- Ariana Grande celebrates her Italian roots, sharing her love for pasta and her late nonna’s marinara.
- Pasta with marinara sauce is naturally vegan, which is important for the star’s plant-based diet.
- Grande reveals the exercises she loves to stay in shape for her triathlete character in Focker-in-Law.
In case you missed it: Ariana Grande is Italian American, and she’s proud of it. And the Wicked superstar talked all about her upbringing in the most recent episode of Amy Poehler’s podcast, Good Hang with Amy Poehler.
When asked by Poehler what her favorite Italian food is, Grande said, “Ooh, I have to say pasta.” She specifies further when asked: “Marinara… what my nonna would make.”
Grande’s nonna, Marjorie Grande, passed away earlier this year at 99. She remembers her by sharing funny memories with Poehler, but also through her grandmother’s favorite classic dinners that she loved making.
Pasta with marinara is not only a simple and comforting dinner that uses up pantry ingredients. It’s also naturally plant-based, which is important for Grande’s vegan lifestyle. You can add more protein and fiber by using lentil or chickpea pasta, but all in all it’s an easy, cozy dish that can be made with any pasta shape.
Growing up Italian, Grande likely opts for a homemade marinara—and if you’re looking for a recipe, our No-Peel Slow-Cooker Marinara Sauce is highly rated for a reason. But if you’d rather have marinara in minutes, we get it. Italian chefs love Rao’s Homemade Marinara, which is also recommended by dietitians.
As for her fitness rituals, Grande is a fan of morning pilates, which builds core strength, improves posture and enhances flexibility. She told Poehler that staying in shape is essential for her Focker In-Law role, as her character in the Meet the Parents sequel is a tri-athlete.
“I spent yesterday doing burpees and high knees with Robert DeNiro,” Grande laughed. She reveals that her co-stars are runners; DeNiro loves running super early in the morning, and Grande describes Ben Stiller as “an Olympian” because of his exercise habits. The popstar also shares that she loves baths, which is a great muscle soother after a hard workout or run.
From pasta to pilates, we’re big fans of Grande and her favorites. They may be *ordinary things*, but comfort foods and regular exercise are key for a healthy body and soul.
