Healthy Italian Recipes and Menus

Featured Recipes

Penne with Vodka Sauce & Capicola

Our velvety tomato sauce is spiked with cubes of salty capicola and a few shots of vodka. Make it a Meal: Caesar salad and a glass of Pinot Noir will shine with this dish.

» Penne with Vodka Sauce & Capicola

Pork Tenderloin "Rosa di Parma"

This is a traditional roast from the Italian province of Parma, often served for special family celebrations. (“Rosa di Parma” means it's stuffed with Parmigiano-Reggiano and prosciutto.) Typically made with beef, it is equally delicious and more economical made with pork tenderloin and ideal for entertaining parties of 8 to 10. Seek out true Italian Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano-Reggiano for this dish—even though they are more costly, the superior flavor is worth the expense.

» Pork Tenderloin "Rosa di Parma"

Chicken Piccata with Pasta & Mushrooms

Our chicken piccata, served over whole-wheat pasta, has a rich lemon-caper sauce that's made with extra-virgin olive oil and just a touch of butter for flavor. If you like, you can use a mild fish like tilapia or even shrimp instead of chicken breast.

» Chicken Piccata with Pasta & Mushrooms

Italian Hazelnut Cookies

These crispy cookies are made with Piedmontese staples—hazelnuts and eggs—and called Brutti Ma Buoni: literally, “Ugly But Good.” But they are really more plain-looking than “ugly,” and pack a powerful, sweet, nutty burst of flavor, making them welcome at any table.

» Italian Hazelnut Cookies

Grissini

Long, crispy, thin breadsticks like these grissini are laid right on the tablecloth at many Piedmontese restaurants.

» Grissini

Hunter's Chicken Stew

Hunter's Chicken is found across Northern Italy, with many variations. This version uses meaty bone-in chicken thighs and is full of onions, mushrooms and tomatoes. It's also delicious served over egg noodles.

» Hunter's Chicken Stew

Creamy Polenta

This easy polenta takes only a few minutes of stirring before it's left to cook on its own to creamy perfection. If you have leftovers, chill them overnight in a greased pan, slice into slabs, brush with canola oil and broil until both sides begin to crisp. Serve as a side dish at supper or for breakfast with maple syrup or honey.

» Creamy Polenta

Enjoy the healthy flavors of rustic Italy—from quick salads and sides to delicious main dishes.

Italian food is more than just pasta—the cuisine of Italy has a diverse range of dishes to please every palate. Each region has iconic dishes influenced by its terrain and any neighboring countries. Italian cuisine is emblematic of the Mediterranean Diet, recognized as one of the world’s healthiest. The tenets of the Mediterranean Diet tie together Italian food: lots of fresh vegetables, fruits and grains; beans and fresh fish as the main sources of protein as well as lots of olive oil. Meat is used sparingly, rather than being a daily staple. Start enjoying one of the world’s healthiest diets with these healthy, tasty Italian-inspired recipes.