Having a fully stocked pantry means you can easily prepare meals without frequent trips to the store. When you know what staples you have on hand, it’s simple to put together satisfying dishes that save time and reduce stress.
This article shows you 12 easy meals you can make using common pantry ingredients you likely already have. These options help you stay flexible while making the most of what’s in your kitchen.
Classic Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
You only need a few simple ingredients to make this tasty pasta dish. Grab spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes from your pantry.
It’s quick to cook, taking about 20 minutes, and perfect for when you want something easy yet flavorful. This classic Italian recipe shows you don’t need much to enjoy a great meal.
Learn more about it from this Spaghetti Aglio e Olio recipe.
Chickpea Curry with Rice
You can easily whip up chickpea curry using pantry staples like canned chickpeas, curry powder, and vegetable stock. It’s a simple one-pot dish that comes together quickly.
Add garlic and curry powder to your pan, then stir in the chickpeas and stock. Serve it hot over rice for a satisfying meal that’s both flavorful and filling. You can find a detailed version of this recipe here.
Tuna Pasta Salad
You can quickly whip up a tasty tuna pasta salad using pantry staples like canned tuna and pasta. Just mix the tuna with cooked pasta, some chopped celery or onion, and a simple dressing.
Add hard-boiled eggs if you have them on hand for extra protein. It’s a simple, filling meal perfect for lunch or a light dinner. For ideas, check out this tuna pasta salad recipe.
Black Bean Chili
You can quickly whip up a hearty black bean chili using just pantry staples. Canned black beans, diced tomatoes, and spices like cumin make a flavorful base.
Add in any veggies or even ground meat if you have it. This meal is warm, filling, and perfect for a simple dinner.
Check out this Quick & Easy Pantry Black Bean Chili for a tasty recipe using pantry ingredients.
Tomato Lentil Soup
Tomato lentil soup is a simple, satisfying meal you can make with basics from your pantry. You just need lentils, canned tomatoes, broth, and a few spices.
It cooks quickly and makes a filling lunch or dinner. You can easily adjust the flavors to suit your taste. For a reliable recipe, check out this Tomato Lentil Soup Recipe.
Fried Rice with Mixed Vegetables
You can easily whip up fried rice using mixed vegetables from your pantry. Canned or frozen veggies work well and save prep time.
Use leftover chilled rice for the best texture and toss in soy sauce and any spices you like. This meal is simple, quick, and flexible to what you have on hand.
Check out more tips on making this dish with pantry staples at Beyond Hunger.
Peanut Butter Noodles
You can make peanut butter noodles quickly with just a few pantry staples like peanut butter, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Cook your noodles, mix the sauce ingredients, and toss them together for a simple, comforting meal.
This dish is easy to customize with chili flakes or a splash of water for the perfect texture. Try the full recipe for fast and tasty noodles here.
Canned Salmon Cakes
You can make salmon cakes quickly with canned salmon from your pantry. Mix the salmon with simple ingredients like breadcrumbs, egg, and seasoning to form patties.
These salmon cakes cook fast and work well as a main dish or sandwich filling. Try this easy recipe for a tasty, budget-friendly meal that uses pantry staples like canned salmon from Mary’s Nest.
Vegetarian Bean Burritos
You can easily whip up vegetarian bean burritos using pantry staples like canned beans, rice, and spices. Add frozen or canned vegetables to boost flavor and nutrition.
Wrap everything in a tortilla for a quick, filling meal. These burritos are perfect for meal prep and freeze well, making your busy days easier. For a simple recipe idea, check out this pantry burritos recipe.
Parmesan Garlic Bread
You can quickly whip up Parmesan Garlic Bread using pantry staples like garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese. Spread a mix of minced garlic, melted butter, and grated Parmesan on bread slices.
Toast it in a skillet or oven until golden and crispy. It makes a great side for pasta or just a tasty snack. For extra flavor, add fresh herbs if you have some on hand from this detailed recipe.
Salsa Chicken with Rice
You can make Salsa Chicken with Rice quickly using ingredients from your pantry. Just combine chicken, salsa, and rice in one pan or a slow cooker.
This meal is easy to customize with whatever spices or beans you have on hand. It’s a simple, comforting dish perfect for busy nights.
For an easy recipe and tips, check out this One-Pan Salsa Chicken and Rice.
Homemade Pancakes
You can easily whip up homemade pancakes using basic pantry staples like flour, baking powder, sugar, and oil. Just mix these with milk and an egg for a quick batter.
Pancakes are versatile, so feel free to add spices, fruit, or chocolate chips from your pantry. They make a comforting meal any time of day and use ingredients you likely already have on hand.
For a simple recipe, check out this Good Old-Fashioned Pancakes Recipe.
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