Italian cuisine is deeply rooted in a passion for fresh ingredients. McCormick's herbs and spices add a robust flavor in minutes that even seasoned palettes would appreciate. Needless to say, Italians are very particular about their food – herbs and spices included.
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- Cozy up the Tuscan Way with Hearty, Kale-Filled Bean Soup
Italian Flavors
Explore easy ways to use these herbs and spices for delicious Italian flavor.
Oregano
McCormick's pure oregano has a natural affinity for all things tomato. That’s why it’s a staple of the southern Italian kitchen. From slow-cooked tomato sauce to spiced tomato juice to fresh tomato salad, oregano never met a tomato it didn’t like. Try Oregano Leaves.
Basil
You won’t find a more versatile herb than McCormick's pure basil, which some people may not know is actually part of the mint family. It carries a fresh, green aroma with a hint of sweet licorice and holds a place of honor in the Italian and Italian-American kitchen. Use it in seafood and poultry dishes, red sauces, pizza and pasta with vegetables. Try Basil Leaves.
Rosemary
The Italian table wouldn’t be the same without this aromatic herb. Rosemary is used in marinades for grilled meat and poultry. But it also does double-duty as a flavor-enhancer for starchy beans and vegetables. Try Rosemary Leaves.
Red Pepper
Traditional Italian cuisine isn’t known for chili pepper heat, but Italian cooks use small amounts of this fiery spice to liven up pasta sauces and vegetables. Take Amatriciana sauce, for instance. It pairs red pepper with tomato and a bit of guanciale, and offers a full, rich flavor in every bite. Try Crushed Red Pepper.
Known more for its appearance, parsley can add both color and flavor to a wide range of dishes. Parsley pairs particularly well with the seafood dishes popular along the coastal cities in Italy. Try Parsley Flakes.
Bay Leaves
Use this classic Italian herb in fish soups and stews. Add some parsley flakes, thyme and a hint of crushed red pepper for a true Italian treat. Try Bay Leaves.
Garlic
Garlic is well known to be a favorite in Italian dishes. Its sharpness cuts through rich tomato sauces, heavy meat and eggplant dishes while its sweetness is at home with seafood. Try Garlic Powder or Roasted Garlic Powder.
Thyme
Thyme is an essential and versatile herb, its sweet aroma and mellow flavor make it the perfect addition to all types of recipes. A Mediterranean native, thyme regularly turns up in the Italian kitchen, particularly in rubs for roast chicken and in garlicky chicken soups and stews. It goes great with other Mediterranean herbs such as rosemary, oregano and bay leaves. Try Thyme Leaves or Ground Thyme.
Italian Recipes
- Hearty Tortellini Soup
- Pasta Salad Caprese
- Italian Bow Tie Vegetable Soup
- Pizza Soup
- Saucy Turkey Marsala
- Pizza Pie Meatloaf
Beyond Italian
Switch up some of the herbs and spices for a different take on your favorite dish.
- Greek
- Mexican
- Peruvian
- Caribbean
- Thai
- Korean
