15 Italian Dishes Nonna Would Cook For Special Occasions

Photo of author

| Published:

15 Italian Dishes Nonna Would Cook For Special Occasions

When it comes to Italian cooking, no one does it better than Nonna. She’s the queen of the kitchen, armed with secret family recipes that have been passed down for generations. You can count on her to whip up something that makes everyone gather around the table a little faster. So, if you’re looking to add a little Italian flair to your next special occasion, these 15 dishes are just what you need.

Brown plate with gnocci, tomatoes and basil leaves.
Low Carb Gnocchi Tomato Basil. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Low Carb Gnocchi with Fresh Spinach Sauce

Bright green gnocchi sauce with orange turmeric powder over the gnocchi plate.
Low Carb Gnocchi with Fresh Spinach Sauce. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Low Carb Gnocchi with Fresh Spinach Sauce offers a comforting taste of Italy without the guilt. This dish is a go-to for those who cherish traditional flavors but are mindful of their carbohydrate intake. It’s a popular choice for special occasions, where it’s admired for its hearty yet fresh appeal. Perfect for a family gathering, it brings everyone to the table with its inviting aroma.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Gnocchi with Fresh Spinach Sauce

Palmini Baked Fetta Pasta

Baked palmini with feta in a light blue casserole.
Palmini Baked Fetta Pasta. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

When you’re looking for something both comforting and festive, Palmini Baked Fetta Pasta is an excellent choice. This dish is celebrated for its creamy texture and robust flavor, making it a standout at any gathering. It’s especially beloved on special occasions, providing a lovely centerpiece that’s as delicious as it is memorable.
Get the Recipe: Palmini Baked Fetta Pasta

Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken

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

Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken is a dish that captures the essence of Italian cooking with its simple yet bold flavors. It’s perfect for a Sunday dinner or a special family event, where it often takes center stage. This dish is cherished for its ability to bring people together, offering a comforting meal. Each serving is a tribute to traditional Italian ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken

Low Carb Lasagna with Ground Beef

Lasagna inside casserole.
Low Carb Lasagna with Ground Beef. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

This dish is a favorite at family gatherings, where it satisfies cravings for something indulgent yet appropriate for a low-carb lifestyle. Low Carb Lasagna with Ground Beef is a hearty choice that brings the rich flavors of Italy to those watching their carb intake. It’s known for its deep, lovely layers of flavor that make it a requested dish for special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Lasagna with Ground Beef

Rainbow Fathead Pizza

Rainbow Pizza filled with colorful tomatoes and green fresh chives around it.
Rainbow Fathead Pizza. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

For a colorful twist on a classic, Rainbow Fathead Pizza adds a vibrant touch to any meal. This pizza is popular among those who appreciate a creative and visually appealing meal that doesn’t compromise on taste. It’s a perfect addition to any celebration, often becoming the center of attention. Each slice offers a burst of flavors that captures the festive spirit of Italian dining.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Fathead Pizza

Stuffed Mushrooms Appetizer

Stuffed Mushrooms on a plate.
Stuffed Mushrooms Appetizer. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Stuffed Mushrooms Appetizer is a beloved starter that sets the tone for an authentic Italian feast. This appetizer is a favorite for its elegant presentation and the burst of flavors that greet you with each bite. It’s especially popular during special events, where it serves as a perfect introduction. Known for their richness and appeal, these mushrooms are a classic hit at gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Mushrooms Appetizer

Bacon Fathead Pizza Dough

Keto Bacon Fathead Pizza with fresh basil leaves.
Bacon Fathead Pizza Dough. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

This dough is a foundation for creativity and indulgence in any festive setting. Bacon Fathead Pizza Dough brings a savory twist to traditional pizza. This base is known for its lovely texture and rich flavor, making it a hit among those who prefer a hearty approach to pizza. It’s often chosen for gatherings where a filling meal is desired without the usual heaviness of bread.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fathead Pizza Dough

Low Carb Fettuccine Alfredo

Red plate filled with alfredo sauce and keto noodles.
Low Carb Fettuccine Alfredo. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Low Carb Fettuccine Alfredo is a dish that offers the creamy luxury of traditional Italian pasta without the excess carbs. This version is ideal for special occasions. It’s a popular choice for those who desire the comfort of pasta with the benefits of a low-carb diet. Each plate is a celebration of flavor and tradition.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Fettuccine Alfredo

Stuffed Tomatoes

Stuffed Tomatoes inside white casserole.
Stuffed Tomatoes. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Enjoy these at your next family gathering, and watch as they become a topic of conversation. Stuffed Tomatoes are a vibrant and hearty dish that would take pride of place at any Italian family gathering. These tomatoes are filled with a mixture that turns them into a centerpiece on the dining table. They’re just the kind of dish that makes guests feel truly special.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Tomatoes

Low Carb Gnocchi Tomato Basil

Brown plate with gnocci, tomatoes and basil leaves.
Low Carb Gnocchi Tomato Basil. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Low Carb Gnocchi Tomato Basil brings the classic flavors of Italy to your table without the guilt. This dish is perfect for those who are watching their carb intake but still crave the comforting taste of home-cooked Italian meals. It’s ideal for a special dinner where you want to keep things elegant yet simple. Serve this and enjoy a meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Gnocchi Tomato Basil

Italian Low Carb Pasta Marinara

Pasta Marinara inside a grey plate with extra sauce and basil leaves on the side.
Italian Low Carb Pasta Marinara. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

With Italian Low Carb Pasta Marinara, you can enjoy the rich flavors of a traditional marinara without straying from your dietary goals. This dish offers a splendid blend of herbs and spices, simmered to perfection. It’s perfect for those occasions when you want to indulge without compromise. Gather around the table for a meal that feels both festive and responsible.
Get the Recipe: Italian Low Carb Pasta Marinara

Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback

Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback on a baking tray.
Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Serve this when you really want to celebrate with loved ones. Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback makes a spectacular entrée that combines the fresh flavors of a Caprese salad with the heartiness of chicken. This dish is perfect for special occasions. It’s sure to impress guests with its elegance and satisfying flavors.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback

Low Carb Spaghetti Bolognese

Low Carb Spaghetti Bolognese in a grey bowl with extra sauce on the side.
Low Carb Spaghetti Bolognese. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Low Carb Spaghetti Bolognese brings a beloved Italian classic into the realm of health-conscious dining. This dish is robust in flavor, featuring a hearty sauce that clings to the strands of low-carb pasta. It’s ideal for a family meal where you want to serve something everyone can enjoy without the usual carbs. This is a dish that promises to warm the heart and the belly.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Spaghetti Bolognese

Baked Stuffed Eggplant Boats

Stuffed melanzani served on a plate.
Baked Stuffed Eggplant Boats. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Enjoy these eggplant boats as a nourishing main course. Baked Stuffed Eggplant Boats are a feast for the eyes and the palate, filled with flavors that speak of the Italian countryside. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, bringing a bit of Italian flair to any table. It’s hearty and satisfying, yet remains elegant and refined.
Get the Recipe: Baked Stuffed Eggplant Boats

Low Carb Pasta Carbonara

Pasta Carbonara inside a bowl with herbs and bacon.
Low Carb Pasta Carbonara. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Low Carb Pasta Carbonara is a luxurious dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor despite its lighter approach. This version of the classic Carbonara is perfect for those special dinners where you want something rich and creamy but still mindful of your carb intake. It’s the kind of dish that brings smiles around the dinner table, proving that you can have it all.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Pasta Carbonara

Leave a Comment

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