12 Italian Dinners That Taste Like They Came from Nonna’s Kitchen
There’s something undeniably comforting about a home-cooked Italian meal—especially when it tastes like something straight from Nonna’s kitchen. These 12 Italian dinners are packed with rich flavors, hearty ingredients, and the kind of love you can only get from traditional recipes passed down through generations. Whether you’re craving a saucy pasta, or tender meat dish, this collection has something to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. Get ready to bring a little piece of Italy to your dinner table tonight!
Lentil Bolognese Recipe
Lentil Bolognese is the ultimate comfort food! This wholesome and hearty bolognese recipe is deliciously rich and packed with umami flavor. Plant-based and vegan, this one-pot bolognese sauce turns simple, budget-friendly pantry staples into a satisfying, Italian-inspired dish.
Traditional Italian Meatballs With Milk Soaked Bread
Super soft, juicy and oh-so-tasty traditional homemade Italian meatballs without the faff. If this sounds good to you, you’ve landed in the right place. Made with milk-soaked sandwich bread to get them nice and tender and generously seasoned with herbs and Parmesan so that they are practically bursting with flavour.
Rosa Marina Soup (Italian Orzo Soup with Chicken and Tomato)
Want to make delicious Rosa Marina (orzo tomato soup) in less than 30 minutes? This recipe has got you covered, with everything, from which herbs, seasoning and toppings to use to ensure it’s next-level tasty, to cooking methods, and optional add-ins so your soup turns out just the way you like it.
Risotto Verde (Green Risotto)
Whip up a super creamy, vibrantly colorful, and flavorful risotto verde using less than 10 ingredients. This recipe has all the information and tips you need for achieving perfectly creamy rice with the tastiest green spinach and basil sauce, along with suggestions for toppings to give it some extra pizzazz.
Risotto ai Funghi (Mushroom Risotto)
A rich and extremely tasty mushroom risotto (or Risotto ai Funghi as they say in Italy) with soft sautéed garlic mushrooms, punchy Parmesan and a splash of fresh cream. A simple one-pan recipe that’s ready in just over 30 minutes.
Easy Homemade Italian Fish Soup
Easy Homemade Italian Fish Soup, full of big pieces of all your favorite fish, such as haddock, shrimp, mussels and clams all combined in a perfectly spiced tomato broth. A delicious comfort dish, a little bit stew, a little bit soup!
Italian Oven Baked Fish Marinara
Italian baked fish marinara is made with fresh fish filets baked in a flavorful marinara sauce enriched with fresh tomatoes, olive oil and herbs. It’s a light and healthy baked fish recipe perfect for a weeknight meal!
Italian Stuffed Flank Steak
This Italian Stuffed Flank Steak is also known as a Rollè, it is the perfect family, company or special occasion dinner idea. An easy baked meat dish, stuffed with rocket/arugula, mortadella or prosciutto. Absolutely delicious and makes a stunning presentation.
Italian Ricotta Eggplant Casserole
This Italian Ricotta Eggplant Casserole, a creamy delicious oven baked dish. Filled with a perfectly spiced sautéed eggplant and finished with a creamy ricotta topping. Perfect served as a main dish or even as a side dish.
Orecchiette Pasta with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe
Here’s a terrific recipe for orecchiette with sausage and broccoli rabe from Rao’s Restaurant in New York City. (the same Rao’s that makes the amazing marinara!) Italian sausages are simmered with garlic and crushed red pepper and are then tossed with orecchiette pasta, broccoli rabe and pecorino cheese. This is a great dinner party recipe because it’s easy, you can do all the prep ahead, and the flavors are incredible.
Caponata (Sicilian Sweet and Sour Eggplant Relish)
Caponata is one of the world’s best eggplant dishes. Eggplant, peppers, onions, celery and garlic are sautéed to perfection and then simmered with vinegar, sugar and tomatoes until the vegetables tenderize and become infused with irresistible sweet and sour flavors. I love serving caponata as an appetizer on toasted bread for a beautiful and uniquely delicious bruschetta.
Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
This Chicken Cacciatore recipe is made in a fraction of the time thanks to the pressure cooker instant pot. Tender fall-off the bone chicken cooked in a flavorful hearty sauce with tomatoes, red bell peppers, carrots and olives. This Instant Pot chicken recipe is pure Italian comfort food!
