31 Italian Recipes To Make Nonna Proud Tonight

With these Italian recipes in your back pocket, there’s no way Nonna wouldn’t be proud of what you’re about to pull off tonight. This lineup has everything you need to serve up a meal that’s rich in flavor, simple in execution, and definitely worthy of a family-style table. Skip the store-bought stuff and dive into these classic Italian dishes that will have you cooking like you grew up in the old country.

Italian Tomato Pasta Soup

Italian tomato pasta soup combines ground beef, sausage, mushrooms, and escarole. It’s a cozy, heartwarming dish, perfect for a comforting dinner on a Sunday. This soup is a great way to enjoy a hearty and flavorful Italian meal that’s easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Italian Tomato Pasta Soup

Vegan Pignoli Cookies

For those who love almond paste, vegan pignoli cookies are a must-try Italian recipe. They feature a chewy, almond-rich base topped with crunchy pine nuts. These cookies are a classic and vegan-friendly addition to your Italian feast, perfect for ending the meal on a sweet note.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pignoli Cookies

Lasagna Roll Ups

Lasagna Roll-Ups offer a creative and delicious twist on traditional lasagna. They are a fun and engaging dish, perfect for adding a touch of novelty to your Sunday Italian feast. This recipe is a great way to enjoy the classic flavors of lasagna in a more individualized form.
Get the Recipe: Lasagna Roll Ups

Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Lemon ricotta pasta is a zesty and light dish, perfect for a quick and flavorful Italian meal. Its blend of creamy ricotta, basil, and tomatoes brings a fresh and decadent touch to your Sunday table. This pasta is a great way to enjoy a lighter, yet indulgent Italian recipe.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Almond Fig Cake

Conclude your Italian feast with this subtly sweet almond fig cake. Infused with almond extract and rich ricotta, it’s a moist and delightful treat, ideal as a breakfast option or an afternoon snack. This cake is a great way to add a sweet, Italian-inspired end to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Almond Fig Cake

Baked Skillet Gnocchi

Baked skillet gnocchi combines ground pork, tomatoes, spinach, and mozzarella for a comforting alternative to traditional pasta. It’s a one-skillet wonder, ideal for a cozy and fuss-free Sunday meal, embodying the heartwarming nature of Italian recipes.
Get the Recipe: Baked Skillet Gnocchi

Italian Chicken Stew

Short on time but want to make a nutritious and comforting stew? This Instant Pot chicken stew recipe needs to happen! Italian chicken stew takes just 10 minutes to prep and combines simple, everyday ingredients like onions, celery, and carrots with tender chunks of chicken thighs, crushed tomatoes, garbanzo beans, and Italian seasoning.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken Stew

Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup

Enjoy a creamy and cheesy delight with this Instant Pot tomato tortellini soup. It’s quick and easy to prepare, packed with basil for a fresh touch, and ideal for a comforting Sunday Italian meal. This soup is a testament to the rich and heartwarming nature of Italian recipes.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup

Lamb Bolognese

Lamb bolognese offers a rich, luxurious twist to the classic Italian sauce. Perfect for a cozy Sunday meal, it pairs wonderfully with tagliatelle, bringing a comforting touch to your Italian feast. It’s the kind of dish that makes your at-home Italian dinners feel special.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Bolognese

Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli

Spaghetti Alfredo with broccoli is your go-to for a balanced, comforting Italian meal. This lighter version is just right for an Italian Sunday feast, bringing together creamy flavors and nutritious greens. It’s a simple yet delightful dish that adds a wholesome touch to your Italian recipe collection.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli

Chicken Sorrentino

Chicken sorrentino is a comforting and easy-to-make dish for your Sunday Italian feast. It combines breaded chicken with prosciutto, eggplant, and cheese in a tomato sauce, offering a variety of beloved Italian flavors. This recipe is a testament to the simple yet delicious nature of Italian cooking.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sorrentino

