Relive the good old days when the whole family came over on Sunday to enjoy each other’s company and Nonna’s Italian cooking.
Nonna’s Best Recipes for Sunday Dinner
Updated on Apr. 24, 2024
Mom’s Italian Bread
I think Mom used to bake at least four of these tender loaves at once, and they never lasted long. She served the bread with every Italian meal. I love it toasted, too. —Linda Harrington, Windham, New Hampshire
1/45
2/45
Best Lasagna
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Want to know how to make lasagna for a casual holiday meal? You can't go wrong with this deliciously rich meat lasagna recipe. My grown sons and daughter-in-law request it for their birthdays, too. —Pam Thompson, Girard, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 519 calories, 27g fat (13g saturated fat), 109mg cholesterol, 1013mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 35g protein.
3/45
Italian Pasta Sauce
Total Time
2 hours 25 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my daughter Kris got married, her new husband made something special for their wedding buffet—a big batch of this thick, flavorful pasta sauce. His grandmother brought the recipe from Italy nearly 100 years ago. —Judy Braun, Juneau, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 284 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 821mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein.
4/45
Pasta Fagioli Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband enjoys my version of this soup so much that he stopped ordering it at restaurants. He’d rather savor the version we can have at home. It’s so easy to make, yet hearty enough to be a full dinner. —Brenda Thomas, Springfield, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 228 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 841mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
5/45
Stuffed Shells with Meat
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a rich and comforting dish that’s terrific right away or made ahead and baked the next day. Pesto makes a surprising filling for these cheesy and satisfying shells. —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
2 stuffed shells: 405 calories, 22g fat (10g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 730mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
6/45
Manicotti Shells
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
6 servings
Nutrition Facts:
3 manicotti: 480 calories, 22g fat (11g saturated fat), 201mg cholesterol, 1128mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
7/45
Zucchini Panzanella Salad
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
14 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I learned how to make panzanella from my friend's grandmother. Once I discovered how to make the perfect vinaigrette, it became a dish I crave during the summer. It's also a great way to use day-old bread and your garden's bounty of zucchini. —Felicity Wolf, Kansas City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 152 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 301mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch.
8/45
Pasta with White Clam Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Garlic and oregano enhance the seafood flavor of this delicious linguine with white clam sauce. An Italian friend of my mom's passed on the recipe to her, and I began preparing it when I was 14. For convenience, it can be made in advance—and leftovers are just as good! —Kelli Soike, Tallahassee, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 379 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 874mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 4g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 2 fat, 1 lean meat.
9/45
Ricotta Gnocchi with Spinach & Gorgonzola
Total Time
2 hours 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my family comes for a visit, they always ask me to make this unique dish for dinner. Homemade cheesy gnocchi is topped with a rich sauce made with butternut squash, spinach and Gorgonzola.— Brud Holland, Watkins Glen, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups gnocchi with 3/4 cup spinach mixture: 833 calories, 35g fat (17g saturated fat), 248mg cholesterol, 1420mg sodium, 101g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 7g fiber), 29g protein.
10/45
Tomato & Artichoke Bruschetta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 6-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A healthy and refreshing appetizer, I enjoy bruschetta anytime of year. For serving guests, I like to slice the garlic instead of chopping it for both beauty and flavor infusion. This is also a simple make-ahead dish: You can mix it up, cover and refrigerate for a few hours before serving.—Gina Bergamino, Chanhassen, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 24 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 37mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
11/45
Spaghetti Sauce
Total Time
8 hours 30 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
My father is very opinionated, especially about food. This recipe received his almost unreachable stamp of approval. I have yet to hear a disagreement from anyone who has tried it! —Melissa Taylor, Higley, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 335 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 622mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 5g fiber), 22g protein.
12/45
Antipasto Platter
Total Time
10 min
Servings
16 servings (3 qt.)
From the Recipe Creator:
We entertain often, and an antipasto platter is one of our favorite crowd-pleasers. Guests love having their choice of so many delicious nibbles, including pepperoni and cubes of provolone. —Teri Lindquist, Gurnee, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 157 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 727mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
13/45
Nana's Italian Roulade
Total Time
2 hours
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My great-aunt from Sicily taught my mother how to stuff and bake a steak in a jelly-roll style. It’s unique and really special in our family. —Roseanne McDonald, Days Creek, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice with 3/4 cup sauce (calculated without spaghetti): 331 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 119mg cholesterol, 1491mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein.
14/45
Shrimp Puttanesca
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I throw together these bold ingredients for a feisty seafood pasta. —Lynda Balslev, Sausalito, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup shrimp mixture: 228 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 140mg cholesterol, 579mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein.
15/45
Calamari Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of the seven fish dishes we serve at Christmastime. It is easy to make and quite delicious! I enjoy it served both warm and cold. Either way, it has become one of our traditional dishes each year. The recipe has been passed down to me through my grandparents, who were excellent cooks. —Paul Rinaldi, Easton, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 273 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 330mg cholesterol, 204mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 22g protein.
16/45
Spaghetti with Sausage and Peppers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Smoked turkey sausage with strips of fresh bell peppers is a healthy change of pace from Italian sausage or ground beef in your spaghetti. —Ginger Harrell, El Dorado, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 284 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 899mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 16g protein.
17/45
Scallops and Pasta
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A buttery garlic sauce zips up a bowlful of linguine, bay scallops and veggies. Celebrate something special or toast the end of another workday with this dish that's perfectly sized for two. —Paula Jones, Brooksville, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup scallop mixture with 1/2 cup linguine: 281 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 709mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
18/45
Alfredo Sauce
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings (6 cups)
From the Recipe Creator:
When I found out I had celiac disease and could no longer have fettuccine Alfredo, I was determined to figure out a way to re-create it. This has now become one of my most-requested dishes. I use gluten-free multigrain pasta, but you can use any style of pasta. —Jackie Charlesworth Stiff, Frederick, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 732 calories, 50g fat (31g saturated fat), 153mg cholesterol, 710mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
19/45
Italian Sausage Lasagna
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The idea for this sausage lasagna recipe comes from my mother-in-law, who always makes it for my three boys on special holidays. I've put an easy twist on Carole's classic dish, and it's become one of my go-to dinners as well! —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, VA
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 416 calories, 23g fat (11g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 978mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein.
20/45
Quick and Simple Meatballs
Total Time
35 min
Servings
48 meatballs
From the Recipe Creator:
Keep a batch of these meatballs in your freezer for an easy weeknight meal. This simple meatball recipe can be used for pizzas, sub sandwiches, in soups and more. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3 meatballs: 276 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 533mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein.
21/45
Sausage and Spinach Tortellini Soup
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband’s grandmother made this soup with her own homemade sausage and tortellini. We don’t make those ingredients these days, but we’re so happy to have the passed-down recipe—this version is almost as good as hers. It's also an excellent way to get the kids to eat spinach! —Joyce Lulewicz, Brunswick, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups: 354 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 1360mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein.
22/45
Garlic Bread
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Ever wonder how to make garlic bread? This homemade garlic bread is the answer! Minced fresh garlic is key to these flavor-packed crusty slices, which our big family would snap up before they even had a chance to cool. —Grace Yaskovic, Branchville, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 258 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 433mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
23/45
Parmesan Risotto
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Risotto is a creamy Italian rice dish. In this version, the rice is briefly sauteed, then slowly cooked in wine and seasonings. Watch for that magic moment when the risotto transforms from just rice in liquid to creamy, tender deliciousness. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 260 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 728mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
24/45
Round Steak Italiano
Total Time
7 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom used to make this wonderful dish, and I’ve always enjoyed it. The
gravy is especially dense and flavorful.—Deanne Stephens, McMinnville, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 357 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 329mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
25/45
Nutty Cheese Tortellini
Total Time
20 min
Servings
3 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to plant Italian flat-leaf parsley in a long terra-cotta planter so I always have some on hand. It adds bright, fresh flavor to this pasta dish. —Barbara Penatzer, Vestal, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 650 calories, 48g fat (25g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 677mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
26/45
Homemade Ravioli
Total Time
2 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to bake and cook—especially Italian dishes like this homemade ravioli recipe. In fact, my idea of a perfect day consists of cooking my family's favorite foods then watching them dig in!—Lori Daniels, Hartland, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
10 ravioli: 856 calories, 27g fat (13g saturated fat), 279mg cholesterol, 1139mg sodium, 110g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 7g fiber), 42g protein.
27/45
Focaccia Barese
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This focaccia has been in my mom's family for several generations. It is one of my most-requested recipes whenever I am invited to a party—I am not allowed to attend unless I bring it! —Dora Travaglio, Mount Prospect, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 142 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 269mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
28/45
Caprese Skewers
Total Time
10 min
Servings
12 kabobs
From the Recipe Creator:
Trade in the usual veggie platter for these fun kabobs. In addition to preparing these for get-togethers, I often make these as snacks for my family. And because assembly is so easy, the kids often ask to help. —Christine Mitchell, Glendora, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 44 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 10mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat.
29/45
Pork Medallions with Brandy Cream Sauce
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I adapted this easy, elegant main dish from a recipe my mother-in-law cooked for our family. Cayenne lends a bit of heat to its rich, creamy sauce. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 937 calories, 55g fat (29g saturated fat), 210mg cholesterol, 577mg sodium, 72g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 39g protein.
