Healthy Italian Recipes and Menus

Featured Recipes

Chicken, Broccoli Rabe & Feta on Toast

The assertive flavor of broccoli rabe can be a schoolyard bully in dishes. But here, the sweet tomatoes and briny feta stand up to its bite, rendering this dish a rustic but comforting favorite. Still, if broccoli rabe proves too strong for your taste, you can substitute broccolini or even tiny, trimmed broccoli florets.

» Chicken, Broccoli Rabe & Feta on Toast

Polenta & Vegetable Bake

This healthful and comforting vegetarian casserole is perfect on a cool night or any time of year when you want to remember clear, brisk October evenings. Make It a Meal: Enjoy with a glass of Zinfandel and for dessert, biscotti dipped in a fresh-brewed cup of coffee.

» Polenta & Vegetable Bake

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

Chard with Shallots, Pancetta & Walnuts

For this simple sautéed chard, flavored with rich-tasting pancetta and walnuts, we prefer the milder taste of green chard.

» Chard with Shallots, Pancetta & Walnuts

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”

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

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

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.