Italian cuisine is beloved worldwide for its rich flavors and simple yet delicious ingredients. From pasta dishes to pizzas, Italy’s culinary traditions have stood the test of time.

Classic Italian recipes offer a taste of authentic Italian cooking that you can enjoy at home.

These 35 classic Italian recipes will help you create mouthwatering meals in your own kitchen. You’ll find a mix of appetizers, main courses, and desserts that showcase the best of Italian cooking.

Whether you’re planning a special dinner or just want to try something new, these recipes will give you a true taste of Italy.

1. Spaghetti Bolognese

Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic Italian dish loved worldwide. To make it, you’ll need ground beef, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and herbs.

Start by cooking onions and garlic in oil. Add the beef and brown it well.

Pour in some red wine and let it evaporate.

Next, add tomato paste and puree. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like oregano and basil.

Simmer the sauce for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Cook your spaghetti separately and serve it topped with the rich Bolognese sauce. Grate some Parmesan cheese over the top for extra flavor.

2. Margherita Pizza

Margherita pizza is a classic Italian dish that you can easily make at home. It features a thin crust topped with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves.

To make the dough, mix flour, yeast, salt, and water. Let it rise for about an hour.

Stretch the dough into a round shape and place it on a baking sheet.

Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the dough. Add slices of fresh mozzarella and a drizzle of olive oil.

Bake in a hot oven for 7-10 minutes until the crust is golden.

After baking, sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top. The pizza should have a crispy crust and gooey cheese. Enjoy your homemade Margherita pizza while it’s hot!

3. Risotto alla Milanese

Risotto alla Milanese is a classic Italian rice dish from Milan. You’ll need Arborio rice, saffron, butter, onion, and broth to make it.

Start by cooking diced onion in butter until soft. Add the rice and toast it briefly.

Pour in warm broth slowly, stirring often.

The key to this dish is the saffron. It gives the risotto a golden color and unique flavor. Add it early in the cooking process.

Keep stirring and adding broth until the rice is creamy and tender. This takes about 20 minutes.

Finish with butter and grated cheese for extra richness.

Serve your Risotto alla Milanese hot. It’s great on its own or as a side dish with meat or seafood.

4. Tiramisu

Tiramisu is a beloved Italian dessert that’s easy to make at home. You’ll need ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, eggs, sugar, coffee, and cocoa powder.

Start by mixing egg yolks and sugar until light and creamy. Add softened mascarpone cheese and blend until smooth.

In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.

Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture.

Dip ladyfingers briefly in coffee and rum, then layer them in a dish. Spread half the cream mixture on top.

Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and cream. Dust the top with cocoa powder. Chill for several hours before serving.

5. Lasagna Bolognese

Lasagna Bolognese is a beloved Italian dish that will warm your heart. This classic recipe layers wide pasta sheets with a rich meat sauce and creamy béchamel.

To make it, start by preparing a flavorful Bolognese sauce. Cook ground beef and pork with vegetables, then simmer in tomato passata for about 2 hours.

Next, create a smooth béchamel sauce by cooking butter and flour, then whisking in milk.

Layer the pasta sheets, meat sauce, béchamel, and cheese in a baking dish.

Bake your lasagna until it’s golden and bubbly. Let it rest before serving to allow the flavors to meld. You’ll love this comforting Italian classic.

6. Caprese Salad

Caprese salad is a classic Italian dish that celebrates simple, fresh ingredients. You’ll love how easy it is to make.

Start with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves. Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella, then layer them on a plate with basil leaves in between.

Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the top. Add a sprinkle of salt to enhance the flavors.

Some people like to add a touch of balsamic vinegar too.

This salad is perfect for hot summer days. It’s light, refreshing, and bursting with Italian flavors. You can serve it as an appetizer or a side dish with your main meal.

7. Osso Buco

Osso buco is a hearty Italian dish that will warm your soul. This classic Milanese recipe features veal shanks braised to tender perfection.

To make osso buco, you’ll first coat the veal in seasoned flour. Then brown the meat in a pan with oil and butter.

Next, sauté onions, celery, carrots, and garlic to create a flavorful base. Add the veal back to the pot with wine and broth.

