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    Home » Trending

    27 Rustic Italian Recipes That Taste Like Nonna’s Love

    Published: Mar 11, 2025 by Kristen Wood · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Nothing feels more like home than whipping up one of these 27 rustic Italian recipes, straight from a loving grandma's cookbook. Each recipe has that secret ingredient—a dash of nonna's love—making every meal a heartwarming tribute to family traditions.

    Creamy One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta

    Creamy One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Make dinner a breeze with Creamy One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta. This dish combines all the cheesy goodness you crave with the simplicity of a one-pot meal. It’s a foolproof favorite for any night.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta

    Low Carb Gnocchi with Fresh Spinach Sauce

    Bright green gnocchi sauce with orange turmeric powder over the gnocchi plate.
    Low Carb Gnocchi with Fresh Spinach Sauce. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

    For a lighter take on a classic, try Low Carb Gnocchi with Fresh Spinach Sauce. Delve into each delicious bite and feel good about choosing healthier options. It’s rustic, wholesome, and green all over.
    Get the Recipe: Low Carb Gnocchi with Fresh Spinach Sauce

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    Alfredo Steak Pasta

    Alfredo steak pasta in skillet with wooden spoon.
    Alfredo Steak Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Combine the richness of Alfredo and the robustness of steak in Alfredo Steak Pasta. Each plate brings a powerful flavor profile that screams Italy. It's a match made in pasta heaven.
    Get the Recipe: Alfredo Steak Pasta

    Baked Garlic Pepper Polenta Fries

    Baked Garlic Pepper Polenta Fries. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Change up your snack game with these Baked Garlic Pepper Polenta Fries. They offer a crunchy outside with a soft, savory interior. Great for sharing and dipping into your favorite homemade aioli or marinara.
    Get the Recipe: Baked Garlic Pepper Polenta Fries

    Easy Lemon Ricotta Cookies

    Lemon ricotta cookies on rack with icing bowl.
    Easy Lemon Ricotta Cookies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Bite into the soft, citrus-infused Easy Lemon Ricotta Cookies and experience a blend of ricotta richness. Perfect with a cup of tea, it's a little light treat that packs a nostalgic punch. Moments of joy are baked into each batch.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Lemon Ricotta Cookies

    Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

    Marry Me Chicken Meatballs. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Let Marry Me Chicken Meatballs whisk you away to a romantic Italian village. Tender and juicy meatballs invoke feelings of love at first bite. Serve them up for a heartwarming meal you won't forget.
    Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

    5-Minute Pizza Aioli

    5-Minute Pizza Aioli. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Whip up 5-Minute Pizza Aioli in no time for a quick, Italian touch to your appetizers. Perfect for dipping or spreading, it's a modern twist on traditional flavors. Moments like these remind you of a cozy dinner at a small trattoria.
    Get the Recipe: 5-Minute Pizza Aioli

    Pasta e Fagioli Soup

    Pasta e Fagioli Soup. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Get your soup spoons ready for Pasta e Fagioli Soup, a classic Italian comfort food. It’s brimming with beans, pasta, and herbs, simmered to perfection. Just like Nonna used to make when you needed warming up.
    Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

    Palmini Baked Fetta Pasta

    Baked palmini with feta in a light blue casserole.
    Palmini Baked Fetta Pasta. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

    Discover comfort in every forkful with Palmini Baked Fetta Pasta, where tangy fetta meets heartwarming palmini. You'll feel like you're dining in grandma’s kitchen. Craft your own cozy evening with this robust classic.
    Get the Recipe: Palmini Baked Fetta Pasta

    Rainbow Fathead Pizza

    Rainbow Pizza filled with colorful tomatoes and green fresh chives around it.
    Rainbow Fathead Pizza. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

    Brighten your table with Rainbow Fathead Pizza. Every color adds a splash of joy. Engage everyone in the kitchen for a fun pizza making session.
    Get the Recipe: Rainbow Fathead Pizza

    The Best Gluten-Free Focaccia

    The Best Gluten-Free Focaccia. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Sink your teeth into The Best Gluten-Free Focaccia and enjoy the same traditional flavors without the gluten. It's crusty on the outside and soft inside, just how it should be. Each slice calls you back to old family recipes.
    Get the Recipe: The Best Gluten-Free Focaccia

    Slow Cooker Lamb Ragu

    a plate of slow cooker lamb ragu over pappardelle pasta surrounded by a block of parmesan, a white linen, and torn baguette.
    Slow Cooker Lamb Ragu. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

    Enjoy spoonfuls of rich and hearty Slow Cooker Lamb Ragu after letting it simmer to perfection. It's packed with deep, meaty flavors, ideal for dressing up any pasta or polenta. Weeknights just got a whole lot more interesting.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Lamb Ragu

    Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

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

    Whipping up a healthier version of Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is quick and easy. Enjoy crispy, cheesy goodness without the guilt. Pair it with a side of pasta or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

