20 Italian Recipes That Will Make Your Nonna Proud

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I’ve attached a video for every recipe below from my favorite home cooks.

Italian food is loved around the world for its simple yet tasty dishes. From pasta to pizza, Italian recipes often use fresh ingredients and basic cooking methods. You can easily make many Italian classics at home with just a few key items from your pantry.

Italian cooking is all about bringing people together. Many recipes are perfect for family meals or gatherings with friends. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty lasagna or a light caprese salad, there’s an Italian dish for every taste and occasion. Give some of these recipes a try and bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen!

Spaghetti Carbonara

You’ll love this classic Italian pasta dish! Here’s what you need to make spaghetti carbonara:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • 4 ounces guanciale or pancetta, diced
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1 whole egg
  • 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
  • Fresh ground black pepper
  • Salt

Directions:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente.

  2. While pasta cooks, fry guanciale in a large pan until crispy. Set aside.

  3. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, whole egg, cheese, and pepper.

  4. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining spaghetti.

  5. Add hot pasta to pan with guanciale. Toss to coat.

  6. Remove pan from heat. Pour egg mixture over pasta, stirring quickly.

  7. Add splashes of pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce.

  8. Serve immediately with extra cheese and black pepper on top.

Enjoy your homemade carbonara! This quick and easy meal is perfect for weeknight dinners.

Margherita Pizza

Ready to make a classic Italian pizza? Let’s get started with this simple Margherita recipe!

Ingredients:

  • 1 pizza dough ball (about 250g)
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 4 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
  • 5-6 fresh basil leaves
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt to taste

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).

  2. Stretch the dough into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface.

  3. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

  4. Add the mozzarella slices on top of the sauce.

  5. Bake the pizza for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

  6. Remove from the oven and immediately add the fresh basil leaves.

  7. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.

  8. Slice and enjoy your homemade Margherita pizza!

Remember, the key to a great Margherita is using fresh, high-quality ingredients. The simplicity of this pizza lets each flavor shine through.

Lasagna

Let’s make a delicious lasagna! Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cans (6 oz each) tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 package lasagna noodles
  • 16 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:

  1. Brown the beef with onion and garlic in a large pot. Drain excess fat.

  2. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, and salt. Simmer for 30 minutes.

  3. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

  4. Mix ricotta cheese with egg and Parmesan in a bowl.

  5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  6. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce.

  7. Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella. Repeat layers.

  8. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

  9. Remove foil and bake for another 25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

  10. Let cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your homemade lasagna! It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

Risotto Alla Milanese

Ready to make a classic Italian dish? Let’s whip up some Risotto alla Milanese! Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
  • 4 cups chicken stock
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt to taste

Directions:

  1. Heat the stock in a pot and keep it warm.

  2. In a large pan, sauté the onion in butter and oil until soft.

  3. Add the rice and stir for a minute.

  4. Pour in the wine and let it absorb.

  5. Add a ladleful of warm stock and stir until absorbed.

  6. Keep adding stock, stirring often, until the rice is creamy.

  7. Dissolve the saffron in a bit of stock and add it to the rice.

  8. Cook until the rice is al dente, about 18-20 minutes total.

  9. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese.

  10. Let it rest for a minute, then serve and enjoy your golden, creamy risotto!

Osso Buco

You’ll need these ingredients for a delicious osso buco:

  • 4 veal shanks
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup white wine
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Here’s how to make it:

  1. Season the veal shanks with salt and pepper, then coat them in flour.

  2. Heat butter and oil in a large pot. Brown the veal on all sides, then set aside.

  3. In the same pot, sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until soft.

  4. Pour in the wine and let it simmer for 2 minutes.

  5. Add the veal back to the pot. Pour in the broth and tomatoes.

  6. Toss in the bay leaves and bring to a boil.

  7. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 2 hours until the meat is tender.

  8. Serve hot with your favorite side dish.

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Your osso buco will be rich, flavorful, and melt-in-your-mouth tender. Enjoy this classic Italian dish with family and friends!

Tiramisu

Ready to make a classic Italian dessert? Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 6 egg yolks
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 16 oz mascarpone cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups strong coffee, cooled
  • 2 tbsp rum
  • 24 ladyfingers
  • Cocoa powder for dusting

Directions:

  1. Beat egg yolks and sugar until light and fluffy.

  2. Add mascarpone and mix until smooth.

  3. Combine coffee and rum in a shallow dish.

  4. Dip ladyfingers quickly in coffee mixture and layer in a 9×13 inch dish.

  5. Spread half the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers.

  6. Repeat layers with remaining ladyfingers and mascarpone mixture.

  7. Dust the top with cocoa powder.

  8. Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours before serving.

