14 Italian Dinners That Capture the Magic of Nonna’s Cooking
Italian food has a way of making every meal feel warm, comforting, and special. These 14 dinners capture the magic of Nonna’s cooking with rich flavors, fresh ingredients, and timeless recipes. From hearty pastas to savory roasts, each dish brings the taste of Italy straight to your table. Enjoy the flavors and traditions that make Italian dinners unforgettable.
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!
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.
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 Pork Roast
This rich and savory Italian Pork Roast combines tender pork shoulder roast with earthy mushrooms in a luscious tomato-based sauce. This hearty dish is cooked low and slow in the oven for a memorable and satisfying meal.
Italian Beef Braciole
So many nonnas would roll over in their graves if they knew my secret: I made this Italian Beef Braciole without hard boiled egg (or raisins). Gasp!
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.
