Cook Out of Your Pantry the Italian Way

Italian cooking rewards a well-stocked pantry, and a little goes a long way. These five recipes — from pasta and olive oil cakes to an Aperol Spritz — come together in minutes with few ingredients. They suit anyone who wants to cook, sip and bake like an Italian using what is already on the shelf.

Spaghetti Aglio Olio e Peperoncino

Born in Campania, this pasta is a classic of cucina povera, built to make the most of simple ingredients. Extra virgin olive oil is the hero, so choose one made from hand-picked, cold-pressed olives. Pantry staples: Spaghetti di Gragnano IGP, extra virgin olive oil and anchovies (optional).

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Torte di Olio d'Oliva

Breakfast or dessert, this dolce comes together with ingredients found in any cupboard. The small cakes are light, tender and deeply flavorful, and since the oil is front and center, use the best extra virgin olive oil you can. Pantry staples: extra virgin olive oil, white wine, flour, sugar and baking soda.

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Lo Spaghetto al Pomodoro

The most famous Italian recipe is also one that brightens any day. Lo spaghetto al pomodoro needs only a few ingredients that keep well in the pantry, and it is easy to make. Pantry staples: Afeltra Spaghetti di Gragnano IGP, Così Com'è Whole Red Datterino Tomatoes, ROI Monocultivar Taggiasca Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Sicilian Sale Integrale Sea Salt.

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Pasta al Tonno

Calabria comes to the kitchen in this pasta with tuna. Flakes of rich, savory tuna and briny capers make a seaside-style dish that takes a flash to put together in any season. Pantry staples: Spaghetti or Bucatini di Gragnano IGP, tuna in olive oil, extra virgin olive oil and capers.

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Aperol Spritz

Aperitivo at home needs no excuse. Aperol is a traditional Italian aperitif made by infusing alcohol with oranges, herbs and roots, and its bittersweet taste is meant to "open the appetite," as Italians say. Pantry staples: Prosecco, Aperol and club soda.

Get the recipe for Aperol Spritz

Ready to stock the pantry? Find all the ingredients at your local Eataly, with local grocery delivery or online.