Giada De Laurentiis's Best Recipes

Vegetable casserole with tomatoes

Giada proves that casseroles are great for more than just cold winter nights, making a dish with ripe summer tomatoes and tender zucchini. For a delicious crunch, she tops the casserole with a layer of cheesy breadcrumbs.

Recipe: Vegetable gratin

Orecchiette with Chicken Meatballs

This is a comforting set dinner: pasta with fresh tomato sauce, juicy meatballs and gooey mozzarella.

Recipe: Orecchiette pasta with chicken meatballs

Flat iron steak with wine sauce

A rich, creamy, garlicky red wine sauce is just the thing to pair with Giada's succulent grilled beef.

Recipe: Flat iron steak with red wine sauce

Chicken with mustard-wine sauce

Smooth mascarpone cheese and zesty Dijon mustard add texture and a new dimension of flavor to this classic chicken and mushroom dish.

Recipe: Noodles and chicken in Marsala sauce with mascarpone

Shrimp "Fra Diavolo"

In keeping with traditional fra diavolo recipes, Giada's quick shrimp get their fiery kick from a tablespoon of red pepper flakes.

Recipe: Shrimp "Fra Diavolo"

Penne pasta with sun-dried tomato pesto sauce

Who said pesto has to be green? Giada does use basil, a classic pesto ingredient, in her excellent recipe, but adds sun-dried tomatoes for a unique flavor.

Recipe: Penne pasta with sun-dried tomato pesto sauce

Salad with spelt, tomatoes and herbs

Farro (spelt) is an Italian grain that's as dense as barley but has a slightly nutty flavor. It pairs well with a variety of ingredients. Here, Giada pairs it with fresh produce like tomatoes, sweet onions, and aromatic greens for a simple salad.

Recipe: Spelt salad with tomatoes and herbs

Hazelnut roast: Croccante nights

Giada's popular grillage is made with exquisite, sweet homemade caramel.

Recipe: Italian Hazelnut Candied Roast (Croccante Nights)

Polenta appetizer with mushroom ragout

This miniature appetizer is perfect for a party, and thanks to quick-cooking polenta, it can be made even in a hurry.

Recipe: Mushroom stew on polenta squares

Farfalle pasta with broccoli

Giada tosses pasta and colorful broccoli with a simple yet rich sauce of garlic, anchovies, and red pepper flakes.

Recipe: Farfalle pasta with broccoli

Chicken Piccata

Lemons and capers create a zesty topping for this classic Italian dish. Giada's recipe is quick and easy—perfect for a weeknight.

Recipe: Chicken Piccata

Roman-style chicken

Giada's juicy and flavorful chicken is perfect for entertaining: it can be prepared in advance and simply reheated before serving.

Recipe: Roman-style chicken

Chicken Cacciatore

Cacciatore, an Italian rustic dish, is chicken cooked "hunter's style." Giada uses bone-in, skin-on chicken and cooks it in a tomato and bell pepper sauce.

Recipe: Hunter's-style chicken with sauce and vegetables

Chicken Parmesan

Giada's version of the Italian-American classic omits breading, making the recipe simpler. Instead, she infuses flavor with an abundance of fresh herbs.

Recipe: Parmesan-Baked Chicken Breasts

Italian-style baked chicken with pastina

Pastina means "little pasta": any shape of small pasta can be used for this recipe. Baked with chicken, tomatoes, and mozzarella, it turns into a cheesy treat—a true Italian soul food.

Recipe: Italian Chicken Pasta Casserole

Chia seed pudding

If you haven't tried chia seeds yet, consider them a superfood in miniature form. In her recipe, Giada soaks them overnight in almond milk and maple syrup, which turns the milk into a thick, pudding-like treat. When you wake up in the morning, simply stir in the almonds for texture and volume, and top off this easy, healthy breakfast with berries.

Recipe: Chia seed pudding

Macaroni casserole with cheese and ham

Venetian-style mac 'n' cheese is one of Giada's favorite recipes. Fontina and mozzarella cheeses provide a creamy texture, while Parmesan adds a vibrant flavor.

