Grains of gold.

We may call it a risotto pan (it gives you creamy-rich grains every time, after all). But that’s only the half of it. This wonder is built from even-heating stainless steel featuring an aluminum core and a low and wide straight-sided profile with plenty of surface area that can sizzle, sauté, and simmer with the best of ‘em. It’ll help you keep tabs on what’s cooking, too—just take a peek through the tight-fitting clear glass lid, which has a valve built-in to let excess steam escape. Two easy-grip helper handles make for no-fuss taxiing from burner to oven, or oven to table. This one can steal the show on any stovetop, including induction, then wash up if the dishwasher if need be. Top it off with the fact that it’s made in Italy, and you’ve got yourself a new go-to.

Move over, pasta.

Take it from these recipes—there's nothing like creamy, dreamy risotto to transport you to Italia on a weeknight. Up for grabs? A comforting squash and saffron number, a recipe-less trick chef's keep in their back pocket, and a brightly-colored recipe that's almost (almost) too pretty to eat.