These classic Italian foods are heavy on the Parmesan. What could be better for a dinner with the whole family?
36 Recipes for Old-World Italian Food
Great-Grandma’s Italian Meatballs
My great-grandmother started this easy meatball recipe with our family. We use ground beef and turkey for these meatballs, and the flavor’s so good, you won’t miss the extra calories. —Audrey Colantino, Winchester, Massachusetts
Check out these must-have Italian cookbooks for eating your way through Italy.
1/36
2/36
Pasta Fagioli Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband enjoys my version of this dish so much that he doesn’t order it at restaurants anymore. With fresh spinach, pasta and seasoned sausage, this fast-to-fix soup is a meal on its own. —Brenda Thomas, Springfield, Missouri
(Sop up this soup with a piece of one of these types of Italian bread.)
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.
3/36
Pasta Fagioli al Forno
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The name of this Italian-inspired dish means "baked pasta with beans." But my busy family translates it as "super satisfying dinner." —Cindy Preller, Grayslake, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 440 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 1029mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 22g protein.
4/36
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.
5/36
Beefy Eggplant Parmigiana
Total Time
1 hour 45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I developed this recipe one summer when my husband grew eggplant in the garden. I was thrilled when the parmigiana won high honors at a national beef contest. —Celeste Copper, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 498 calories, 33g fat (8g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 841mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
6/36
Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Once you've tried this tangy, yet delicate lemon chicken piccata, you won't hesitate to make it for company. Seasoned with parmesan and parsley, the chicken cooks up golden brown, then is drizzled with a light lemon sauce. —Susan Pursell, Fountain Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 232 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 346mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
7/36
Pressure-Cooker Penne with Meat Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This pressure-cooker pasta is delicious and super easy. I like to serve it alongside a chopped salad with Italian dressing. If you have leftovers, try them spooned into individual ramekins and baked with a little extra sauce and cheese on top. —Virginia Butterfield, Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 472 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 775mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 5g fiber), 31g protein.
8/36
Pizzelle Cookies
Total Time
20 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These lovely, golden brown anise pizzelle cookies have a crisp texture and delicate anise flavor. I create them using a pizzelle iron. —Barbara Colucci, Rockledge, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 76 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 52mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
9/36
Creamy Polenta
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Serve this creamy polenta with roasted chicken or grilled pork instead of potatoes or rice. Dress up the polenta by topping it with sauteed mushrooms, onions and spinach. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 196 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 491mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
10/36
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.
11/36
Italian Shredded Pork Stew
Total Time
8 hours 20 min
Servings
9 servings (about 3-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Need a warm meal for a chilly night? Throw together this slow-cooked stew that’s brightened with fresh sweet potatoes, kale and Italian seasoning. The shredded pork is so tender, you’re going to want to make this dish all season long. —Robin Jungers, Campbellsport, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 283 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 860mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein.
12/36
Short Rib Ragu
Total Time
7 hours 30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
An irresistible sauce gives the beef in this short rib ragu another dimension of flavor. Nearly any starchy side, such as potatoes or polenta, will work in place of the pasta. Short ribs are my crowd-pleaser weekend meal for all occasions. —Missy Raho, Morristown, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup ragu over 3/4 cup pasta: 302 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 328mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 18g protein.
13/36
Shrimp ‘n’ Spinach Risotto
Total Time
55 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I enjoy concocting new, healthy recipes and spinach is one of the few vegetables that my husband will eat. My creamy risotto makes a great side dish, but doubles as a meal-in-one as well. —Jennifer Neilsen, Williamston, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 405 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 187mg cholesterol, 906mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 35g protein.
14/36
Vegetable & Cheese Focaccia
Total Time
50 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family eats this flavorful bread as fast as I can make it. Sometimes I add different herbs, red onion or crumbled bacon. It's one of my best recipes!
—Mary Cass, Baltimore, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 151 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 315mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
15/36
Turkey Scallopini with Marsala Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family requests this entree at least once a month. The slightly sweet Marsala sauce is yummy over the turkey slices and hot cooked noodles. —Briana Knight, Ferndale, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without linguine): 459 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 341mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 33g protein.
16/36
Eggplant Zucchini Bolognese
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I roast the veggies while the pasta cooks, making this a quick dish. This meal-in-one dish blends rustic comfort with fresh flavors. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 395 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 378mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 22g protein.
17/36
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.
18/36
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.
19/36
Eggplant Rollatini
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These authentic Italian eggplant roll-ups can take some time to prepare, but the end result is restaurant-quality. Your family will request this recipe time and again. —Nancy Sousley, Lafayette, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3 roll-ups: 726 calories, 48g fat (15g saturated fat), 181mg cholesterol, 3182mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 7g fiber), 35g protein.
20/36
Meatball Soup
Total Time
50 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This meatball soup recipe is a hearty meal. It's great for chilly days. —Sue Miller, Walworth, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 248 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 778mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 6g fiber), 20g protein.
21/36
Pepper Ricotta Primavera
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Garlic, peppers and herbs top creamy ricotta cheese in this meatless skillet meal you can make in just 20 minutes. —Janet Boulger, Botwood, Newfoundland and Labrador
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 229 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 88mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 1/2 fat.
22/36
Spinach Tortellini Soup
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
A simple tomato-enhanced broth is perfect for cheese tortellini and fresh spinach. Increase the garlic and add Italian seasoning to suit your taste. —Debbie Wilson, Burlington, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 164 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 799mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
23/36
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.
24/36
Summer Carbonara
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Basil and bacon make best summer buds in this smoky-sweet pasta. I pair it with a simple spring mix salad with balsamic dressing and a glass of good Chardonnay or cold iced tea. —Cathy Dudderar, Lexington, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 508 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 732mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein.
25/36
Traditional Italian Wedding Soup
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
9 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
You don’t have to be Italian to love this easy-to-make soup with tiny round pasta! Homemade meatballs pair beautifully with ready-made stock and rotisserie chicken. —Mary Sheetz, Carmel, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 253 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 797mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein.
Pastina can also taste wonderfully in this soup.
26/36
Ricotta Gnocchi in Tomato Sauce
Total Time
2 hours
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you like trying out new dishes and enjoy Italian food, you should give this recipe a try. We
think you'll agree that homemade pasta just tastes better.—Jenn Martin, Sebago, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 838 calories, 34g fat (19g saturated fat), 198mg cholesterol, 2174mg sodium, 89g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 6g fiber), 42g protein.
27/36
Sicilian Pizza (Sfincione)
Total Time
40 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My favorite pizza from childhood is still my favorite today. The crunchy bread-crumb topping sets it apart from its American counterpart. I like to top this pie with fresh basil. —Susan Falk, Sterling Heights, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 277 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 527mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 11g protein.
28/36
Penne alla Vodka
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy and impressive pasta is always on the menu when my husband and I invite first-time guests over for dinner. Many friends have asked me to make the recipe again years after they first tried it. —Cara Langer, Overland Park, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 504 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 966mg sodium, 62g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein.
29/36
Tuscan Fish Packets
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband does a lot of fishing, so I'm always looking for different ways to serve his catches. A professional chef was kind enough to share this recipe with me, and I played around with some different veggie combinations until I found the one my family liked best. —Kathy Morrow, Hubbard, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 270 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 658mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 7g fiber), 38g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
30/36
Lemon Parmesan Orzo
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A splash of lemon and a shower of chopped parsley make this orzo one of my family's most requested springtime sides. It's fantastic with chicken, pork and fish, or you can eat it on its own as a light lunch. —Leslie Palmer, Swampscott, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 191 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 225mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 7g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
31/36
Penne with Tomatoes & White Beans
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I learned how to make this dish from friends in Genoa, Italy, where they're known for creating tasty combinations of veggies, pasta and beans. You can sub feta cheese to give this a Greek twist. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup tomato mixture with 1 cup pasta and 2 tablespoons cheese: 491 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 1505mg sodium, 77g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 9g fiber), 19g protein.
32/36
Sea Scallops and Fettuccine
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This luscious and lemony pasta dish is so easy, it's become one of our weekly meal mainstays. But it's also elegant enough to serve to guests. —Donna Thompson, Laramie, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 421 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 861mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 30g protein.
33/36
Minestrone Soup
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
11 servings (2-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This minestrone soup recipe is special to me because it’s one of the few dinners my entire family loves. And I can feel good about serving it because it’s full of nutrition and low in fat. —Lauren Brennan, Hood River, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 180 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 443mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 7g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 lean meat.
34/36
Shrimp Scampi
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This shrimp scampi recipe looks elegant enough to serve to company, but it’s easy to prepare. The bright flavors of lemon and herbs enhance the shrimp. Serve it over pasta and wait for the compliments. —Lori Packer, Omaha, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 395 calories, 30g fat (11g saturated fat), 177mg cholesterol, 420mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
35/36
Spinach Manicotti
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I invite people to dinner, many have started requesting this pasta bake ahead of time because it's that good. Plus, the manicotti is stuffed before it's cooked, making it even more convenient. —Christy Freeman, Central Point, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
2 stuffed manicotti shells: 363 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 822mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 22g protein.
36/36
Chicken Cacciatore
Total Time
1 hour 45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken cacciatore recipe makes a good Sunday dinner, since the recipe is so simple to prepare. It's inexpensive besides and loaded with lots of vegetables. —Barbara Roberts, Courtenay, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 517 calories, 25g fat (8g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 790mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 6g fiber), 39g protein.
