15 Italian classics: my mom’s favorite recipes

Pulling off a great Italian meal doesn’t have to mean hours in the kitchen or a sink full of pots and pans. It’s all about these 15 Italian classic dishes that keep things simple, taste amazing, and somehow seem to clean up after themselves. Okay, maybe not that last part, but wouldn’t that be nice? Plus, they’re my mom’s tried-and-true recipes!

Italian Pasta with Salami

When you’re looking to put a spin on pasta night, nothing hits the spot quite like Italian Pasta with Salami. It’s one of those hearty meals that combine the simplicity of quality ingredients with a touch of elegance. Plus, it’s a favorite go-to recipe that has the approval stamp of moms everywhere.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

Caprese Appetizer

This Caprese Appetizer is a champion of starters, perfectly capturing the fresh flavors Italy is famous for. Tomato, mozzarella, and basil come together in a dish that’s as simple as it is divine, making it a staple on tables and a beloved recipe among moms. It’s a taste of the Italian summer, no matter what the season.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Appetizer

Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta

For those nights when you crave comfort but don’t want to skimp on flavor, Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta comes to the rescue. It’s a dish that wraps you in warmth and satisfaction, blending creamy textures with the sweetness of corn. A favorite among families for its simplicity and depth of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta

Homemade Lasagna

There’s something about Homemade Lasagna that says ‘special occasion’ without requiring a day’s worth of prep. It layers the love with each noodle, sauce, and cheese, making it a dense, heartwarming meal that’s a staple in any Italian food lover’s recipe book. It carries the warmth of home in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lasagna

Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies offers a fresh twist on pasta, perfect for those days when you’re craving something light. It’s a colorful medley of flavors and textures, combining the smoky goodness of grilled vegetables with the firm bite of pasta. This dish is a testament to the versatility of Italian cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

Caprese Pesto Tarts

Making Caprese Pesto Tarts is like bringing a piece of Italy to your kitchen. It combines iconic Italian flavors in an innovative way. With the creamy mozzarella, the tang of tomatoes, and the fresh kick of basil pesto, each tart is a bite-sized celebration of Italy. It’s an easy favorite, showcasing simple ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pesto Tarts

Tuscan Pasta

Taking you straight to the heart of Italy with its rich, comforting flavors is Tuscan Pasta. It’s not just pasta; it’s a journey through Tuscany with every forkful, bringing together ingredients that speak the language of love and warmth. This dish is a family staple, beloved for its hearty embrace.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Pasta

Ooni Pizza Dough

Looking for the perfect homemade pizza experience? Ooni Pizza Dough is your foundation. It’s the secret to achieving that pizzeria-quality crust at home, crispy on the outside and pillowy soft within. This dough is the blank canvas for all your favorite toppings, inviting you to bring a slice of Italy to your dining table.
Get the Recipe: Ooni Pizza Dough

Pasta alla Norma

Pasta alla Norma is a celebration of Sicilian flavors, a dish that comforts as much as it excites the palate. With its rich tomato sauce and perfectly balanced eggplant, it embodies the spirit of Italian cooking. It’s a recipe favored by moms for its straightforward preparation and crowd-pleasing appeal.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma

Neapolitan Pizza

If pizza were a love language, Neapolitan Pizza would be its sweetest expression. This classic dish represents the essence of Italian pizza-making tradition, revered for its simplicity and the purity of its flavors. It’s proof of the magic that happens when dough and sauces meet the fiery kiss of a wood-fired oven.
Get the Recipe: Neapolitan Pizza

Cheeseburger Pasta

Cheeseburger Pasta merges the comfort of American classics with the ease and simplicity of Italian pasta dishes. It’s the ultimate comfort food hybrid, offering a playful twist on familiar flavors. This dish is a reminder of how food can be fun, inventive, and still rooted in the comfort of tradition.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Pasta

Mushroom Risotto

When it comes to gourmet Italian at home, Mushroom Risotto is a showstopper. With its creamy texture and depth of flavor, this dish is a warm embrace in a bowl. It celebrates the earthy, robust flavors of mushrooms, bringing a touch of Italian elegance to your weekday dinners. It is beloved by moms and their families!
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Risotto

Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

A vegetarian twist on a classic that refuses to compromise on flavor is Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna. It layers the freshness of spinach with the creaminess of ricotta, creating a dish that’s as comforting as the original. It is a green-hearted favorite that’s endorsed by moms for both its taste and its nod to healthier choices.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

Pizza Sauce

No pizza is ever complete without the right foundation, and Pizza Sauce is that crucial first layer that sets the stage for all the goodness to follow. It’s the melody of tomatoes and herbs that sings the praises of simple, fresh ingredients. This sauce is the heart and soul of any pizza, embodying love and care.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Sauce

Mac and Cheese

Mac and Cheese might not be what first comes to mind when you think of Italian cuisine, but this version brings it closer to its Italian roots. It’s comfort food supreme, enriched with the kind of cheesy goodness that can only come from a recipe perfected by generations. It is embraced by both kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese