The Foods Stanley Tucci Says He Could Never Live Without

Stanley Tucci has built a reputation that stretches far beyond acting. Between his food memoir, his cookbooks, his travel series through Italy, and countless cooking videos, he’s become one of Hollywood’s most trusted voices on what’s worth eating.

So when Tucci talks about the foods he simply can’t do without, people listen. His list isn’t filled with rare delicacies or trendy superfoods, and that’s exactly what makes it so appealing.

Pasta, Without Question

Tucci has said there’s no such thing as a single favorite food. But when pressed, he admitted he would have great difficulty living without pasta.

That’s no surprise from someone whose family roots trace back to southern Italy. Pasta has been at the center of his meals since childhood, from Sunday dinners to simple weeknight plates.

His Go-To Pasta Brand

Tucci is particular about the pasta he buys. In an interview with GQ Italia, he named Rummo, a brand from the southern Italian city of Benevento, as one he always looks for when traveling.

He joked that carrying pasta in his luggage would be a little insane, but he seeks it out wherever he goes. It’s also his choice when he has an apartment on location and can cook after a long day of filming.

Eggs as His Protein

When asked to name three ingredients he couldn’t live without, Tucci kept things remarkably simple. He chose eggs, rice, and wine, explaining that eggs are the protein and rice the starch.

Eggs fit easily into almost any meal, from frittatas to pasta sauces. Their versatility makes them a natural staple for someone who loves cooking at home.

Rice for Comfort and Versatility

Rice rounded out his list as the starch he relies on. He has said he can cook paella for a crowd, and rice also shows up in Italian classics like risotto and arancini.

It pairs easily with whatever is in season. For a cook who loves both simple and elaborate dishes, rice is endlessly adaptable.

Wine With Everything

The third ingredient on his must-have list was wine, which he joked goes with both the eggs and the rice. It works in the glass and in the pan.

Wine also appears on his holiday table every year. He has said wine and San Pellegrino are the drinks you’ll always find when his family gathers to celebrate.

What’s Always in His Fridge

Tucci has shared a peek inside his refrigerator, and the list is wonderfully practical. He keeps white wine, goat cheese, prosciutto, and vegetables on hand.

The surprise item on the list is peanut butter. Even a devoted fan of Italian cooking, it turns out, likes a jar of something comforting and familiar.

Saffron as His Favorite Spice

If Tucci has a favorite spice, it’s saffron. He has said people would be amazed by how many dishes you can add it to.

Saffron brings a golden color and a delicate, floral flavor to rice dishes, broths, and sauces. A tiny pinch goes a long way, which makes it worth its luxurious reputation.

Savory Snacks for the Road

Filming his travel series meant constant flights between Italy and New York. Tucci became an expert at packing salami sandwiches and plenty of small savory snacks for the journey.

He prefers savory over sweet, and he has suggested eggplant parmesan sandwiches as another travel-friendly option. Bringing his own food helps him avoid the disappointing meals often found in airports and on planes.

The Dish He Still Dreams About

Out of everything he tasted while filming in Italy, one dish stuck with him. Tucci has said he still thinks about a timballo he enjoyed in the Abruzzo region.

Timballo is a baked dish layered with pasta or crepes, meat, cheese, and sauce. It’s a close cousin of the timpano he made famous in his film Big Night.