17 Italian Recipes That Bring Nonna’s Kitchen to You

Old favorites can get a fun twist with just a few new moves. Big taste stays the same, but now with fresh style and flair. These tasty remixes bring joy to the table in a bold, new way.

Baked Garlic Pepper Polenta Fries

A bowl of golden, seasoned polenta fries arranged around a small dish of red marinara sauce. The dish is placed on a wooden surface. — Baked Garlic Pepper Polenta Fries. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

If you’ve never baked polenta, now’s a great chance with Baked Garlic Pepper Polenta Fries. These crispy little bites pack just enough crunch outside and soft texture inside. Great for dipping into any sauce you like or as a snack on their own.
Get the Recipe: Baked Garlic Pepper Polenta Fries

Chicken Sorrentino

Layers of chicken, eggplant, and a flavorful sauce make Chicken Sorrentino unforgettable. It has just the right textures working together, finished with a cheesy, gooey topping. Serve this for something hearty but not overwhelming.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sorrentino

Farinata - Italian Chickpea Pancake Flatbread

Chickpea flatbread with sliced zucchini, red onion, and herbs on a plate. Servings cut into wedges. — Farinata - Italian Chickpea Pancake Flatbread. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Whether you call it pancake or flatbread, Farinata is a simple, versatile recipe to try. Made from chickpeas, it’s perfect for dipping or folding around your favorite toppings. It's easy to pull off when you're short on time.
Get the Recipe: Farinata - Italian Chickpea Pancake Flatbread

5-Minute Pizza Aioli

Top view of a jar filled with creamy white sauce, sprinkled with black pepper, surrounded by fresh red cherry tomatoes. — 5-Minute Pizza Aioli. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Skip canned sauces and try 5-Minute Pizza Aioli for your next pizza night. This dipping sauce or spread has all the right flavors, perfect with breadsticks or a fresh crust. Once you taste it, you'll find it goes with so much more than pizza.
Get the Recipe: 5-Minute Pizza Aioli

Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze

Few dishes scream "fresh" like Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze on top. Creamy cheese, paired with a tangy glaze, balances everything out. It’s a no-fuss way to make any table feel instantly special.
Get the Recipe: Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Pieces of chicken on a plate of spaghetti. — Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Simplify your favorite Italian classic with Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan, using less oil without sacrificing that crispy texture. The chicken comes out tender, and the cheesy top layer is everything you want. A quick option for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Pesto Rice

That bright green side dish with basil and garlic isn't just for pasta. With Pesto Rice, you get all that fresh flavor paired with perfectly cooked grains. Great as a side or a base, it's easy to put together and pairs with just about anything.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Rice

Slow Cooker Lamb Ragu

When it’s a set-it-and-forget-it kind of day, Slow Cooker Lamb Ragu is what you need. Tender lamb slowly cooked in a rich sauce is ideal for pairing with pasta or polenta. You get that all-day slow-cooked flavor without doing much at all.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Lamb Ragu

Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta in One Pot

A close-up of creamy macaroni and cheese garnished with parsley. — Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta in One Pot. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

With Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta in One Pot, you've got a simple, hearty meal with no unnecessary mess. Everything cooks together, making the flavors even bolder. You’ll love this option when feeding a crowd or just when you’re craving something filling.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta in One Pot

The Best Gluten-Free Focaccia

Slices of freshly baked focaccia bread topped with rosemary, displayed on a wooden surface. — The Best Gluten-Free Focaccia. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

You don’t have to miss out on soft, fluffy bread thanks to The Best Gluten-Free Focaccia. Light yet chewy, this dish delivers that iconic texture without gluten. It’s a great choice for sandwiches or dipping into oils and spreads.
Get the Recipe: The Best Gluten-Free Focaccia

Minestrone Soup with Sausage

Load up that bowl with everything comforting about Minestrone Soup with Sausage. It's a soup that feels like it’s been simmering all day, filling and robust. A favorite to sip on during colder days, paired with bread or on its own.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup with Sausage

Creamy One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta

A plate of creamy pasta topped with grated cheese and herbs, accompanied by a fork on the side. — Creamy One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Skip the mountain of dishes and make Creamy One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta for your next pasta night. This dish is rich and velvety, with layers of flavor you’ll immediately love. Everything comes together with barely any cleanup involved.
Get the Recipe: Creamy One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Italian Steak

Grilled steak slices topped with green sauce, served with asparagus, radishes, and a lemon half on a white plate. A bowl of sauce is nearby. — Italian Steak. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Juicy, tender cuts take center stage in Italian Steak, cooked with all the classic Italian flavors you expect. It's bold, hearty, and perfect when you're in the mood for something simple yet rich. Serve it up with a salad or some bread for a complete experience.
Get the Recipe: Italian Steak

Stuffed Zucchini Mini Bites

Bite-sized and packed with goodness, Stuffed Zucchini Mini Bites are easy to prep and fun to eat. They’re the perfect mix of crisp zucchini and a flavorful stuffing that's not overpowering. Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or party addition.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Zucchini Mini Bites

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

A pot of minestrone soup with pasta, beans, carrots, and herbs, served with a wooden spoon. Basil leaves garnish the dish, and a side of red pepper flakes is visible. — Pasta e Fagioli Soup. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Think hearty comfort with Pasta e Fagioli Soup, filled with beans and pasta in a tomato-based broth. It’s simple yet hearty enough for a quick weeknight dinner. Pair it with bread for extra texture and that soothing finish.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Italian Slow Cooker Pork Roast

A white bowl with slow cooker Italian pork roast, potatoes and carrots. — Italian Slow Cooker Pork Roast. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Think tender and flavorful when preparing Italian Slow Cooker Pork Roast, which practically falls apart once it’s ready. Perfect for sandwiches, as a centerpiece, or even over greens. The convenience of slow cooking doesn’t mean skimping on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Italian Slow Cooker Pork Roast

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo

Skillet with cooked chicken breasts, creamy sauce, orzo pasta, and spinach on a light background. — Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Perfect for when you want it all — Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo brings chicken, pasta, and a creamy sauce together in no time. It feels luxurious but is super easy to whip up on busy days. Great with a side of greens or on its own.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo