Ricotta

It's a pizza. It's a salad. Here, store-bought pizza dough gets this family-friendly dinner on the table in less than an hour.

The simple trick to this easy dinner? Salt the squash pieces and let them drain in a colander before cooking. This releases excess liquid and concentrates the flavor.

Malfatti—literally "badly made"—are not as tricky to shape as you think. This sturdy gnocchi-esque dumpling dough is a breeze to work with.

Don't expect your first pasqualina to look perfect. But it will taste absolutely amazing if you remember three key steps: don't sweat the crust, squeeze every drop of liquid out of the greens, and save your chard stems!

If you can't find nduja, a funky and spicy spreadable Italian salami, substitute torn or chopped hot soppressata or a salami with some kick.

This side dish is so fast and easy, you can make a big batch and have it for the whole week. The simple marinade will fancy up any type of canned beans.

The cheesecake has a little lemon in the filling, giving it a lovely hint of tartness. When topped with the velvety sweet curd, the flavors truly sing.

Polenta is often used as a neutral carb canvas for a rich sauce or braised meat, but here the creamy ricotta-and-spinach-enriched polenta is the centerpiece, with a simple little tomato salad on top for freshness. An egg on top is great, but optional.

If you want to make these without buttermilk, substitute 2 cups alt-milk plus 2 Tbsp. distilled white vinegar.

Top this dense and decadent ricotta cheesecake with a crackly, crunchy almond candy for an easy and elegant presentation.

If you haven't mastered the Italian-American classic yet, now's the time to go on a journey to pasta nirvana.

With a simple "cheater's version" of ricotta gnocchi, this pasta dinner comes together easily on any weeknight.

For the best results, buy fresh full-cream ricotta. It's available at delicatessens and the deli counter of supermarkets.

Nothing feels more decadent than giant shells of pasta filled with creamy mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta.

Okay, this is actually a cheesecake, but it's so creamy and light that you won't care what it's called, you'll just ask for more.

Crisp-tender grilled green beans on a bed of creamy whipped ricotta is the ultimate simple summer side.

This cherry salsa recipe is also delicious as a condiment for grilled or roast pork or pulsed in a food processor to make a vinaigrette for a salad of tender greens.