    Pesto Rice

    Pesto Rice. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Give your side dish a flavorful twist with Pesto Rice. It’s easy, quick, and packed with the fresh taste of basil. This versatile dish can complement any main and make your meal a memorable one.
    Get the Recipe: Pesto Rice

    Italian Steak

    Italian Steak. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Prepare Italian Steak and invite the robust flavors of Italy onto your plate. Succulent and rich, it’s a straightforward path to a satisfying meal. Perfectly paired with wine for a complete dining experience.
    Get the Recipe: Italian Steak

    Bacon Fathead Pizza Dough

    Keto Bacon Fathead Pizza with fresh basil leaves.
    Bacon Fathead Pizza Dough. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

    Roll out some fun with Bacon Fathead Pizza Dough. Top this bacon-enhanced base with anything that speaks to your soul. Family pizza night just got a tasty upgrade.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Fathead Pizza Dough

    The Best Instant Pot Pumpkin Risotto Recipe

    The Best Instant Pot Pumpkin Risotto Recipe. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    With The Best Instant Pot Pumpkin Risotto Recipe, you get creamy, comforting goodness in a fraction of the usual time. It’s like bringing home a piece of Italy in every spoonful. Perfect for those chillier days when you crave something hearty.
    Get the Recipe: The Best Instant Pot Pumpkin Risotto Recipe

    Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken

    Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken inside cast iron.
    Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

    Rustic charm oozes from Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken. It’s baked to perfection, melding classic flavors in a way only Nonna could inspire. Make your family dinner extra special tonight with this simple yet irresistible dish.
    Get the Recipe: Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken

    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.

    Set it and forget it until Italian Slow Cooker Pork Roast is fork-tender and full of hearty flavors. Each bite transports you to the Italian countryside. Indulge in the comfort of slow-cooked goodness any day of the week.
    Get the Recipe: Italian Slow Cooker Pork Roast

    Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback

    Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback on a baking tray.
    Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

    Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback brings you the flavors of Caprese in a uniquely satisfying way. It's stuffed to perfection. Every slice is a homage to Italian passion for good food.
    Get the Recipe: Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback

    Low Carb Gnocchi with Bacon and Cream Sauce

    Gnocchi with Bacon and Cream Sauce served on a white plate.
    Low Carb Gnocchi with Bacon and Cream Sauce. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

    Transform your mealtime with Low Carb Gnocchi with Bacon and Cream Sauce. It’s a low-carb delight packed with rich flavors. Whether it's a weekday dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to please.
    Get the Recipe: Low Carb Gnocchi with Bacon and Cream Sauce

    Chicken Sorrentino

    Chicken sorrentino on a serving spoon.
    Chicken Sorrentino. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

    Experience the layers of flavor in Chicken Sorrentino, a dish that makes every dinner special. It melds cheese, tomato, and herbs in a way that’s uniquely comforting. Family meals never tasted so good.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Sorrentino

    Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze

    burrata salad with balsamic glaze including spring mix, basil leaves, halved cherry tomatoes, drizzled with balsamic glaze and olive oil.
    Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

    Fresh and creamy Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze offers a simple yet luxurious eating experience. It pairs beautifully with crisp greens and a rich, tangy glaze. Introduce it to your next meal for a touch of casual elegance.
    Get the Recipe: Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze

    Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo

    Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Experience Italy with Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo, a dish that's as comforting as it is creamy. Every spoonful offers rich, deep flavors. Feel embraced by heartwarming Italian tradition.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo

    Minestrone Soup with Sausage

    Minestrone Soup with Sausage in white bowl with spoonful.
    Minestrone Soup with Sausage. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Dig into a hearty bowl of Minestrone Soup with Sausage. Loaded with freshness in every spoonful, it's like a hug from nonna. Enjoy a robust, flavorful journey with each taste.
    Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup with Sausage

    Stuffed Chicken Marsala

    Stuffed chicken marsala in a cast iron skillet.
    Stuffed Chicken Marsala. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

    Indulge in the robust flavors of Stuffed Chicken Marsala, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This dish features a savory blend of cheese and aromatic Marsala wine. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner.
    Get the Recipe: Stuffed Chicken Marsala

    Low Carb Gnocchi Tomato Basil

    Brown plate with gnocci, tomatoes and basil leaves.
    Low Carb Gnocchi Tomato Basil. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

    Explore lighter dining with Low Carb Gnocchi Tomato Basil. Soft gnocchi and vibrant basil come together for a meal you'll want to make again. A straightforward recipe for a delightful dinner.
    Get the Recipe: Low Carb Gnocchi Tomato Basil

    About Kristen Wood

    Kristen Wood is a writer, photographer, world traveler and cookbook author. Her work has been featured in various publications both online and in print, including Elle, Forbes, NBC, Chicago Sun-Times, Martha Stewart, Food Drink Life, Arizona Highways Magazine, New York Daily News, and more. She is also a syndicated writer for The Associated Press.

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