The days are getting longer, the sun is shining brighter, and the flowers are starting to bloom. There’s no doubt about it, spring is in the air! And with spring comes some of the most delicious dishes that Italy has to offer.
From light and refreshing pasta dishes to heartier fare like risotto and polenta, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So if you’re looking for some new and exciting recipes to try this spring, look no further than this list of Italian spring dishes that you shouldn’t miss out on!
1. Spaghetti alla Primavera
One of the best things about spring is the abundance of fresh produce that becomes available after a long winter of eating mostly root vegetables. In Italy, this time of year is celebrated with a dish called spaghetti alla primavera, which means “spring pasta.”
This seasonal dish typically features a variety of vegetables, including asparagus, peas, and zucchini. The vegetables are cooked in olive oil and garlic, then tossed with spaghetti and a light Parmesan cheese sauce.
It’s the perfect way to enjoy the bounty of springtime produce, and it’s a delicious reminder that warmer weather is on the way.
2. Gnocchi alle Erbette
Italy is famous for its delicious cuisine, and one of the best dishes to enjoy in the springtime is gnocchi alle erbette. This traditional dish features fluffy potato gnocchi that is paired with a light and refreshing pesto made with herbs, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese.
The dish is then finished with a scattering of freshly-picked peas. The result is a dish that is bursting with flavor and perfect for enjoying on a warm day. Whether you’re dining al fresco or simply looking for a tasty way to enjoy the season’s bounty, gnocchi alle erbette is sure to please.
3. Risotto con Piselli e Asparagi
Risotto con Piselli e Asparagi, also known as “spring risotto,” is a traditional Italian dish that celebrates the season’s freshest ingredients. The dish is made with risotto rice, green peas, asparagus, and Parmesan cheese.
Fresh herbs, such as basil or mint, can also be added for flavor. Risotto con Piselli e Asparagi is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish.
It can be dressed up with shrimp or other seafood or kept simple with just the vegetables. No matter how it’s prepared, Risotto con Piselli e Asparagi is a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of spring.
4. Tagliatelle ai Funghi Porcini
Italy is well-known for its delicious cuisine, and one of the country’s most popular dishes is tagliatelle ai funghi porcini. This mouthwatering dish consists of pasta noodles tossed with a variety of mushrooms, garlic, and olive oil.
The key ingredient in this dish is the funghi porcini, a type of mushroom that is native to Italy. These mushrooms have a rich, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the pasta.
Tagliatelle ai funghi porcini can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish, and it is sure to please any hungry guest. So if you’re looking for a delicious way to experience the flavors of Italy, be sure to give this dish a try.
5. Fettuccine Alfredo
Fettuccine Alfredo is a spring dish traditionally made with fettuccine pasta, butter, and Parmesan cheese. The dish is named after Alfredo di Lelio, who created it in 1914 at his restaurant in Rome. Today, the dish is popular all over Italy and is often made with cream instead of butter.
Fettuccine Alfredo makes a great starter or main course and can be accompanied by a variety of vegetables or proteins. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a show-stopping dish for your next dinner party, Fettuccine Alfredo is sure to please.
6. Ravioli di Ricotta
If there’s one dish that epitomizes springtime in Italy, it’s ravioli di ricotta. This simple yet scrumptious pasta dish is made with just a few ingredients: fresh ricotta cheese, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and freshly grated nutmeg.
The ricotta filling is light and moist, while the egg yolks add a touch of richness. The Parmesan cheese adds depth of flavor, and the nutmeg adds a bit of warmth.
The result is a delicately flavored pasta dish that is absolutely irresistible. Serve ravioli di ricotta with your favorite Italian red wine for a truly memorable meal. Buon appetito!
7. Cannelloni alla Bolognese
If you’re looking for a delicious spring dish to try, Cannelloni alla Bolognese is a great option. This traditional Italian dish is made with beef and pork ragù, ricotta, and spinach.
The beef and pork are cooked in a tomato sauce, and then the mixture is stuffed into cannelloni pasta tubes. The ricotta and spinach are added for extra flavor and nutrition.
The dish is then baked in the oven until the pasta is tender. Cannelloni alla Bolognese is a hearty dish that is perfect for enjoying with family and friends. So if you’re looking for something new to try this spring, be sure to give Cannelloni alla Bolognese a try.
8. Lasagna Verde
Italy in the springtime is a sight to behold. The fields are alive with color, and the air is filled with the scent of flowers. This is also the time of year when Lasagna Verde, a traditional Italian dish, comes into season.
Made with fresh spinach and ricotta cheese, Lasagna Verde is a light and flavorful dish that is perfect for the warmer weather. The spinach provides a pop of color, while the ricotta adds creaminess and depth of flavor. Serve Lasagna Verde with a simple salad for a complete meal that is sure to please. Bon appetit!
9. Tortellini in Brodo
There’s no doubt that Italy is a foodie paradise, and one of the most iconic dishes in the country is tortellini in brodo. This delicious soup is made with tender handmade tortellini dumplings, typically filled with meat or cheese.
The dumplings are simmered in a rich broth, which can be made from beef, chicken, or veal. While the dish originated in the Emilia-Romagna region, it’s now popular all over Italy.
And it’s easy to see why: the combination of flavorful broth and delicate tortellini is simply irresistible. If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in Italy, be sure to try this classic dish. You won’t be disappointed!
10. Timballo di Riso
Timballo di Riso is a delicious and hearty dish that originates from Italy. The dish is made by layering cooked rice, meat, vegetables, and cheese in a baking dish, then topping it with a tomato sauce.
Timballo di Riso is traditionally served for special occasions, but it can be enjoyed during spring or any time of year. The dish is not only flavourful and filling, but it is also visually stunning.
When prepared correctly, the layers of rice and toppings create a beautiful swirl effect that is sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re looking for an impressive dish to serve at your next dinner party or simply want to enjoy a taste of Italy, Timballo di Riso is a must-try.
11. Polenta e Ossobuco
No matter what part of Italy you find yourself in during the spring, you’re sure to come across a dish known as polenta e ossobuco. This traditional meal is made with slow-cooked veal shanks and creamy polenta, and it’s simply bursting with flavor.
The shanks are first browned in a flavorful sauce made with onions, garlic, and tomatoes, and then they’re simmered until they’re fall-off-the-bone tender. The polenta is cooked in broth until it’s nice and creamy, and then it’s served underneath the ossobuco. This dish is rich, comforting, and absolutely perfect for a springtime meal.
12. Risotto alla Milanese
Spring is a time of rebirth, when the days grow warmer and the first signs of new life start to appear. It’s also the perfect time to enjoy a bowl of risotto alla Milanese.
This traditional Italian dish is made with Arborio rice, broth, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and it gets its characteristic yellow color from saffron. The dish is simple but incredibly flavorful, and it’s perfect for celebrating the arrival of springtime.
Risotto alla Milanese is traditionally served with ossobuco, a braised veal shank that melts in your mouth. But no matter what you pair it with, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next springtime gathering.
In Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a light and flavorful dish to enjoy in the warmer weather or a hearty meal to fill you up on a cold day, Italy has something for everyone. The country is home to an incredible variety of traditional dishes, each with its own unique flavor and history.
So next time you find yourself in Italy, be sure to try one (or all) of these delicious springtime dishes. You won’t be disappointed!
