Best Italian recipes

We’ve tried our fair share of lasagne recipes, and this one by top chef Gino D'Acampo is definitely one of the best. The fresh basil pesto melted into the béchamel sauce is just fantastic.

Try Gino D'Acampo's lasagne con pesto recipe

This traditional Sicilian dish is based on aubergines, a popular vegetable on this southern Italian island. A lot of Sicilian dishes have Arab influences, and this accounts for the combination of the sweet and sour ingredients that really enhances the flavour of the aubergines and onions.

Try Gennaro Contaldo's caponata recipe

The Italian restaurant favourite recreated in cupcake form. The creamy mascarpone and strong coffee flavours come bursting through the middle of this heavenly delight.

Try Hummingbird Bakery's tiramisu recipe

The combination of creamy Manchego with red onion makes a perfect pizza combination. Great for vegetarian guests as an interesting take on a classic Margherita.

Try Manchego and red onion pizza recipe

The inclusion of half a red chilli gives these meatballs an extra kick. Gordon Ramsay creates a perfect spoil yourself mid-week supper.

Try Gordon Ramsay's Italian meatballs recipe

A classic seafood risotto recipe from one of Italy’s top chefs, and one half of Two Greedy Italians, Gennaro Contaldo.

Try Gennaro Contaldo's seafood and vegetable risotto recipe

This very tasty, yet simple tomato soup is known throughout Italy, and is a wonderfully effortless meal to throw together. Although some purists will argue that you need to use Tuscan unsalted bread, the main thing is to ensure that you use a good rustic country loaf, day-old is best.

Try this Tuscan-style tomato and bread recipe

On the Amalfi coast, where the famous Sfusato lemon grows, this thirst-quenching slush is a most refreshing and welcoming treat on a hot day, sold in bars and ice-cream parlours. You can also substitute the lemons for oranges, if you prefer.

Try Gennato Contaldo's lemon granita recipe

Enjoy a taste of Italy with this delicious aubergine parmigiana. This substantial cheesy aubergine dish is a great option for vegetarian dinner parties.

Try this aubergine parmigiana recipe

Rich dark chocolate combined with creamy yogurt and spiked with Amaretto make an amazing combination – rich and incredibly indulgent. Wonderful for entertaining as it can be made well in advance.

Try this chocolate and amaretto pana cotta recipe

The classic pasta/bacon combo. Italians frown upon the use of cream in carbonara, preferring an emulsion of eggs, butter and pasta water. Stay one step ahead and add some pasta water just before serving.

Try this spaghetti carbonara recipe

Known for their firm, crunchy texture, these traditional Italian biscuits are a cup of tea’s best friend. Some recipes include a quarter of a cup of finely chopped pine nuts, which lends a slightly different texture to the finished biscuits.

Try this cantucci recipe

Bring the taste of Italy to your dinner plate with traditional oven-baked cannelloni. Comforting and loved by the whole family this dish is perfect in the winter and is a great alternative to lasagne.

Try this beef and mushroom cannelloni recipe

Inspired to try something new? For more dinner ideas see our selection of chicken recipes.

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