19 Underrated Italian Foods You Should Learn To Love

    There's more to eat in this life than pizza and spaghetti.

    Kenzi Wilbur
    by Kenzi Wilbur

    BuzzFeed Contributor

    1. Chicken Cacciatore

    Via food52.com

    All good things come in one pot. In this case, it's dredged and browned chicken, cooked slowly and gently in a spicy tomato broth. Get the recipe.

    2. Olive Oil Gelato

    Sarah Shatz / Via food52.com

    Gelato is arguably the most beautiful thing in the universe, and the creamy, subtle flavoring of olive oil makes arguably the most beautiful gelato. Get the recipe.

    3. Lentil and Sausage Soup With Kale

    Via food52.com

    For your own benefit, get out of the canned soup aisle. Replace sodium-filled favorites with this comforting, and filling soup. Crumbled sausage and fibrous greens make a hearty dinner that doesn't need a can opener to enjoy.

    Get the recipe on Food52.

    4. Parmigiana Bianca (White Eggplant Parmesan)

    Via food52.com

    If it's fried and cheese is involved, we are down. Parmigiana Bianca is the classic's tomato-less cousin — complete with toasted bread crumbs and two types of salty cheese. Get the recipe.

    5. Pesto Trapaneze (Almond and Tomato Pesto)

    Via food52.com

    Those Sicilians are genius, aren't they? This southern Italian take on the better-known Genovese pesto uses fresh tomatoes and crunchy almonds instead of basil. Get the recipe.

    6. Gianduia Semifreddo (Chocolate-Hazelnut Frozen Dessert)

    Via food52.com

    Nutella lovers, this one's for you. Two types of chocolate, hazelnuts, and plenty of sugar to make for a perfect, light dessert. Get the recipe.

    7. Panne Frito (Fried Bread)

    Via food52.com

    French toast but better, because it involves WINE. If you have day-old bread lying around, you are halfway to a sweet, crispy, and buttery snack (or brunch). Get the recipe.

    8. Crostini di Cavolo Nero (Kale Crostini)

    Via food52.com

    There is nothing basic about kale when it's tossed in rich olive oil, pungent garlic, and pile on a crusty piece of bread. Get the recipe.

    9. Fonduta con Tartufi (Fondue with Truffles)

    Via food52.com

    A pot full of cheese and truffles? Yeah, you heard us. The most work that goes into this dish is dipping bread in and out of the pot, over and over again. Get the recipe.

    10. Cotoletta alla Milanese (Breaded Veal Chop)

    Via food52.com

    A veal chop, breaded and browned to perfection, can kick a chicken cutlet to the curb any day. Top it with plenty of butter and a good squeeze of lemon. Get the recipe.

    11. Polenta Cookies

    Via food52.com

    Any cookie meant to be dunked in custard and paired with sparkling wine is certainly worth your attention. Get the recipe.

    12. Carciofi alla Giudia (Roman Jewish-Style Artichokes)

    Via food52.com

    Preparing these crispy gems isn't as hard as you think; four simple ingredients will bring you oily, salty bliss. Get the recipe.

    13. Classic Lasagne alla Bolognese

    Via food52.com

    Knowing how to make good lasagna should be an instinct, not just a skill. Minced beef and pork add serious flavor to Italy's best "layer cake." Get the recipe.

    14. Al Forno's Penne with Tomato, Cream & Five Cheeses

    Via food52.com

    Penne "al forno" (oven-baked) is a comfort food classic we love. Warning: Heavy cream and salty cheeses will make everyone want seconds (or thirds). Get the recipe.

    15. Simple Fresh Pasta

    Via food52.com

    Ain't nobody got time for this — except you. Yeah, you. Fresh homemade pasta is just three simple ingredients away, and once you try it, you won't go back. Get the recipe.

    16. Socca (Farinata)

    Via food52.com

    This Italian pancake made from chickpea flour is a delicious blank canvas that can't wait to hold whatever sweet or savory fillings you desire. Get the recipe.

    17. White Clam Pizza

    Via food52.com

    Pizza margherita, it's been great, but we're moving on. Fresh seafood, pecorino cheese, and oregano dress up a chewy and crispy crust, and provide a respectful backdrop for deliciously salty clams. Get the recipe.

    18. Basilcello

    Via food52.com

    This spin on the classic lemon-based limoncello liqueur uses standard vodka and 50 basil leaves to make a not-too-sweet, deeply herbaceous drink. Get the recipe.

    19. Rigatoni with Fennel and Veal Sausage

    Via food52.com

    Fennel is Italy's version of celery, with a lot more kick. Here it teams up with toasted bread crumbs and flavorful crumbled veal to make a truly memorable pasta. Get the recipe.

    Kenzi Wilbur is an editor for the community-based recipe website Food52, where you can find lots more recipes, cooking advice, and kitchen products.