Ever wonder what makes grandma’s cooking so special? Try Nonna’s 27 favorite recipes and you’ll find out. These aren’t just any recipes; they’re a collection of stories, flavors, and traditions packed into every bite. Whether it’s a comforting soup or a robust pasta dish, these are the meals that have brought families together for generations. And now, it’s your turn to bring that magic into your own kitchen. No complicated techniques here, just straightforward, delicious food that feels like a warm hug.
Cooking like Nonna means more than just following a recipe; it’s about adding a dash of love into everything you make. These favorite picks are your secret weapon for turning any meal into an occasion. Using ingredients you probably already have, these recipes are as easy as pie (which, by the way, might just be one of Nonna’s favorites). Ready to be the star of your next family dinner? Let’s get cooking and make Nonna proud.
Pasta e Fagioli Soup
You know those chilly evenings when only a bowl of hearty, warming soup will do? That’s where Pasta e Fagioli steps in. It’s like Nonna’s wrapping you in a warm blanket, with every spoonful offering the perfect mix of beans, pasta, and savory broth. This dish is all about bringing comfort and warmth to the table, proving that the best meals are the ones made with love.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Birria Pizza
Ever thought about combining two of the best foods into one incredible dish? That’s exactly what Birria
Get the Recipe: Birria Pizza
Sausage Parmigiana
Come take a bite of juicy sausage smothered in rich tomato sauce and melted cheese, all baked to perfection. It’s a rustic, satisfying dish that feels like a big, warm hug from Nonna herself. This twist on the classic parmigiana is a testament to the magic that happens when you stick to simple, hearty ingredients. It’s Nonna’s way of saying, “I’ve got you,” with a meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Parmigiana
Italian Chicken
There’s something about chicken roasted with herbs that fills the house with an aroma that says, “Welcome home.” It’s a dish that’s both incredibly simple and unbelievably flavorful, capturing the essence of Italian cooking. Nonna always says the best meals are the ones that bring people together, and this chicken does just that. With just a few ingredients and a lot of love, you’ve got a meal that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken
Pizza Sauce
Ever dreamt of making your own
Get the Recipe: Pizza Sauce
Garlic Shrimp Scampi
Garlic shrimp scampi is all about indulging in rich, buttery, and garlicky flavors that make your mouth water just thinking about it. It’s fancy enough for a special occasion but simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Nonna always says the secret to the best scampi is lots of garlic and a splash of love. This dish is your shortcut to impressing guests or just treating yourself on a Friday night.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Shrimp Scampi
Pesto Orzo Salad
This dish is a vibrant salad bursting with the flavors of fresh pesto, tender orzo, and whatever fresh veggies you have on hand. It’s the perfect dish for when you want something light yet satisfying, showing off the best of garden-fresh ingredients. Nonna loves mixing up this salad for family picnics, reminding us that sometimes, the simplest dishes are the most memorable. It’s all about the quality of your ingredients and the love you stir in.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad
Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Think of a pot simmering away, filled with creamy broth, tender chicken, and soft, pillowy gnocchi. It’s the kind of meal that promises to look after you, no matter how rough your day was. Each bite is a reminder of Nonna’s kitchen, where love is the main ingredient, and simplicity is key to a hearty meal. It’s comfort food made easy, perfect for those days when you need a little extra TLC.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette
This creamy balsamic dressing can transform any salad into a gourmet meal. The perfect balance of tangy vinegar and creaminess makes it versatile and delicious. Nonna was right – a good dressing can take your salad to the next level. Try this recipe and taste the difference.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette
Chicken Piccata
There’s something about the tangy, caper-laden zing of Chicken Piccata that can make a dinner feel like a celebration. It’s a dish that’s brimming with flavor, yet it’s light enough not to weigh you down. Nonna’s version is all about the lemony sauce, teaching us that a few well-chosen ingredients can elevate a simple chicken breast to something extraordinary. It’s a lesson in the beauty of simplicity, served up Nonna-style.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata
Ham & Asparagus Pizza
Nonna’s springtime
Get the Recipe: Ham & Asparagus Pizza
Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone
There’s roasted asparagus, and then there’s asparagus that’s been taken to the next level with a dollop of creamy mascarpone. It’s a side dish that turns a simple vegetable into a luxurious treat. Nonna’s always been about elevating the ordinary, and this recipe is a perfect example of her culinary magic. With just a few ingredients and a whole lot of flavor, it’s a reminder that the simplest dishes often leave the biggest impression.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone
Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken
Dig into a bowl of Tortellini Soup, and you’ll find more than just a comforting meal – you’ll discover a symphony of flavors that’s both nourishing and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of soup that Nonna would ladle out with pride, filled with plump tortellini, leafy greens, and tender chicken. This dish is all about gathering the best of the pantry and fridge, proving that delicious doesn’t have to be complicated – just made with care.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken
Tomato Bruschetta
Tomato Bruschetta is like summer on a plate – ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of olive oil atop crusty bread. It’s a testament to the Italian philosophy that the best meals are built on simplicity. Nonna’s always championed the power of fresh ingredients, and this dish is her way of sharing that wisdom. It’s perfect for when you want a bite of something light yet flavorful, proving that sometimes, the best recipes are the easiest.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Bruschetta