You’ll love how easy it is to make this creamy, coffee-flavored treat! The layers of soft ladyfingers and rich mascarpone cream create a perfect balance of textures.

Remember not to oversoak the ladyfingers, or your tiramisu might become too soggy. Just a quick dip is all you need!

Pasta E Fagioli

You’ll love this cozy Italian soup! Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini)
  • 2 cans cannellini beans, drained
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan for serving

Directions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until soft.

  2. Add garlic and oregano. Stir for 1 minute.

  3. Pour in broth, tomatoes, and beans. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes.

  4. Add pasta and cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes.

  5. Season with salt and pepper.

  6. Serve hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan on top.

This hearty soup is perfect for chilly days. The beans and pasta make it filling, while the veggies add lots of flavor. It’s easy to make and tastes even better the next day!

Chicken Parmigiana

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Oil for frying

Now, let’s make this tasty dish!

  1. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness.

  2. Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan.

  3. Dip each chicken breast in flour, then egg, then breadcrumb mixture.

  4. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

  5. Fry the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.

  6. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

  7. Place the fried chicken in a baking dish.

  8. Top each piece with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.

  9. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Your chicken parmigiana is ready! Serve it hot with a side of pasta or a fresh salad. Enjoy your homemade Italian feast!

Minestrone Soup

Ready to make a classic Italian minestrone soup? Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (14 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup small pasta (like shells or ditalini)
  • 2 cups chopped spinach
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Now, let’s make your soup!

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring often.

  2. Add garlic, zucchini, and green beans. Cook for another 2 minutes.

  3. Pour in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.

  4. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

  5. Add pasta and cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes.

  6. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.

  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Your minestrone soup is ready! Serve it hot and enjoy your homemade Italian classic.

Fettuccine Alfredo

Want to make authentic Italian fettuccine Alfredo? You only need a few simple ingredients:

  • 1 pound fresh fettuccine pasta
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper (optional)

Here’s how to whip up this classic dish:

  1. Cook the fettuccine in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente.

  2. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.

  3. Return the pasta to the pot and add the softened butter. Toss until the butter coats the noodles.

  4. Gradually sprinkle in the grated cheese, tossing constantly. Add small splashes of the reserved pasta water as needed to help the sauce come together.

  5. Keep tossing until you have a smooth, silky sauce coating the pasta. Season with salt to taste.

  6. Serve immediately, topped with extra grated cheese and black pepper if desired.

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Enjoy your creamy, authentic fettuccine Alfredo! This simple recipe lets the flavors of good pasta, butter and cheese shine.

Bruschetta

Want to make tasty Italian bruschetta at home? Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 6 ripe tomatoes, diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 baguette, sliced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Now let’s make it!

  1. Mix tomatoes, basil, and garlic in a bowl.

  2. Add olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper.

  3. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes to blend flavors.

  4. Toast baguette slices until golden brown.

  5. Rub each slice with a garlic clove for extra flavor.

  6. Top bread with tomato mixture right before serving.

  7. Drizzle with more olive oil if you like.

Your homemade bruschetta is ready! Enjoy this fresh and simple appetizer with friends and family.

Gnocchi

Ready to make some delicious gnocchi? Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 3 cups cooked Russet potatoes
  • 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg (optional)
  • Salt to taste

Now let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps:

  1. Boil potatoes with skin on until tender. Peel and rice them while still hot.

  2. Let potatoes cool, then mix in flour, egg, and salt on a clean surface.

  3. Knead gently until a soft dough forms. Don’t overwork it!

  4. Cut dough into smaller pieces. Roll each into a rope about 1/2 inch thick.

  5. Cut ropes into 3/4 inch pieces. Shape by rolling each piece on a fork.

  6. Sprinkle gnocchi with flour to prevent sticking.

  7. Let them rest for 20 minutes before cooking.

  8. Boil gnocchi in salted water. They’re done when they float to the top!

Serve your homemade gnocchi with your favorite sauce. Tomato, butter and sage, or cheese sauces all work great. Enjoy your tasty Italian creation!

Penne All’Arrabbiata

Ready to spice up your pasta night? Penne All’Arrabbiata is a fiery Italian classic you’ll love!

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Now, let’s cook:

  1. Boil the penne in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  2. Heat olive oil in a large pan. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute.

  3. Pour in crushed tomatoes. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  4. Add salt to taste.

  5. Toss the cooked penne with the spicy sauce.

  6. Sprinkle with torn basil leaves and Parmesan if you like.

That’s it! Your Penne All’Arrabbiata is ready to serve. Enjoy the kick of heat in every bite!

Caprese Salad

You’ll need:

  • 3 ripe tomatoes
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Balsamic glaze
  • Salt and pepper

Let’s make this tasty Italian classic!