Escarole and Beans

Escarole and beans combine in a simple, nourishing Italian dish, perfect for a Sunday feast. This vegetarian option embodies homestyle Italian cooking, offering a heartwarming and easy-to-prepare meal. It’s a great way to bring the warmth and simplicity of Italian cuisine to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Escarole and Beans

Baked Italian Ziti

If you love lasagna, you’ll adore this easy baked ziti recipe. It’s a quick and easy casserole you can put together at the last minute, and the whole family will love it. It’s a no-fail crowd-pleaser, regardless of who you are serving, and a great way to enjoy the comfort of Italian cooking.
Get the Recipe: Baked Italian Ziti

Easy Lemon Risotto

Lemon risotto is a bright, creamy, and flavorful Italian dish. It’s ideal for adding a comforting yet zesty touch to your Sunday feast. This risotto is a satisfying choice for anyone looking to add a burst of flavor to their Italian recipe collection.
Get the Recipe: Easy Lemon Risotto

Stuffed Chicken Marsala

Elevate your Sunday Italian dinner with this stuffed chicken marsala, brimming with mozzarella, tomato butter, and basil. It adds a touch of sophistication to your meal, perfectly fitting for a cozy and impressive Italian dinner.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Chicken Marsala

Italian Farro Bean Soup

This farro soup is a must-save for cold months! Beans, farro, tomatoes, and vegetables in an aromatic broth. Simple, healthy, and easy– this Italian farro soup recipe is delicious, perfect for those who enjoy hearty, nourishing soups with an Italian flair.
Get the Recipe: Italian Farro Bean Soup

Ciambotta

Ciambotta, an Italian vegetable stew, celebrates summer produce in a hearty dish. Customizable and perfect for a Sunday feast, it’s a flexible meal that embodies the comforting nature of Italian cuisine. This stew is a great way to bring a variety of flavors and textures to your Italian recipe collection.
Get the Recipe: Ciambotta

Penne Pasta Bake

Penne pasta bake combines penne pasta with a beefy marinara sauce and a cheesy topping. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s a satisfying and hearty choice for a cozy Sunday Italian dinner. This dish is a great way to enjoy the comforting and familiar flavors of Italian cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Penne Pasta Bake

Pumpkin Stuffed Shells

Embrace the flavors of fall with pumpkin stuffed shells. Infused with sage, cinnamon, and nutmeg, they offer comfort food at its best, ideal for a cozy Sunday Italian feast. This dish is a perfect example of how Italian recipes can be both comforting and seasonal.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Stuffed Shells

Pasta Checca with Burrata

Pasta checca with burrata is a fresh, light, yet flavorful Italian recipe perfect for a relaxed Sunday. The heirloom tomatoes pair beautifully with creamy burrata, creating a dish that’s both impressive and effortlessly delicious. It’s the kind of pasta that brings the essence of Italy right to your table.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Checca with Burrata

Instant Pot Bolognese

Bring a modern twist to your Italian cooking with this Instant Pot Bolognese. Quick, rich in flavor, and perfect for a comforting Sunday meal, it pairs beautifully with pasta and Parmesan. This recipe makes classic Italian cuisine accessible and time-saving, perfect for busy cooks.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Bolognese

Arugula Pesto

Shake up your pesto game with this arugula pesto. Its peppery bite, combined with garlic, walnuts, Parmesan, and olive oil, creates a versatile and vibrant sauce. It’s perfect for enhancing a variety of Italian recipes, adding a fresh twist to your traditional Italian feast.
Get the Recipe: Arugula Pesto

Utica Greens

Utica greens provide a delicious Italian-inspired side for any feast. Featuring escarole, prosciutto, and a cheesy breadcrumb topping, it complements Italian meals beautifully with its unique flavor. This dish is a great way to add some greens to your Italian recipe lineup.
Get the Recipe: Utica Greens