30/45
Spaghetti Meatball Supper
Total Time
2 hours 15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It was such a joy to come home and find my mom making spaghetti and meatballs for dinner. This recipe has always been dear to my heart. —Debbie Heggie, Laramie, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without spaghetti): 254 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 798mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
31/45
Fettuccine Carbonara
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When a man at church found out how much my family likes fettuccine, he shared his Italian grandmother's carbonara recipe with us. I've made it my own over the last 25 years. Grated Parmesan cheese works just as well as Romano. —Kristine Chayes, Smithtown, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without additional cheese): 495 calories, 19g fat (9g saturated fat), 162mg cholesterol, 684mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein.
32/45
Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Sauce
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my mom made this spaghetti sauce, the house would smell so good that I'd open the windows to torture the neighbors. It even tastes wonderful the next day, when the flavors have really melded. —Vera Schulze, Holbrook, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup spaghetti with 3/4 cup sauce (calculated without cheese): 327 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 607mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 10g protein.
33/45
Italian Vegetable Soup
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
8 servings (2 qts.)
From the Recipe Creator:
This Italian zucchini soup recipe was given to me by my neighbor. Nice and simple, it's a good way to use a lot of your zucchini and other garden vegetables. It freezes well and is great to have on hand on a cold winter day. —Clara Mae Chambers, Superior, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 156 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 1046mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 8g protein.
34/45
Gnocchi with Mushrooms and Onion
Total Time
20 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tender potato gnocchi are so delicious with the earthy, rich flavors of sauteed mushrooms and onions. It's one of my family's go-to side dishes. —Kris Berezansky, Clymer, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 287 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 583mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
35/45
Spinach Tortellini
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I enjoy all things pasta, and tortellini is my favorite. The flavor of this dish is amazing. Even my husband, who hates pasta of any kind, loves it! It's a great recipe for non-spinach fans to try, too. —Jenny Dubinsky, Inwood, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 404 calories, 22g fat (13g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 810mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 13g protein.
36/45
Italian Snack Bread
Total Time
55 min
Servings
about 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've served this snack bread alongside spaghetti, as an appetizer and as a main dish. Because it stays so tender, I often bake it a day before. —Joan Nowacki, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 254 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 158mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
37/45
White Lasagna
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom made this lasagna for special occasions, such as birthdays. When she passed, I inherited her cookbooks—tucked inside one of them, I found this recipe folded into a letter she wrote to me while I was stationed overseas. It's a hearty, rich dish that reminds me of home. —Janet Wing, Minot, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 462 calories, 30g fat (16g saturated fat), 114mg cholesterol, 787mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
38/45
Italian Pinwheel Rolls
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Parmesan cheese, garlic and oregano make these rolls hard to resist. My family gets hungry when they smell them baking and can't wait for them to be done. —Patricia FitzGerald, Candor, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 110 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 253mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
39/45
White Bean Soup with Escarole
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Pantry staples make this healthy soup oh, so simple to prepare. When I can't find escarole, I use fresh spinach. Just add to the soup pot moments before serving. —Gina Samokar, North Haven, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup soup with 1-1/2 teaspoons cheese: 174 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 572mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 8g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
40/45
Shrimp Alfredo
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Instead of buying a jar of sauce, make it from scratch for this easy shrimp Alfredo recipe. The garlic aroma will call your family to the table. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 788 calories, 51g fat (31g saturated fat), 317mg cholesterol, 573mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 38g protein.
41/45
Slow-Cooked Meatball Soup
Total Time
5 hours 30 min
Servings
10 servings (about 3-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
As a mother, I try to sneak as many veggies into my daughter's diet as I can. This savory soup with meatballs and pasta does the trick. Best of all, the whole family loves it! —Kymm Wills, Phoenix, AZ
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 288 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 1173mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein.
42/45
Marinated Mozzarella & Tomato Appetizers
Total Time
20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Inspired by a dish I had at a restaurant, this simply sensational combination should marinate for at least three hours—the longer the better. —Mary Ann Lee, Clifton Park, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 119 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 171mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
43/45
Lasagna Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
While growing up, I always wanted this meal on my birthday. Mother made the sauce from scratch, but now I use store-bought spaghetti sauce to save time. Replace the ground beef with Italian sausage if you want more spice. —Deb Morrison, Skiatook, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 667 calories, 30g fat (14g saturated fat), 157mg cholesterol, 1209mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 44g protein.
44/45
Savory Biscuit-Breadsticks
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 breadsticks
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to experiment in the kitchen with simple ingredients like refrigerated biscuits. The results are usually a big hit—these super fast breadsticks are an example. —Billy Hensley, Mount Carmel, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 breadstick: 142 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 353mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
45/45
Sicilian Meat Sauce
Total Time
6 hours 30 min
Servings
3 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
People have told me this is better than the gravy their Sicilian grandmothers used to make. But don’t tell the older generation that! —Emory Doty, Jasper, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 157 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 442mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
