For a change from bolognese lasagna, here is another Italian classic, with a spinach and ricotta filling baked under a golden béchamel. A comforting family dish, to serve with a nice mixed baby greens salad for a bit of freshness.

This mushroom gnocchi tastes like fall and comfort food. The “ai funghi” sauce is an Italian classic, every bit as famous as bolognese sauce. It’s a quick dish (if your gnocchi are ready to go) and a really good one. Potato gnocchi are a lovely alternative when you want a change from pasta, because they soak up the sauce so well.

Mozzarella sticks (beignets de mozzarella in French) are sticks of mozzarella, breaded and then fried. Here is an easy recipe for making delicious mozzarella sticks at home. Enjoy them as a snack, as a starter with a good homemade tomato sauce or in a nice salad, for a change from warm goat cheese salad.

Arancini are little balls that are crispy on the outside and melting on the inside. They’re perfect if you have leftover risotto from the night before, but they’re so good you may end up making risotto just for them! Here’s a vegetarian version with pesto and mozzarella.

Roasted and marinated vegetable antipasti are a staple of Italian starters. Colorful and full of flavor, they also make a great side, especially with a beef carpaccio or a beautiful burrata.