Recipe: Egg noodles baked with ham and three cheeses

Coffee and Caramel Cake Bars

Giada's award-winning recipe is based on layers of different flavors. She starts with a creamy graham cracker crust, then adds a layer of gooey caramel and a rich chocolate topping with espresso powder. To balance the sweetness of the dessert, she sprinkles the chocolate with smoked sea salt, creating a surprising flavor and texture.

Recipe: Coffee and caramel bars

Tetrazzini with chicken

Giada's hearty and comforting casserole has earned a 5-star rating and nearly 1,200 reviews. Its multifaceted flavor comes from a mushroom sauce with onions and garlic, as well as a creamy sauce—both blended with tender shredded chicken and pasta. For a delightful texture, Giada tops the casserole with a breadcrumb-cheese mixture, which is crisped in the oven.

Recipe: Tetrazzini with chicken and mushrooms

Classic Italian lasagna

Giada combines two sauces—tomato and béchamel—to create a rich, vibrant lasagna. She alternates the sauce with pasta sheets, spinach, and two types of cheese—a delicate ricotta blend and gooey mozzarella—to create a unique flavor and texture.

Recipe: Lasagne with spinach

Stuffed porcini mushrooms

This classic appetizer is perfect for any occasion. Giada adds a little chopped parsley and mint to the filling for a fresh flavor.

Recipe: Stuffed porcini mushrooms

Lasagna rolls

Giada fills the rolls with a mixture of ricotta, spinach, and prosciutto. They are topped with sauce and cheese, then baked in individual portions.

Recipe: Lasagna rolls with ricotta and marinara sauce

Salmon with tomatoes baked in foil

For a simple, healthy meal, Giada cooks salmon fillets with fresh tomato salsa in foil packets. The salsa turns into a rich sauce when baked.

Recipe: Salmon with tomatoes, baked in foil

Pasta "Primavera"

For a colorful spring lunch, Giada mixes pre-roasted vegetables with pasta.

Recipe: Farfalle "Primavera"

Marinara sauce

A versatile marinara sauce recipe is a must-have in your collection. If you haven't found one yet, try Giada's classic sauce with tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs.

Recipe: Pizza sauce "Marinara"

Chicken and White Bean Chili

Giada's simple and hearty chili features chicken, white beans, and lots of veggies.

Recipe: White chili with beans and chicken

Tiramisu

Whipped egg yolks and mascarpone create a deliciously creamy filling for this classic Italian dessert.

Recipe: How to make classic tiramisu

Pork with cheese crust

When breading pork cutlets, Giada adds a layer of Parmesan cheese, which makes the meat especially flavorful and crispy.

Recipe: Natural pork loin cutlets in cheese breading

Lemon Ricotta Cookies

These delicate cookies contain a double dose of lemon: in the dough and in the tart glaze.

Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Cookies with Lemon Glaze

Mini Turkey Meatballs

Giada seasons turkey with onion, garlic, parsley, and cheese for rich, juicy meatballs.

Recipe: Mini Turkey Meatballs

Baked salmon with lemon, capers and rosemary

Salmon fillets are placed in foil packets along with a flavorful sauce and then grilled.

Recipe: Salmon with lemon, capers and rosemary, baked in foil

Fettuccine with Alfredo Sauce

Giada makes a delicate, sophisticated version of the classic Italian restaurant dish using cream, butter, and Parmesan.

Recipe: Fettuccine "Alfredo"

Spaghetti Carbonara with Chicken

Carbonara is a delicious Roman dish that combines spaghetti with crispy pancetta and a creamy egg sauce. Giada adds new flavors by using chicken, fresh herbs, and walnuts.

Recipe: Spaghetti Carbonara with Chicken

Ossobuco

This classic Italian dish is simmered slowly over low heat until the meat is tender and juicy.

Recipe: Ossobuco – veal shank in white wine

Grilled vegetables

For this side dish, Giada selects the finest vegetables of varying colors. Grilling provides wonderful flavor, and a simple herb vinaigrette completes the dish.

Recipe: Grilled vegetables

Saltimbocca with chicken

Thin chicken cutlets are topped with spinach, prosciutto, and Parmesan cheese, then rolled and secured with toothpicks. You'll have an elegant and flavorful main course.

