Unleash the Nonna Within: 15 Italian Recipes to Die For

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Unleash the Nonna Within: 15 Italian Recipes to Die For

Unleash the Nonna within with 15 Italian recipes that will make your kitchen smell like a Tuscan villa. These dishes bring the comfort and tradition of Italian cooking straight to your home. Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, each recipe is designed to be both easy and delicious. Get ready to channel your inner Italian chef and create meals that would make Nonna proud.

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

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

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

When starting Pasta e Fagioli Soup, gather beans and pasta for a hearty blend perfect for chilly evenings. This soup, often enjoyed in Italian homes, brings comfort with each spoonful. Use quality tomatoes and stock to lay the base for a rich taste that captures the essence of traditional Italian kitchens. Don’t forget the Parmesan crust on top when serving.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Tuscan chicken in a skillet.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

With Creamy Tuscan Chicken, the simplicity of cream and the robustness of sundried tomatoes come together. This dish provides a taste of Tuscany right at your dining table. It is well-paired with steamed veggies or pasta, making it a versatile dinner option. Use fresh herbs if possible, to accent the creamy texture of the sauce.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Minestrone Soup with Sausage

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

Minestrone Soup with Sausage upgrades the classic minestrone by adding tangy sausage, creating a fulfilling meal. Include a variety of fresh vegetables and beans for a nutritious serving. This soup is ideal for meal prepping as it keeps well and often tastes even better the next day. Serve it with crusty bread for an ideal lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup with Sausage

Rainbow Fathead Pizza

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

Turn to Rainbow Fathead Pizza for a low-carb option that doesn’t skimp on taste. The dough, made from cheese and almond flour, complements an array of colorful veggies on top. It’s a fun way to sneak more vegetables into your meal. Each slice packs a punch with nutrients and flavors.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Fathead Pizza

Stuffed Chicken Marsala

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

The rich wine-infused mushroom sauce of Stuffed Chicken Marsala transforms the ordinary into something special. Stuffed with cheese and herbs, the chicken is moist and flavorful. This dish pairs splendidly with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. It’s a restaurant-quality meal created right in your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Chicken Marsala

Rosemary Sourdough Bread

Rosemary sourdough bread on cutting board.
Rosemary Sourdough Bread. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

If you’re a bread enthusiast, making Rosemary Sourdough Bread will be a rewarding venture. The aromatic rosemary infuses with the tangy sourdough, creating a loaf that smells as wonderful as it tastes. Consider pairing it with olive oil for dipping. It’s perfect for sandwiches as well.
Get the Recipe: Rosemary Sourdough Bread

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.

Set up your slow cooker in the morning and come home to a perfectly cooked Italian Slow Cooker Pork Roast. The ingredients like rosemary, thyme, and garlic slowly marry into the meat, enhancing its flavors. Serve this tender pork roast with polenta or your favourite greens. Herbs from your garden can add a fresh touch.
Get the Recipe: Italian Slow Cooker Pork Roast

Creamy Pea Pasta

Image shows Creamy Pea Pasta in an enameled cast iron pot.
Creamy Pea Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

For a quick and tasty weeknight dinner, Creamy Pea Pasta should make your menu. The combination of peas and light cream sauce offers a refreshing yet hearty dish. Try using whole wheat pasta for an extra healthful twist. It’s excellent served with a simple salad on the side.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta

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.

Vegan Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms are filled with all kinds of goodness, offering a plant-based option. Stuff them with a mix of veggies and vegan cheese for a fulfilling meal. They make lovely appetizers or a main course. Enjoy these during your summer barbecues or intimate dinners.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Baked Pesto Salmon

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

This dish serves up a flavorful meal with minimal preparation. The pesto complements the fatty richness of salmon, baking into a moist and flaky finish. Pair it with a light salad or roast vegetables. Baked Pesto Salmon is a heart-healthy option that doesn’t sacrifice on taste.
Get the Recipe: Baked Pesto Salmon

Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana

A Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana with potatoes and kale.
Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

A bowl of Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana is like a warm hug, blending spicy sausage, creamy potatoes, and kale. This slow-cooked soup becomes more flavorful with time, making it perfect for leftovers. Serve it hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It’s especially fulfilling during the colder months.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana

Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

A bowl of olive garden creamy shrimp alfredo pasta served in a black bowl with a spoon.
Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Recreate the popular Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo at home, featuring creamy Alfredo sauce and tender shrimp. It’s an indulgent dish that you can whip up for a dinner party or a quiet night in. Serve it hot for the best experience. Toss with freshly cooked pasta and garnish with parsley.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

Easy Meat Sauce

A pot of tomato sauce with a spoon in it.
Easy Meat Sauce. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Easy Meat Sauce is ideal for those busy days when you need a quick yet hearty meal. Brown your choice of minced meat, then simmer it with tomatoes and herbs for a rich sauce. It’s versatile over pasta, in a lasagna, or as a sloppy joe base. It freezes well, making it a great make-ahead option.
Get the Recipe: Easy Meat Sauce

Cannoli Cheesecake

A slice of cannoli cheesecake topped with mini chocolate chips and dusted with powdered sugar.
Cannoli Cheesecake. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

Blend the traditional flavors of cannoli with the richness of cheesecake in this unique Cannoli Cheesecake. The creamy texture with hints of chocolate and citrus is baked on a crisp cookie crust. It’s a hit at parties or the perfect end to a family dinner. Chill it well before serving for the best texture.
Get the Recipe: Cannoli Cheesecake

Air Fryer Flatbread Pizza

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

Use your air fryer for a quick and crispy Air Fryer Flatbread Pizza. Topped with your favorite ingredients, it cooks in minutes, providing a crunchy crust. It’s a great alternative to traditional pizza, especially if you’re short on time or prefer a lighter meal. Try different toppings each time to keep it exciting.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Flatbread Pizza

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