Italian Cooking Essentials: Pantry Staples You Should Always Have

Italian cooking is rooted in simplicity, tradition, and the ability to make something extraordinary from the humblest of ingredients. While recipes may vary from region to region, there’s a common thread running through Italian kitchens: a well-stocked pantry filled with essential ingredients that make it easy to whip up a delicious meal at a moment’s notice. If you’ve ever wondered what you should keep on hand to bring a little taste of Italy into your home, here’s a guide to the must-have staples for any Italian-inspired pantry.

1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

No Italian kitchen is complete without a good bottle of extra virgin olive oil. It’s the cornerstone of countless dishes, from drizzling over bruschetta to finishing pasta and salads with a flavorful flourish. Opt for high-quality, cold-pressed olive oil to ensure the best flavor. Shop high quality olive oil here.

2. Canned San Marzano Tomatoes

These tomatoes, grown in the volcanic soil of the San Marzano region near Naples, are prized for their naturally sweet, rich flavor and low acidity. They’re perfect for creating the base of classic sauces like marinara, arrabbiata, and puttanesca.

3. Pasta (Dried and Fresh)

Spaghetti, penne, rigatoni, tagliatelle—the shapes are endless, but a good selection of dried pasta is crucial. Fresh pasta, when available, adds another layer of authenticity to your cooking. Both have their place in Italian cuisine, depending on the sauce and dish. Shop organic Italian pasta here.

4. Parmesan & Pecorino Romano Cheese

Hard, aged cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano and Pecorino Romano are pantry essentials in Italy. They add depth to pastas, risottos, soups, and even salads. Always buy them in wedges and grate fresh for the best flavor.

5. Sea Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Seasoning matters. Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper are the go-to for bringing out the natural flavors of high-quality ingredients without overpowering them. Find premium sea salt and seasoning here.

6. Garlic & Onions

These aromatics are the starting point for countless sauces, soups, and stews. They bring out the earthy, savory flavors that define Italian cooking.

7. Vinegar (Balsamic & Red Wine)

Balsamic vinegar from Modena brings sweet complexity to salads, glazes, and roasted vegetables. Red wine vinegar adds sharpness and acidity to dressings and marinades. Shop imported Italian vinegar here.

8. Herbs: Dried & Fresh

Basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary—fresh is always preferred when possible, but dried herbs still play an important role in infusing sauces, stews, and marinades with flavor.

9. Capers, Olives, and Anchovies

These pantry staples add bursts of briny, umami flavor to pasta dishes, salads, and sauces. They're especially key in southern Italian cuisine. Shop olives, capers and vegetables here.

10. Italian Bread & Flour

Whether it's crusty ciabatta or focaccia, having good bread (or the flour to make it) on hand complements any Italian meal. Flour, especially 00 flour, is also essential for making fresh pasta and pizza dough.

Experience the Flavors of Italy at Cucina Verona

If stocking your pantry sounds like a lot of work, or you simply want to enjoy the beauty of authentic Italian cooking without lifting a finger, we invite you to dine with us at Cucina Verona in Fort Bragg. Let us share with you the time-honored flavors of Italy — no pantry required. Click here to make a reservation.