Let the osso buco simmer low and slow for several hours until the meat is fall-apart tender. The marrow in the bone adds richness to the sauce.

Serve your osso buco over creamy polenta or risotto. Top it with gremolata – a zesty mix of lemon zest, garlic, and parsley – for bright flavor.

8. Fettuccine Alfredo

Fettuccine Alfredo is a simple yet luxurious Italian pasta dish. You only need three main ingredients: fettuccine pasta, butter, and Parmesan cheese.

To make authentic Fettuccine Alfredo, cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.

In a pan, melt butter and add the cooked pasta. Toss to coat the noodles.

Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly.

If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water to achieve a creamy consistency. Season with black pepper to taste.

Serve immediately while hot and creamy. The dish should be rich and velvety, without any need for cream or garlic.

9. Pasta Carbonara

Pasta carbonara is a beloved Italian dish from Rome. You’ll need just a few simple ingredients to make this creamy pasta.

Start by cooking spaghetti in salted water until al dente. While it cooks, fry cubed guanciale or pancetta until crispy.

In a bowl, mix egg yolks with grated Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper.

Once the pasta is done, drain it and add it to the pan with the meat.

Remove the pan from heat and quickly stir in the egg mixture. The residual heat will cook the eggs, creating a silky sauce that coats the pasta.

Serve your carbonara right away, topped with more cheese and pepper if you like.

10. Parmesan Chicken

Parmesan chicken is a beloved Italian-American dish that’s easy to make at home. You start by pounding chicken breasts thin, about 1/2 inch thick. This helps them cook evenly.

Next, dip the chicken in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. Make sure to coat it well.

Fry the breaded chicken until golden brown on both sides.

Place the fried chicken in a baking dish. Top with tomato sauce and cheese – usually mozzarella and Parmesan.

Bake until the cheese melts and gets bubbly.

Serve your Parmesan chicken hot, perhaps with pasta or a side salad. It’s a comforting meal that’s sure to please the whole family.

11. Ravioli di Ricotta

Ravioli di Ricotta is a classic Italian pasta dish. You can make it at home with simple ingredients. The filling combines creamy ricotta cheese with Parmigiano Reggiano, eggs, salt, and pepper.

To make the pasta dough, mix flour with eggs and oil. Knead it well and let it rest.

Roll the dough into thin sheets using a pasta machine.

Cut the sheets into circles or squares. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each piece. Fold the dough over and seal the edges to form the ravioli.

Cook the ravioli in boiling salted water until they float to the surface. Serve them with melted butter and sage leaves for a traditional touch.

12. Panna Cotta

Panna cotta is a beloved Italian dessert that’s easy to make and sure to impress. You’ll love its silky texture and delicate flavor.

To make panna cotta, you’ll need cream, milk, sugar, and gelatin. Mix these ingredients and gently heat them. Then pour the mixture into molds and chill.

For the best results, use fresh cream and whole milk. Let the panna cotta set in the fridge for at least 6 hours.

You can serve panna cotta plain or with toppings. Fresh berries, fruit puree, or caramel sauce are great choices.

Get creative and try different flavors like coffee or citrus.

13. Gnocchi al Pesto

Gnocchi al pesto is a delicious Italian dish that combines soft potato dumplings with fragrant basil sauce. To make it, you’ll need gnocchi and homemade or store-bought pesto.

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gnocchi until they float to the surface. While they cook, prepare the pesto sauce.

For homemade pesto, blend fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil until smooth. You can use a food processor or mortar and pestle for this step.

Once the gnocchi are cooked, drain them and toss with the pesto sauce.

Add a splash of pasta water if needed to help the sauce coat the gnocchi evenly.

Serve your gnocchi al pesto hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. This simple yet flavorful dish is ready in just 20 minutes.

14. Bruschetta

Bruschetta is a simple yet delicious Italian appetizer. You start with slices of crusty bread, usually from a baguette.

Toast the bread until it’s golden and crispy.

Rub a clove of garlic on the toasted bread for extra flavor. Drizzle some olive oil over the top.

