This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. Read my full disclosure policy here.

How to Create an Italian Pantry

The key to great Italian meals at home lies in having a well-stocked pantry. That doesn’t mean it has to be packed with exotic and expensive ingredients. Quite the opposite, actually.

Most Italian cuisine is very simple, using vegetables & fruits that are in season, and letting the main ingredient shine through without over-compensating with too many flavors. This is something I learned and finally understood better when living in Italy.

And now this is my mantra…

Simple is better.
Quality over quantity.
Don’t eat it if it’s not in season, or has to be flown into your country.

Stocking the pantry with simple but excellent quality ingredients will save you time and money and help you have more authentic Italian meals in your own home.

Today I’m sharing my list of items I always have on hand and buy frequently, based on our family’s tastes. Your list might look different- but this is a great jumping off point to help you get organized!

(Grab your resource guide + shopping list below!)

15 Italian Pantry Essentials that I cannot live without.

1 | Olive Oil (first cold pressed, single origin)

2 | Fresh Garlic & Onions

3 | Canned Tomatoes, crushed or whole (no added ingredients)

4 | Dried Pasta (Short, long & soup varieties)

5 | Farro (excellent in soups and salads)

6 | Polenta (perfect winter staple)

7 | Concentrated Tomato paste (double or triple concentrated, found in a tube)

8 | Flour (Semolina & 00)

9 | Rice (Arborio or Carnaroli)

10 | Legumes (Dried or Canned) Garbanzos, lentils, borlotti, cannellini

11 | Cheese: (Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pecorino, and gorgonzola are my favorites)

12 | Balsamico (good quality Balsamic can be found at gourmet stores or online)

13 | Herbs & Aromatics (Fresh and dried) Rosemary, Oregano, Basil, Thyme, Bay leaves, Flat leaf parsley, Lemons)

14 | Espresso beans

15 | Wine (Dry Red, White & Sparkling like Prosecco)

Bonus items that will add tons of flavor in small amounts:

Olives, with Pits (oil or brine)
Capers packed in salt
Sundried Tomatoes, packed in Oil
Canned Fish: anchovies, tuna, sardines good quality, in olive oil
Salumi/ Prosciutto

Keep your Italian pantry stocked with these essential ingredients, and like a true Italian Nonna, you’ll always have a delicious and authentic Italian meal on hand!