Take your tomatoes and mozzarella out of the fridge about an hour before you start. This helps bring out their flavors.

Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Pat them dry with a paper towel if they’re very moist.

On a plate, arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices in an alternating pattern. Tuck fresh basil leaves between the slices.

Drizzle some olive oil over everything. Add a light sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze just before serving. This adds a nice touch of sweetness.

Your Caprese salad is ready to enjoy! It’s perfect as a light lunch or a side dish for dinner.

Cannoli

Here’s what you’ll need to make delicious cannoli:

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • Optional: chocolate chips or candied fruit

Directions:

  1. Mix flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Cut in butter until crumbly.

  2. Add egg yolk and wine. Knead into a smooth dough. Wrap and chill for 30 minutes.

  3. Roll dough thin and cut into circles. Wrap circles around metal tubes.

  4. Heat oil and fry shells until golden. Cool and remove tubes.

  5. Mix ricotta, powdered sugar, and vanilla for the filling.

  6. Pipe filling into cooled shells just before serving.

  7. Dip ends in chocolate chips or candied fruit if desired.

You can make the shells ahead of time, but fill them right before eating for the best texture. Enjoy your homemade cannoli!

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Saltimbocca

Ready to make a delicious Italian classic? Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 4 thin veal cutlets
  • 4 slices prosciutto
  • 4 fresh sage leaves
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup white wine
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Toothpicks

Directions:

  1. Place a sage leaf on each veal cutlet. Top with a slice of prosciutto.

  2. Secure the prosciutto and sage to the veal using toothpicks.

  3. Season the veal lightly with salt and pepper.

  4. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

  5. Add the veal, prosciutto-side down. Cook for 2-3 minutes until golden.

  6. Flip the cutlets and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

  7. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for a minute.

  8. Remove the toothpicks and serve your saltimbocca hot.

You’ll love how quickly this dish comes together! The crispy prosciutto and tender veal create a perfect blend of textures. Enjoy your homemade saltimbocca with a side of your favorite veggies or pasta.

Panzanella

Ready to make a delicious Italian bread salad? Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups stale bread, cubed
  • 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • 1 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Toast the bread cubes in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes until golden.

  2. In a large bowl, mix the tomatoes, cucumber, and onion.

  3. Add the toasted bread to the vegetable mixture.

  4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.

  5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

  6. Let the salad sit for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

  7. Just before serving, tear the basil leaves and sprinkle them over the salad.

  8. Give it one final toss and enjoy your homemade panzanella!

This refreshing salad is perfect for hot summer days. The bread soaks up the juices from the tomatoes and dressing, creating a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Feel free to add other veggies or herbs you like!

Linguine Alle Vongole

You’ll need these ingredients:

  • 1 pound linguine pasta
  • 2 pounds fresh clams
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Here’s how to make it:

  1. Clean the clams by soaking them in cold salted water for 15-30 minutes. Rinse well.

  2. Cook the linguine in boiling salted water until al dente. Save some pasta water before draining.

  3. In a large pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic for about 30 seconds.

  4. Add clams and white wine. Cover and cook until clams open, about 5-7 minutes.

  5. Toss in the cooked linguine, parsley, and a splash of pasta water. Mix well.

  6. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like.

  7. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Linguine alle Vongole!

Remember to discard any clams that don’t open during cooking. This dish is best enjoyed with a glass of crisp white wine. Buon appetito!

Eggplant Parmigiana

You’ll need these ingredients:

  • 2 large eggplants
  • Salt
  • All-purpose flour
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 pound mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves

Here’s how to make it:

  1. Slice the eggplants thinly. Sprinkle salt on them and let sit for an hour. Rinse and pat dry.

  2. Coat eggplant slices in flour. Fry in hot oil until golden. Drain on paper towels.

  3. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  4. In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce.

  5. Add a layer of fried eggplant slices. Top with mozzarella, Parmesan, and basil.

  6. Repeat layers until you use all ingredients. End with cheese on top.

  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade eggplant parmigiana!

Zuppa Toscana

You’ll need these ingredients to make this tasty Italian soup:

  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 4 slices bacon, diced
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 4 cups water
  • 4-5 potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1 bunch kale, torn into pieces
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Here’s how to make Zuppa Toscana:

  1. Brown the sausage in a large pot. Remove and set aside.

  2. Cook the bacon in the same pot until crispy. Add onions and garlic, cooking until soft.

  3. Pour in the broth and water. Bring to a boil.

  4. Add potatoes and simmer for about 6 minutes until tender.

  5. Stir in the cooked sausage and kale. Cook for 3-4 minutes.

  6. Pour in the cream and heat through. Don’t let it boil.

  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Your Zuppa Toscana is ready! Serve it hot and enjoy the rich flavors of this classic Italian soup.