The classic topping is made with diced fresh tomatoes, basil, and a touch of salt. Mix these ingredients together and spoon them onto the bread just before serving.

You can get creative with toppings too. Try adding mozzarella, prosciutto, or even a spread of goat cheese. Bruschetta is perfect for parties or as a light snack.

15. Caponata

Caponata is a tasty Sicilian dish made with eggplant, vegetables, and a sweet and sour sauce. You’ll love this flavorful appetizer or side dish.

To make caponata, start by cutting eggplant into cubes and salting it. This helps remove any bitterness.

Next, cook the eggplant in olive oil until golden.

In a pan, sauté onions, celery, and bell peppers. Add capers, olives, and pine nuts for extra flavor.

Mix in tomato sauce and a splash of vinegar for tanginess.

Combine everything and let the flavors meld. Caponata tastes best when served at room temperature. You can enjoy it on its own or with crusty bread.

16. Gelato

Gelato is a beloved Italian frozen dessert. It’s smoother and denser than ice cream, with less fat and air whipped in.

You can make gelato at home with simple ingredients like milk, sugar, and flavorings. Mix these together and gently heat them.

Cool the mixture, then churn it in an ice cream maker. If you don’t have one, pour it into a container and stir every 30 minutes as it freezes.

Popular gelato flavors include pistachio, stracciatella, and fior di latte.

Serve it slightly warmer than ice cream for the best texture.

Enjoy your homemade gelato in a cone or cup. Add toppings like fresh fruit or nuts if you like.

17. Bistecca alla Fiorentina

Bistecca alla Fiorentina is a famous Italian steak dish from Florence. You start with a thick T-bone or porterhouse steak, usually from Chianina cattle.

Pat the steak dry and let it come to room temperature. Season it generously with salt and pepper.

Brush it with olive oil using fresh rosemary and sage tied together.

Grill the steak on high heat for about 5 minutes per side. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should reach 135°F. Let it rest before slicing.

Serve your Bistecca alla Fiorentina simply, allowing the quality of the meat to shine. Pair it with a bold Tuscan red wine for a true Florentine experience.

18. Polenta

Polenta is a hearty Italian staple made from coarsely ground cornmeal. You cook it by whisking the cornmeal into boiling water and stirring until thick and creamy.

It takes about 30-40 minutes to cook traditional polenta, but quick-cooking versions are also available.

Once cooked, you can serve it soft and creamy or let it cool and slice it.

Polenta pairs well with many toppings. Try it with sautéed mushrooms, tomato sauce, or grated cheese.

You can also fry or grill cooled polenta slices for a crispy texture.

This versatile dish works as a side or main course. It’s comfort food that warms you up on cold days.

19. Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant Parmesan is a beloved Italian dish that combines layers of crispy eggplant, tomato sauce, and melted cheese.

To make it, you’ll start by slicing eggplants into thin rounds and salting them to remove excess moisture.

Next, coat the eggplant slices in flour and fry them until golden brown.

In a baking dish, layer the fried eggplant with marinara sauce and a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

Repeat these layers until you’ve used all the ingredients.

Bake the dish in a preheated oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

This comforting meal is perfect served with a side of pasta or crusty bread.

20. Zuppa Toscana

Zuppa Toscana is a hearty Italian soup that’s sure to warm you up. You’ll love this flavorful dish packed with sausage, potatoes, and kale.

To make it, start by cooking Italian sausage in a large pot. Set the cooked sausage aside and use the same pot to sauté onions and garlic.

Next, add chicken broth, water, and diced potatoes to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender.

Stir in the cooked sausage and chopped kale. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the kale wilts.

For a creamy finish, you can add some heavy cream before serving.

21. Cannoli

Cannoli are iconic Italian pastries from Sicily. These crispy tubes of fried dough are filled with sweet ricotta cream.

To make them, you’ll need flour, sugar, salt, butter, egg yolk, and white wine for the shells.

For the filling, use whole milk ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients until smooth. You can add chocolate chips or candied fruit for extra flavor.

Fry the shell dough in hot oil until golden brown. Once cooled, fill the shells with the ricotta mixture using a piping bag.

For a finishing touch, dip the ends in chopped pistachios or chocolate chips.

