20 Nonna Approved Italian Comfort Food Recipes

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Are you ready to cozy up with a big plate of Italian comfort food, just like Nonna used to make? You know, the kind of dishes that warm your heart and fill your belly? Well, you’re in luck, because I’ve got 20 Nonna-approved Italian comfort food you’ll want to make again and again! From creamy risottos to hearty pasta sauces these recipes are sure to become your new go-tos. So, grab a fork, gather around, and get ready to mangia like a true Italian Nonna would want!

Cheesy Italian Sausage Lasagna

A slice of cheesy lasagna is being lifted from a baking dish, showcasing layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese stretching impressively. A fresh basil leaf garnishes the appetizing slice, making it a star in the world of recipes.

This irresistible homemade lasagna is packed with layers of hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey, golden mozzarella. It’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for cozy family dinners or prepping delicious meals ahead of time!

Get The Recipe: Cheesy Italian Sausage Lasagna

Roasted Tomato Risotto

Capture the essence of summer with this delicious Roasted Tomato Risotto recipe. Bursting with fresh tomato flavor, it’s a creamy and comforting dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal and creates a warm and inviting family dinner experience.

Get The Recipe: Roasted Tomato Risotto

Ravioli Casserole

This Baked Ravioli Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—quick, hearty, and oh-so-easy to make! With simple, store-bought ingredients, it’s a deliciously budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Get The Recipe: Ravioli Casserole

Chicken & Mushroom Risotto

A close up image of a pan of chicken and mushroom risotto sprinkled with grated cheese and parsley.

Tender chicken and earthy mushrooms come together in a creamy risotto that’s sure to please the whole crowd.

Get The Recipe: Chicken & Mushroom Risotto

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!

Get The Recipe: Chicken Marsala

Pasta Alla Norma

This isn’t just a recipe – it’s your passport to Italian culinary adventures! Our beginner-friendly guide to Pasta Alla Norma walks you through the process step-by-step, offering valuable pro tips along the way. The result? A delicious and authentic Italian dish that’s easier to make than you think.

Get The Recipe: Pasta Alla Norma

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

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

This recipe is your weeknight hero! It delivers restaurant-quality flavors without the fuss. Tender chicken is simmered in a silky sauce, creating a versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Serve it over pasta, rice, or polenta for a complete and satisfying meal.

Get The Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Easy Salmon and Pea Risotto

This recipe lets you simply throw everything together and simmer until you have a creamy and delicious Salmon and Pea Risotto. It’s a surprisingly easy approach to a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Get The Recipe: Easy Salmon and Pea Risotto

Spaghetti Alla Carbonara

This recipe isn’t just spaghetti – it’s an experience! Silky egg and cheese sauce clings to every strand of pasta, while crispy bacon adds a salty, smoky counterpoint. It’s a flavor explosion that’s surprisingly easy to make.

Get The Recipe: Spaghetti Alla Carbonara

Easy Saffron Risotto

a close up image of The cooked Saffron Risotto in a black pan with a wooden spoon

Each spoonful delivers a rich and complex flavor experience, further elevated by the bright acidity of lemon zest and the finishing touch of fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese.

Get The Recipe: Easy Saffron Risotto

Pasta With Cauliflower

a spoonful of cauliflower sauce being added to a dish of pasta.

This rustic pasta dish comes together in just 30 minutes, bringing hearty flavors to your table in a flash. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds the perfect finishing touch for a satisfying and speedy meal.

Get The Recipe: Pasta With Cauliflower

Easy Mushroom & Bacon Risotto

This recipe makes risotto approachable for everyone! It’s surprisingly simple to prepare and delivers a creamy and delicious dish you’ll crave again and again. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and guaranteed to become a regular in your meal rotation.

Get The Recipe: Easy Mushroom & Bacon Risotto

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

Easy Shrimp Scampi

A plate full of shrimp scampi and spaghetti sprinkled with fresh chopped parsley.

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

Italian Sausage Sunday Sauce

Spaghetti and Italian Sausage with a block of cheese and grater in the background.

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

Shrimp Risotto

A dish piled high with yellow rice, asparagus and plump shrimp.

This risotto uses flavorful stock, fragrant saffron, and fresh asparagus to create a dish with surprising depth. It’s a no-stir recipe, making it a perfect weeknight meal that’s both delicious and effortless.

Get The Recipe: Shrimp Risotto

Oven Baked Meatballs

Meatballs in sauce being served with a spoon.

These flavorful meatballs are your weeknight hero! Packed with herbs and Parmesan cheese, they’re perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch, dinner, or even an appetizer. Enjoy them on their own, or toss them in your favorite tomato sauce for a complete and delicious meal.

Get The Recipe: Oven Baked Meatballs

Spaghetti With Red Clam Sauce

Transport yourself to the Italian coast with this flavorful seafood pasta dish. Simple to prepare yet bursting with rich, bold flavors, it’s the perfect way to enjoy a taste of authentic Italian cuisine in a relaxed setting.

Get The Recipe: Spaghetti With Red Clam Sauce