10+ Best Vatican Recipes You Need To Try Once

The Vatican isn’t just the spiritual heart of Catholicism—it’s also home to some of the most delicious, time-honored recipes you’ll ever taste.

From rustic Italian classics to dishes served in Vatican City’s own kitchens, these meals are steeped in tradition and flavor.

Ready to bring a slice of Vatican culinary magic into your home? Buckle up, because we’re diving into 11 must-try recipes that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Whether you’re craving pasta, bread, or something sweet, these dishes are legit game-changers. Let’s get cooking!

1. Vatican-Style Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Simple yet bursting with flavor, this spaghetti dish is a staple in Vatican kitchens. It’s quick, easy, and packed with garlicky goodness.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb spaghetti
• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt to taste

How to Make It:

1. Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan, add garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté until golden.
3. Toss in the cooked pasta, adding reserved water as needed.
4. Stir in parsley, season with salt, and serve hot.

Why we chose it: This dish is Vatican comfort food at its finest—minimal ingredients, maximum flavor. It’s perfect for a quick yet impressive meal.

2. Vatican City’s Famous Gnocchi alla Romana

Creamy, cheesy, and baked to perfection, this Roman-style gnocchi is a must-try.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups semolina flour
• 4 cups milk
• ½ cup butter
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 egg yolks
• Salt & nutmeg to taste

How to Make It:

1. Heat milk, then whisk in semolina until thick.
2. Remove from heat, stir in butter, Parmesan, egg yolks, salt, and nutmeg.
3. Spread on a tray, chill, then cut into circles.
4. Layer in a baking dish, top with more cheese, and bake at 375°F until golden.

Why this made our list: It’s a rich, indulgent dish that’s surprisingly easy to make.

3. Authentic Vatican Bread (Pane del Vaticano)

Crusty on the outside, soft inside—this bread is heavenly.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups flour
• 1 ½ cups warm water
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt

How to Make It:

1. Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let sit for 10 mins.
2. Mix flour and salt, then add yeast mixture. Knead for 10 mins.
3. Let rise for 1 hour, then bake at 425°F for 25-30 mins.

Why we selected it: Freshly baked bread is a Vatican staple—nothing beats the smell!

4. Vatican’s Creamy Risotto alla Milanese

Saffron-infused risotto that’s pure luxury.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• ½ tsp saffron threads
• 1 small onion, diced
• ½ cup white (sub with broth if needed)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 3 tbsp butter

How to Make It:

1. Sauté onion in butter, add rice, then.
2. Gradually add broth, stirring constantly.
3. Stir in saffron, cook until creamy, then add Parmesan.

Why it’s here: This golden risotto is fit for a Pope’s table.

5. Vatican-Style Eggplant Parmigiana

A veggie-packed twist on the classic, loaded with cheese and herbs.

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggplants, sliced
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 ½ cups mozzarella, shredded
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• Fresh basil
• Olive oil

How to Make It:

1. Salt eggplant slices, let sit 30 mins, then pat dry.
2. Dip in egg, coat with breadcrumbs, then pan-fry until golden.
3. Layer in a baking dish with sauce and cheeses.
4. Bake at 375°F for 25 mins until bubbly.

Why we love it: It’s a hearty, meat-free dish that even carnivores will devour.

6. Vatican’s Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Jumbo pasta shells stuffed with herby ricotta—pure comfort food.

Ingredients:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups ricotta
• 1 cup chopped spinach
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 egg
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper

How to Make It:

1. Cook shells al dente, then drain.
2. Mix ricotta, spinach, Parmesan, egg, and seasonings.
3. Stuff shells, place in a baking dish, top with sauce.
4. Bake at 350°F for 20 mins.

Why it’s special: These stuffed shells are a Vatican favorite for family dinners.

7. Vatican’s Tiramisu (No-Alcohol Version)

Creamy, coffee-soaked layers without the booze.

Ingredients:

• 24 ladyfingers
• 1 ½ cups strong coffee, cooled
• 16 oz mascarpone
• 3 eggs, separated
• ½ cup sugar
• Cocoa powder

How to Make It:

1. Beat egg yolks with sugar, then mix in mascarpone.
2. Whip egg whites to stiff peaks, fold into mascarpone.
3. Dip ladyfingers in coffee, layer in a dish with cream.
4. Chill 4+ hours, dust with cocoa before serving.

Why this made the cut: It’s the ultimate Vatican dessert—decadent yet simple.

8. Vatican’s Minestrone Soup

A veggie-loaded soup that’s both healthy and hearty.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup small pasta
• 1 can cannellini beans
• Fresh basil

How to Make It:

1. Sauté onion, carrots, celery in oil.
2. Add zucchini, tomatoes, broth, and simmer.
3. Stir in pasta and beans, cook until tender.
4. Top with basil before serving.

Why we picked it: This soup is Vatican comfort in a bowl—nutritious and filling.

9. Vatican’s Focaccia Bread

Olive oil-rich, fluffy focaccia with rosemary.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups flour
• 1 ¼ cups warm water
• 1 packet yeast
• ¼ cup olive oil + more for drizzling
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary
• 1 tsp salt

How to Make It:

1. Mix yeast, water, and sugar. Let foam.
2. Add flour, salt, and oil, knead into dough.
3. Let rise 1 hour, press into a pan, dimple with fingers.
4. Drizzle oil, sprinkle rosemary, bake at 400°F for 20 mins.

Why it’s a must-try: Vatican bakers swear by this fluffy, herby bread.

10. Vatican’s Panna Cotta

Silky vanilla custard with berry sauce.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 tsp gelatin
• 1 cup mixed berries
• 2 tbsp honey

How to Make It:

1. Heat cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla.
2. Dissolve gelatin in warm water, stir into cream.
3. Pour into molds, chill 4+ hours.
4. Blend berries with honey for sauce, serve on top.

Why we chose it: It’s an elegant Vatican dessert that’s easier than it looks.

11. Vatican’s Honey Almond Biscotti

Crunchy, sweet, and perfect with coffee.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• ½ cup honey
• 1 cup almonds
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp baking powder

How to Make It:

1. Mix dry ingredients, add eggs and honey. Fold in almonds.
2. Shape into logs, bake at 350°F for 25 mins.
3. Slice, then bake again for 10 mins.

Why we love it: These biscotti are a Vatican favorite—great for dunking!

Conclusion

There you have it—11 drool-worthy Vatican recipes you need to try.

Whether you’re making spaghetti aglio e olio or baking honey almond biscotti, these dishes bring a taste of Vatican City right to your kitchen.

So, what are you waiting for? Pick a recipe, grab your apron, and start cooking!