20 Italian Casseroles That Would Make Your Nonna Proud (2024)

If you're in need of some comfort food inspiration, you've come to the right place. From classic chicken tetrazzini to hearty casseroles inspired by Italian favorites, these Italian casserole recipes taste like they came straight from your Nonna's kitchen. Plus, they're easy to make in your trusty 9x13 pan!

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Christmas Eve Manicotti

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20 Italian Casseroles That Would Make Your Nonna Proud (1)

"Delicious! I made this for Christmas Eve and my family loved it. This may be a new tradition for us." —Gladys

02of 21

Chicken Florentine Artichoke Bake

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20 Italian Casseroles That Would Make Your Nonna Proud (2)

"This recipe takes a bit of time but it's delicious. I added fresh spinach and broccoli, a little extra sauce, and cheese. Rotisserie chicken would be easier to use than the sautéed boneless chicken breasts that I had on hand. My husband had two helpings." —Kathy

03of 21

Baked Spaghetti Casserole

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20 Italian Casseroles That Would Make Your Nonna Proud (3)

"This is really good and simple! I’ve tried other baked spaghetti recipes and this one is the best. The others were so dry, but this recipe is moist and creamy. Love it!" —dasein923

04of 21

Chicken Tetrazzini for a Crowd

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"I've made this recipe so many times. It's super easy, feeds a crowd, is delicious, and is an easy reheat for leftovers if there are any. The chicken/turkey can be already cooked, just cut it into bite-sized pieces and heat up with the mushrooms." —Meg138

05of 21

Italian Meatball Sandwich Casserole

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"I thought this was amazing! Make sure to coat the bread completely, even on the sides, with the cheese mixture. This will prevent soggy bread." —Mary Rose Fisher

06of 21

Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

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"Satisfies your craving for spaghetti and pizza at the same time. This was a cheesy, delightful casserole." —Sherry

07of 21

Quick Bruschetta Chicken Bake

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"Tasty, easy, fast, inexpensive, and only two dishes to wash! This one’s a winner!" —Sarah

08of 21

Meatball Pasta Bake

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"Fantastic! I don't usually make a new recipe when company is coming over but this looked quick and easy. I made it for eight people — there was nothing left at the end of the meal and people were fighting over the last meatballs! YUM!" —cinners

09of 21

Cheesy Chicken Florentine Casserole

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"My boyfriend prefers to boil and shred the chicken, but I think the consistency is better when you get to cut into a piece of chicken, surrounded by cheese and a creamy spinach sauce. One of my absolute favorite meals." —Kaylee Sawyer

10of 21

Deep-Dish Spaghetti Pizza

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"Easy and tasty. My family loved it. Kid-friendly. Used a different brand of pasta sauce. Will make again and again." —Rooghee

11of 21

Baked Polenta with Sausage

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"Rich, tomato-based casserole made with sweet Italian sausage, baked in a polenta crust and topped with mozzarella cheese. This is a great substitution for your typical pasta dish. Serve with a green salad and a loaf of Italian bread — it doesn't get much better than this!" —COOKINGQUEEN75

12of 21

Kid's Favorite Pizza Casserole

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"Excellent meal! I made it exactly as written, minus the mushrooms. My three sons LOVED it and said I need to make it again! Next time I will add italian sausage to the ground beef. It would be really good with some pepperoni added as well. Use your imagination and think of additions the way you would toppings for a pizza." —Debby Durband Burns

13of 21

Eggplant Parmesan Casserole

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"Best eggplant Parmesan recipe ever! I love eggplant Parmesan but always have a problem getting my breading to stay intact. This completely resolves that issue. Absolutely delicious! I will make this again and again!" —Mindy

14of 21

Johnny Marzetti Casserole

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"This has become a regular in our house. Even my VERY VERY picky kids love it. I get asked to make it every week! It's pretty easy to modify — I'd say never shortchange the amount of cheese or meat, though. Delish!" —Lorifun

15of 21

Cheesy Polenta Casserole

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"So tasty. I would never have thought about using polenta in the air fryer. Simple recipe. Was really good as leftovers the next day, too." —Diane

16of 21

Chicken and Spinach Alfredo Lasagna

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"Oh. My. Goodness. This was good. I was in a pinch for bringing a dish to a party and happened to have most of the ingredients for this so I pulled it together, and it's my new favorite recipe." —sorashell

17of 21

Baked Fettuccine Lasagna

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"My husband happily declared this one to be a keeper! It was a last-minute decision, so I made a few modifications based on what I had. Really great flavor and super easy!" —J. Marsh

18of 21

Zucchini Lasagna With Beef and Sausage

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"Loved it! Very flavorful and one meal you'll want seconds of. Great flavor with garden-fresh zucchini. Will definitely be sharing this recipe with others." —Raejean Lacerda

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Butternut Squash Lasagna

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"Amazing combination of flavors and the entire house smelled heavenly! Very labor-intensive, though, and took a good two hours to get it ready for the oven (after roasting the squash), a lot of steps, so many pans and such, but oh my, SO worth it." —Robin Miller

