While it might be more accurate to call these 20 recipes Italian-American comfort food rather than straight-up Italian comfort food, there’s no doubt that they’re more than likely nonna-approved—from South Philly to Tuscany. Each of these recipes is comforting, with its roots in traditional Italian cooking—some just might have a bit of an American spin.
Italian Sausage Soup with Tortellini
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
“This hearty sausage tortellini soup is a combination of wonderful ingredients: Italian sausage, stuffed pasta, garlic, tomatoes, and red wine. Garnish each serving with Parmesan cheese and serve with crusty bread for a delicious meal.” —Mary P
Chef John’s Italian Meatballs
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“These Italian meatballs are very easy to make, and since we skip the messy step of pan-frying the meatballs, it becomes downright simple! Here I use a standard half-beef/half-pork mixture. Once the meatballs are baked, add them to your favorite prepared tomato sauce and simmer for 1 to 2 hours.” —John Mitzewich
Italian Beef Sandwiches
Yoly
“A wonderful Italian beef recipe cooked in the oven. Lorriane Pierce was a master cook. Whenever these were on the menu, lines would form. Serve on crusty Italian bread.” —Dick Pierce
Arancini
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“This arancini recipe is made with white wine risotto and features a gooey mozzarella center. These Italian rice balls are fantastic for lunch or dinner and can be frozen.” —DEBMCD
Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup
My Hot Southern Mess
“This gnocchi soup with Italian sausage, spinach, and tomatoes is comforting and creamy — guaranteed to warm you up when it gets cold outside.” —Campbell’s Kitchen
Best Italian Meatloaf
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!” —Stephanie Sierk
Hearty Italian Meatball Soup
Allrecipes Magazine
“This recipe yields a brothy, rich, cheesy, and satisfying Italian-style hearty Italian meatball soup. It is pure comfort in a bowl. Use any small pasta you have and serve with crusty bread, if you like.” —Suzanne Call
Manicotti Italian Casserole
Robby Lozano / Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf / Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell
“This is one of my all-time favorite recipes to make, and it’s super easy! For gatherings, I make the whole recipe; for my family I cut it in half.” —ERINLOVE65
Italian Penicillin Soup
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“This comforting Italian penicillin soup is rich, flavorful, and packed with chicken, vegetables, pastina, and Parmesan. One taste, and this may be the only way you make chicken noodle soup from now on!” —Andrea Lobas
Homemade Italian Sausage
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“Cannot be beat this. So many different preferred tastes in family. This takes care of all. Plus, big money-saver if you purchase meat grinder.” —Steve McWilliams
Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
“This one-pan sausage and peppers dish is simple and delicious. This recipe has been used in our family for years and years now. Serve in a roll, or use as a topping for pizza or pasta. For an extra kick, try using 1/2 sweet Italian sausage and 1/2 hot sausage!” —GIGI9801
Italian Wedding Soup
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
“This Italian wedding soup is a combination of homemade meatballs with sliced escarole, carrots, and orzo pasta in a lovely flavorsome broth. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.” —Star Pooley
Cioccolata Calda (Hot Chocolate Italian-Style)
Buckwheat Queen
“Hot chocolate Italian-style is one of the most amazing treats in the world! You have to try this pudding-like chocolate decadence! Add some Irish cream, cinnamon, and whipped cream for a fun variation, or create your own!” —nikwik
Chicken Parmesan
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“My version of chicken Parmesan is a little different than what they do in the restaurants, with less sauce and a crispier crust.” —John Mitzewich
Best Penne alla Vodka
fabeveryday
“This penne alla vodka recipe is quick to make and a nice change from your typical tomato pasta dish. The sauce is rich and creamy with a little kick of heat from chili flakes.” —Allrecipes Member
Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe
“This spaghetti cacio e pepe recipe has been made in our family for many years, and everyone loves it. It is a very basic and easy variation on mac and cheese.” —Jennifer Torrey
Bolognese Sauce
Tagliatelle alla bolognese.
Aleksandra Iakoleva/Getty Images
“A simple Bolognese recipe for excellent chunky pasta sauce with beef, pork, lots of vegetables, and tons of flavor.” —Kimber
Chef John’s Minestrone Soup
Chef John
“This is the type of dish I never make the same way twice, but I hope you give this amazing minestrone recipe a try soon, but only once.” —John Mitzewich
Stuffed Shells
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
“Jumbo stuffed shells filled with three types of cheese are topped with a savory tomato sauce in this family-friendly pasta dish that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds! These stuffed shells are easy-to-make and always guaranteed to be a hit. This rich and cheesy comfort-food meal looks like a deep-dish pizza when it’s done.” —Renee
Ribollita (Tuscan Bread Soup)
John Mitzewich
“This very thick, hearty ribollita, or Tuscan bread soup, might be so thick it’s hardly a soup anymore. With toasted Italian bread simmered in a tomato and cannellini bean base, this is the epitome of rustic Italian comfort food.” —John Mitzewich
