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    Home » Main Dishes

    33 Italian Lent Recipes

    Published: Jan 23, 2020 · Modified: Jan 22, 2023 by Mamma C · This post may contain affiliate links

    collage of italian food

    Need Italian Lent Recipes? Here are 33 meatless dinner ideas from Cooking with Mamma C that are perfect for Lenten Fridays, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday! You'll find recipes for fish, shellfish, pasta, sauces, soups, pizza, frittatas and vegetable entrées.

    collage of italian food

    I have a confession to make. (Since this is a post about Lent, it seems appropriate.)

    I've never enjoyed the food at a Lenten fish fry. I'm sure some parishes do a better job than others. But if I go, it's more about the community atmosphere and a night off from cooking than it is about the meal itself.

    Can you relate?

    If you love Italian food and need some meatless recipes for dinner during Lent, I've got you covered! All of these meals would go well with a simple green salad and Italian bread, but feel free to browse these Italian Side Dishes for many options you'll love.

    Now, before we get to all the Lent food, here's some information you might find helpful.

    When is Lent 2023?

    In 2023, Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 22, and ends on Holy Thursday, April 6. Good Friday is April 7, and Easter is Sunday, April 9.

    Lent rules for fasting & abstinence from meat

    Catholic rules for Lent include:

    • People age 14 and older must abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday, all Fridays during Lent and Good Friday.
    • Catholics 18 or older, and under age 59, must fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, unless there are medical reasons not to do so. Women who are pregnant or nursing don't have to fast. 
    • On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, one full meatless meal is allowed, plus two other light, meatless meals that are just enough to maintain strength. No snacking between meals is allowed.

    What counts as meat?

    Catholic guidelines prohibit eating meat from land animals or birds on Lenten Fridays, Ash Wednesday or Good Friday. So, you're not supposed to eat chicken on Fridays during Lent.

    However, foods made from meat juices and fats are allowed. So broth, stock, gravies, etc., are fine.

    Eggs, milk, fish and shellfish are permitted on abstinence days as well. Here's more information.

    Italian Lent Recipes

    Do you love Italian food and want to make delicious Lenten meals? Enjoy this recipe collection from Cooking with Mamma C. You'll find fish, shellfish, pasta, sauces, soups, pizza, frittatas and vegetable entrées. Most recipes are either authentic Italian or Italian-American, and a few feature an Italian twist!

    Fish/Shellfish

    Looking for fish recipes for Lent? Here are my favorite Italian-style seafood dishes, including cod, salmon, shrimp, scallops and calamari!

    Sautéed Cod with Tomatoes

    You'll love this authentic Italian recipe from my Nonna! Ready in 20 minutes, this cod with tomatoes is accented with garlic, olive oil, olives and parsley for a simple but delicious meal. Don't forget the crusty bread!

    Broiled Scallops with Parmesan Bread Crumbs

    Mom's Broiled Scallops with Parmesan Bread Crumbs is our favorite seafood dish! Made with butter, olive oil and fresh, homemade bread crumbs mixed with Parmesan, a little Romano and seasonings. Delizioso!

    Pesto Salmon

    If you've never paired pesto with salmon, you've been missing out! This fish dinner can be on your table in 25 minutes and is fabulous with boiled redskin potatoes...tossed with butter and pesto!

    Baked Cod with Parmesan and Garlic Butter

    This Parmesan-crusted cod is my most popular recipe! It's low carb, keto, gluten free and tastes fabulous. Loved by adults, teens and toddlers, this is the most family-friendly fish to serve on Fridays during Lent!

    Jumbo Fried Shrimp

    This is simply the best Fried Shrimp! Don't miss my family's easy recipe that's perfect for a Lenten fish fry.

    Easy Breaded Scallops over Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

    These Easy Breaded Scallops can be on your table in 15 minutes! Coat them with Italian bread crumbs, bake and serve them in a salad with a delicious lemon vinaigrette. Or, you can add them to linguine with lemon and olive oil!

    Salmon Caprese with Balsamic Glaze

    I invented Salmon Caprese because I love the combination of mozzarella, tomatoes, basil and balsamic glaze. I hope you enjoy this easy salmon recipe that delivers big flavor with an Italian twist!

    Baked Parmesan Shrimp with Garlic Butter

    This Parmesan shrimp contains no bread crumbs, so it's gluten free, keto and low carb! Serve it with rice, cauliflower rice or zoodles for a delicious Lenten meal.

