The Many Recipes of Newark: 20 Italian Recipes We Hope (and Pray!) the Sopranos Would Approve Of by Donna John

Fans of HBO's acclaimed series, The Sopranos, have been waiting patiently for the release of The Many Saints of Newark, a prequel movie, which opens in theaters on October 1. If you're planning on making an Italian feast while you stream it at home or before or after hitting the theater, here are 20 Italian recipes we think the Sopranos would approve of.  

1. Pasta Mollicata: Pasta mollicata (aka pasta with breadcrumbs) is a traditional Italian dish served all over southern Italy. Made with pasta, breadcrumbs and anchovies, this easy dinnerrecipe is sometimes referred to as a "poor man's dish."

2. Ragu Alla Bolognese: Ragù Alla Bolognese is ultimate Italian comfort food over pasta or polenta. This easy Bolognese sauce recipe is packed with meaty flavor.

3. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio: Spaghetti aglio e olio is a traditional Italian pasta recipe from Naples. It is a typical dish of Neapolitan cuisine and is widely popular. Its popularity can be attributed to it being simple to prepare, and it makes use of inexpensive, readily available ingredients that have long shelf lives in a pantry. We love that!

4. Zuppa Toscana: This savory Zuppa Toscana soup recipe is warm, satisfying and easy to make. You can still eat all the salad and breadsticks you want – at home. No need to go to an Italian restaurant.

5. Chicken Parmesan: Who doesn't love chicken parmesan? This easy chicken Parmesan recipe will get you to the table so you can enjoy it – fast!

6. Beef Gnocchi With Tomato Cream Sauce: Fast, cheap and easy is the name of the game with this delicious skillet beef gnocchi recipe. The tomato cream sauce is divine!

7. Baked Ziti Casserole: If you want to get fancy, layer the ziti all facing the same way when you assemble this baked ziti casserole recipe (like the photo). If you're not feeling fancy, don't. It'll taste just as amazing.

8. Tortellini e Brodo: Two ingredients? That may seem impossible, but this easy two-ingredient tortellini en brodo recipe is filling, warming and delicious. This classic Italianrecipe originated in Northern Italy.

9. Stuffed Shells: Stuffed pasta on a weeknight? Yep, because these stuffedshells are so easy to make.

10. Tagliata di Manzo al Balsamico: Italian cooking is about using the best ingredients and letting their flavors shine. This Italian ribeye steak recipe with arugula, balsamic, olive oil and Parmesan (if you so desire) is perfection.

11. Mozzarella in Carrozza: Mozzarella in Carrozza (mozzarella in a carriage) is basically an Italian grilled cheese sandwich – or the closest you'll get to one. And it's incredibly delicious. Melted mozzarella cheese oozes from crispy bread that's fried in a breadcrumb crust.

12. Eggplant Parmesan: Eggplant Parmesan is not only a hearty, meatless meal, this recipe is healthier because it's not fried. Try it on your family – even those who are not big fans of eggplant have been known to love it.

13. Chicken Piccata: Chicken piccata is a classic Italian dish. In Italy, it's a secondo, or served after the pasta course. In the U.S., it's usually served on top of a starch, like pasta, rice or polenta. If you want a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream when you add the butter at the end.

14. Spaghetti Carbonara: This classic pasta carbonara recipe originated in Rome and is Italy's version of bacon and eggs. Ready in less than 30 minutes, this creamy and delicious spaghetti carbonara recipe will become a family favorite.

15. Cacio e Pepe: Americans have mac and cheese. The Romans have cacio e pepe ("cheese and pepper"). There are no words…

16. Toasted Ravioli: This crispy oven-baked ravioli and spicy marinara dipping sauce is the perfect way to start an Italian feast.

17. Aperol Spritz: An Aperol Spritz is a classic Italian cocktail. It's commonly served as an aperitif in Italy.

18. Ricotta Cookies: Ricotta cookies are small, moist cookies that families baked in Italy for special occasions. Any day is a special occasion, so try this easy ricottacookie recipe and celebrate being alive.

19. Tiramisu: Light, airy and fragrant zabaglione mixed with mascarpone and fresh whipped cream, then dusted with dark cocoa all settled on a bed of ladyfingers softened by liqueur-spiked espresso. This easy tiramisu recipe is the real Italian version of tiramisu.

20. Gelato Affogato: Affogato means "drowned" in Italian. This Italian dessert is espresso over gelato. OMG, delish.

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