marsala

Stuffed chicken marsala in a cast iron skillet.
Stuffed Chicken Marsala. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Stuffed Chicken Marsala is more than just a dish; it’s an experience. Stuffed with cheese and ham, then drenched in a rich Marsala wine sauce, the chicken is tender and flavorful. It brings together classic ingredients in an innovative way. Every bite takes you closer to the heart of Italian comfort cooking, blending tradition with a touch of creativity.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Chicken Marsala

Italian Slow Cooker Pork Roast

A white bowl with slow cooker Italian pork roast, potatoes and carrots.
Italian Slow Cooker Pork Roast. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This Italian Slow Cooker Pork Roast is the epitome of set-it-and-forget-it cooking. As it slowly cooks, the pork becomes incredibly tender, absorbing the aromatic herbs and spices. This dish is perfect for busy days when you crave the comfort of a home-cooked meal without the fuss. Gather around the table for this one; it’s sure to spark conversations and create memories.
Get the Recipe: Italian Slow Cooker Pork Roast

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

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

Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a staple in Italian kitchens, known for its comforting and familiar flavors. It combines pasta and beans in a savory broth, making it both fulfilling and nutritious. This soup has a way of filling the kitchen with aromas that remind you of family gatherings. It’s simple, yet profoundly comforting, ideal for a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Air Fryer Cheesy Pepperoni Breadsticks

A wooden cutting board with pepperoni breadsticks and dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Cheesy Pepperoni Breadsticks. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

For a fun twist on a classic snack, Air Fryer Cheesy Pepperoni Breadsticks are quick to make and impossible to resist. They merge the irresistible flavors of cheese and pepper leoni, with a crisp outside and a soft, cheesy center. Perfect for game day, movie night, or as a snack, they’re always a hit. Plus, the air fryer means they come together with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheesy Pepperoni Breadsticks

Quick Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo

Shrimp and fettuccine pasta in a large glass bowl.
Quick Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Quick Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo is a dream for anyone wanting a luxurious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Tender shrimp and creamy Alfredo sauce coat the fettuccine perfectly for a mouthwatering combination. It’s ideal for a romantic dinner or when you want to impress your guests without too much effort. This dish proves that gourmet-tasting meals can be straightforward and accessible.
Get the Recipe: Quick Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo

Baked Pesto Salmon

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

Baked Pesto Salmon is a brilliant way to bring the flavors of Italy to a seafood classic. The pesto adds a vibrant burst of flavor to the rich, flaky salmon, creating a dish that’s both nutritious and packed with taste. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal but special enough to serve to guests. This dish is a reminder of how a few quality ingredients can transform into a feast.
Get the Recipe: Baked Pesto Salmon

Vegan Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

A white plate with vegan stuffed portobello mushrooms garnished with cherry tomatoes and parsley.
Vegan Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

These Vegan Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms are a showcase of how Italian cooking can be deliciously plant-based. Filled with a mixture of vegetables and grains, these large mushrooms make for a main course. They are a great example of how Italian cuisine celebrates the flavors of the garden. Enjoy a dish that is as healthy as it is flavorful, perfect for anyone looking to eat more veggies.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich

2 Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwiches on a black plate.
Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich combines grilled chicken, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil pesto in a delicious meal. It takes the classic flavors of a Caprese salad and adds a fulfilling protein punch. This sandwich is great for a quick lunch or a light dinner, especially on warm days when you crave something fresh. It’s a modern take on Italian ingredients, served up in a hand-held format.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich

Shrimp Scampi Over Linguine

A hand holding a fork twirls spaghetti with shrimp in a white bowl, with a glass of white wine in the background on a wooden table.
Shrimp Scampi Over Linguine. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

This dish pairs well-cooked shrimp with a garlicky, buttery sauce over pasta, capturing the essence of Italian seafood cuisine. It’s a dish that’s both simple and indulgent, perfect for a date night at home. The shrimp are the star, but the sauce, with its rich flavors, ties everything together. Shrimp Scampi Over Linguine is an excellent introduction to the joy of Italian cooking, showing off how a few components can come together to create a memorable meal.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi Over Linguine

Italian Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

A picutre of ground beef with tomatoes and Italian herbs.
Italian Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Italian Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet is a modern twist on traditional Italian flavors, offering a lower-carb option without skimping on taste. With seasoned beef, cauliflower rice, and a mix of vegetables, it’s a hearty dish that you can feel good about. It’s quickly become a favorite for those looking for meals that support a healthy lifestyle. This dish is proof that you don’t need pasta or bread to enjoy the depth of Italian cooking.
Get the Recipe: Italian Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

Pizza Pasta Salad

A platter of pizza pasta salad served on a white rectangular dish.
Pizza Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

This recipe combines the best of two worlds: the beloved flavors of pizza with the refreshing qualities of a cold pasta salad. With bits of pepperoni, mozzarella, olives, and a tangy dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. It’s easy to make ahead, which makes it perfect for picnics, lunches, or easy dinners. Pizza Pasta Salad brings a fun twist to Italian cuisine, celebrating its ingredients in a novel way.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Saucy Tomato & Artichoke Chicken

A white plate with chicken, stewed tomatoes, artichokes, sauteed spinach, and wild rice.
Saucy Tomato & Artichoke Chicken. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Saucy Tomato & Artichoke Chicken is a dish that highlights the robust flavors of tomatoes and artichokes, accompanied by tender chicken. It’s a one-pan wonder that results in a comforting meal, bursting with tangy and savory notes. This dish exemplifies the simplicity of Italian cooking, where quality ingredients come together to create something truly special. It’s ideal for those evenings when you need a quick yet fulfilling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Saucy Tomato & Artichoke Chicken

Air Fryer Flatbread Pizza

Two flatbread pizzas on a tray.
Air Fryer Flatbread Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

With Air Fryer Flatbread Pizza, you can enjoy homemade pizza in a fraction of the time it takes to bake in a traditional oven. The air fryer crisps the flatbread to perfection, providing the ideal base for your favorite toppings. It’s a quick, customizable meal that brings the joy of Italian pizza to your kitchen without any hassle. This approach to pizza is perfect for a casual dinner or a snack anytime.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Flatbread Pizza

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