    Neapolitan-Style Fried Calamari

    Don't miss this family recipe for Fried Calamari as made in Naples! Fresh calamari is dredged in seasoned flour and pan-fried until crispy. All you need is a squeeze of lemon!

    PASTA

    If you need Lenten pasta recipes, here are some family favorites. Enjoy these authentic Italian pasta dishes on no-meat Fridays or any time throughout the year!

    Bucatini with Clams and White Wine

    Whether you use bucatini or make traditional linguine with clams, this is the perfect Italian meal for Lent! It's ready in 20 minutes or less.

    Pasta e Piselli (Pasta with Peas)

    Pasta e Piselli (Pasta with Peas) is my favorite one-pot meal from Naples! It’s ready in less than 30 minutes and is a delicious and easy Lenten meal.

    Pasta al Forno with Smoked Mozzarella

    You’ll love Pasta al Forno with Smoked Mozzarella! This baked rigatoni is always a hit and is perfect to feed family and friends during Lent.

    Linguine with Creamy Walnut Sauce

    We love this easy Linguine with Creamy Walnut Sauce, based on a dish we at in Genoa! Just throw the sauce ingredients in the food processor or blender to make a blonde pesto!

    Pasta e Fagioli

    Pasta e Fagioli, as made in Naples, is a cross between soup and a pasta dish. Enjoy this one-pot family recipe for a simple Lenten meal!

    Pasta with Broccoli

    Pasta with Broccoli is a one-pot dish that's the perfect Lenten Friday meal. The broccoli is cooked down until it envelopes the pasta in a garlicky sauce. You'll love this authentic Italian recipe from Naples!

    Pasta with Zucchini

    A cross between soup and a pasta dish, Pasta with Zucchini is Italian comfort food at its best! Enjoy this one-pot meal that's based on a family recipe from Naples.

    One-Pot Farro with Cauliflower and Onions

    One-Pot Farro with Cauliflower is similar to Pasta e Cavoli (cauliflower). Farro is an ancient Italian wheat grain that's high in fiber and protein, so it helps keep you full longer. Just what we need for fasting days during Lent!

    Pasta with Pecorino and Pepper (Cacio e Pepe)

    Pasta with Pecorino and Pepper (Cacio e Pepe) hails from Rome and delivers big flavor in 25 minutes! Enjoy this zesty, cheesy pasta recipe that's great for Lent!

    Sauces & Pizza

    These meatless Italian sauces are perfect to serve over pasta, zoodles or pizza during Lent. And don't miss the recipe for pizza dough!

    Homemade Marinara Sauce

    My Homemade Marinara Sauce is so quick and easy, you can forget jarred spaghetti sauce! Enjoy this authentic Italian recipe on pasta, pizza or zoodles during Lent or throughout the year.

    Homemade Pizza Dough with Beer

    You have to try this Homemade Pizza Dough with Beer! It’s so easy, and makes the best pizza. Use it to make plain cheese pizza or add veggie toppings for Lenten Fridays.

    Mom's Pesto with Pecorino Romano

    Made with a 50-50 combination of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano, Mom's basil Pesto is simply the best! Enjoy it with pasta, pizza or salmon!

    Easy Spinach-Walnut Pesto

    When fresh basil is scarce, make this Easy Spinach-Walnut Pesto! It'll be ready in five minutes and is delicious with pasta or pizza.

    Homemade Alfredo Sauce with Garlic

    My Homemade Alfredo Sauce with Garlic has a creamy, velvety texture and huge flavor from Parmesan and Romano! You're going to love it!

    Vegetable Entrées

    Make these Italian vegetable dishes when you need delicious meatless meals for Lent but aren't in the mood for fish or pasta. They're perfect for vegetarians any time of year!

    Eggplant Parmigiana Recipe

    My Eggplant Parmigiana Recipe features three kinds of cheese, fresh basil and a light tomato sauce. As in Naples, the eggplants are dipped in flour and egg, but no bread crumbs. Enjoy this as a meatless main dish for Lent!

    Mom's Spinach-Ricotta Pie

    Mom's Spinach-Ricotta Pie is absoultely fabulous! The filling is easy to make, and you can use her crust recipe or any pie crust. Save me a piece!

    Baked Vegetable Risotto with Asparagus and Spinach

    Make this Baked Vegetable Risotto as a main dish or to go with fish on Lenten Fridays, Ash Wednesday or Good Friday. The leftovers freeze well!