Recipe: Chicken Saltimbocca

Pasta casserole with baked vegetables

This baked pasta with vegetables is full of vibrant color and flavor. Giada adds fontina cheese, smoked mozzarella, and Parmesan for a creamy finish.

Recipe: Baked pasta with fried vegetables

Quinoa with greens

This is a light and delicious side dish. Healthy quinoa is seasoned with lemon juice, chopped fresh basil, parsley, and thyme.

Recipe: Quinoa with greens

Grilled salmon with salsa verde

Giada pairs fresh grilled salmon with a zesty salsa made with lemons, oranges, parsley, mint, green onions and capers.

Recipe: Salmon with citrus salsa verde

Chicken fingers in cheese breading

Giada gives her chicken fingers an Italian flair by using Italian seasoned breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese for the breading. She also uses a balsamic reduction as a dip.

Recipe: Chicken fingers in a crispy breading with Parmesan cheese

Natural grilled lamb cutlets

These cutlets are simple and delicious, perfect for entertaining. Giada marinates the meat in a fresh herb mixture and then briefly grills it.

Recipe: Roasted rack of lamb

Sausages with peppers and onions

In her take on hearty Italian street food, Giada combines sweet turkey sausage with peppers and onions cooked in a rich tomato sauce.

Recipe: Fried sausages with sweet peppers and onions

Limoncello liqueur

This lemon liqueur is traditionally drunk in Italy after meals, but it can also be used in many drinks. It's easy to make and makes a great gift.

Recipe: Homemade Limoncello Liqueur

Mini frittata

This delicious frittata is baked in mini muffin tins. It makes for a quick and easy, compact breakfast.

Recipe: Ham omelette in oven-baked ramekins

Deep-fried zucchini

Zucchini sticks for this Italian appetizer are breaded with panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, then deep-fried until crispy.

Recipe: Deep-fried zucchini in cheese breading

Baked chicken with balsamic sauce

The secret to this wonderful chicken is a flavorful marinade of balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and garlic.

Recipe: Baked chicken in balsamic dressing

Braciole with cheese

This luxurious and tender main dish is perfect for a holiday table or any day lunch.

Recipe: Italian-Style Banquet Beef Roll with Cheese

Linguine with shrimp and lemon dressing

Using frozen shrimp, this dish is incredibly quick to prepare. The rich citrus flavor comes from lemon juice and zest, along with lemon-infused olive oil.

Recipe: Linguine pasta with shrimp and lemon butter

Cupcakes with raspberry cream

Giada cuts down on prep time by using store-bought cake mix. Her cupcakes are filled with fresh whipped cream and raspberries.

Recipe: Cupcakes with raspberry cream

Fried ravioli

Giada uses rich, rich buttermilk for her ravioli batter. Italian breadcrumbs are already seasoned, giving the ravioli a delicious crust.

Recipe: Ravioli with Marinara sauce

Pork "alla pizzaiola"

Pan-fry pork loin for a wonderfully crispy, golden brown crust.

Recipe: Pork alla pizzaiola

Brownies with coffee glaze

This miniature treat combines coffee and dessert. Save time by using store-bought brownie mix.

Recipe: Brownies with coffee glaze

Ricotta and strawberry cake

Jada soaks the strawberries by adding sugar to the sliced ​​berries to release their juices. The pound cake absorbs all the juices, giving the dessert a lovely moist texture.

Recipe: Orange pound cake with ricotta and strawberries

Italian wedding soup

This warming soup features homemade beef and pork meatballs and is given a green color by curly endive or escarole.

Recipe: Italian wedding soup

Butternut Squash Lasagna

Transform a traditional fall vegetable—roasted pumpkin—into an Italian-style lasagna with a creamy béchamel sauce.

Recipe: Lasagna with butternut squash

Banana muffins with cream cheese frosting

Giada tops banana muffins with cream cheese and mascarpone frosting. Drizzle the decorated muffins with honey and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.

Recipe: Banana muffins with cream cheese frosting

Pork stuffed with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes

Giada whips up an Italian-style dish in just 35 minutes: bone-in pork cutlets stuffed with a hearty filling of spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and cheese.

Recipe: Pork cutlets stuffed with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes