Giada De Laurentiis is one of America’s most beloved Italian-American chefs, known for bringing bold, fresh flavors into everyday cooking. Her recipes blend the warmth of Italian tradition with approachable techniques anyone can try at home.
From bright lemon pasta to cozy soups, her dishes tell a story of family, travel, and passion for good food. Get ready to explore the 16 dishes that hold a special place in Giada’s heart and kitchen.
1. Lemon Spaghetti
Giada once called this dish her “favorite child,” and honestly, it is easy to see why. Born from a trip to Sicily, this recipe captures the sunny, tangy spirit of southern Italy in every twirl of pasta.
The sauce is made with fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and Parmesan, creating something light yet incredibly satisfying. It is also the top-selling item at her Las Vegas restaurant, GIADA, which says everything about how special this dish truly is.
2. Simple Bolognese
Rich, hearty, and deeply comforting, Giada’s Simple Bolognese is a recipe she has called one of her all-time favorites. It strips down the traditional Italian meat sauce without losing any of the soul.
Ground beef is simmered low and slow with onion, carrots, celery, canned cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs. The result is a sauce that tastes like it took all day but comes together in a surprisingly manageable amount of time for a weeknight dinner.
3. Chicken Piccata
Zesty, buttery, and ready in just 20 minutes — Chicken Piccata is the kind of dish that makes you feel like a restaurant chef in your own kitchen. The thin chicken cutlets cook fast and soak up every drop of that bright lemon-caper sauce.
Giada’s version keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor. Capers add a briny punch, butter brings richness, and fresh lemon ties it all together.
It is a weeknight hero that never gets old no matter how many times you make it.
4. Sheet Pan Lasagna
Forget wrestling with a deep lasagna dish — Giada’s Sheet Pan Lasagna spreads everything out wide, giving you maximum crispy, cheesy corners in every single slice. Those caramelized edges are basically the whole point.
Baking lasagna on a sheet pan changes the texture entirely, creating more surface area for that irresistible browned cheese. It is a clever twist on a classic Italian favorite that makes the whole process feel less like a project and more like a fun experiment worth repeating every week.
5. Warm Broccoli and Brussels Salad
Winter salads deserve way more credit, and this one proves it. Giada’s Warm Broccoli and Brussels Salad turns two vegetables that kids often avoid into something genuinely craveable and satisfying.
Roasting brings out a natural sweetness in both the broccoli and Brussels sprouts, while a punchy dressing ties everything together beautifully. It works as a side dish for holiday meals or as a light lunch on its own.
Warm, nourishing, and full of texture — this salad earns its spot at the table every single time.
6. Creamy Pastina with Peas and Carrots
Pastina is the ultimate Italian comfort food — tiny star-shaped pasta cooked in broth until creamy and smooth. Giada gives the classic a grown-up upgrade by adding sweet peas and tender carrots for color, texture, and nutrition.
Think of it as the Italian version of mac and cheese, but lighter and more nourishing. It is the kind of bowl you want when the weather turns cold or when you just need something warm and familiar.
Simple ingredients, enormous comfort — that is the magic of pastina done right.
7. Zucchini Scarpaccia
Scarpaccia is a traditional Tuscan tart, and once Giada got her hands on it, it became a dish she keeps coming back to again and again. The name literally means “old shoe” in Italian — a humble name for something surprisingly elegant.
Thinly sliced zucchini is mixed into a light batter and baked until crispy on the outside and tender inside. It is the kind of recipe that looks impressive but requires minimal effort, making it perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying as a savory afternoon snack.
8. Sheet-Pan Shrimp and Veggies
One pan, minimal cleanup, maximum flavor — this dish is everything a busy cook could want on a hectic evening. Giada’s Sheet-Pan Shrimp and Veggies combines fresh shrimp with colorful vegetables, all roasted together until perfectly cooked and slightly caramelized.
The shrimp cook fast, so everything comes together in under 30 minutes. Seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs, the whole tray smells incredible while it roasts.
Serve it straight from the pan for a casual, satisfying dinner the whole family will enjoy.