Shrimp Scampi Pizza
Who says
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi Pizza
Low Carb Zuppa Toscana Soup
Cozy up with a bowl of Zuppa Toscana, a soup that’s hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly low carb. It’s packed with spicy sausage, kale, and a creamy broth that warms you from the inside out. Nonna’s always said good food should feel like a hug, and this soup is exactly that. It’s a comforting, guilt-free meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor, proving that eating well can still be hearty and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Zuppa Toscana Soup
Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce
Tender gnocchi tossed in a sauce that’s bright with lemon and rich with Parmesan. It’s a dish that feels fancy without being fussy, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself on a Tuesday. Nonna’s always been about finding joy in the simple things, and this recipe is a perfect example of her kitchen philosophy. With just a few ingredients, you’ve got a meal that’s bursting with flavor and comfort.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce
Chicken Scampi
Chicken Scampi is all about tender chicken bathed in a garlicky, lemony sauce that’s absolutely to die for. It’s the kind of dish that brings a little bit of Italian sunshine to your dinner table, no matter the weather outside. Nonna loves it for its simplicity and punch of flavor, reminding us that you don’t need a laundry list of ingredients to make something mouthwateringly good. This dish is a weeknight hero, proving that simple can be spectacular.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Scampi
Polenta with Mascarpone
When you stir creamy mascarpone into warm, comforting polenta, you get a side dish that’s pure magic. It’s rich, it’s creamy, and it’s so easy to make, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been eating it all your life. Nonna’s all about those little touches that turn a meal from ordinary to extraordinary, and this polenta is just that. With just a couple of ingredients, you’re on your way to the creamiest, dreamiest polenta ever.
Get the Recipe: Polenta with Mascarpone
Authentic Bolognese Sauce
There’s something about a pot of Bolognese simmering on the stove that feels like home. It’s rich, meaty, and filled with the kind of depth and flavor that only comes from hours of slow cooking. This sauce is Nonna’s pride and joy, a recipe that’s been perfected over generations. It’s all about taking the time to do things right, proving that the best things in life are worth waiting for – especially when it comes to pasta night.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Bolognese Sauce
Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich
This sandwich is loaded with grilled chicken, fresh mozzarella, and juicy tomatoes, all brought together with a balsamic glaze. It’s like summer in every bite, a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Nonna’s always said that the best meals are often the simplest, and this sandwich is proof of that. It’s a quick and easy way to bring a bit of Italian flair to your lunch, making it feel like Nonna’s kitchen is just a bite away.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich
Oven Roasted Tomato Soup
The taste of oven-roasted tomatoes turns into a velvety soup that’s both comforting and rich. It’s a bowlful of coziness that’s perfect for dipping crusty bread into. Nonna’s always been a fan of making the most out of simple ingredients, and this soup is a shining example. With just a handful of components and a little bit of oven magic, you’ve got a soup that could easily become your new favorite comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Tomato Soup
Classic Low Carb Caprese Salad
Enjoy a Classic Low Carb Caprese Salad, where ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil come together under a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic reduction. It’s a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, embodying the freshness and simplicity of Italian cuisine. Nonna’s always championed the beauty of minimalism in cooking, and this salad is a vibrant testament to that philosophy.
Get the Recipe: Classic Low Carb Caprese Salad
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe
There’s something about gnocchi and sausage that just works, especially when you throw some broccoli rabe into the mix. This skillet meal has everything – a little bit of spice, a whole lot of flavor, and enough greens to make you feel good about your life choices. Nonna’s all about those hearty, one-pan meals that bring the family together, and this dish is exactly that. It’s quick, tasty, and has all the makings of a weeknight favorite.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe
Grilled Bruschetta Chicken
Take your grilled chicken up a notch by topping it with a fresh, vibrant bruschetta mix. It’s a dish that’s as perfect for a weeknight dinner as it is for entertaining friends on the weekend. Nonna’s always been about using fresh ingredients to elevate a meal, and this chicken is a perfect example. With just a few simple steps, you can turn ordinary chicken into something bursting with flavor and color, proving that the best dishes are made with love.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bruschetta Chicken
Baked Pesto Salmon
Salmon fillets slathered in pesto, then baked until they’re perfectly flaky and full of flavor. It’s a dish that’s fancy enough for guests but simple enough for a quiet dinner at home. Nonna’s always believed in the power of good pesto, and this salmon is a delicious way to showcase it. With minimal prep and a short time in the oven, you’ve got a meal that’s healthy, flavorful, and sure to impress, just like Nonna would have wanted.
Get the Recipe: Baked Pesto Salmon
Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
There’s nothing like the taste of cherry tomatoes burst in a sauce, especially when it’s tossed with your favorite pasta. It’s a dish that mixes the bounty of the garden, simple yet bursting with flavor. Nonna’s always had a soft spot for recipes that bring out the natural goodness of ingredients, and this pasta is a prime example. With just tomatoes, a bit of garlic, and some fresh basil, you’ve got a meal that’s easy to love and even easier to make.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce