Credit: Allrecipes / Qi Ai
Traditional recipes are a great way to share and pass down cultural and culinary customs. But food, like language, is a constantly evolving. Variations pop up based on what ingredients are available, impact from other cultures and practices, globalization, and other variables that influence what and how we eat.
Related: Taste of Tradition: Sharing Heritage Through Cooking
Some Italians can be enthusiastically protective of their cuisine (and that comes from a first-gen Italian-American!) but that doesn’t mean there aren’t delicious variations that deserve some love, too. Here are 12 of our favorite Italian-ish recipes that may not be traditional in preparation or ingredients—but capture the spirit of la vita bella. Make one for your nonna, and she may just be a convert too!
01 of 12
One-Pan Chicken Piccata and Rice
Credit: Photographer: Grant Webster / Food Styling: Shannon Goforth / Prop Styling: Kristen Schooley
Allrecipes recipe developer Jaelyn Luong created this tasty one-pot riff on classic Chicken Piccata. It’s nice and bright, and a whole dinner all in one. Make it for your family and watch it disappear!
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02 of 12
Crockpot Pastina Soup (Italian Penicillin Soup)
Credit: Peyton Beckwith
The slow cooker version of “Italian Penicillin” is just as comforting and and warming as the real deal—but just a bit easier.
“This has easily become my family’s favorite,” raved one Allrecipes member. “That says a LOT especially since I make a LOT of soup. It’s my favorite thing to do in the colder months. I’d give this 10 stars if I could!”
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03 of 12
Sheet Pan Lasagna
Credit: Allrecipes / Qi Ai
Allrecipes community member Rachaell Rampini shared this tasty sheet pan lasagna that gives eater the crispy, brown edges we all know and love.
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04 of 12
Puttanesca Pasta Bake
Credit: Photographer: Jacob Fox / Food Styling: Sammy Mila / Prop Styling: Natalie Ghazali
“This puttanesca pasta bake is a great variation of the classic Italian pasta with capers, olives, anchovy, and tomatoes,” says Barrett Heald, who developed this recipe. “Serve with extra Parmesan cheese and sprinkle with fresh parsley.”
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05 of 12
Chicken Marsala Rice Casserole
Credit: Photographer: Grant Webster / Food Styling: Shannon Goforth / Prop Styling: Kristen Schooley
“This Chicken Marsala Rice Casserole is a delicious variant on chicken and mushrooms,” says recipe developer Juliana Hale. “Baked with cremini mushrooms and Marsala wine for a pop of flavor, this dish feels like a creamy risotto and is very satisfying.”
“I made this per the recipe with no changes,” raved one reviewer. “The rice and chicken were perfectly cooked and the flavor was so good. I will be making this recipe often.”
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06 of 12
Italian Wedding Pasta Bake
Credit: Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“This Italian wedding pasta bake really captures the flavors of Italian wedding soup,” says recipe developer Sarah Brekke. “It’s lightly cheesy, veggie- and meatball-forward, fragrant with fresh herbs, and baked under a crisp Parmesan and panko breadcrumb topping.”
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07 of 12
No-Bake Cannoli Pie
Credit: Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Making cannoli is a feat. This no-bake pie captures the “sweet, nutty and fresh” flavors of the beloved Italian dessert.
“Made as is and it was perfect,” shared one reviewer.
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08 of 12
Best Italian Meatloaf
Credit: Robby Lozano / Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf / Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell
“This Italian meatloaf made with mozzarella cheese and Italian seasoning is easy to prep for a different twist on everyday meatloaf,” says Allrecipes community member Stefanie Sierk, who shared this recipe.
“Absolutely love this recipe,” said one Allrecipes member. “I have never made meatloaf before but it’s my favorite and I haven’t had it since my grandma passed away so I decided to try it for the first time on my own and came across those recipe and everyone in my family loved it!!!”
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09 of 12
Italian Meatball Sandwich Casserole
Credit: Photographer: Kyle Carpenter / Food Styling: Julian Hensarling / Prop Styling: Prissy
“This was a HUGE hit,” said one Allrecipes member. “My husband and I loved it and we invited my parents over for dinner and they also loved it. I did use the mayo and I thought that it gave it a great flavor! I always try the recipe the way it says first and then change it if I dont like it. But this is fantastic!!!!!!!! Thanks for sharing.”
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10 of 12
Easy Ranch Spaghetti Carbonara
It’s not traditional, but it is delicious. This fresh spaghetti carbonara gets a quick and easy flavor upgrade with the addition of ranch seasoning to the classic egg sauce.
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11 of 12
Quick and Easy Alfredo Sauce
Credit: DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
Traditional Alfredo is delicious, and this version is too! Allrecipes member Dawn Carter said, “I experimented with Alfredo sauce until I found a quick, cheap, and easy Alfredo sauce combination—the secret ingredient is cream cheese!” This recipe is super beloved. It has nearly 4,500 5-star ratings!
“I came across this recipe because I had run out of heavy whipping cream, was so worried that it wouldn’t come out to the same flavor, but boy was I pleased this recipe was so delicious and easy to make,” raved a reviewer. “Needless to say I don’t think I’ll be using my old recipe any time soon! My family loved it too!”
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12 of 12
Italian Margarita
Credit: Allrecipes/Diana Chistruga
“This Italian margarita recipe blends amaretto liqueur, tequila, fresh orange juice, and limeade with ice to make a fun and frozen twist on the classic cocktail,” says Allrecipes member HYATTTM, who shared this tasty cocktail. “Frosty glasses rimmed with amaretto and sugar make this delicious drink even better!
“I made these last night for my book club,” said one reviewer. “Followed the recipe exactly as is, and they were delicious and everyone loved them. I made three batches for five of us!!! This will definitely be a staple drink for entertaining at my house!”
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More inspiration:
Credit: Chef John
Read the original article on Allrecipes
Dining and Cooking