9. Zucchini Crudo
Raw zucchini might sound unusual, but this dish will completely change your mind about it. Giada’s Zucchini Crudo swaps out tomatoes for paper-thin slices of raw zucchini, pairing them with creamy burrata, fresh basil, and a bright lemon dressing.
It is refreshing, light, and surprisingly filling — perfect for summer when you want something healthy but still indulgent-feeling. The burrata melts into the zucchini ribbons in the most luxurious way.
Fresh, simple, and beautiful on the plate, this dish proves that less really is more.
10. Shrimp Skewers with Salmoriglio
Summer grilling season calls for these gorgeous shrimp skewers. The real star here is the salmoriglio — a Sicilian sauce made with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and fresh oregano that Giada drizzles generously over the hot shrimp right off the grill.
Salmoriglio is one of those ancient Italian condiments that makes everything taste instantly more vibrant and alive. The shrimp cook in minutes, so this is a go-to for outdoor entertaining.
Bold, citrusy, and deeply flavorful, these skewers are summer eating at its absolute finest.
11. Sicilian Pesto Pasta Salad
Traditional Ligurian pesto gets a Sicilian makeover in this bold, punchy pasta salad. Giada’s version incorporates almonds, sun-dried tomatoes, and sometimes a little heat, creating a sauce that is nuttier, richer, and more complex than the classic green version.
Served cold or at room temperature, it is a crowd-pleasing dish for picnics, potlucks, or meal prep. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making leftovers even better the next day.
A pasta salad with personality — that is exactly what this is.
12. Fregola Salad
Fregola is a toasted Sardinian pasta that looks like large couscous pearls, and Giada describes her fregola salad as a total “glow-up” from your average pasta salad. The toasting process gives the pasta a nutty, slightly chewy texture that holds up beautifully in salads.
Tossed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a zippy dressing, this salad is vibrant and satisfying. If you have never cooked with fregola before, this recipe is the perfect introduction to an underrated Italian ingredient worth adding to your pantry today.
13. Chicken with Mustard Mascarpone Marsala
This is Giada’s most highly rated pasta on FoodNetwork.com, and one taste makes it very clear why fans keep coming back to it. Tender chicken is cooked in a silky sauce made with Marsala wine, whole-grain mustard, and rich mascarpone cheese.
The combination sounds fancy, but the technique is completely approachable for home cooks at any skill level. Served over pasta, it is the definition of a restaurant-quality meal made in your own kitchen.
Creamy, savory, and deeply comforting — this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every single time.
14. Roasted Broccoli and Brussels Salad
Roasting transforms broccoli and Brussels sprouts into something almost unrecognizable from their raw, bitter selves. Giada’s Roasted Broccoli and Brussels Salad leans hard into that caramelization, building deep, nutty flavor that makes every forkful satisfying.
Tossed with a warm vinaigrette and topped with crunchy additions like nuts or dried fruit, this salad works beautifully as both a side dish and a standalone meal. It is hearty enough to fill you up while still feeling fresh and wholesome — a balance Giada nails consistently in her cooking.
15. Tuscan Turkey Soup
After a big holiday meal, leftover turkey finds its best second life in this soul-warming Tuscan soup. Giada builds a deeply flavorful broth with Italian herbs, white beans, kale, and tender shredded turkey that makes the whole house smell incredible.
White cannellini beans add creaminess and protein, while the kale wilts down into silky, hearty ribbons. It is the kind of soup that tastes like it has been simmering all day even when it has not.
Cozy, nutritious, and packed with Italian flavor from the very first spoonful.
16. Chicken Piccata Meatballs
What happens when you take the beloved flavors of Chicken Piccata and roll them into bite-sized meatballs? Pure weeknight magic.
Giada’s Chicken Piccata Meatballs deliver that same tangy lemon-caper punch in a fun, shareable format the whole family can enjoy.
Chicken meatballs tend to be lighter than beef, making this dish feel a little less heavy while still totally satisfying. Pan-seared and finished in the lemony butter sauce, they are ready fast and taste absolutely incredible.
Serve them over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of sauce.