Che Buono: 27 Gluten-Free Italian Recipes We Love (2025)

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Che Buono: 27 Gluten-Free Italian Recipes We Love (14)

Contrary to popular belief, going gluten-free doesn’t mean you have to give up all of your favorite foods – including pasta and pizza! Most grocery stores carry a selection of gluten-free products, and the internet is full of easy recipes you can make from scratch, allowing you to keep tabs on everything that goes into your body. We’ve curated a list of the best gluten-free Italian recipes below, including homemade gluten-free pasta recipes that are easy to make and taste oh-so-delicious!

What Does ‘Gluten-Free’ Mean?

When someone has celiac disease, eating gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye) causes an immune response in their small intestines. This immune reaction causes damage to the lining of the small intestines over time, causing diarrhea, bloating, weight loss, fatigue, and anemia.Untreated celiac disease can also prevent the small intestine from absorbing nutrients, which can interfere with growth and development in children. There is currently no cure for celiac disease, but following a diet free from all gluten products can help alleviate symptoms and promote healing of the small intestines.

It is estimated that 1 in 100 people have celiac disease (source), but many go undiagnosed since the symptoms can be so varied and the damage to the small intestines can happen slowly over a long period of time. It can sometimes take years to get a proper diagnosis, with many people never finding out they have celiac disease. It is also possible to be gluten intolerant without having celiac disease. While the 2 conditions produce similar symptoms,they are different in that a gluten intolerance/sensitivity doesn’t cause an immune response and doesn’t damage the small intestines.

12 Foods to Avoid on a Gluten-Free Diet

Whether you have been diagnosed with a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, you should avoid the following foods to reduce your symptoms, allow your small intestines to heal, improve your body’s ability to absorb nutrients, and for other long-term benefits like improving your fertility and lowering your risk for more serious conditions like coronary artery disease, certain cancers, and other autoimmune disorders.

  1. All foods containing glutenincluding wheat,barley, rye, triticale, spelt, farro, farina, kamut, khorasan wheat, semolina, durum, wheat berries, and couscous. While oats are naturally gluten-free, make sure to check the labels to ensure there is no risk that gluten is added during processing
  2. Breads, crackers, wraps,cereals, pastas, and baked goods, unless the label specifically states the product is gluten-free and no gluten products are listed in the ingredients
  3. Snack foods like granola, cereal, and energy bars, chips and pretzels, candy bars and snack mixes often contain gluten
  4. Processed foods like deli meats and processed cheese, veggie burgers, canned soups and soup mixes, and fried foods (including some French fries)
  5. Processed and flavoured diary products like flavored yogurts, cheese spreads, cheese sauces, and certain ice creams
  6. Canned, frozen, dried, and pre-chopped fruits and vegetables
  7. Soups and frozen meals
  8. Condiments like soy sauce, barbecue sauce, ketchup, marinades, spices, and certain salad dressings typically have gluten added to them
  9. Cooking sprays and flavored oils
  10. Flavored beverages like chocolate milk and drink mixes
  11. Other pre-packaged foods like pudding and dessert mixes (cakes, cupcakes, etc.)
  12. Some medications, vitamins, and supplements

How to Make Gluten-Free Pasta: 8 Recipes

While it may initially seem like you have to give up everything you enjoy on a gluten-free diet, rest assured that there are lots of foods you can still eat. Most grocery stores carry gluten-free options of your favorite foods, and there are tons of delicious recipes you can make from scratch. Since this post is focused on gluten-free Italian recipes, we’ve curated our favorite easy-to-make gluten-free pasta recipes below!

Two-Ingredient Gluten-Free Pasta | Good For You Gluten Free
Best-Ever Gluten-Free Pasta | Delish
Homemade Gluten-Free Egg Noodles | The Frugal Farm Wife
The Best Grain-Free Pasta Dough Recipe | Healths Starts In The Kitchen
Gluten-Free and Vegan Chickpea and Flaxseed Homemade Pasta | Wholefully
How to MakeGluten-Free Tortellini | Pasta Evangelists
How to Make Gluten-Free Ravioli | Simply Quinoa
How to Make Gluten-Free Gnocchi | This Mama Loves

19 Gluten-Free Italian Recipes

These gluten-free Italian recipes will allow you to enjoy traditional Italian food with a twist!

World’s Best Gluten-Free Lasagna | Cupcakes & Kale Chips
Gluten-Free Calzone | Becky Excell
Kid-Friendly Gluten-Free Baked Ziti Casserole | Fearless Dining
3-Ingredient Sweet Potato Gnocchi | Food with Feeling
Italian Rice Ball Skillet | Iowa Girl Eats
Gluten-Free Meatballs | Mama Knows Gluten Free
Italian White Bean Soup | The Bettered Blondie
Simple Vegetable Polenta | Earth of Maria
Low Carb Eggplant Pizza | Eating Bird Food
Dairy-Free Spaghetti Carbonara | The Free From Foodie
Dairy-Free Zuppa Toscana | MamaShire
Low Carb Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups | Evolving Table
Creamy Vegan Mushroom Risotto | Two Spoons
Gluten-Free Thin Crust Pizza | Only Gluten-Free Recipes
Olive and Rosemary Focaccia Bread | It’s Not Complicated
Gluten Free Panettone Bread | Fearless Dining
Coconut Yogurt Panna Cotta | Irena Macri
Gluten-Free Cannoli | Gluten Free on a Shoestring
Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Tiramisu | Spry Living

Whether you have a gluten sensitivity or full-blown celiac disease, I hope you enjoy this collection of gluten-free recipes!

