Home » Recipe Collections » 15 Italian Recipes Nonna Taught Me

15 Italian Recipes Nonna Taught Me

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

So, you’ve decided to channel your inner Italian Nonna, huh? Well, you’re in luck. We’re talking about 15 classic recipes that my Nonna taught me. They’re tried-and-tested winners, the kind that makes you say, “Wow, why did I ever eat anything else?”. Try them today and experience goodness.

Pasta Carbonara inside a bowl with herbs and bacon.
Low Carb Pasta Carbonara. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Rainbow Fathead Pizza

Rainbow Pizza filled with colorful tomatoes and green fresh chives around it.
Rainbow Fathead Pizza. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

My nonna always appreciated the vibrant hues in her food, which is why Rainbow Fathead Pizza was a favorite. It’s as colorful as it sounds, making it a feast for the eyes and the belly. This recipe uses a combination of bright veggies to bring some life to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Fathead Pizza

Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken

Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken inside cast iron.
Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

There’s nothing quite like the simplicity and flavor of Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken. Nonna used to say that good food doesn’t need to be complicated, and this dish is proof. Juicy chicken topped with mozzarella and tangy tomato – it’s a match made in heaven.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken

Low Carb Gnocchi with Fresh Spinach Sauce

Bright green gnocchi sauce with orange turmeric powder over the gnocchi plate.
Low Carb Gnocchi with Fresh Spinach Sauce. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Whenever Nonna felt fancy, she whipped up some Low Carb Gnocchi with Fresh Spinach Sauce. It’s hearty without the heaviness, thanks to the light, fresh spinach sauce. The gnocchi are pillowy soft, making them perfect for a low-carb option.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Gnocchi with Fresh Spinach Sauce

Stuffed Zucchini Mini Bites

Stuffed Zucchini Mini Bites on a plate with herbs.
Stuffed Zucchini Mini Bites. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Stuffed Zucchini Mini Bites were Nonna’s go-to for small gatherings. These little morsels are packed with flavor and perfect for sharing – or not. They’re so good, you might want to keep them all for yourself. Plus, they look pretty fancy without much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Zucchini Mini Bites

Palmini Baked Fetta Pasta

Baked palmini with feta in a light blue casserole.
Palmini Baked Fetta Pasta. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

No one believed that Palmini Baked Fetta Pasta could be both indulgent and waist-friendly until they tried Nonna’s recipe. It mixes the creaminess of feta with the light, almost magical strands of Palmini. It’s a bake that brings comfort on any day.
Get the Recipe: Palmini Baked Fetta Pasta

Low Carb Gnocchi Tomato Basil

Brown plate with gnocci, tomatoes and basil leaves.
Low Carb Gnocchi Tomato Basil. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Low Carb Gnocchi Tomato Basil is a testament to the flavors of Italy, simple yet profound. Nonna always said that the best meals revolve around fresh ingredients, and this recipe is all about that. It’s like summer in a dish, no matter the season.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Gnocchi Tomato Basil

Stuffed Mushrooms Appetizer

Stuffed Mushrooms on a plate.
Stuffed Mushrooms Appetizer. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

When she wanted to impress, Nonna made Stuffed Mushrooms Appetizer. These aren’t your average stuffed mushrooms; they’re a mouthful of umami with every bite. Perfect for a party or a classy snack, they always leave people wanting more.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Mushrooms Appetizer

Bacon Fathead Pizza Dough

Keto Bacon Fathead Pizza with fresh basil leaves.
Bacon Fathead Pizza Dough. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

The base of many great creations, Bacon Fathead Pizza Dough was a staple according to Nonna. It’s got that heart-warming aroma when cooking, a soft yet firm texture, and just a hint of bacon. Imagine the possibilities with such a tasty foundation!
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fathead Pizza Dough

Stuffed Pepper

Stuffed peppers with tomato sauce inside a white dish.
Stuffed Pepper. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

For a comfort food with a twist, Stuffed Pepper filled the bill in Nonna’s kitchen. She packed them with everything good – meat, spices, and a bit of love. They’re colorful, nutritious, and a full meal within a pepper. It’s like a food hug in edible form.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Pepper

Low Carb Gnocchi with Bacon and Cream Sauce

Gnocchi with Bacon and Cream Sauce served on a white plate.
Low Carb Gnocchi with Bacon and Cream Sauce. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Low Carb Gnocchi with Bacon and Cream Sauce combines the best of both worlds – rich cream and savory bacon. This dish brings forward the flavors in a lush, comforting embrace of gnocchi. Each bite is a small nod to traditional Italian cooking with a low-carb spin.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Gnocchi with Bacon and Cream Sauce

Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback

Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback on a baking tray.
Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Nonna used to create Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback as her showstopper. Imagine tender chicken with layers of tomato, basil, and gooey mozzarella tucked in every slice. It’s an Italian classic turned into a modern masterpiece. Great when you want to dial the dinner up a notch.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback

Low Carb Spaghetti Bolognese

Low Carb Spaghetti Bolognese in a grey bowl with extra sauce on the side.
Low Carb Spaghetti Bolognese. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Low Carb Spaghetti Bolognese was always bubbling away at Nonna’s. She’d say a good Bolognese sauce is the heart of Italian cooking, and hers appealed to both taste and health. Rich, meaty, and utterly filling, it’s the kind of dish that calls for seconds. And thirds.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Spaghetti Bolognese

Stuffed Tomatoes

Stuffed Tomatoes inside white casserole.
Stuffed Tomatoes. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Those looking for a tomato burst in every bite went straight for Nonna’s Stuffed Tomatoes. Filled with herbed rice or even just cheese and basil, they were a simple side that stole the show. They’re not just stuffed tomatoes; they’re little bombs of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Tomatoes

Low Carb Pasta Carbonara

Pasta Carbonara inside a bowl with herbs and bacon.
Low Carb Pasta Carbonara. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Low Carb Pasta Carbonara was another nonna classic, proving you don’t need tons of carbs to enjoy Italian flavors. Eggs and cheese come together in a creamy harmony, coating every strand of pasta beautifully. It is a bit of food magic on a plate.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Pasta Carbonara

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers on a blue plates.
Stuffed Bell Peppers. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

According to Nonna, Stuffed Bell Peppers are like the treasure chests of the food world. Richly filled with everything from grains and meats to spices and herbs, these peppers are meals in themselves. They make a colorful and filling dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Peppers

By Zuzana Paar on August 11th, 2024
Photo of author

About Zuzana Paar

Zuzana is the creative force behind this vibrant blog. With passion as a recipe developer, content creator, food writer, movie maker, and photographer, she poured her heart and soul into curating a space brimming with delightful keto and low carb recipes. Join her on this flavorful journey where quick, easy-to-make dishes take center stage, bringing joy and nourishment to your table.

More Posts by this author.

Leave a Comment