Stanley Tucci cooking videos are Instagram perfection, and we'll gladly watch anything he is preparing — especially if it's pasta or carb-related.
The actor's segue into the food industry by way of his Italian heritage has catapulted him in a new direction. From cookbooks to cookware, TV shows to partnerships, Stanley has more than proved he knows his way around the kitchen. Given his expertise, and our infatuation, we asked chefs and food industry experts how to get our spaghetti up to par with his.
If you ask us, all small kitchen ideas should allow room for macaroni accessories and great cookware. Let our professionals to introduce you to the essentials.
Check out one of our favorite Stanley Tucci cooking videos
What did we tell you? If you don't now have a craving for bolognese sauce (accompanied by a glass of red wine, of course) we're not sure what will entice you.
Whether you're looking for a cozy meal on a winter evening, or you're assuming hosting duties for a holiday or celebration, you can never go wrong with a bowl of macaroni. It's time to organize small kitchen cabinets to make room for these pasta necessities.
Chef-recommended pasta accessories
Even if you'd rather stick to store-bought options rather than one of the best pasta makers, there are still other gadgets needed to take your dishes from "satisfactory" to "deliziosa". The industry pros will lead you in the proper direction. Bon appétit!
1. A wooden spoon
While yes, we love pretty and functional kitchen utensil sets, do make sure you're not bypassing a classic wooden spoon. It might seem basic, but it serves a purpose.
"Enter the often-forgotten life-saver: a trusty wooden 'Nonna style' spoon," says Chef Bill Dorrler, corporate executive chef at Osteria Morini DC. "While many default to metal spoons, there's a subtle but crucial difference. Opting for a wooden spoon eliminates any risk of an aluminum or metallic aftertaste."
We certainly don't want anything potentially contaminating our bolognese, right? Completely unacceptable.
Price: Was $11.99, now $11.02
Dimensions (in.): L13.5 x W2
Style and strength join forces thanks to Eddingtons Olive Wood Spoon, which has earned nearly 400 five-star reviews on Amazon. This long-lasting kitchen staple is perfect for all those who prepare pasta regularly — just don't forget to oil it after use.
2. Mist spray bottle
Sometimes, it's the littlest details that make the biggest difference, especially when cooking.
"The linchpin of successful pasta creation lies in water — the unsung hero binding sealed pasta," Chef Bill says. "I recommend purchasing a high-quality fine mist spray bottle for the right amount of water and steering clear of any excess that could potentially alter the dough's composition, leading to undesired stickiness."
What's more, mist spray bottles (like the options available at Amazon) can be used for drizzling drops of oil on your dishes when you don't want to add *too* much.
Price: $7.09
Dimensions (in.): L1.18 x W1.18 x H1.18
A compact yet durable eco-friendly bottle, this spray mister will allow you to lightly drizzle your pastas, salads, and so on without drowning your food in oil.
3. Durable Dishes
When attempting to figure out how to store plates and cookware in a small kitchen, one thing we can say for certain is set aside space for the proper bowls if you plan on making macaroni regularly.
"Look for pasta bowls with ridges or indentations to catch sauce," says Lindsey Chastain, founder at The Waddle and Cluck. "Wide-rimmed plates allow you to easily twist pasta. You might also choose shallow soup bowls for saucy pasta dishes. Durable dinnerware is ideal, as pasta can stain or scratch more delicate pieces."
Price: $34.99
Dimensions (in.): D9
Stackable, durable, stylish, and long-lasting, American Atelier's Large Pasta Bowls will ensure your spaghetti dishes are taken care of for years to come. This set also dishwasher safe.
4. A non-stick saucepan
“Having the right cookware and dishes for pasta can make a big difference in how the dish will taste when served," says food blogger Julie Pollitt, founder of Back To My Southern Roots. "A good non-stick saucepan will work beautifully."
(And FYI, we have expert advice about how to clean a non-stick pan so you can keep the sauces coming.)
Price: Was $110, now $90
Capacity: 1.75 Quart
Caraway is one of the best non-toxic cookware items on shelves as it's durable, reliable, and created without harmful chemicals. Oh, and did we mention it's adorable to boot?
5. A food processor
As much as we love an old-school mentality à la Nonna, a food processor is a great way to speed up menial tasks and make large quantities a little more doable.
"A food processor with a grating or grind disc is indispensable for me as I use it to grind large blocks of hard Romano cheese in bulk," says Liz Krause, food blogger at SimpleItalianCooking.com. "I freeze the cheese in airtight containers in the freezer, maintaining a smaller portion in the fridge for immediate use. If I don't have enough in the fridge for a last minute dish, I can grab the grated cheese from the freezer."
Price: Was $59.99, now $49.99
Capacity: 3.5 Cups
KitchenAid's 3.5 Cup Food Chopper allows you to chop, mix, and puree quickly and without hassle, as it's compact, lightweight, and intended for frequent use.
You might also like
Still considering other options for your kitchen? There are other contenders perfect for pasta lovers.
- See olive oil dispensers on Amazon
- See pasta pots at Target
- See pasta forks at Walmart
- See pasta serving bowls at Amazon
Planning on spending a lot of time cooking like our man, Stanley? We can't blame you. Get your favorite room in the house just the way you like it with help from these 10 expert tips for designing a small kitchen. We promise they're a recipe for success.