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Che Buono: 27 Gluten-Free Italian Recipes We Love (15)

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Che Buono: 27 Gluten-Free Italian Recipes We Love (2025)

FAQs

Why is Italy so good at gluten free? ›

Italians are very conscious of the connection between health and food, and have worked hard to adapt their regional cuisine to accommodate a gluten-free diet. So, despite gluten being a common component of many classic Italian dishes and desserts, Italy is an easy place to find great gluten-free food.

Can celiacs eat gluten in Italy? ›

And if you're traveling to Italy, you can be confident that whether you are eating out at a restaurant, or shopping for groceries to cook at your accommodation in Italy, gluten free options are available everywhere.

What kind of Italian food is gluten free? ›

9 Naturally Gluten-Free Italian Dishes We Love
  • Risotto. Pasta may be Italy's most popular dish, but risotto is a staple on northern Italian tables. ...
  • Polenta. Ground cornmeal, known as polenta, was once considered a humble peasant's meal. ...
  • Carciofo alla Giudia. ...
  • Farinata. ...
  • Pesto. ...
  • Castagnaccio. ...
  • Panna Cotta. ...
  • Torta Caprese.
Apr 1, 2023

Are there a lot of gluten free restaurants in Italy? ›

There is widespread awareness of coeliac disease and Italian children are tested as soon as they display any symptoms. There are dozens and dozens of dedicated gluten free bakeries, restaurants and shops scattered across the country and hundreds of AIC (Italian coeliac society) accredited restaurants.

What country eats the least gluten? ›

The Top Gluten-Free Friendly Countries to Visit
  • Spain – Many classic Spanish dishes are gluten-free, like paella. ...
  • Mexico – From tacos to enchiladas, much of Mexico's cuisine is corn- or rice-based. ...
  • Israel – Many traditional Israeli dishes are gluten-free, including shawarma.

Why is gluten not bad in Europe? ›

“Wheat grown in the U.S. [tends to be] higher in gluten, whereas there are several more varieties of wheat grown in Europe that are lower in gluten. So they may not cause issues in those who are gluten-sensitive,” Melissa Groves Azzaro, RDN, LD, told GoodRx Health.

Why are so many Italians celiac? ›

The rate of coeliac disease among Italians is rising. Studies have found that what used to affect one percent of the population now affects 1.6%, in part thanks to Italy's famed pizza and pasta, and the modified starch they contain.

What do celiac Italians eat? ›

  • Italian Dining with Celiac Disease. ...
  • Fresh Mozzarella with Tomatoes and Basil: Fresh mozzarella cheese, ripe tomatoes, and. ...
  • Prosciutto and Melon: Slices of melon wrapped in prosciutto. ...
  • Mussels di Napoli: Mussels simmered with wine, garlic-butter, and onions.

Are McDonald's fries gluten-free in Italy? ›

FRIES 🍟: McDonalds fries in the USA contain wheat and are not safe for celiacs to consume. The McDonalds fries in Italy do NOT contain wheat according to their online allergen list, and appear to be fried in their own fryers, however no guarantees are offered by McDonalds about this. Eat at your own risk!

Can I eat pizza in Italy if I'm gluten free? ›

In Italy, and many other E.U. countries, they use an ingredient that is essentially gluten free wheat starch, which offers some nice texture benefits when it's used in things like pizza crust.

What is the rate of celiac disease in Italy? ›

The overall prevalence of celiac disease was 1.65% (95% CI, 1.34%-2.01%).

Why can celiacs eat pasta in Europe? ›

First of all, soft wheat is not used to make pasta or bread, even in Europe. Pasta is made with Durum, a type of hard wheat (it's literally the hardest of all wheat varieties). Bread uses hard wheat too, especially those handmade rustic artisan loaves that you'll find in bakeries like Poilane in Paris.

Why can celiacs eat bread in Europe? ›

No, this is a common myth floating around. However, wheat flour is not safe for people with celiac disease regardless of type or origin. It is true that they have different varieties of wheat in Europe and some are lower in gluten than others, however they are still nowhere near safe for people with celiac disease.

How do you say "I am celiac" in Italian? ›

Perhaps the most important phrase to remember is 'senza glutine' ('gluten-free'), alternatively, you could also say 'io sono celiac' which means I am a celiac.

Can gluten sensitive people eat pasta from Italy? ›

Low quality pasta noodles can turn a mouthwatering masterpiece into a major disappointment. The best gluten-free pasta comes from Italy. Italian gluten-free pasta is made with high-quality ingredients that have been specially selected for their superior taste and texture.

Is Italy good for gluten free people? ›

As we mentioned, Italy is very gluten-free friendly, and with many restaurants, they even keep stock of gluten-free pasta. So, don't be afraid to ask! By doing this, you can increase your chances in being able to eat what you want - whether it's a plateful Porcini Tagliatelle or Pizzoccheri.

Why is pasta so much better in Italy? ›

First, Italian pasta usually tastes better because it is made differently. Italian pasta has to adhere to strict standards that have been set by the government. Usually, Italian pasta is made from 100 percent durum wheat, which is usually called semolina flour. Therefore, Italian pasta is higher in protein.

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