Serve cannoli fresh to enjoy their perfect blend of crunchy shells and creamy filling. These treats are perfect for dessert or with coffee.

22. Arancini

Arancini are delicious Italian rice balls that you’ll love. These crispy treats originated in Sicily and are now popular throughout Italy.

To make arancini, you start with risotto rice. Cook it with broth, saffron, and Parmesan cheese until creamy.

Let the rice cool, then shape it into balls. You can add fillings like meat sauce or mozzarella in the center.

Next, coat the rice balls in breadcrumbs. Deep fry them until golden brown and crunchy on the outside.

Arancini make a great appetizer or snack. You can serve them with marinara sauce for dipping.

Their name means “little oranges” in Italian, referring to their round shape and golden color.

23. Minestrone Soup

Minestrone is a hearty Italian vegetable soup. You can make it with a variety of vegetables, beans, and pasta.

Start by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil.

Add garlic, zucchini, and green beans. Toss in some diced tomatoes and broth.

Simmer until the vegetables start to soften.

Next, add beans and small pasta shapes. Season with herbs like rosemary or basil.

Cook until the pasta is tender.

For extra flavor, top your minestrone with grated Parmesan cheese.

Serve with crusty bread for a warming meal.

24. Cacio e Pepe

Cacio e Pepe is a simple yet delicious Roman pasta dish. You’ll need just a few ingredients: spaghetti, pecorino cheese, and black pepper.

To make it, cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. While it cooks, toast black peppercorns in a dry pan and grind them.

In a large skillet, mix grated pecorino with some pasta water to create a creamy sauce.

Add the cooked pasta and ground pepper, tossing everything together off the heat.

The key is to work quickly and use the pasta’s starchy water to help the cheese melt smoothly.

When done right, you’ll have a creamy, peppery pasta that showcases the beauty of Italian simplicity.

25. Tortellini Soup

Tortellini soup is a comforting Italian dish that’s easy to make at home. You’ll love this hearty meal on cold days.

Start by sautéing garlic and shallots in a large pot. Add chicken broth, canned tomatoes, and Italian herbs like oregano and basil.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.

Add cheese-filled tortellini and cook until tender.

For extra flavor, you can include Italian sausage or spinach. Finish with a splash of heavy cream and fresh basil.

Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top. This soup is filling enough to be a complete meal.

26. Affogato

Affogato is a simple yet elegant Italian dessert that combines two beloved ingredients: gelato and espresso.

To make it, you’ll need a scoop of vanilla gelato or ice cream and a shot of hot espresso.

Place the gelato in a small glass or cup. Pour the freshly brewed espresso over the top.

The hot coffee will start to melt the cold gelato, creating a delightful mix of temperatures and textures.

You can enjoy affogato right away with a spoon. Some people like to add a splash of liqueur for extra flavor. Popular choices include amaretto or coffee liqueur.

Affogato makes a perfect after-dinner treat. It’s quick to prepare and offers a satisfying blend of sweet and bitter flavors.

27. Insalata di Frutti di Mare

Insalata di Frutti di Mare is a refreshing Italian seafood salad. You can enjoy it as an appetizer or light meal.

This dish features a mix of seafood like shrimp, scallops, and calamari. The seafood is poached and chilled before being combined.

The dressing is a blend of lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic. Parsley adds a fresh touch to the salad.

You can prepare this dish ahead of time. Let it marinate in the fridge overnight for the best flavor.

Serve it cold or at room temperature for a tasty Italian treat.

28. Panzanella

Panzanella is a classic Italian bread salad from Tuscany. You can make it with simple ingredients you likely have on hand.

Start by cutting stale bread into cubes. Toast them in the oven until golden brown.

Chop fresh tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.

Mix the vegetables with the bread cubes in a large bowl. Add torn basil leaves for flavor.

Dress the salad with olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.

Let the salad sit for 20-30 minutes before serving. This allows the bread to soak up the dressing and vegetable juices.

The result is a tasty mix of crunchy and soft textures with fresh summer flavors.

