Popular Italian ingredients & accompaniments
An Invitation to Discover the Flavours of Italy
Italian cuisine is built on exceptional ingredients that give every dish outstanding depth of flavour and unmistakable authenticity. At PACINI, every recipe is crafted using carefully selected products to deliver a true taste experience rooted in Italian tradition. Whether it’s rich sauces, refined cheeses, iconic cured meats or aromatic oils, each ingredient plays a vital role in creating dishes that are balanced, comforting and full of flavour.
Discover the essential ingredients and accompaniments of Italian cuisine—featured in PACINI dishes—and let yourself be inspired by these iconic products.
Essential Sauces in Italian Cuisine
Ragù is a rich, flavourful sauce made with tomatoes, slow-simmered meat and aromatic herbs. Cooked for a long time to develop its full depth, it is a key component of lasagna and spaghetti bolognese.
Creamy and velvety, Alfredo sauce combines cream and Parmesan to perfectly coat pasta. It embodies the indulgence and elegance of Italian cuisine.
Originally from Liguria, pesto is a harmonious blend of basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil and cheese. Fresh and fragrant, it pairs beautifully with pasta, pizza and bruschetta.
Made with sun-ripened tomatoes, garlic and basil, Napoletana sauce is an essential base for many dishes, especially pizza and seafood linguine.
Italian Cheeses:
A Tradition of Craftsmanship
A true icon of Italian gastronomy, Parmigiano Reggiano is celebrated for its umami flavour, granular texture and long aging process. It features in several signature PACINI dishes, including risottos, sauces and baked gratins. Its rich aroma and culinary versatility make it an essential ingredient.
Less well known than Parmigiano Reggiano but just as delicious, Asiago stands out for its mild flavour and its ability to melt beautifully into dishes. It comes in different aging profiles: young and creamy for sandwiches or baked dishes, or more aged to add character to salads and risottos.
Gorgonzola
This creamy blue cheese with its bold flavour is used in sauces, pizzas and antipasti. Its distinctive character adds a unique depth to Italian recipes.
Cured Meats & Salumi:
The Art of Italian Charcuterie
Prosciutto
This Italian dry-cured ham, aged for several months, adds a refined touch to pizzas, sandwiches and antipasto boards.
Genoa salami
This Italian dry-cured ham, aged for several months, adds a refined touch to pizzas, sandwiches and antipasto boards.
Italian sausage
Hearty and flavourful, Italian sausage is seasoned with spices and aromatic herbs. It’s a perfect addition to pasta dishes and indulgent pizzas.
This term refers to the many Italian cured meats, from capocollo to mortadella and bresaola. Each one brings its own unique touch to antipasti and Italian dishes.
Pasta:
A Staple of Italian Cuisine
Flatter than spaghetti, linguine captures lighter sauces beautifully and pairs perfectly with seafood or grilled vegetables.
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With their wavy edges, Mafaldina pasta is both elegant and delicious. It’s ideal for holding rich, creamy sauces.
Mushrooms and oils: elevating flavors
Shiitake mushrooms
With their earthy, slightly smoky notes, shiitake mushrooms are a delicious addition to pasta, risottos and slow-cooked dishes.
Portobello mushrooms
With a meaty texture and deep flavour, portobello mushrooms are an excellent meat alternative and are great in pizzas and salads.
A true jewel of Italian cuisine, black truffles bring an unmistakable flavour to the most refined dishes. Grated over pasta or infused into sauces, they elevate recipes with their powerful aroma.
Truffle oil
Used as a finishing touch, truffle oil enhances dishes with its captivating fragrance. It pairs beautifully with pizza, pasta and risottos for an accessible touch of luxury.