Become an honorary Italian with Nonna’s 15 pasta wisdoms that are way too good to keep secret. From family meals to casual dinners, these tips make even the simplest pasta dish feel special. The best part? You don’t need years of practice to get it right. But watch out—once word gets out, people will start showing up at your door for pasta night!
Pasta e Fagioli Soup
There’s a little secret that goes a long way when it comes to Pasta e Fagioli Soup, and it’s all about using what you’ve got. This dish is a testament to simplicity, showing you don’t need much to whip up something that’ll warm you from the inside out. It’s a humble reminder of home cooking that brings everyone to the table, eager for a taste. When you’re looking to feed both heart and soul, this is the go-to that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole
For those nights when comfort food is on the agenda, Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole never misses. It’s like a warm hug in a dish, bringing back memories of family dinners with every bite. This is the sort of meal that doesn’t need a special occasion, just a group of hungry folks ready to dig in. It stands as proof that some dishes don’t need to be fancy to be a hit at the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
When time is not on your side, but you’re craving something that hints at effort, Easy Salmon Pasta Salad has got your back. It’s the sort of dish that looks like you’ve been slaving away, but in reality, it’s all about being smart with your choices. Perfect for a quick lunch, it packs a punch of freshness that’s hard to beat. It shows that sometimes, the best meals are the ones you can throw together on a whim.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup
There’s something about Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup that just screams Sunday dinner at Nonna’s. It’s the kind of soup that requires a bit of patience, but the result is always worth the wait. Every spoonful takes you back to traditions passed down through generations. It’s a dish that doesn’t just feed you; it wraps you in a warm embrace, telling stories of family and love with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup
Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes is your ticket to a quick yet elegant meal. This dish brings together an array of textures and tastes that make every bite an adventure. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a bit of a twist on the traditional, offering a fresh take on what a salad can be. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself, it’s a standout choice that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins
Reminiscing about those cozy, laid-back family gatherings? Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins will take you right back. It’s comfort food at its finest, making you feel all warm and fuzzy with every spoonful. This dish has a way of making any day feel a bit more special, offering a taste of nostalgia that’s hard to come by. It’s all about recreating those cherished memories, one dumpling at a time.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins
Sloppy Joe Casserole
Sloppy Joe Casserole is not just a dish; it’s an experience. It’s like the fun, daring cousin of the traditional sloppy joe, bringing a new twist to the table. Perfect for those nights when the ordinary just won’t cut it, it brings everyone together, ready for a messy but memorable meal. It challenges the norms of usual dinner fare, proving that sometimes, it’s okay to play with your food.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole
Pizza Pasta Salad
If you’re looking for something that brings the party to the pasta, Pizza Pasta Salad is your answer. This dish knows how to mingle, making sure every ingredient has its moment to shine. It’s ideal for gatherings where you want to offer something a bit out of the ordinary. Not only does it pack the flavors everyone craves, but it also adds a playful spin to your meal lineup, ensuring it’s a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad
Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo
This dish takes the classic creamy pasta dish from Olive Garden and brings it straight into your kitchen. With Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo, you can recreate the restaurant’s beloved specialty on any given weeknight. Every forkful is velvety and rich, proving that comfort food doesn’t need a fancy label. It’s all about that hearty meal experience that leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo
Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken
When the days get colder, nothing warms you up quite like a steaming bowl of Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken. This recipe brings together the heartiness of pasta and the goodness of a home-cooked soup. Enjoy the union of kale’s earthiness with tender chicken, all swirling together in one nourishing pot. Think of this as a hug for your insides, perfect for when you’re craving something wholesome.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka
If you’ve ever wished you could replicate that high-end Italian restaurant vibe at home, Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka is your ticket. It’s the kind of pasta that insists on being shared with good company and maybe a glass of your favorite wine. You know it’s real Italian cooking when simplicity meets superb taste in a single dish. Pulling off that restaurant magic at the dinner table just got easier.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka
Million Dollar Spaghetti
Why settle for ordinary when you can indulge in the richness of Million Dollar Spaghetti? This dish boasts a comforting appeal with a name that hints at its indulgent nature. It’s perfect for those special evenings when you want a meal that’s a notch above your usual pasta routine. Gather around the table for this one; it’s a meal that will have everyone feeling like a million bucks.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti
Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce
The light and airy potato gnocchi meet their match with a bright and tangy Lemon-Parmesan sauce. It’s Italy’s answer to your search for a quick but impressive weeknight dinner solution. Just when you think pasta can’t get any more inviting, Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce proves you can keep it fresh and exciting. Breaking away from the usual tomato-based sauces, this one offers a refreshing twist.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce
Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese
For those times when only the classics will do, Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese steps up to the plate. It’s the ultimate throwback to simpler times with that cheesy, oven-baked goodness no one can resist. Perfect for family gatherings, it brings to the table a sense of nostalgia and contentment with every spoonful. Who knew something so simple could still steal the show?
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese
Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta
Don’t let the simplicity fool you; Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta is a power duo that packs a punch. This dish combines the sizzle of sausage with the slightly bitter kick of broccoli rabe. It’s a weeknight staple that comes together quickly without fuss or hard-to-find ingredients. Add this to your rotation for nights when you crave something uncomplicated yet boldly flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta