From pizza to risotto, Italian food is renowned the world over. These traditional Italian recipes are easy enough for any cook to make, letting you bring a touch of Italy straight to your own kitchen. From chicken parmesan to carbonara, these classics are sure to impress the whole family and make you feel like your very own Italian nonna.

While you might think of pasta and pizza as typical Italian dishes, the country’s cuisine is surprisingly varied and incredibly delicious. With a partial Mediterranean diet, Italian cooking focuses on uncomplicated preparation with pronounced flavors and ingredients like olive oil, garlic, oregano, basil, or sage.

In the north, where Germanic influences are strong, sauces tend to be thicker and meatier. But as you travel south, the heat and sunshine encourage lighter, tomato-based sauces. And while every region has its own specialty, it’s hard to go wrong with any of Italy’s dishes.

Tortellini are a traditional Italian dish from Emilia Romagna, but this classic recipe has many variations. They are egg pasta stuffed with meat or cheese and served in broth. Ribollita, also from the Emilia Romagna region, is a hearty soup that’s made with dried bread and recooked vegetables and beans. The name means “boiled again” in Latin, and the more times you boil it, the tastier it gets.

The ossobuco from Milan is an iconic dish that dates back to the 1700s. It’s a rich, meaty stew that usually comes with risotto. And while Italy isn’t known as a rice country, northern Lombardy and Piedmont are home to some of the best varieties in Europe.

Mozzarella, created in a monastery in the middle ages, is one of the most representative Italian cheeses. Its production requires special care to ensure it’s of the highest quality. The luscious, creamy texture is the result of a process that hasn’t changed since the earliest days.

Focaccia is a traditional Italian bread from Liguria, which is essentially a cross between flatbread and pizza. This paper-thin bread is hyper-salty and drizzled with olive oil, making it irresistible. It’s also often topped with rosemary, zucchini, and various types of cheese, as well as used as an ingredient in other dishes.

Arancini is a typical dish from Sicily, where they are traditionally made with risotto and mozzarella. But they can also be stuffed with fish, seafood, and even sweet ingredients like apples or figs. They are a great appetizer or snack.