Nettle gnudi with wild pesto

These Italian dumplings are like light balls of ricotta gnocchi, or the filling for ravioli – use freshly foraged nettles for a simple sauce

New potato & rosemary focaccia

This easy Italian-style loaf is inspired by the classic chip buttie – perfect as an alternative to a dinner party bread basket

No-knead beginner’s loaf

This easy Italian-inspired bread is designed to fit into the working week – enjoy as a simple snack dipped into balsamic vinegar and olive oil

Lighter chicken cacciatore

The classic Italian ‘hunter’s stew’ gets a healthy makeover, with low-fat chicken breasts, prosciutto and a rich herby tomato sauce

Cheesy turkey Milanese

Coat turkey steaks with breadcrumbs, then grill with mozzarella, and serve with spaghetti in tomato sauce for a cheap Italian-inspired meal

Artichoke & olive calzones

These Italian parcels make a great vegetarian weeknight dinner – use a shop-bought bread mix to save time

Winter apple & squash panzanella

Give the classic Italian tomato and stale bread salad a seasonal twist with hazelnuts, cranberries, squash and apple

Italian meatballs with orzo

Add a twist to classic spaghetti and meatballs with garlicky tomato sauce by using orzo pasta – ready in 30 minutes

Wild mushroom, potato & pancetta gratin

Contains pork – recipe is for non-Muslims only
Bake layers of vegetables and Italian bacon with thyme, nutmeg and double cream for a rich, warming one-pot – the ultimate comfort food

Spaghetti alle vongole

This simple version of an Italian classic combines spaghetti or linguine with clams for an elegant seafood pasta dish that's sure to impress

Ricotta gnudi with sage butter

These light Italian dumplings, made from fine semolina, ricotta and nutmeg, make an elegant dinner party starter

Easy peasy risotto with chilli & mint crumbs

This cheap pea risotto doesn’t skimp on flavour, with lemon zest and Italian-style hard cheese, such as pecorino or Parmesan