Our Favoruite Homemade Italian Dinner Recipes

When it comes to Italian cooking, nothing compares to the authenticity and love found in recipes passed down through generations. These treasured dishes, lovingly prepared by grandmothers (or Nonne, as they’re called in Italy), are the heart and soul of Italian cuisine. In this collection, we bring you 15 Nonna-approved Italian recipes that have stood the test of time. From comforting classics like Lasagna and Eggplant Parmesan to lesser-known regional dishes, these recipes are packed with flavors!

Eggplant Involtini

Eggplant Involtini is the epitome of Italian comfort food. These eggplant rolls are great for entertaining as they can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving. After filling the eggplant slices, the small bundles are placed in a basic tomato sauce, topped with grated parmesan cheese, and baked to rich, flavoursome deliciousness.

Go to the recipe: Eggplant Involtini

Chicken Cacciatore

This chicken cacciatore has the perfect balance of Italian flavors. It is so good that your family will come running to it. The chicken is juicy and tender, perfect for meal prep. Chicken cacciatore is a classic hunter-style Italian stew packed with rich flavors, thanks to the rustic sauce and tender chicken. 

Go to the recipe: Chicken Cacciatore

Lemon Fettuccine with Garlic Shrimps

This Lemon Fettuccine with Garlic shrimp recipe has a light, fresh taste. It’s easy to cook and works great for lunch or dinner. One of the best things about simple fettuccine and shrimp recipes like this one is that they require little preparation. It also requires only a few ingredients you have in your pantry or can easily source.

Go to the recipe: Lemon Fettuccine with Garlic Shrimps

Baked Gnocchi Alla Vodka

This gorgeous one-pot baked gnocchi alla vodka sauce is one of my new go-to simple, easy, and deliciously creamy vegetarian dinners. It’s ready in less than 30 minutes, contains nine ingredients, and requires just one pan! This easy gnocchi with vodka sauce is a dreamy recipe, finished with melty golden mozzarella and fresh basil.

Go to the recipe: Baked Gnocchi Alla Vodka

Casoncelli Pasta

Casoncelli pasta, also called cassie, is a classic stuffed pasta from Eastern Lombardy, Italy. There are several versions of this delicious traditional dish. This recipe is for cancelli della Valcamonica, a valley in the Italian Alps. It is a fabulous authentic Italian pasta recipe for those who enjoy making homemade pasta from scratch!

Go to the recipe: Casoncelli Pasta

Zuppa Di Pesce (Italian Seafood)

Zuppa di Pesce is an Italian seafood stew that includes many of your favorite shellfish varieties in a fragrant, herbed tomato broth with just a small kick of red pepper. The broth is perfect for sopping up with crusty bread or ladling over your favorite spaghetti. This dish lets you savor the essence of coastal Italian cuisine with each spoonful.

Go to the recipe: Zuppa Di Pesce (Italian Seafood)

Nourishing Stracciatella Soup

This stracciatella soup, or Italian egg drop soup, is made with a rich (chicken) broth, nourishing vegetables, and a flavorful mixture of Parmesan cheese, eggs, and fresh parsley. It’s incredibly hearty, nourishing, and filling enough to serve as a complete meal. You can keep it low-carb or make it with pasta like Tortellini or Ravioli—this soup won’t disappoint!

Go to the recipe: Nourishing Stracciatella Soup

Lemon Caper Pasta

This lemon caper pasta is bursting with fresh, citrus flavor! It’s made with al dente pasta tossed in a savory caper sauce, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s the perfect light pasta for summer nights or anytime you need a quick, satisfying meal!

Go to the recipe: Lemon Caper Pasta

Italian Sausage and Peppers Pasta

Cheesy, saucy, and meaty, this Italian Sausage and Peppers Pasta recipe is a dinner-time hit any day of the week! The tomato, cheese, and herb combination is dreamy but elevated to a whole-nother celestial plane when combined with sweet Italian sausage, peppers, and onions. Stir in some tender linguine, add some dimension with dried red pepper flakes, and have a memorable pasta meal.

Go to the recipe: Italian Sausage and Peppers Pasta

Crock Pot Braised Beef Ragu With Polenta

This Crock Pot Braised Beef Ragu with Polenta is assembled in minutes. It is delicious, filling, and warms your soul. I took a few strategic shortcuts to bring this classic Italian staple into the 21st century. It is perfect for a weeknight meal and also for entertaining large crowds. The crock pot does all the hard work.

Go to the recipe: Crock Pot Braised Beef Ragu With Polenta

Grandma’s Italian Meatball and Pea Stew

This dish is a true labor of love. It combines tender meatballs with a flavorful pea and vegetable broth. This recipe can be adapted in a few ways, such as adding diced potatoes to the stew, which makes it even more hearty and comforting. You can also experiment with the broth, using less for a thicker, stew-like consistency or more for a lighter, soup-like texture.

Go to the recipe: Grandma’s Italian Meatball and Pea Stew

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Grapes

Enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean with this refreshing orzo salad. It features a colorful combination of crisp zucchini, juicy green grapes and cherry tomatoes, salty feta cheese, and black beans. Tossed in a simple yet flavorful vinaigrette made with olive oil, balsamic, and herbs, this salad perfectly balances salty and sweet.

Go to the recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Grapes

Authentic Italian Lasagna with Béchamel Sauce

Indulge in the flavors of Authentic Italian Lasagna with Béchamel Sauce. This homemade recipe features a rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, layers of lasagna sheets, and mozzarella cheese. Learn how to make, store, and serve this classic dish. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this Italian lasagna recipe will leave everyone craving more.

Go to the recipe: Authentic Italian Lasagna with Béchamel Sauce

Authentic Homemade Italian Manicotti with Crepes

Traditionally, authentic Italian manicotti is made with crepes, not pasta. They are filled with a ricotta cheese mixture and baked with a layer of sauce and cheese. With manicotti shells made from crepes and a rich ricotta cheese filling, this comforting pasta dish is perfect for Sunday dinner or the holiday season.

Go to the recipe: Authentic Homemade Italian Manicotti with Crepes

Alfredo and Meatballs

This Alfredo and Meatballs recipe is a plate of creamy comfort food. The meatballs are juicy inside, with a nice crust on the exterior. The pasta and meatballs are smothered in a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce that coats every bite. The perfectly seasoned meatballs and this luscious Alfredo sauce will be a new favorite in your house.

Go to the recipe: Alfredo and Meatballs