Ask any Italian what’s in their pantry, and you probably…won’t be surprised to find that it’s well-stocked. When cooking like an Italian, though, a little goes a long way. Some of the best dishes come together in a matter of minutes – and with just as few ingredients.
When the selection of fresh products might not be as rich as usual, we have selected some delicious, comforting and easy recipes for you to make at home with the staples of every Italian pantry. What better way to spend our extra time that in the kitchen, get creative and feel free to personalize the recipes with what you have available in your own pantry.
Some of the best Italian dishes come together with just a few ingredients, from flour to Carnaroli rice, from cans of delicious peeled tomatoes to pasta di Gragnano or flavourful canned tuna in extra virgin olive oil.
Find below our best suggestion for truly Italian, delicious and simple pantry staple dishes.
1. PIZZA MARGHERITA
Using the pantry’s main pillar flour, you can easily make bread, cakes, pizza and pasta. Follow our recipe to see how we see our Neapolitan Pizza Margherita!
2. RISOTTO ALLO ZAFFERANO (SAFFRON RISOTTO)
Rice is a staple that should be found in every pantry. It is nutritious and easy to prepare, and is easy to vary. One of our favorite Milanese dishes is the iconic Saffron Risotto.
3. TROFIE AL PESTO
Simple sauces and pesto make it easy to vary your cooking. Genovese basil pesto is made with fresh basil, high quality extra virgin olive oil, Parmigiano Reggiano Dop, Pecorino Dop, Italian pine nuts, walnuts, garlic and some salt. Combine with trofie pasta for a winning meal!
4. GNOCCHI AL POMODORO (GNOCCHI WITH TOMATO SAUCE)
Gnocchi are not only delicious and comforting in difficult times, but a good and fun way to use your extra time in the kitchen!
5. FRITTATA CON SPINACI (SPINACH OMELET)
Eggs are both versatile and nutritious, and are a main ingredient in many recipes. In Italian cuisine we use them, among other things, to prepare Frittata! This variant is filled with spinach, not only making it extra delicious but also adding healthy vitamins and minerals.
6. PASTA E FAGIOLI (PASTA AND BEANS)
Legumes are rich in nutrients, proteins, minerals and vitamins. They are also a good and easy way to get protein into the pantry! Whether you have dried or preserved beans at home, our recipe allows you to cook a simple and tasty pasta.
7. PASTA CON ACCIUGHE E PANE (PASTA WITH ANCHOVIES AND BREADCRUMBS)
Anchovies, sardines, tuna, and mackerel can be an easy solution to enrich your meals. They are great to add flavor, protein and healthy fats. With this recipe you get a delicious pasta filled with flavor – while using products from your pantry.
8. SALSA AL POMODORO
A great alternative to fresh tomatoes, preserved peeled tomatoes are perfect crushed to make a chunky tomato sauce, add to soups, stews and more. A staple for any well-stocked pantry. Use this pantry staple to make a hearty toamto sauce – click on the link to see how we make ours!
9. FRITTATA DI SPAGHETTI (SPAGHETTI OMELET)
Made too much pasta and don’t know what to do with the leftovers? No worries – we got you! With a few simple ingredients you can make another speciality: Frittata di Spaghetti!
10. TIMBALLO DI PASTA
You have made too much short pasta and you don’t know what to do with the leftovers. Discover to recycle it and make another amazing meal: Tiballo di pasta.
Looking to stock your pantry? Shop all the ingredients at Eataly or online on Uber Eats.