Tortellini and Meatball Soup

Spinach tortellini and meatball soup is a hearty and comforting Italian meal. With meatballs, tortellini, and a rich tomato broth, it’s a perfect choice for a cozy Sunday. This soup is a delicious example of the heartwarming qualities found in Italian recipes.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini and Meatball Soup

Cod Piccata

Cod piccata brings a light and flavorful seafood twist to the classic Italian recipe. With tender cod, capers, lemon juice, and shallots, it’s a refreshing option for your Italian feast, showcasing the versatility of Italian cooking in a seafood context.
Get the Recipe: Cod Piccata

Zucchini Ricotta Bake

This zucchini ricotta bake offers a comforting experience akin to lasagna, but with simpler preparation. Perfect for a Sunday Italian feast, it combines delightful flavors in a dish that’s warm and welcoming for family dinners. It’s a great way to enjoy a vegetarian option that’s both comforting and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Ricotta Bake

Skillet Zucchini Pesto Pizza

Dive into this skillet zucchini pesto pizza for a twist on your Italian night. The crispy crust, coupled with basil pesto, mozzarella, zucchini, and ricotta, makes it a top pick for an Italian feast that even Nonna would nod in approval. It’s decadent, satisfying, and just the kind of pizza to make at home for those cozy Italian dinners.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Zucchini Pesto Pizza

Gnocchi with Pancetta

Gnocchi with pancetta is a crowd-pleaser, blending soft gnocchi with salty pancetta and vegetables. It’s a favorite for its comforting and satisfying flavors, perfect for a Sunday Italian gathering. This dish is a great example of how simple ingredients can create a delicious and heartwarming meal.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi with Pancetta

Gnocchi alla Sorrentina

Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is a classic Italian comfort food that’s both easy and delicious. With minimal ingredients, it’s the ideal fuss-free yet hearty choice for a Sunday meal, embodying the essence of Italian recipes. This dish is a warm reminder of traditional Italian cooking, perfect for family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi alla Sorrentina

Prosciutto Stromboli

Prosciutto stromboli offers the joy of pizza in a more communal form. Filled with cheese and prosciutto, it’s a fun and delightful addition to your Italian Sunday feast. This recipe is perfect for sharing and brings a touch of Italian pizzazz to your table.
Get the Recipe: Prosciutto Stromboli

Parmesan Tomato Gratin

Enjoy the simplicity and warmth of Parmesan tomato gratin. This cozy dish for your feast showcases the richness of Parmesan with fresh tomatoes. It’s perfect for those end-of-summer gatherings and adds a comforting touch to any Italian meal.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Tomato Gratin

Italian Wedding Soup with Chicken Meatballs

Italian wedding soup with chicken meatballs is filling, hearty, and so tasty. It’s a chicken meatball soup made from scratch, including both the soup and the meatballs themselves. You will love this traditional Italian soup with acini de pepe pasta. This mini meatball soup is such a wonderfully fresh dish!
Get the Recipe: Italian Wedding Soup with Chicken Meatballs

Pickled Blueberry Panzanella Salad

The pickled blueberry panzanella salad is a creative Italian recipe that plays with sweet and tangy flavors. It’s a fresh take on the classic Italian bread salad, adding a vibrant, colorful touch to your Sunday feast. This dish is a delightful way to start any Italian-themed dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Blueberry Panzanella Salad

Escarole Soup

This hearty escarole soup, filled with greens, beans, sausage, and pasta, offers a flavorful broth perfect for a Sunday feast. Its satisfying and warming qualities make it a staple of Italian culinary tradition, perfect for those who love hearty, comforting soups.
Get the Recipe: Escarole Soup

Cranberry Orange Biscotti

Add a sweet note to your Italian feast with cranberry orange biscotti. These cookies are perfect for dunking, bringing a buttery texture with fresh cranberries and orange flavor. They’re an excellent choice for ending your Sunday meal with a classic Italian touch.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Biscotti