A Taste of Italy

There’s an old Italian proverb that goes: non c’é niente di più bello che mangiare con le persone che ami. It means “There is nothing more beautiful than eating with the people you love.”

I couldn’t agree more!

Family dinners around the table are a non-negotiable at our house. Making a balanced meal and spending time hearing about my kids’ day is the best way to end the night! The laughter, the stories, and the shared moments create a bond that strengthens our family. There’s something truly magical about gathering together, with delicious food as the centerpiece, fostering a sense of togetherness and connection.

In the spirit of this piece of Italian wisdom and the simplicity of the What’s For Dinner Club meals, I’ve gathered 5 of my favorite Italian dishes on the site. These recipes are not only easy to prepare but also bring a touch of Italy to your kitchen, perfect for any weeknight meal when you just want to spend quality time with your loved ones. So, let’s dive into these delightful dishes and make every dinner a memorable one.

Comforting Pasta Bake

This hearty dish combines whole grain pasta with a colorful mix of roasted vegetables, including eggplant, broccoli, bell peppers, and zucchini, all tossed in a rich marinara sauce and topped with melty mozzarella cheese.

Lemon Ricotta Pasta

While the pasta simmers, whip up a luscious sauce with ricotta, parmesan, garlic, and the zest and juice of a lemon. Toss it all together and savor the tangy lemon and creamy ricotta—a delightful meal that’ll brighten up any day!

Sausage and Veggie Marinara Bake

Cook whole wheat pasta until perfectly al dente, while your sauté pan sizzles with a colorful medley of fresh veggies and sliced Italian chicken sausages. Once tender and fragrant, layer the cooked pasta, savory marinara sauce, and veggie-sausage blend into a baking dish. Generously sprinkle with shredded mozzarella, cover, and let it bake to melty perfection.

Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

Cook up whole grain spaghetti until it’s just al dente, then mix it with marinara sauce and a generous sprinkle of gooey mozzarella cheese. Nestle in some fully cooked meatballs and dollops of creamy ricotta, then top it all off with more melty mozzarella. Pop it in the oven and let the magic happen!

Pizza Pasta Bake

I love this one where pasta meets pizza for a flavor-packed party! Cook whole grain spaghetti and toss it with marinara sauce, mini pepperoni, bell peppers, and savory portobello mushrooms. Top it off with a blanket of melted mozzarella cheese and more mini pepperoni for that classic pizza flavor.

The comfort of Italian food, lightened up a bit for a healthy balanced meal will bring your family running to the table. I hope you find a new favorite in this bunch!

Happy eating!!