Italian cooking is regional, seasonal and built on a small number of very good ingredients. These eleven recipes cover the dishes most people fall in love with first: Roman pasta, Neapolitan pizza, a slow Bolognese lasagna, saffron risotto from Milan and two desserts that need no oven.
1. Bruschetta al Pomodoro
Italian tomato bruschetta with ripe tomatoes, basil, garlic and good olive oil on crisp grilled bread.
Get the recipe2. Cacio e Pepe
Roman cacio e pepe with just pasta, Pecorino Romano and black pepper, emulsified into a glossy, creamy sauce.
Get the recipe3. Classic Tiramisu
Classic Italian tiramisu layered with espresso-soaked ladyfingers and a light mascarpone cream, dusted with cocoa. No baking required.
Get the recipe4. Italian Lemon Tart (Crostata al Limone)
Italian lemon tart with a crisp pasta frolla shell and a bright, silky lemon curd filling.
Get the recipe5. Lasagna alla Bolognese
Classic Lasagna alla Bolognese layered with slow-cooked beef and pork ragù, silky béchamel and Parmigiano Reggiano.
Get the recipe6. Lemon Roast Chicken
Juicy roast chicken with two whole lemons tucked inside: no basting, no fat, just salt, pepper and lemon.
Get the recipe7. Minestrone Soup
Hearty Italian minestrone with seasonal vegetables, cannellini beans, small pasta and a Parmigiano rind for depth.
Get the recipe8. Neapolitan Margherita Pizza
Homemade Margherita pizza with a chewy, blistered crust, San Marzano-style tomato, fresh mozzarella and basil, baked in a home oven.
Get the recipe9. Pollo alla Cacciatora
Rustic Italian hunter’s chicken braised with tomatoes, peppers, mushrooms, red wine, rosemary and olives.
Get the recipe10. Risotto alla Milanese
Golden saffron Risotto alla Milanese made with Carnaroli rice, white wine, butter and Parmigiano Reggiano, finished creamy and loose.
Get the recipe
11. Spaghetti Carbonara
Authentic Roman spaghetti carbonara made with guanciale, egg yolks, Pecorino Romano and black pepper. No cream, ready in 25 minutes.
Get the recipe12. Tomato Sauce with Butter and Onion
A three-ingredient Italian tomato sauce simmered with butter and a halved onion. Sweet, rich and perfect with spaghetti or gnocchi.
Get the recipe13. Tortellini in Parmigiano Cream
Tortellini in a silky Parmigiano Reggiano cream: a rich Emilian dish made with just cheese, cream and good pasta.
Get the recipe14. Trofie al Pesto Genovese
Ligurian trofie al pesto Genovese with fresh basil pesto, potatoes and green beans, the way it is served in Genoa.
Get the recipe15. Vanilla Panna Cotta with Berries
Silky vanilla panna cotta with a gentle wobble, served with fresh berries. A make-ahead Italian dessert.
Get the recipe
Save this list to your Pinterest board so you have it when you plan your next Italian meal.