My mom’s all-time favorite 19 Italian recipes exposed

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Bring a touch of Italy to your meals with these beloved recipes. Discover the magic of authentic Italian cooking with these 19 all-time favorite recipes, cherished by moms everywhere. Each dish is a testament to the rich flavors and comforting traditions of Italian cuisine, bringing warmth and joy to your table. Perfect for family gatherings or a special dinner, these recipes are sure to become favorites in your home too.

Chicken thighs in tomato sauce on a large white plate.
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Tuscan chicken in a skillet.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Every bite offers a burst of flavor that pays homage to traditional Italian cooking. Creamy Tuscan Chicken captures the essence of Tuscan cuisine with its rich and creamy sauce. This dish is renowned for its robust flavors and satisfying creaminess, making it a family favorite for its comforting taste.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Eggplant Tomato Stacks

Eggplant tomato stacks with grilled eggplant slices and tomato layers.
Eggplant Tomato Stacks. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Eggplant Tomato Stacks are a perfect representation of Italian simplicity and flavor. They serve as an excellent starter or a light main, showcasing the garden-fresh produce favored in Italian dishes. This dish is not only visually appealing but also packed with flavors that speak to the heart of Italian culinary traditions.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Tomato Stacks

Air Fryer Flatbread Pizza

Two flatbread pizzas on a tray.
Air Fryer Flatbread Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This recipe utilizes the convenience of an air fryer to achieve a perfect crispy texture in minutes. Air Fryer Flatbread Pizza offers a quick and crispy base topped with your choice of Italian ingredients, making it a versatile and family-friendly option. It’s especially favored for those busy nights when time is short but the craving for homemade pizza is strong.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Flatbread Pizza

Minestrone Soup with Sausage

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

This version of minestrone is a staple in her kitchen for its robust flavors and comforting qualities. Minestrone Soup with Sausage adds a hearty twist to the classic Italian soup by incorporating sausage for an extra layer of flavor and protein. It’s perfect for a chilly evening or as a nutritious family meal.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup with Sausage

Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta is a lesser-known Italian dish that deserves a spot in every pasta lover’s recipe book. The walnut sauce is rich, nutty, and creamy, clinging perfectly to your favorite pasta shape. This dish is a wonderful alternative to the more common tomato-based sauces and offers a unique taste that’s both sophisticated and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

Healthy Overnight Oats Tiramisu

A spoonful of overnight oats tiramisu over a pretty bowl.
Healthy Overnight Oats Tiramisu. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Each serving starts your day with a touch of Italian luxury. Healthy Overnight Oats Tiramisu combines the beloved flavors of the classic Italian dessert with the convenience and health benefits of overnight oats. It’s perfect for busy mornings when you want a breakfast that feels indulgent yet is entirely wholesome.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Overnight Oats Tiramisu

Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback

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

The fresh flavors of this dish reflect the simplicity and elegance of Italian cooking. Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback is an inventive take on the classic Caprese salad, incorporating chicken for a more substantial dish. This meal is not only visually impressive but also full of flavors that meld beautifully in the oven.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback

Quick Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo

Shrimp and fettuccine pasta in a large glass bowl.
Quick Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Serve this to guests or family, and watch it disappear quickly. Quick Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo is a luxurious pasta dish that combines tender shrimp with creamy Alfredo sauce. It’s an ideal choice for a quick yet elegant weeknight meal. It’s a beloved recipe for its ability to deliver restaurant-quality flavor with homemade simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Quick Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo

Baked Skillet Gnocchi

Gnocchi with ground pork, tomatoes, mozzarella and spinach in a cast iron skillet.
Baked Skillet Gnocchi. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This one-pan dish is a hit for its combination of ease and comfort, providing a hearty meal that feels like a hug in a dish. Baked Skillet Gnocchi is perfect for those evenings when you need something filling but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. This dish is a favorite for its robust flavors and satisfying texture.
Get the Recipe: Baked Skillet Gnocchi

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken thighs in tomato sauce on a large white plate.
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is a classic Italian dish made easier in the slow cooker. It’s a fantastic set-it-and-forget-it meal that’s ready to welcome you home with its enticing aroma. It’s a family favorite for its delicious simplicity and the comfort it brings to any dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

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.

The burst of flavors from this dish captures the essence of Italian summer in every bite. Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze combines the creamy, fresh flavors of burrata cheese with the sweet and tangy contrast of balsamic glaze. Paired with ripe tomatoes and fresh basil, this salad is a testament to simplicity and quality.
Get the Recipe: Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze

Chicken Piccata

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

Chicken Piccata is known for its vibrant flavor profile. This dish perfectly balances the richness of the chicken with the brightness of the lemon, making it a refreshing yet satisfying meal. It’s ideal for a family dinner or a special occasion. The capers add a pop of saltiness that complements the tangy sauce beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

Baked Pesto Salmon

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

This dish is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for a quick but impressive weeknight dinner. Baked Pesto Salmon is a delightful fusion of Italian and contemporary flavors, where rich salmon meets the herby freshness of pesto. The pesto not only adds a burst of flavor but also keeps the salmon moist and juicy.
Get the Recipe: Baked Pesto Salmon

Air Fryer Cheesy Pepperoni Breadsticks

A wooden cutting board with pepperoni breadsticks and dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Cheesy Pepperoni Breadsticks. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Made in the air fryer, they come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Air Fryer Cheesy Pepperoni Breadsticks are a quick and irresistible snack that’s perfect for game day or as a fun appetizer. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to make and delicious to eat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheesy Pepperoni Breadsticks

Easy Ricotta Dessert

A spoon lifting a portion of creamy ricotta dessert sprinkled with chocolate chips and a dash of cinnamon, with more of the dessert visible in the glass below.
Easy Ricotta Dessert. Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen.

Easy Ricotta Dessert is a simple, sweet treat that highlights the delicate flavor of ricotta cheese. With minimal ingredients and preparation, this dessert showcases the versatility of ricotta in a light, satisfying way. It can be customized with different toppings such as fresh fruit, honey, or chocolate chips.
Get the Recipe: Easy Ricotta Dessert

Grilled Bruschetta Chicken

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

Serve this chicken with a side of green salad for a perfectly balanced dish. Grilled Bruschetta Chicken marries the smoky, charred flavors of grilled chicken with the fresh and vibrant toppings of traditional bruschetta. This dish is both colorful and flavorful, making it a fantastic option for a summer barbecue or a family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bruschetta Chicken

Calzones

Image shows an overhead shot of a Calzone cut in half on a wooden board with a small bowl of marinara above it.
Calzones. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Calzones are essentially turnovers filled with all the glorious ingredients you’d find in a pizza but enclosed in a soft, golden crust. This portable, customizable meal can be stuffed with a variety of cheeses, meats, and vegetables. It’s a fun alternative to traditional pizza night and great for individual servings.
Get the Recipe: Calzones

Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

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

This dish is a decadent meal that’s perfect for when you’re craving something a bit indulgent. Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo brings the creamy, luxurious taste of a restaurant favorite into the comfort of your own kitchen. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the flavors to shine through beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

Grandma’s Marinara Sauce

A pan of marinara sauce with a wooden spatula.
Grandma’s Marinara Sauce. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Having a batch of this sauce in your fridge means you’re always just minutes away from a delicious meal. Grandma’s Marinara Sauce is a recipe steeped in tradition and simplicity. It’s the backbone of many Italian dishes, versatile and straightforward, perfect for pasta, pizza, and dipping.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Marinara Sauce

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