So many of our favourite comfort dishes were created in Italy, it’s no surprise that that we have an endless list of popular Italian recipes here at Food Network Canada. From pasta to pizza to popular Italian desserts recipes like tiramisu, this list of traditional and modern Italian recipes is sure to get you feeling inspired in the kitchen. Read on for our 10 most popular Italian recipes ever.
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Pastina Soup
Often referred to as “Italian Penicillin” this soothing soup is our most popular Italian recipe, and for good reason! It combines all of the comforting elements of chicken noodle soup with playful star-shaped pasta (which is partly the reason why it’s such an Italian childhood favourite). The best part? It comes together in under an hour.
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Mushroom, Spinach and Radicchio Risotto
This risotto looks fancy but is surprisingly easy to make. A hearty base of Italian arborio rice is cooked in vegetable broth until it’s smooth and tender, and then milk is added in to give it an extra creamy finish. Topped off with mushrooms, spinach and radicchio, it’s an elevated recipe that never disappoints.
Invisible Apple Cake
This Torta Invisibile di Mele AKA Invisible Apple Cake from Jillian Barreca went absolutely viral for its clever technique and impressive results. Once sliced, it reveals beautifully complex layers of apple that seem to almost disappear into the delicate, buttery batter.
Cottage Cheese Rigatoni Alla Vodka
A modern spin on an Italian favourite, this delightful recipe incorporates protein-packed cottage cheese into classic rigatoni alla vodka. The result is a creamy, healthier spin on the beloved dish.
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Tiramisu Pancakes
As featured on Big Food Bucket List, these pancakes have earned celebrity status in Toronto. Tall, fluffy pancakes are topped with a luscious mascarpone tiramisu cream and drizzled with espresso syrup, then finished off with a dusting of cocoa powder. What’s not to love?
Pizza Pot Pie
While not a classic Italian dish, this melty pizza mashup uses ramekins to create a deep dish pot pie-style take on pizza. You can easily customize this recipe with your favourite pizza toppings — just don’t forget lots of ooey gooey cheese!
Related: Our Most Popular Mashup Recipes That Will Melt in Your Mouth
Pan Fried Gnocchi With Sage, Lemon, and Brown Butter
Brown butter makes everything better, and that’s certainly the case with this simple gnocchi recipe. Pan-fried to golden perfection, the gnocchi is finished off with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon for an ideal weeknight dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes.
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Cottage Cheese Lasagna
Another beloved Italian recipe that benefits from the addition of cottage cheese, this creamy cottage cheese lasagna is sure to become a permanent addition to your cooking roster. Not only does the cottage cheese provide maximum creaminess, it also packs this dish with an extra punch of protein.
Creamy Aperol Margarita
If you’re looking for an upgrade on your classic Aperol Spritz, say hello to this gloriously creamy Aperol Margarita. Aperol is shaken together with coconut milk for a creamy twist, then poured over ice and finished with a salted chili rim for a little kick.
Caramelized Banana Tiramisu
It’s hard to beat classic tiramisu, but this caramelized banana version somehow manages to do just that. Brown sugar-caramelized bananas are incorporated into the fluffy mascarpone layer, adding an extra layer of sweetness that sends this dessert over the edge.
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