To make authentic Italian food whenever you like, it’s important to keep a few essential ingredients in your pantry. When inspiration strikes, you’ll already have everything you need on hand.

You may still need to purchase fresh meats or seafood, but with these pantry staples on hand, you’ll be able to pull together authentic Italian meals quickly and easily.

There are so many brands out there and everyone has their favorite, so use what you like, but just always try to buy the best you can afford. There might not be a huge difference between a $20 bottle and a $30 bottle of extra virgin olive oil, but you can be pretty sure that a $10 bottle won’t be quite the same.

Here’s an informative post on why Italian pastas are so good, The Secrets of Premium Italian Pasta: What Makes It Different?

Here’s a personal favorite, Authentic Sunday Sauce: A Step by Step To Create A Family Tradition

A classic from Bologna, Classic Ragu Bolognese Sauce Recipe: Slow and Delicious

The Roman classic pasta, Pasta alla Gricia-Pasta with Italian Bacon

A lighter pasta perfect for the summer, Italian Lemon Pasta with Pancetta (Pasta al Limone con Pancetta)

And finally a creamy pasta that will delight you, Perfect Cacio e Pepe Recipe: Traditional Italian Comfort Food

And a celebrity endorsement, Stanley Tucci’s Favorite Zucchini Pasta- Spaghetti alla Nerano

Looking for a list of recipes I come back to again and again, My Favorite Recipes

Use the table of contents below to jump directly to pantry staples, herbs, fresh ingredients, and recipe ideas.

Pantry Staples:

Premium Pasta, various sizes and shapes. See the link above.

Canned Tomatoes, buy the best you can get. There are many good brands like Mutti, Cento, Muir Glen and my favorite Bianco di Napoli. Organic and packed and grown in California.

Passata – Strained Tomato sauce, smooth, with no seeds.

Tomato Paste – I prefer the tube rather than the can and I always store it in the refrigerator after opening.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil 

Garlic 

Capers – Essential for dishes such as Chicken Picatta, Puttanesca Sauce and many Sicilian recipes. These are the best capers I’ve ever used www.gustiamo.com I find Gustiamo to be a wonderful for authentic Italian pantry staples.

Black Olives – I prefer Kalamata olives as I think they have a better flavor.

Marsala Wine – For deglazing and adding sweetness to tomato based sauces.

Risotto Rice – Essential for making risotto. The main varieties are Arborio, Carnaroli and Vialone Nano. I tend to lean toward Carnaroli as it is more forgiving in a risotto.

Calabrian Chili Flakes

Dried Porcini Mushrooms – Perfect for making a Porcini Mushroom Risotto

Anchovies _ I prefer the canned rather than the paste in a tube.

Herbs and Seasoning:

Oregano 

Bay Leaves

Basil, fresh – Nothing beats fresh basil and its so easy to grow.

Thyme, fresh or dried. 

Rosemary, fresh is best

Nutmeg, freshly grated is best. 

Fresh Ingredients to Keep on Hand:

Onions

Carrots 

Celery

Pecorino Romano Cheese

Parmesano Reggiano 

Ricotta Cheese

Pancetta

Italian Sausages

Here are few additional recipes:

How to Make Spaghetti alla Puttanesca

Homemade Italian Sausage and Pepper Sauce

Homemade Italian Meatballs in Marinara Sauce

Classic Italian Comfort Food: Neapolitan Pasta Genovese

Mastering Simple Risotto: A Step-by-Step Guide

Mastering Authentic Risotto: Tips and Ingredients

Interested in exploring some other cuisines, here’s a good place to start, Essential Ingredients for Authentic Chinese and Thai Cooking

Or want to learn how to make an authentic curry or tandoori, Building an Indian Pantry: Essential Ingredients