20of 21

Leftover Spaghetti Lasagna

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"I will definitely keep this in my recipe box and make it again. Simple and delicious! Can’t go wrong with spaghetti and cheese." —Katie

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More Inspiration

20 Italian Casseroles That Would Make Your Nonna Proud (21)

  • 20 Best Italian Recipes for Beginner Cooks
  • Our 10 Favorite Italian Recipes From Nonna's Cookbook
  • 18 Quick and Easy Italian Dinners Ready in 45 Minutes or Less
20 Italian Casseroles That Would Make Your Nonna Proud (2024)

FAQs

20 Italian Casseroles That Would Make Your Nonna Proud? ›

In the United States, a casserole or hot dish is typically a baked food with three main components: pieces of meat (such as chicken or ground meat) or fish (such as tuna) or other protein (such as beans or tofu), various chopped or canned vegetables (such as green beans or peas), and a starchy binder (such as flour, ...

What is considered a casserole? ›

In the United States, a casserole or hot dish is typically a baked food with three main components: pieces of meat (such as chicken or ground meat) or fish (such as tuna) or other protein (such as beans or tofu), various chopped or canned vegetables (such as green beans or peas), and a starchy binder (such as flour, ...

Is lasagna a casserole? ›

Lasagna is a casserole, regardless of which definition you go by: United States & Continental Europe: A “one dish meal” with meat (in the sauce) and/or veggies, a starchy binder (the noodles), and often a cheese topping, generally baked in an oven.

What can you use a casserole dish for? ›

As we all know, casserole dishes are a kitchen superhero that can turn any meal prep into a breeze. From soups and stews to curries and tagines, these versatile dishes are ideal for making large portions that can be easily reheated and served buffet-style, allowing guests to help themselves.

What is a 9 by 13 casserole dish? ›

But the standard rectangular, 13-by-9-inch (or 3- to 5-quart) dish is the most basic and versatile, because the shape is so great for entrées like macaroni and cheese or enchiladas, and for baked goods like bar cookies and coffee cakes.

What is the oldest known casserole? ›

Macaroni and cheese is the oldest written casserole recipe found in 1250.

How do I choose a casserole? ›

The material is the most important criterion, while then follow the size, the type of lid and the design. There are many options for materials such as stainless steel, cast iron, ceramic or non-stick coating.

What is a standard casserole dish? ›

A 9-inch by 13-inch rectangular casserole dish is the most versatile. Recipes that serve six to eight people will likely call for a casserole or baking dish of this size.

What are the 5 components of a casserole? ›

Not every single casserole has all of them, but as a rule of thumb, here's what to look for: a starch, a binding agent or sauce, and a protein or vegetable. Many casseroles also have both vegetables and proteins, as well as a crunchy element to give some textural contrast, and cheese.

What do Italians call casserole? ›

casseruola. an earthenware casserole. the food cooked in a casserole. (cibo cotto in casseruola)

What is the French version of casserole? ›

In France, un casserole refers specifically to a saucepan, and nothing else. However, une cassolette—a baked dish that's akin to what Americans call a casserole—is somewhat popular in French home cooking.

What is a pasta casserole? ›

They're often defined by the vessel they're baked and served in, which is called a casserole dish. The ingredients in a casserole can be layered or simply mixed together. And although oven-baked pasta dishes like lasagna and baked ziti are technically casseroles they're not known as such; those are called baked pastas.

What size casserole dish for 2 people? ›

The general rule of thumb is to plan for 1 litre per person, and then round up.

Should you cover casserole when baking? ›

Generally, casseroles with grains, rice or pasta that will cook during the baking process are usually covered, for at least part of the time. Casseroles made of cooked ingredients are usually baked uncovered. If you like a crisper, browner top, be sure the casserole is uncovered for at least part of the bake time.

Why put foil on casserole dish? ›

2. Cover dishes. Covering dishes with aluminum foil during a bake helps lock in moisture. Loosely placing or tenting a sheet of foil over a dish can prevent the top from browning while the rest of your dish continues to bake.

What is the most popular casserole dish size? ›

A 9-inch by 13-inch rectangular casserole dish is the most versatile. Recipes that serve six to eight people will likely call for a casserole or baking dish of this size.

Is glass or ceramic better for lasagna? ›

When to use it: Glass is perfect for casseroles, roasted meats or lasagna. Our Test Kitchen likes to cook pies and quick breads in glass dishes.

How to choose a casserole dish? ›

While it's prized among chefs, cast-iron is heavy and not the right choice for every home cook. As far as other materials go, Maturana recommends glass or ceramic casserole dishes. A three- to five-quart dish is great for simple bakes like cobblers, stuffing, and scalloped potatoes.

What is the difference between a casserole dish and a baking pan? ›

In all the recipes developed by the Better Homes & Gardens Test Kitchen, a baking dish means an oven-safe glass or ceramic vessel while a baking pan refers to one made of metal.

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