Mezzelune (which means "half-moons" in Italian) are a crescent-shaped stuffed pasta similar to ravioli. They‘re a relatively simple shape to try that requires little equipment to make at home. The accompanying thick, rich slow-cooked tomato-onion sauce is loosely inspired by a Bolognese classic called il friggione.

In this traditional casserole from Puglia, layers of potatoes, clams, tomatoes, salty cheese, broth, and arborio rice are baked until the rice is tender and creamy. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes provides heat and spice without taking over. It all comes together to create comfort food perfection in a skillet.

Pasta e ceci (“pasta with chickpeas” in Italian) is a classic and comforting one-pot dish that makes the most out of simple ingredients — in just 30 minutes. The garlicky thyme- and rosemary-scented broth gets a subtle umami boost from tomato paste and bright acidity from white wine.