Italian food is one of the world’s most beloved cuisines. And while pizza may be top of mind for many when we think about Italian meals, there are so many delicious dishes showcasing the country’s revered ingredients—think garlic, olive oil, rich tomatoes, and fresh cheeses. In this article, you’ll find easy Italian recipes that can help you bring those iconic flavors home to your family.

Start with appetizers like caprese skewers that are a classic Italian recipe made with bite-sized mozzarella, fresh basil, and juicy tomatoes on a skewer. Or try this cheesy puttanesca recipe, which features a stratification of fried eggplant slices, Pachino tomato sauce, and grated caciocavallo or fior di latte cheese. And if you’re looking for an easy Italian pasta dinner, this pesto penne is the ultimate weeknight dish.

For main courses, a dish of chicken piccata will be a winner, especially if you follow this easy Italian cooking recipe that uses pan-fried breaded chicken cutlets in a buttery lemon sauce with mushrooms and capers. You’ll also love this vegetarian risotto with arugula and mozzarella that’s loaded with flavor, and this savory lamb ragù that features browned and braised meat with a hearty tomato and onion sauce.

A savory rabbit stew with battuto, the mixture of sauteed onions, celery, and carrots that forms the base of many Italian dishes, is another hearty choice that’s sure to please. This simple Italian dish makes use of a handful of ingredients that are commonly found in your pantry, including bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary.

Then finish your meal with a cup of frothy cappuccino. You’ll be happy to know that this easy Italian drink recipe requires only a few minutes of hands-on time, but the reward is worth the effort.

With these quick and easy Italian recipes, you’ll soon be cooking up a feast of traditional Italian favorites that will have your whole family singing la bella storia. For even more easy Italian meals, check out these kid-friendly Italian recipes — they’re so tasty that kids are likely to gobble them up too!

Cooking is a great way to teach children about the world. And with these easy Italian recipes, they’ll be able to create their own culinary masterpieces. So grab a few kid-friendly cooking tools and get the little ones in on this fun activity. It may seem like a small gesture, but it can make all the difference in how they view their meals. Plus, they’re more likely to eat the dishes they’ve had a hand in making. For more family-friendly tips and ideas, visit Best Family Advice.