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When you think of Italian food, you might automatically think of spaghetti and meatballs… even though it’s a dish you aren’t likely to actually find in Italy. (Unless you happen upon a restaurant that’s trying to cater to an American tourist, that is.) Completely traditional or no, Italian food is always rich in comfort and flavor. Here are 13 of our favorite Italian recipes, minus the meatballs.

Bread & Cabbage Soup

Bread soup is one of Italy’s oldest peasant dishes and it’s survived throughout the years because it’s so adaptable. And so incredibly delicious. If you’re looking for rustic comfort, look no further. Just make a bowl full of this. Get the recipe here!


Sicilian Arancini

Arancini takes an Italian classic (risotto) and rolls it up into little balls that are deep fried. The result is a crunchy, creamy, cheesy snack that is unparalleled in deliciousness. We can’t get enough of them; they’re SO good. Get the full recipe here!


Chicken Gnocchi

Gnocchi are pillowy little dumplings that are an excellent stand-in for pasta. When done right, they’re tender and fluffy and a great vehicle for your favorite sauce. In this dish, they make a wonderful base for chicken, cherry tomatoes, and a whole bunch of delicious spices. Get the recipe here!


Rustic Veggie Lasagna

While this version might not be quite like your Grandma’s lasagna, it is unbelievably delicious. And no-boil noodles mean it’s totally easy too. Packed with veggies and cheese, it’s a fun twist on the flavors of the traditional. Get the full recipe here!


Italian Wedding Cookies

These little cookies are sweet snowballs that melt in your mouth. With plenty of butter and almonds, but no eggs, these tiny treats are a breeze to make and just couldn’t be tastier. It’s easy to see why the recipe has endured the test of time and we know it’s one we’ll be making again and again. Get the full recipe here!


Bruschetta Baked Chicken

Good news. Bruschetta – that wonderful Italian antipasto consisting of grilled bread and a fresh tomato topping – isn’t just an app anymore. Here, we’ve taken the classic bruschetta topping and paired it with baked chicken breasts for a flavorful dinner that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. Get the full recipe here!


Italian Honey Strufoli

These heavenly bits of fried dough hail from Naples and if you haven’t tried them yet, it’s definitely time you change that. They’re coated in honey and entirely addictive. Here’s how to make them at home. Get the recipe here!


Cacio e Pepe

Cacio e Pepe couldn’t have a simpler list of ingredients and yet it couldn’t be more delicious. It literally means “cheese and pepper” and there’s not much more to it, but here it’s all about the preparation. It’s one of our favorite quick meals and it’ll be one of yours too. Get the recipe here!


Ribollita

Ribollita (meaning “re-boiled”) makes a masterpiece out of leftovers. It’s a hearty Tuscan dish that traditionally uses minestrone from the day before and rounds it out with bread and more veggies. Whether you’re making it from scratch, or using up some leftovers, it’s a rustic and comforting stew that we can’t do without. Get the full recipe here!


Tiramisu

The combination of espresso, chocolate and the creaminess of mascarpone all layered in a no-bake dessert makes for one of our all-time favorite desserts. Get the full recipe here!


Barley & Sage Risotto

Risotto is a labor of love, but all that stirring creates an amazing creamy taste and texture. In this recipe, we’ve used barley with the same result and while it might not be totally traditional, it is totally tasty! Get the recipe here!


Panzanella Salad

This salad is a Tuscan staple and it’s one that’s easy to appreciate. Stale cubes of bread provide a base for juicy tomatoes (or other ingredients) and it’s fresh and light, but still totally satisfying. Get the full recipe here!


Cannoli

Unless you live in Sicily, it’s hard to find a cannoli that tastes just as they are meant to be. Unless you make them yourself, that is. They’re not anywhere as complicated to make as you might think, so everyone should give it a try at least once. You won’t be sorry you did. Get the recipe here!