Italian cuisine is famous throughout the world and with good reason. Centred around simple, quality ingredients, it’s no wonder that so many traditional Italian recipes have become staple dishes across the globe. What’s more, many popular Italian dishes are relatively easy to make, using common ingredients and simple cooking techniques. Today, we’ll be exploring five pantry staples every cooking enthusiast should have, and looking at delicious ways you can cook with them. From radiant ravioli dishes to comforting carbonara, we’ve got something to please everyone.
1. Quality Italian Cheese
One of the secrets to the international success of Italian food is the abundance of high-quality cheeses available. Here is a brief run-down of some of the most popular cheeses used in Italian cooking.
- Parmigiano-Reggiano – Nutty, savoury, and salty; rich umami flavour
- Pecorino Romano – Sharp, salty, and tangy; made from sheep’s milk
- Mozzarella – Mild, milky, and creamy; soft and fresh
- Ricotta – Light, slightly sweet, and fluffy
- Gorgonzola – Bold, tangy, and creamy; blue cheese with a bite
- Provolone – Smooth and mild when young; sharper and more complex when aged
https://olivieri.ca/recipes/fresh-mozzarella-tomato-crostini/As you can see, each of these cheese varieties brings its own unique flavour to the table, resulting in rich and comforting results. For a tasty appetizer with mozzarella, try these Fresh Mozzarella Tomato Crostini with Pesto Sauce. Perfect for passing around on platters at parties, they boast a winning combination of mild-flavoured mozzarella and herbaceous pesto sauce. Alternatively, if you prefer Italian meals with bold flavours, how about trying this Alfredo Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Cheese? Easy to make, this is the perfect dish to make when you’re craving something a little different.
2. Fresh Italian Herbs
Ever wonder what gives Italian food its unique and refreshing flavour? Well, it’s probably the herbs. You’ve heard the expression that great things come in small packages, and this is certainly true of the role played by herbs in Italian cuisine. Although chefs in Italy use a wide range of herbs in cooking, today we’ll focus on the two that are perhaps most synonymous with the cuisine.
- Basil – Sweet, peppery, and slightly minty; essential in tomato sauces, pesto, and fresh dishes.
- Oregano – Earthy and robust with a hint of bitterness; often used in tomato-based sauces and pizzas
Many of the region’s most popular dishes call for a sprinkle of either basil or oregano. Notice the added fragrance oregano brings to this Greek Tortellini Salad. Similarly, for a dish that puts the flavour of fresh basil to the fore, try this Rainbow Tortellini with Basil and Cheese Pesto. Not only does this recipe call for some freshly chopped basil as a garnish, but it also features exquisite Olivieri® Basil & Cheese Pesto, perhaps the best-known culinary application of basil.
3. Pasta
OK, so it’s an obvious one, but we don’t just mean any pasta. Italian cuisine boasts a range of pasta varieties that come in all shapes and sizes. From Angel Hair Spaghetti to Linguine to Cheese-filled Tortellini, the sky is the limit when you’re cooking with pasta. Add some colour to meal time with this Confetti Pasta Salad. Give the little ones a meal they’ll go crazy for with this Angel Hair Spaghetti and Meatballs with Tomato Sauce. Simply put, the possibilities are endless.
4. Gnocchi
One ingredient that’s certainly trending these days is the humble Italian potato dumpling known as gnocchi. Considered by many to be a variety of pasta, gnocchi pairs wonderfully with a wide range of ingredients. If you fancy having some fun with fusion cuisine, try this Skillet Gnocchi Vegan Buddha Bowl.
Then, for nights when you’re craving something convenient and comforting, try this Skillet Mac and Cheese Bacon Gnocchi with Broccoli. What makes this dish so delicious? That’s easy: it’s our Fresh Cheddar Bacon Skillet Gnocchi. Just like tortellini or ravioli, gnocchi also comes in a range of delicious varieties with unique fillings. These stuffed gnocchi varieties have the power to transform simple dishes into spectacular meals.
5. Cured Meats
Last but not least, Italian cuisine offers a host of delicious cured meats that easily elevate everyday meals. Here are some of our favourites:
- Prosciutto – Dry-cured ham; delicate, slightly sweet, and silky in texture
- Pancetta – Cured pork belly; rich and savoury, similar to bacon but not smoked
- Guanciale – Cured pork jowl; intensely flavourful and fatty, essential in classic Roman dishes
- Salami – Air-dried sausage; seasoned with spices and varies by region
Try adding prosciutto to creamy pasta dishes like this Linguine a la Chitarra with Leeks, you won’t be disappointed. Saw some pancetta in the store and brought it home? Good work! Now here’s a recipe you can use it in: Skillet Gnocchi with Rapini and Pancetta. Flavourful, herbaceous, satisfying, and ready in just 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Italian Pantry Staples
Apart from the ones we’ve covered, canned tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, onions, rice (for risotto), beans, and vinegar are also commonly used. These ingredients form the base of many classic Italian dishes.
Extra-virgin olive oil adds flavour, richness, and aroma. It’s used for cooking, dressing, and finishing dishes, making it one of the most essential items in an Italian kitchen.
Extra-virgin olive oil adds flavour, richness, and aroma. It’s used for cooking, dressing, and finishing dishes, making it one of the most essential items in an Italian kitchen.
Versatile shapes like linguine, ravioli, and spaghetti are great staples. High-quality dried pasta holds its shape better and helps sauces cling more evenly, while filled pastas like tortellini are great for adding extra flavour to meals.
The simple answer is that it depends on the dish. High-quality canned tomatoes are picked and packed at peak ripeness, making them ideal for sauces, soups, and stews—especially outside of tomato season. On the other hand, fresh tomatoes play an important role in a wide variety of Italian salad recipes.
Cannellini beans and chickpeas are popular staples, used in soups, salads, and pasta dishes for added protein and texture.
Italian cooking focuses on a small number of high-quality ingredients used simply. A well-stocked pantry allows you to create flavourful meals without complicated recipes.
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