15 Italian recipes so authentic, your nonna will be asking you for the recipe

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If you’re a fan of Italian cuisine, here’s something exciting: there are 15 Italian recipes that are as authentic as they get. Trying these dishes is so traditional; it’s like being at a family dinner in Italy. Each recipe is straightforward and brings a burst of genuine Italian flavor that can turn any meal into an occasion. They’re so spot-on that even your nonna might call you up and ask for the recipe!

A platter of pizza pasta salad served on a white rectangular dish.
Pizza Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Sausage Parmigiana

Sausage Parmigiana on a white plate with a red napkin and a glass of wine.
Sausage Parmigiana. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Substituting sausage for the traditional meats in this dish offers a wonderful twist. Savory sausage, melted mozzarella, and tangy tomato sauce come together perfectly. These Sausage Parmigiana meals are a testament to how comforting Italian home cooking can be. Whip this up for a comforting meal in no time at all. It’s hearty, delicious, and incredibly easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Parmigiana

Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

A bowl of skillet gnocchi with sausage and broccoli rabe.
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Combining hearty flavors of sausage with the deliciously edible broccoli rabe, this dish is a one-pan wonder. It offers a satisfying meal without leaving you with a ton of dishes to wash. Every bite is perfectly coated with flavor, thanks to the pillowy gnocchi. This Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe meal balances simplicity with fullness. It’s great for a no-fuss, hearty dinner any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

Chicken Piccata

Two chicken piccata on a white plate with parsley and lemon wedges.
Chicken Piccata. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This dish really brings the family together with its tangy lemon sauce and capers. It transforms simple chicken breasts into something special without being too complicated. Serve this up at your next family dinner and see how fast it goes. These Chicken Piccata meals feel special and are family favorites on the dinner table. Quick to make and delicious, it’s perfect for a busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

Low-Carb Zuppa Toscana Soup

Low Carb Zuppa Toscana Soup in a white round bowl with small handles.
Low-Carb Zuppa Toscana Soup. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

This version keeps all the flavors of the classic soup but fits into a Low-Carb diet. With hearty sausage, kale, and a creamy broth, it’s as satisfying as the traditional recipe. This Low-Carb Zuppa Toscana Soup warms you from the inside, perfect for chilly nights. Enjoy a bowl of this and feel good knowing it’s low in carbs. It’s comfort food with all the taste but none of the guilt.
Get the Recipe: Low-Carb Zuppa Toscana Soup

Creamy Low-Carb Chicken Marsala

A plate of chicken marsala with chopped green onions.
Creamy Low-Carb Chicken Marsala. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Low-carb but full of flavor, this dish ditches the carbs but keeps all the luxurious taste. Tender chicken breasts with a rich mushroom and wine sauce make it a decadent treat. This Creamy Low-Carb Chicken Marsala is simple enough for a weeknight but feels like a treat. Stick to your Low-Carb goals while still enjoying a rich, creamy dinner. It’s indulgence without the carbs.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Low-Carb Chicken Marsala

Classic Low-Carb Caprese Salad

A top-down shot of a classic caprese salad in a black dish.
Classic Low-Carb Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil are the stars here, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic. It’s great alongside any meal or on its own for a refreshing lunch. This Classic Low-Carb Caprese Salad captures the essence of simple Italian ingredients. It’s incredibly easy to prepare and packs a punch of flavors. Nutritious and flavorful, it’s everything a salad should be.
Get the Recipe: Classic Low-Carb Caprese Salad

Grilled Bruschetta Chicken

Grilled Bruschetta Chicken on a white plate.
Grilled Bruschetta Chicken. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Bringing your favorite appetizer flavors onto your dinner plate, this dish is both healthy and tasty. Juicy chicken paired with fresh tomatoes and basil keeps it light and flavorful. This Grilled Bruschetta Chicken is ideal for summer dinners outside. Simple ingredients come together to create a stunning meal. Always a hit, it’s a must-try for a wholesome meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bruschetta Chicken

Baked Pesto Salmon

Salmon with spinach sauce on a white plate.
Baked Pesto Salmon. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Pesto brings out the best in the rich flavors of salmon in this quick and healthy dish. It’s a hit with families and proves that gourmet flavors don’t have to be complicated. This Baked Pesto Salmon is ready in under 30 minutes, making it a weeknight favorite. It’s a simple dish that feels sophisticated. Perfect for when you need something delicious but don’t have a lot of time.
Get the Recipe: Baked Pesto Salmon

Pizza Sauce

Homemade tomato sauce in a mason jar with a spoon.
Pizza Sauce. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Making your own pizza sauce lets you tweak the blend of tomatoes and herbs to your taste. It’s flavorful and the ideal base for any toppings you choose. With This Pizza Sauce at home, every pizza night becomes more exciting. It’s a small effort for a big flavor boost. Just a few ingredients, and you’ve got the perfect pizza sauce!
Get the Recipe: Pizza Sauce

Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich

2 Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwiches on a black plate.
Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

It’s hearty, with grilled chicken, fresh mozzarella, and tomatoes, finished with a balsamic glaze. This Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich brings Italian flair right to your lunch. Gourmet yet easy to put together, it’s perfect for a satisfying midday meal. The classic Caprese flavors combined with chicken make for a mouth-watering sandwich. Each bite is bursting with freshness and taste.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich

Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce

Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce in a black skillet.
Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Now, you can recreate the Olive Garden signature sauce effortlessly at home with just a few key ingredients. Rich and creamy, this sauce pairs beautifully with any pasta. This Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce takes your home-cooked meals to a new level of deliciousness. Enjoy a family dinner that feels like a night out. Comfort food doesn’t get better than this rich, creamy Alfredo sauce.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce

Pizza Pasta Salad

A platter of pizza pasta salad served on a white rectangular dish.
Pizza Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Combining the excitement of pizza with the freshness of a pasta salad, this dish is perfect for gatherings. Packed with pepperoni, olives, and mozzarella, it’s a hit at any event. This Pizza Pasta Salad is fun to make and even more fun to eat. Surprise your guests with this playful twist on classic Italian flavors. Everyone loves a good pasta salad, especially when it tastes like pizza!
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

A bowl of olive garden creamy shrimp alfredo pasta served in a black bowl with a spoon.
Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Bringing home the luxury of Olive Garden’s beloved dish, this recipe is rich and full of flavor. Creamy Alfredo sauce paired with succulent shrimp makes for a satisfying pasta dish. This Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo is easy to prepare yet feels special enough for a romantic dinner. Recreate the restaurant experience without leaving your kitchen. Why go out when you can have such elegance at home?
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

Chicken Scampi

A plate of grilled chicken breasts garnished with herbs, served with green beans and lemon slices, on a marble surface.
Chicken Scampi. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Garlic, butter, and white wine create a sauce that makes this dish irresistibly tasty. Tossed with your favorite pasta, it becomes a comforting meal that’s both simple and fulfilling. This Chicken Scampi brings the dining-out experience into your kitchen. Prepare this for a quick yet satisfying weeknight dinner. It’s just what you need when you crave something with a bit of flair without too much trouble.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Scampi

Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

A hand holding a fork over a bowl of Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka on a wooden table.
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

The taste of Il Fornaio in your kitchen: this pasta dish is creamy, comforting, and sophisticated. The vodka enhances the flavor of the tomato sauce, clinging perfectly to the rigatoni. This Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka is great for impressing guests or enjoying a special meal at home. Restaurant-quality meals are now easily made in your kitchen. Experience gourmet Italian dinner without reservation.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

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