Best Italian Recipes Straight from Nonna's Kitchen

1. Creamy Italian Dressing

Creamy Italian dressing adds flavor to salads, wraps, and sandwiches and can even be used as a dip or drizzled on pasta. It's less tangy than traditional Italian vinaigrette because it has a mayonnaise base, but you will note some of the same herbs and spices.

2. Italian Dressing

A light and tangy Italian vinaigrette salad dressing on a green garden salad is the perfect starter for any Italian-inspired meal. It's also delicious in pasta salad!

3. Balsamic Glaze

Homemade balsamic glaze can add a burst of flavor and complexity to your favorite Italian dishes. It's slowly simmered to concentrate the flavor of balsamic vinegar and brings out some of its sweetness.

4. Arrabbiata Sauce

If your family enjoys a little kick to their marinara sauce, swap it for zesty arrabbiata sauce in your favorite Italian recipes. It has a generous portion of red pepper flakes mixed right in, so you won't have to break out the shaker.

5. Marinara Sauce

Marinara sauce is a must-know recipe for preparing homemade Italian food. Try it with fire-roasted or San Marzano tomatoes for authentic Italian flavor!

6. Homemade Alfredo Sauce

Rich and cheesy alfredo sauce tastes lightyears better when made at home than storebought. Serve your homemade alfredo over al dente pasta for classic Italian comfort food.

7. Basil Pesto Sauce

Pesto sauce is a classic Italian condiment with fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil. Blend the ingredients into a smooth, fragrant paste, toss it with pasta, add it to pizza, or spread it over bruschetta!

8. Pizza Sauce

I blend fire-roasted tomatoes, onion, garlic, herbs, and a dash of olive oil into a rich, flavorful sauce for my homemade pizza sauce recipe. It's the perfect base for any pizza or pizza-related recipe, like cheesy stuffed pizza bombs or even English muffin pizzas!

9. Pizza Aioli

Pizza aioli is not as traditional as the other Italian recipes on this list, but once you try it you'll see why this easy condiment has earned its spot. With garlic, mayonnaise, olive oil, and a hint of lemon, it adds a creamy and tangy touch to pizzas, pasta, or sandwiches.

10. Ricotta Mixture For Lasagna

A creamy blend of ricotta cheese with eggs, grated Parmesan, chopped basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. It's fabulous for lasagna but can also be used in stuffed shells, manicotti, lasagna soup, baked ziti, and more!

11. Italian Seasoning

My signature Italian seasoning blend has replaced any and all store-bought varieties in my house. It's made with a classic combination of aromatic herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary and is a must-have for all of your Italian cooking.

12. Spaghetti Seasoning

If spaghetti dinners are a regular in your house, it's worth the 5 minutes it takes to whip up my homemade spaghetti seasoning. It's surprisingly versatile and works in sauces, pasta, and more.

13. Italian Chicken Marinade

This marinade infuses the meat with a blend of herbs, garlic, and olive oil to transform ordinary chicken into a Mediterranean masterpiece! It's perfect for grilling or baking chicken breasts, thighs, tenderloins, and more.

14. Pesto Chicken Marinade

Blend fresh basil with pine nuts, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Marinate chicken in this mixture for at least 30 minutes up to overnight for a flavorful Italian-inspired chicken dinner!

15. Caprese Salad

A vibrant combination of fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and fragrant basil leaves. Drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, it's a simple yet delicious appetizer that never disappoints.

16. Caprese Flatbread

A flatbread pizza crust topped with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It's the perfect choice for a light lunch or appetizer.

17. Antipasto Salad

A crisp romaine salad with a colorful array of Italian meats, cheeses, marinated vegetables, and olives tossed with my zesty balsamic vinaigrette. Enjoy it as a lunchtime salad, or portion it out for a light appetizer.

18. Antipasto Platter

An antipasto platter is an appropriate appetizer for just about any formal or casual occasion, whether Italian food is on the menu or not. Who doesn't enjoy a grazing board of cured meats, fresh cheeses, fruits, olives, pickles, crostinis, or crackers?

19. Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

Pasta salad with Italian dressings is one of my go-to potluck side dishes because I can make it the night before the party, and it's always a hit.

20. Antipasto Skewers

Everything you love about antipasto salad on a skewer for easy snacking! Salami, pepperoni, prosciutto, marinated veggies, three types of cheese, and crisp green Romaine lettuce.

21. Risotto Balls

Golden and crispy on the outside but soft and creamy on the inside, risotto balls take an Italian classic and turn it into a fried delicacy.

22. Calamari

Buttermilk-soaked squid seasoned in Old Bay and battered, then deep fried until golden and crispy. Don't forget the marinara sauce for dipping!

Are you unfamiliar with calamari? You can find answers to any questions you might have on my 'What Is Calamari' page.

23. Oven Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is arguably the most versatile and popular of all Italian side dishes, and you can make it at home in a flash. For a shortcut, try making garlic bread in your air fryer (especially if you like it crispy)!

24. Polenta Cakes

Use leftover polenta or make some from scratch, chill, cut, and fry for crispy polenta cakes to serve with any Italian meal.

25. Pizza Dough

Once the dough has been made, set out an assortment of pizza toppings for the ultimate build-your-own-pizza night.

It may not be traditionally Italian, but my super simple 2-ingredient pizza dough deserves an honorable mention for anyone who can't partake in classic dough!

26. Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

My rich and creamy tomato soup uses fresh Roma tomatoes and grated carrots for sweetness, a traditional way Italian chefs add a subtle sweet flavor to soups and sauces. Pair it with a grilled cheese for a classic soup and sandwich combo!

27. Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

Lasagna pasta, ricotta cheese, a rich tomato broth, Italian sausage, and more cheese—all the components of a fabulous homemade lasagna in soup form. I love to pair it with garlic knots to soak up any extra broth.

28. Stuffed Manicotti with Italian Sausage

Al dente manicotti shells filled with a rich and velvety ricotta cheese mixture, coated in red sauce, and baked. Add Italian sausage to the sauce for even more flavor!

29. Baked Italian Meatballs

Baked Italian meatballs made from Italian sausage for your spaghetti dinners or to enjoy alone. This timeless 6-ingredient recipe for meatballs is one you will want to save and make over and over again.

30. Baked Italian Sausages

Italian sausages are a versatile protein you can slap in a bun like a hot dog, fry in a pan, slice and add to pasta or pizza, or bake with roasted veggies, as seen here. You can even toss Italian sausages in your air fryer.

See how to cook Italian sausage for the different methods you can use to prepare Italian sausages. I love stuffing these sausages with cheese filling!

31. Baked Rigatoni

Al dente rigatoni pasta tubes smothered in marinara sauce, layered with creamy ricotta cheese filling and topped with a blanket of melted mozzarella. It's classic Italian comfort food that kids and adults enjoy!

32. Veal Scallopini

To make veal scallopini, thin and tender veal cutlets are breaded and pan-fried until crispy, then served on a warm bed of angel hair pasta and covered in piccata sauce. It's a favorite veal recipe of mine at Italian restaurants and tastes even better made from scratch!

Check out my list of side dishes for veal scallopini here.

33. Frutti di Mare

Frutti di mare is the ultimate Italian dinner for seafood lovers. There's squid, mussels, shrimp, clams, and scallops tossed with spicy marinara and al dente fettuccini pasta.

Many Italians celebrate the Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve, where they abstain from meat while waiting for Jesus Christ's birth on Christmas Day. This elegant and impressive dinner option is perfect for this holiday!

34. Chicken Marsala

Chicken Marsala is an Italian classic featuring tender pan-fried chicken breasts slathered in a savory marsala wine sauce with mushrooms. I like to serve mine over egg noodles, but spaghetti, fettuccini, or any long pasta variety will do!

35. Garlic Pizza

The perfect 10-minute pizza for garlic lovers. Homemade dough slathered in garlic butter, topped with an impressive 4-cheese blend and baked. It's simple yet undeniably delicious!

36. Instant Pot Minestrone

This Minestrone recipe makes things even easier by utilizing a pressure cooker for soup that tastes like it simmered all day in half the time. It's loaded with tender pasta and veggies cooked in a rich tomato broth with herbs and spices.

37. Pasta e Fagioli

This 'pasta and bean' soup was made famous by Olive Garden Italian restaurants, but it has since become a well-loved classic. It's a hearty soup with tender veggies, Italian sausage, and tender ditalini pasta in a savory tomato broth.

38. Prime Rib Ragu

Prime rib is an upgrade to traditional Italian ragù alla bolognese and a great way to use prime rib leftovers from the holidays. Chunks of roasted prime rib are simmered to tender perfection in savory tomato sauce and served over a bed of cooked pasta.

39. Anchovy Pizza

Briny anchovies might be an even more divisive topping than pineapple on pizza, but those who get it, get it. Turn the haters into believers with a pizza made from scratch topped with anchovies, kalamata olives, red onions, and plenty of cheese.

40. Smoked Salmon Fettuccini Alfredo

Flaky chunks of smoked salmon make a delectable addition to rich fettuccini alfredo. The fish is already cooked, so prepare your pasta and alfredo sauce, then chop the salmon and mix it right in.

41. Margherita Sheet Pan Pizza

A large crowd-pleasing pizza made by spreading dough on a sheet pan. This recipe has all the classic Margherita toppings, mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and plenty of fresh basil.

42. Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parm is an Italian classic with crispy fried or baked chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. Most people choose to serve it over spaghetti, but that's up to you!

Any leftovers can be used for a chicken Parm sandwich or chicken Parmesan pizza! For side dish suggestions, see what to serve with chicken Parmesan.

43. Prawn Risotto

Succulent prawns or shrimp mixed into creamy arborio rice with lots of butter and Parmesan. It's a rich and indulgent dish that embodies Italian comfort food.

44. Mushroom Risotto

Earthy mushrooms and nutty arborio rice cooked with Parmesan and butter until rich and creamy. I've listed the best mushroom varieties for risotto here for easy shopping!

45. Lobster Risotto

Gordon Ramsay may have launched lobster risotto to superstardom, but the Italians mastered risotto first. Rich and creamy with tender chunks of buttery lobster meat, lobster risotto is pure indulgence.

46. Crab Risotto

A restaurant-worthy risotto with butter, Marscapone cheese, arborio rice, and succulent chunks of crab meat!

47. Parmesan Risotto

Creamy arborio rice blended with Parmesan cheese and finished with a touch of butter for a luxurious Italian side dish.

See my side dish suggestions for what to serve with risotto here.

48. Chicken Pastina Soup

Chicken pastina soup is an Italian soup similar to chicken noodle soup. It's made with chunks of chicken, dainty pastina pasta, and tender veggies in a savory broth.

Fun fact: Pastina pasta, or 'little pasta,' is the smallest variety available, clocking in with a diameter of only 1.6 millimeters or 1/16th of an inch!

49. Instant Pot Porketta Roast

When preparing porketta roast, I typically opt for a pork shoulder or fatty pork ribeye; a generous coating of porketta roast seasoning is a must. Using your Instant Pot pressure cooker reduces the time to make a tender, juicy pork roast to about an hour.

50. Bechamel Pasta Bake

Macarona bechamel is a rich and cheesy pasta casserole with ground beef, rigatoni noodles, and luxurious white bechamel sauce. The beef is perfectly seasoned with warm spices like allspice and cinnamon.

51. Italian Ricotta Cookies

Italian ricotta cookies are ultra-moist, with a light tang and a delectable lemon glaze. They're a popular Italian Christmas cookie, so I had to add fun Christmas sprinkles!

52. Amaretti Cookies

Amaretti cookies are almond-flavored treats with a crispy exterior and a chewy, soft center. They're made with a unique butterless dough consisting of almond flour and egg whites.

53. Creamy Turkey Pasta Primavera

Tender turkey meat with squash, broccoli, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes tossed in a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce served over a bed of penne pasta. It's a favorite leftover turkey recipe in my household after the holidays.

54. Spaghetti Bolognese

Spaghetti bolognese, or spaghetti and meat sauce, is a favorite dinner for families worldwide. I use fresh veggies, herbs, a splash of wine, and a blend of ground beef and pork for an authentic Italian flavor.

55. Baked Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant Parmesan is one of the most beloved eggplant recipes in the world, and my baked version couldn't be easier to prepare at home. You might be more familiar with the name 'aubergine,' which is simply another term for eggplant.

56. Lemoncello

A shot of this sweet and tangy lemon vodka is a fabulous digestif after a heavy Italian meal.

57. Pasta Alla Norma

Pasta ala norma is a classic Italian pasta dish with tender chunks of eggplant as its star. The eggplant is cooked in a robust tomato sauce and served over penne with grated ricotta cheese.

58. Polenta

Like rice or pasta, polenta is a versatile carb-heavy side made from cornmeal that can be used as a base for many recipes or served on its own as a side dish. It is similar to grits and makes for a tasty breakfast with scrambled eggs!

59. Grilled Chicken Alfredo

I hope to have a chicken carbonara recipe up on the site soon! You can read about the differences and similarities between chicken alfredo and carbonara here.

60. Lasagna

My recipe for classic homemade lasagna that I've perfected with years of practice. The tomato sauce is made from scratch and calls for the perfect blend of sweet Italian sausage and ground beef.

You can find all of my favorite side dish pairings for lasagna here.

61. Spinach Lasagna

This vegetarian lasagna is layered with sauteed spinach, ricotta cheese filling, al dente pasta, and marinara sauce. It's so flavorful and filling that you won't miss the meat!

63. Turkey Tetrazzini

Save your leftover Thanksgiving roasted turkey for this fabulous turkey tetrazzini, which features farfalle pasta, mushrooms, turkey meat, and a rich, cheesy sauce.

64. Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp scampi is a quick and easy shrimp recipe that can be found on Italian menus everywhere. My classic version features juicy pan-seared shrimp in a bright butter, lemon, and white wine sauce served over linguine.

💭 Tips For Making Authentic Italian Food

Making Italian food at home involves more than just following recipes; it's about understanding Italian cuisine's flavors, techniques, and ingredients. Here are some tips to help you achieve authentic Italian flavors:

1. Start with quality ingredients: Italian cuisine often relies on simple, fresh ingredients. Use high-quality olive oil, fresh vegetables, herbs, and cheeses for the best flavor.
2. Use authentic Italian pasta: Opt for high-quality dried pasta or make fresh pasta with flour for authentic Italian dishes. Look for pasta made with durum wheat semolina, which is popular in Italy.
3. Learn the basic Italian sauces: Classic Italian sauces like marinara, Bolognese, and pesto are fundamental to many dishes. Mastering these sauces will widen your capabilities in cooking Italian cuisine.
4. Balance flavors: Italian dishes focus on a balance between acidity, sweetness, saltiness, and bitterness. Try to achieve this in your cooking by taste-testing as you go.
5. Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, oregano, and thyme are staples in Italian cooking. Use them to add brightness and flavor.

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