29. Tagliatelle al Tartufo

Tagliatelle al Tartufo is a luxurious Italian pasta dish that showcases the rich flavor of truffles. This recipe combines long, ribbon-like tagliatelle pasta with a creamy truffle sauce.

To make it, cook the tagliatelle in boiling salted water until al dente. While the pasta cooks, melt truffle butter in a pan and add minced garlic.

Drain the pasta and toss it in the truffle butter mixture.

Grate fresh black truffle over the pasta for an extra burst of flavor.

You can adjust the intensity of the truffle taste by using truffle oil or truffle paste if fresh truffles are unavailable.

Serve the dish hot, garnished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

30. Sicilian Cassata

Sicilian Cassata is a sweet treat from Sicily that will delight your taste buds. This dessert combines rich flavors and textures for a truly indulgent experience.

To make Cassata, you’ll start with layers of sponge cake. Between the cake, spread a creamy mixture of sweetened ricotta cheese. Mix in chocolate chips and candied fruit for extra flavor and texture.

The outside of the cake gets covered with green marzipan or fondant.

Top it off with a layer of sweet icing and colorful candied fruits for decoration.

Cassata takes time to prepare, but the result is worth the effort.

You can enjoy this special dessert for holidays or any occasion when you want something impressive.

31. Sarde a Beccafico

Sarde a Beccafico is a classic Sicilian dish that showcases the region’s love for sardines. You’ll find this tasty treat made with butterflied sardines stuffed with a flavorful mixture.

The filling typically includes breadcrumbs, pine nuts, raisins, and herbs. Some recipes add anchovies, garlic, and grated cheese for extra flavor.

To make this dish, you roll up the stuffed sardines and bake them between fresh bay leaves. A drizzle of olive oil and orange juice adds a bright, citrusy touch.

This recipe brings a taste of Sicily to your table. It’s a great way to enjoy sardines in a new, exciting form.

32. Cioppino

Cioppino is a hearty Italian-American seafood stew that originated in San Francisco. You’ll love this flavorful dish packed with various types of fish and shellfish.

To make cioppino, start by sautéing onions, garlic, and fennel in olive oil. Add tomatoes, white wine, and fish stock to create a rich broth.

Next, you’ll add an assortment of seafood like cod, shrimp, mussels, and clams. Cook until the shellfish open and the fish is tender.

Serve your cioppino hot with crusty bread for dipping. This warming stew is perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving a taste of the sea.

33. Ragù Napoletano

Ragù Napoletano is a rich Italian meat sauce from Naples. You cook it slowly for many hours to develop deep flavors.

The sauce uses several types of meat. Typical choices are beef, pork ribs, and sausages. The meats are seared first to add flavor.

Next, you add onions, carrots, and garlic. Tomatoes and red wine go in too. The sauce simmers for 6-7 hours until the meat is very tender.

As it cooks, the sauce turns from bright red to a darker brown color. The meat often breaks apart and mixes into the sauce.

You can serve Ragù Napoletano over pasta or with bread. It’s a hearty, filling dish perfect for Sunday family dinners.

34. Saltimbocca alla Romana

Saltimbocca alla Romana is a classic Italian dish from Rome. It’s made with thin slices of veal topped with prosciutto and sage leaves.

To make it, you’ll pound veal cutlets until they’re very thin. Then place a slice of prosciutto and a sage leaf on each piece of veal. Secure them with toothpicks.

Lightly coat the veal in flour. Cook the meat in a pan with butter and olive oil for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown.

Add white wine to the pan and let it evaporate. Remove the veal and make a quick pan sauce with the drippings.

Serve the veal topped with the sauce.

35. Parmigiana di Melanzane

Parmigiana di Melanzane is a beloved Italian dish featuring layers of eggplant, tomato sauce, and cheese. You’ll love this comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners.

To make it, start by slicing eggplants and frying or baking them until tender.

Layer the eggplant slices with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese in a baking dish.

Repeat the layers until you’ve used all the ingredients.

Bake until the cheese melts and turns golden brown. The result is a savory, cheesy delight with a satisfying blend of textures.

Serve your Parmigiana di Melanzane hot as a main course. It pairs well with a simple green salad and crusty bread.

You can also make it ahead and reheat it for an easy weeknight meal.

History of Italian Cuisine

Italian cuisine has a rich and diverse history spanning thousands of years. It has evolved through various cultural influences and regional differences, shaping the beloved dishes we know today.

Origins and Evolution

Italian food has its roots in ancient Roman times. The Romans ate simple meals of grains, vegetables, and olive oil. As their empire grew, they brought new ingredients from far-off lands.

In the Middle Ages, Italian cooking started to change. Each region developed its own style based on local ingredients. Pasta became popular in the south, while rice dishes took hold in the north.

The 1600s saw a big shift in Italian food. Tomatoes, brought from the Americas, became a key ingredient. At first, people thought they were poisonous. But soon, tomatoes and pasta joined forces to create iconic dishes.

Influence on World Cuisines

Italian food has spread far beyond Italy’s borders. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, many Italians moved to other countries. They took their recipes with them, introducing new flavors to their new homes.

Italian-American cuisine emerged, with dishes like spaghetti and meatballs. These weren’t common in Italy but became popular in the U.S.

Italian cooking methods have also influenced chefs worldwide. The use of olive oil, fresh herbs, and simple preparations has inspired many cuisines.

Today, you can find Italian restaurants in almost every country. Pizza, pasta, and gelato are loved around the globe. Italian food continues to evolve, blending tradition with modern twists.

Key Ingredients in Italian Cooking

Italian cuisine relies on high-quality ingredients that bring out rich flavors and textures. Fresh produce, aromatic herbs, and carefully aged meats and cheeses form the backbone of many classic dishes.

Essential Herbs and Spices

Basil is a star in Italian cooking. Its sweet, peppery leaves add brightness to pasta sauces and salads.

Oregano gives pizza and tomato dishes a warm, slightly bitter taste. Rosemary’s pine-like aroma works well with roasted meats and potatoes.

Garlic is used liberally to add depth and pungency. Red pepper flakes bring heat to many recipes. Bay leaves lend a subtle flavor to slow-cooked sauces and stews.

Italian parsley has a clean, grassy taste that freshens up many dishes. Sage’s earthy flavor pairs nicely with butter sauces and meat dishes.

Traditional Meats and Cheeses

Prosciutto is dry-cured ham sliced paper-thin. It’s often served as an appetizer or wrapped around melon.

Pancetta, Italian bacon, flavors pasta dishes and sauces. Parmigiano-Reggiano is a hard, aged cheese with a complex flavor.

You can grate it over pasta or eat chunks as a snack. Mozzarella, especially fresh, melts beautifully on pizza and in baked dishes.

Pecorino Romano is a salty, hard sheep’s milk cheese used in pasta dishes. Ricotta’s mild, creamy texture works well in both savory and sweet recipes.

Salami and other cured meats are popular in antipasto platters. They add rich, salty flavors to sandwiches and pizzas too.

Regional Variations

Italian cuisine varies greatly across different regions. Local ingredients and traditions shape unique flavors and dishes from north to south.

Northern Italian Specialties

Northern Italian food often uses rice, polenta, and butter. Risotto is a popular rice dish from this area.

You’ll find hearty meat dishes like osso buco in Milan. Pesto sauce comes from Genoa on the coast. The north is known for its cheeses.

Try Parmigiano-Reggiano from Parma or gorgonzola from Lombardy. Fresh pasta like tortellini is common here too.

Northern recipes may include more cream sauces. Seafood is popular along the coasts. Alpine areas serve dishes with wild mushrooms and game meats.

Southern Italian Flavors

Southern Italian food relies more on olive oil, tomatoes, and seafood.

Naples is famous for pizza and pasta dishes. Sicily offers arancini rice balls and cannoli pastries.

You’ll find spicier foods in the south. Calabria grows hot peppers used in many recipes.

Eggplant is a key ingredient in dishes like pasta alla Norma.

Fresh mozzarella and ricotta are staples. Lemons feature in both sweet and savory foods.

Southern desserts often include nuts and honey.

Fish and shellfish appear in many coastal recipes. Grilled swordfish and sardines are common. Inland areas serve lamb, goat, and pork dishes.