21 Italian Dishes That Bring Nonna’s Kitchen to Your Table

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Experience the flavors of Italy with these 21 unforgettable recipes! Whether it’s the creamy indulgence of shrimp risotto, the bold flavors of spaghetti alla puttanesca, or the comfort of baked eggplant parmesan, these dishes capture the essence of authentic Italian cooking. From classic sauces like marinara and Sunday sauce to hearty soups like pasta e fagioli, this collection has something for every Italian food lover.

Easy Homemade Tomato Sauce

a close up image of a spoon scooping up a serving of tomato sauce from a pan. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe for Easy Homemade Tomato Sauce makes it super simple to whip up delicious spaghetti sauce from scratch right in your own kitchen!

Get The Recipe: Easy Homemade Tomato Sauce

Penne Alla Vodka

Tender penne pasta bathes in a luxurious vodka cream sauce, ensuring every bite is a flavor explosion. This dish is surprisingly easy to make, yet impressive enough for a special occasion.

Get The Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka

Shrimp Risotto

A dish piled high with yellow rice, asparagus and plump shrimp. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Enjoy the bright flavors of spring in this simple risotto, crafted with care using stock, saffron, asparagus, and parsley. It’s a hassle-free, no-stir risotto ideal for effortless weeknight dinners.

Get The Recipe: Shrimp Risotto

Tortellini Alfredo

A green bowl filled with tortellini pasta in a creamy Alfredo sauce, mixed with wilted spinach and small pieces of bacon. The dish appears rich and savory, promising to be a good indulgence for any meal. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Indulge your senses with this rich and flavorful pasta dish. Creamy garlic sauce mingles with salty pancetta, vibrant spinach, and your favorite pasta for a delightful interplay of textures and tastes. It’s a culinary adventure in every bite!

Get The Recipe: Tortellini Alfredo

Homemade Marinara Sauce

A plate of pasta with marinara sauce with a fork next to it and fresh basil near the dish — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe is a game-changer! With just three simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and versatile Homemade Marinara Sauce. It’s perfect for pasta dishes, pizzas, or as a dipping sauce.

Get The Recipe: Homemade Marinara Sauce

Easy Saffron Risotto

a close up image of The cooked Saffron Risotto in a black pan with a wooden spoon — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

The luxurious flavor of saffron forms the base, while the lemon zest, parsley, and Parmesan cheese add a delightful finishing touch. Feel free to get creative and customize it with your favorite vegetables or seafood for a truly personalized dish.

Get The Recipe: Easy Saffron Risotto

Fish Piccata

This dish presents crispy pan-fried fish fillets, lightly coated in flour. It’s highlighted by a tantalizing sauce made of zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and savory white wine, and finished with briny capers for a burst of flavor.

Get The Recipe: Fish Piccata

Chicken Marsala

This restaurant-worthy Chicken Marsala recipe transforms your kitchen into a little slice of Italy. Get ready to ditch takeout and savor the taste of homemade magic!

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Chicken Cacciatore

Experience the timeless delight of Authentic Chicken Cacciatore, a cherished Italian classic. Succulent chicken slow-cooked in a flavorful, robust tomato sauce—comfort food at its finest!

Get The Recipe: Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken & Mushroom Risotto

A close up image of a pan of chicken and mushroom risotto sprinkled with grated cheese and parsley. — Image Credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe elevates classic risotto with the addition of juicy chicken and earthy mushrooms. The resulting dish is a delightful blend of creamy textures and savory flavors, sure to please any crowd.

Get The Recipe: Chicken & Mushroom Risotto

Pasta E Fagioli Soup

a close up image of Pasta Fagioli Soup in a large pot. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Pasta Fagioli Soup is a classic Italian dish. This authentic and flavorful recipe provides a hearty, comforting meal sure to be loved by all.

Get The Recipe: Pasta Fagioli

Shrimp Alfredo

You’ll love this quick and easy Italian pasta dish featuring garlicky shrimp and fettuccine pasta drenched in a luxurious cream sauce.

Get The Recipe: Shrimp Alfredo

Lemon Orzo Soup

A comfort bowl of soup featuring orzo pasta, shredded chicken, and sliced carrots, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. A spoon rests on the side, and the dish is placed on a white marble surface. — Image Credit: Erren’s Kitchen

Enjoy a fresh and zesty Lemon Orzo Soup packed with tender chicken, veggies, and pasta—it’s comfort food in a bowl! The best part is, it can be made stove top or in the slow cooker.

Get The Recipe: Lemon Orzo Soup

Chicken Francaise

Pan-fried golden brown, and finished in a vibrant lemon white wine sauce. It’s surprisingly easy to prepare and delivers a restaurant-worthy meal you can enjoy at home.

Get The Recipe: Chicken Francaise

Italian Sausage Sunday Sauce

Spaghetti and Italian Sausage with a block of cheese and grater in the background. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe is your gateway to Italian comfort food bliss. Packed with flavor and made with love, it proves that the best things are truly homemade.

Get The Recipe: Italian Sausage Sunday Sauce

Easy Shrimp Scampi

A plate full of shrimp scampi and spaghetti sprinkled with fresh chopped parsley. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This simple Shrimp Scampi is made with garlic, butter, lemon, and white wine; it’s a timeless Italian favorite made wonderfully simple.

Get The Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Skip the jar! These homemade Italian meatballs are simmered in rich spaghetti sauce for a taste of authentic Italian comfort food.

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Italian Sausage and Peppers

This easy Italian sausage and peppers recipe can be made on the grill or in the oven. Serve in a roll, alongside pasta, or as a pizza topping.

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Baked Eggplant Parmesan

This Italian Baked Eggplant Parmesan recipe uses roasted eggplant instead of fried eggplant, creating a simple, cheesy vegetarian meal.

Get The Recipe: Baked Eggplant Parmesan

White Clam Sauce

Flavorful clams and robust pasta unite in a delightful white wine sauce, enhanced by zesty lemon and a dash of parsley. This dish adds a celebratory flair to any meal.

Get The Recipe: Clam Sauce

Spaghetti Alla Puttanesca

Create a delicious and hassle-free family meal with this Spaghetti Alla Puttanesca recipe! Made with pantry staples and ready in no time, it’s a simple dish that delivers big on flavor and satisfaction for the whole family.

Get The Recipe: Spaghetti Alla Puttanesca