    Cheesy Zucchini Bake

    This Cheesy Zucchini Bake is made from scratch with Pecorino Romano and Parmesan! It’s based on my Mom’s zucchini casserole that’s been a staple at family functions for years! Serve it as a main dish or side dish for Lent.

    Soups/Stew

    Meatless soups and stews are perfect for Lent! Enjoy these Italian recipes when you need a warm bowl of comfort.

    Minestrone with Fire-Roasted Tomatoes

    Fire-roasted tomatoes add tremendous flavor to this hearty Minestrone! It's loaded with veggies, plus pasta, beans and Romano. Enjoy it with a side of crusty bread!

    Tuscan White Bean Soup with Escarole and Potatoes

    Escarole and potatoes are so delicious in this Tuscan White Bean Soup! Feel free to substitute spinach or kale for the greens, but this dish needs to be on your table during Lent!

    Smoky Lentil Stew

    This is basically Italian lentil soup that's cooked until it becomes thick and deeply flavored. Liquid Smoke adds a delicious, smoky accent!

    Frittata Recipes

    Whether you bake or fry them, frittatas are perfect for Lent! Pecorino Romano and Parmesan cheeses provide delicious flavor in these Italian omelettes featuring either vegetables or pasta.

    Mom's Asparagus Frittata

    Mom's Asparagus Frittata is made on the stove, just like in Naples! It's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Promise me you'll try it!

    Leftover Spaghetti Frittata

    Leftover Spaghetti Frittata is one of the best things in life! You can start with cold, cooked pasta out of your fridge or boil some just to make this authentic Italian dish from Naples. Enjoy it warm, chilled or at room temperature.

    Baked Arugula Frittata

    Baked Arugula Frittata features peppery greens combined with eggs, garlic, Parmesan, Romano and feta. Make this for a light Lenten meal!

    I hope you enjoy this collection of Italian recipes for Lent! Please share on Pinterest and Facebook!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Vickie loyo

      November 02, 2022 at 8:04 pm

      Love these recipes

      Reply
      • Mamma C

        November 03, 2022 at 6:47 am

        Hi Vickie - I'm so glad!

        Reply
    2. Char

      February 01, 2021 at 7:55 am

      Love your recipes and thanks for reminding us of the guidelines for Lent. I make many of these recipes being 100% Italian Your recipes are always good and easy

      Reply
      • Mamma C

        February 01, 2021 at 8:18 am

        Hi Char - What a lovely comment! Thanks for letting me know!

        Reply
    3. John

      January 30, 2020 at 7:20 pm

      Loved your pasta with peas, my mother is also mama c bit from Calabria :).

      Reply
      • Mamma C

        January 31, 2020 at 10:25 am

        Hi John - I'm so glad you loved the pasta with peas. My in-laws are from Calabria too!

        Reply
    4. Sonia

      January 24, 2020 at 1:29 pm

      Oh nice! Lovely collection under one roof. I would start with smoky lentil.stew.. sounds super delicious.

      Reply
      • Mamma C

        January 24, 2020 at 1:57 pm

        Hi Sonia - Yes, we love that lentil stew! Thank you.

        Reply
    5. Jill

      January 24, 2020 at 12:01 pm

      So many terrific recipes in this collection. I'm really eyeing that Salmon Caprese.

      Reply
      • Mamma C

        January 24, 2020 at 12:15 pm

        Hi Jill - That's my favorite salmon recipe! I hope you try it.

        Reply
    6. Suzy

      January 24, 2020 at 11:40 am

      The perfect list to have to fill up my Fridays during Lent season! So many great options to choose from!

      Reply
      • Mamma C

        January 24, 2020 at 12:14 pm

        Hi Suzy - Thank you! I hope this is helpful.

        Reply
    7. Beth

      January 24, 2020 at 9:29 am

      This is a great list to have! Always am looking for something new to try for Lenten Fridays! The pasta al forno sounds divine!

      Reply
      • Mamma C

        January 24, 2020 at 10:05 am

        Hi Beth - That pasta al forno is my go-to recipe! Enjoy.

        Reply
    8. Danielle

      January 24, 2020 at 9:16 am

      I wonder how long it will take me to go through this complete list because I absolutely have to! So many great Italian recipes to try that I hardly know where to start 🙂

      Reply
      • Mamma C

        January 24, 2020 at 9:22 am

        Hi Danielle - Haha! I wanted to offer lots of options. Enjoy.

        Reply

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    I'm Andrea, also known as Mamma C. I share family-tested recipes from my Italian-American kitchen. I hope you'll visit often! Read More…

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