16 Hearty Italian Dinners That Taste Just Like Nonna’s Cooking
There is nothing quite like a comforting meal that reminds you of home. This updated collection of 16 Italian dinners brings the warmth of Nonna’s kitchen straight to your table with simple, classic ingredients. From slow-simmered pork roasts and tender meatballs to cozy baked casseroles, there is something here for every craving. They are straightforward to make on busy weeknights but still feel special enough for a casual weekend family gathering.
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.
Beef osso buco
Osso buco is a traditional slow cooked Italian dish. You traditionally use veal shank but this beef osso buco is made in the same way with a cut you may find more easily (and cheaper). It has the same delicious meltingly tender meat and bright gremolata finish. Perfect 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.
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe from Italy
This deliciously creamy, cheesy pasta dish is so beautiful in its simplicity and can be on the dinner table in 30 minutes or less. It’s an ancient Roman pasta dish that has held up over time due to its uncomplicated ingredients and naturally amazing flavor.
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.
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.
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 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!
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.
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 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!
