Nanna’s 15 Italian recipes that shouldn’t be shared (but we’re doing it anyway)

Every family has those secret recipes that are passed down through generations, and this collection of 15 Italian recipes from Nanna’s kitchen is no exception. We’re sharing these cherished recipes, traditionally kept within the family, so you too can experience the warmth and comfort they bring to the dining table. These dishes are about more than just cooking; they’re about preserving a legacy of family, flavor, and the Italian way of life.

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Do you know that feeling of warmth that engulfs you when you walk into Nonna’s kitchen? That’s what Pasta e Fagioli Soup brings to the table. Packed with home comforts and the kind of love only a grandmother can stir into a pot, it’s like a hug in a bowl. Even though Nonna might raise an eyebrow for sharing her secret, this soup’s rich flavors simply must be experienced by all.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Italian Chicken

Nestled in Nonna’s collection of recipes, Italian Chicken stands out as a no-fuss yet irresistible meal. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special family gathering, it holds a spot close to everyone’s heart. Whispered about at family reunions but never fully disclosed, this chicken dish carries the authentic taste of Italy. And since we’re spilling family secrets, it’s about time everyone tried their hand at this classic.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken

Polenta with Mascarpone

It’s not every day that Polenta with Mascarpone leaves Nonna’s sanctuary of a kitchen. Smooth, creamy, and unexpected, it’s a sophisticated departure from the typical dinner staples. This dish whispers luxury without shouting for attention, making it a treasure of Nonna’s kitchen that’s almost too good to give away – but some secrets are worth sharing. Enjoy it as a comforting base to any meal, and let it remind you where it came from.
Get the Recipe: Polenta with Mascarpone

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

When the weather can’t decide between cold and warm, Chicken Gnocchi Soup slides in as the perfect compromise. Not quite a stew but more substantial than a broth, this soup melds soft dumplings with tender chicken in a way that Nonna’s been perfecting for years. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to linger at the dinner table just a bit longer. And while it might get you a wag of the finger from Nonna for sharing, it’s generosity worth the risk.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Birria Pizza

Who would have thought to combine a hearty Mexican stew with Italian pizza tradition? Nonna did, and Birria Pizza is the extraordinary result. Taking a beloved classic and adding a rich twist, this pizza promises an experience unlike any other. And even if Nonna might cluck her tongue at us for sharing it, the combination is just too good to keep under wraps.
Get the Recipe: Birria Pizza

Pesto Orzo Salad

In the sea of salads, Pesto Orzo Salad is a standout with its blend of fresh herbs and pasta. It’s light enough for a spring day but robust enough to stand as a meal on its own. This is the dish that Nonna pulls out for picnics and parties, and you’ll soon see why it’s always a hit. It’s a little piece of Italy that you can now recreate anywhere.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad

Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette

If Nonna has a secret weapon in her culinary arsenal, it’s her Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette. Drizzled over greens or as a dip, it has that uncanny ability to transform a simple dish into something special. It’s the whispered-about salad dressing at family gatherings, the bottled-up essence of Nonna’s kitchen – and now, it’s in your hands too. One taste, and you’ll understand why it was almost kept a secret.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette

Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken

For those days when you can’t decide between pasta and soup, Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken offers the best of both. It’s hearty, filled with greens, and makes a meal that feels complete. Around Nonna’s table, it’s a familiar favorite that’s both nourishing and comforting. As much as she might prefer to keep it in the family, this soup deserves to be in your recipe rotation too.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken

Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce

A dish veiled in simplicity but rich in taste is Nonna’s Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce. The way it brings together soft gnocchi and a light citrusy sauce shines a spotlight on Nonna’s ability to make magic with everyday ingredients. It’s the heart of Italy on a plate, now no longer a family exclusive. This is a dish that might start traditions in your own home, just as it has in Nonna’s.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce

Shrimp Scampi Pizza

Taking seafood to new heights, Shrimp Scampi Pizza is a testament to Nonna’s bold experimentation with flavors. It combines the beloved classic shrimp scampi onto a crisp pizza base – a true fusion of tastes. Just when you thought pizza had shown you all it had, along comes a slice from Nonna’s kitchen. Trust us, it’s a piece worth stepping out into the limelight for.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi Pizza

Authentic Bolognese Sauce

As far as Italian sauces go, Nonna’s Authentic Bolognese Sauce is a treasure trove. It’s rich, slow-cooked, and tells a story of tradition in its every layer. Guarded closely and passed down through the generations, this sauce now steps out of the shadows. It’s time to share the love and rich history etched in its simmered perfection.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Bolognese Sauce

Ham & Asparagus Pizza

With a nod to both the classic and the creative, Ham & Asparagus Pizza is a hidden gem tucked away in Nonna’s recipe book. A seasonal delight that merges savory ham with fresh green spears, every pizza night becomes a little more special with this on the table. It’s one of those combinations Nonna debated about keeping secret, but good food is meant to be shared. Give this pizza a spin and watch it become a new favorite.
Get the Recipe: Ham & Asparagus Pizza

Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Garlic Shrimp Scampi is a shining star in Nonna’s coastal Italian repertoire. Each serving promises a bold garlic bite and the comforting embrace of perfectly cooked shrimp. It’s a dish long adored within the family, whispered over with pride. Now that the recipe is out, don’t be surprised if it starts making appearances in your weekly menu.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone

Tender and subtly flavored, Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone softly defies expectations. It’s a side that Nonna would serve at dinners big and small, always to approving nods. This dish has been a quiet champion, a low-key showstopper in the family, and now it’s stepping out for everyone to enjoy. Let it grace your table and see what the fuss is all about.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone

Tomato Bruschetta

If there ever was a dish that captured the spirit of Italian summers, it would be Nonna’s Tomato Bruschetta. It’s all about that fresh tomato atop a crisp piece of bread and the harmony of simple ingredients. This recipe has been a guarded treasure, cherished for turning any gathering into a feast. By sharing it, we let you in on the secret to making any day taste a little more like sunshine.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Bruschetta