Holy Cannoli! These Reimagined Recipes Will Make You Fall in Love With Italian Food

Whether you come from an Italian family or you just wish that you did, Italian comfort food is loved by everyone. If pasta night is a regularity in your house, then you need to get your hands on as many recipes as you can. From hearty chicken cacciatore to fluffy bomboloni, the 15 reimagined dishes below are sure to make you feel like a true Italian.

Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta

Sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and red pepper flakes flavor this creamy mozzarella pasta sauce. Toss with seared shrimp and al dente penne, and you’ll have your new date night dish on lock. (via Julia’s Album)

Bomboloni

If you’ve never had one of these Italian cream-filled donuts before, you must immediately. Since a flight to Italy would take a bit longer, whip up this homemade version, and you’ll be eating them in just a few hours. (via The Baking Fairy)

Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Salad

You’ll find bruschetta on the menu at just about any Italian restaurant, and this pasta salad would make any of them proud. You could serve it cold, as instructed, or warm for a cozier dinner vibe. (via Cafe Delites)

Chicken Cacciatore

This hunter-style Italian classic is full of slow-cooked flavor. Serve the finished product over pasta, rice, or potatoes with a side of roasted veggies. (via Cafe Delites)

Cannoli Bites

There’s nothing like the crunch and creaminess of a good cannoli. If you don’t have a cannoli mold at home, these cups are easily made in a mini muffin tin and are equally as delicious. (via Cooking Classy)

Garlic Parmesan Cheese Bombs

Look no further than these garlic-Parmesan cheese bombs for your new go-to appetizer. With just a can of biscuit dough and a few mozzarella cheese sticks, you could make these yourself and rock your Friday night. (via The Recipe Critic)

Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti

This fusion of two Italian favorites is going to be a hit with the whole family. So much so, you should probably make a couple to freeze for a rainy day. (via Gimme Some Oven)

Italian Bread Dipping Oil:

Manila Spoon)

Italian Crostata Bars

When the Italians want pie, they go for crisp crostata. To make, fill an Italian pastry crust with a tasty peach filling and finish with a (hefty) scoop of vanilla ice cream. (via An Italian in My Kitchen)

Lasagna Roll-Ups

Everyone loves lasagna, but all of the layering can be a bit time-consuming. These roll-ups are fun to make and will help with portion control. (via Cooking Classy)

Cheesy Meatball Bake

You can’t commit to an Italian diet without an incredible homemade meatball recipe. This cheesy bake is great served over polenta, shoved in a sub, or even as a hearty appetizer. (via Dinner at the Zoo)

Italian Sausage and Peppers

Sautéed peppers, onions, and sausage are another one of those versatile combinations that have multiple uses, such as a great sandwich filling. To make sure that your bread doesn’t get soggy, toast your hoagie roll before piling in the goods. (via Spicy Southern Kitchen)

Chicken Parmesan

This chicken Parm takes only 30 minutes and minimal ingredients to achieve a restaurant-quality dish. (via Chef Savvy)

Homemade Margherita Pizza

Make this Margherita pizza that’ll rival even an authentic pie. (via A Beautiful Plate)

Tiramisu Cheesecake

There’s no better way to end an Italian feast than with tiramisu. Try something different and incorporate the creamy espresso, ladyfingers, and cocoa into a luscious cheesecake. (via Life, Love, and Sugar)