Skip the store-bought blends and make your own Italian seasoning in just 5 minutes. This classic blend of dried herbs is fragrant, flavorful, and perfect for pasta sauces, pizza, chicken, vegetables, soups, marinades, and homemade bread.
I always keep a jar of Italian seasoning in my pantry because it’s one of the easiest ways to add Mediterranean flavor to everyday meals. Whether you’re making a quick pasta sauce, seasoning grilled chicken, or baking homemade focaccia, this simple herb blend adds just the right touch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 5 minutes.
- Made with simple dried herbs.
- Perfect for pasta, pizza, chicken, vegetables, and marinades.
- Fresher and more flavorful than most store-bought blends.
Why This Blend Works
- Basil adds a sweet, aromatic flavor.
- Oregano provides the classic Italian herb flavor.
- Parsley brightens the blend with fresh herbal notes.
- Thyme adds earthy depth.
- Rosemary contributes a subtle pine-like aroma.
- Marjoram brings a delicate sweetness that rounds out the herbs.
- Garlic and onion powder are optional but add extra savory flavor.
- Red pepper flakes provide a gentle hint of heat if you like a little spice.
Variations
- Classic Herb Blend: Omit the garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Garlicky: Increase the garlic powder to 2 teaspoons.
- Spicy: Add 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes.
- Mediterranean: Add 1 tablespoon dried sage or 1 teaspoon fennel seeds.
- Salt-Free: This blend contains no salt, making it easy to season dishes to taste.
How to Make Homemade Italian Seasoning
Making your own Italian seasoning couldn’t be easier.
- Measure all the dried herbs and spices into a small bowl.
- Stir until evenly combined.
- Transfer the seasoning to an airtight spice jar or container.
- Store in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to use it.
Ways to Use Italian Seasoning
Italian seasoning is one of the most versatile herb blends you can keep in your pantry.
- Add it to homemade pasta sauces, pizza sauce, soups, stews, marinades, salad dressings, garlic butter, and bread dough.
- Sprinkle it over chicken, fish, roasted vegetables, potatoes, or focaccia before baking.
- It’s also delicious mixed into olive oil for dipping fresh bread.
Example Using Italian Seasoning – Italian Chicken Marinade
This recipe makes about 8 tablespoons of seasoning—enough to season approximately 4 to 8 pounds (1.8 to 3.6 kg) of meat, depending on how generously you season it.
- Place 1 pound (450 g) of chicken in a bowl or zip-top bag.
- Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
- Toss to coat and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Grill, bake, or pan-sear until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Tips for Success
- Crush larger rosemary pieces between your fingers if they are coarse.
- Use fresh dried herbs for the best aroma and flavor.
- Shake the jar before each use to redistribute the herbs.
- Make a double batch so you’ll always have some ready for everyday cooking.
Storage
Store the seasoning in an airtight glass jar or spice container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. It will keep its best flavor for up to 6 months.
Italian Seasoning Recipe
This homemade Italian seasoning is a fragrant blend of dried herbs that’s ready in just 5 minutes. Perfect for pasta sauces, pizza, chicken, vegetables, soups, marinades, and homemade bread.
Video
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Dried basil
- 2 tbsp Dried oregano
- 2 tbsp Dried parsley
- 1 tbsp Dried Thyme
- 1 tbsp Dried rosemary crushed
- 1 tbsp Dried marjoram
- 1 tsp Garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tsp Onion powder (optional)
- ½ tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)
Method
- Measure all the dried herbs and spices into a small bowl. Stir until evenly combined.
- Transfer the seasoning to an airtight spice jar or container. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
Notes
- Crush coarse rosemary slightly before mixing for a more even blend.
- Omit the garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes for a classic herb blend.
- This seasoning contains no salt, so season your finished dish to taste.
- Use about 1 tablespoon to season 1 pound (450 g) of chicken, fish, or vegetables.
- Shake the jar before each use, as the herbs naturally settle over time.
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
Equipment you will need
Nutrition
Tried this recipe?
Mention @veenaazmanov_kitchen or tag #veenaazmanovkitchen!More Homemade Seasonings You’ll Love
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Frequently Asked Questions
No. Traditional Italian seasoning is simply a blend of dried herbs, making it easy to season your dishes to taste.
No. Italian seasoning typically contains basil, oregano, parsley, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram, while Herbs de Provence often includes herbs like lavender and savory.
This blend is designed for dried herbs, which provide a concentrated flavor and store well for months.
It’s delicious in pasta sauces, pizza, soups, marinades, salad dressings, roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, fish, potatoes, garlic bread, and homemade focaccia.
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Hi, I’m Veena
I’m the recipe developer, baker, and food photographer behind Veena Azmanov Kitchen.
I’ve spent years developing and testing recipes, from everyday meals and homemade breads to cakes and desserts.
I share the practical tips and little details I’ve learned along the way so you can get great results in your own kitchen.
Why have I been buying those tiny jars all these years?! I had every single herb already sitting in my spice drawer. Made a jar today and used it on roasted vegetables tonight.
Exactly! Once you realize you already have everything in the pantry, it seems silly to keep buying another little jar. And the nice thing about homemade is you can adjust the blend to your taste too.