We’ve all been there: it’s been a long day, and the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen preparing a meal. That’s where pantry staple meals come in. With a few basic ingredients that you likely already have on hand, you can whip up delicious and satisfying meals in no time.
One great example is a simple pasta dish. All you need is a box of your favorite pasta, a can of diced tomatoes, and some basic spices. Boil the pasta according to the package instructions, and in a separate pan, sauté the tomatoes with garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Toss the cooked pasta with the spicy tomatoes and serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top. It’s a quick, easy, and inexpensive meal that everyone will love.
Another fantastic pantry staple meal is a hearty bean stew. Start by sautéing an onion and garlic in a large pot. Then, add in a variety of canned beans—kidney, pinto, black beans, and chickpeas all work great—along with a can of diced tomatoes and some vegetable broth. Season with your favorite spices, such as cumin, chili powder, and paprika, and let the stew simmer until the flavors have melded together. Serve it with a chunk of crusty bread, and you’ve got a comforting and nutritious meal.
If you’re looking for something a bit more exotic, try your hand at making fried rice. All you need is leftover rice (day-old rice works best), frozen mixed vegetables, soy sauce, and an egg. Heat up some oil in a wok or a large pan, scramble the egg, and then add in the rice, vegetables, and soy sauce. Stir-fry everything together until it’s nice and hot, and you’ve got a tasty fried rice dish that’s even better than takeout.
These are just a few examples of the delicious meals you can create using basic pantry staples. With a little creativity and a well-stocked pantry, you can easily whip up satisfying and budget-friendly meals that will impress your family and friends. So, the next time you’re short on time or running low on groceries, don’t stress—just reach for those pantry staples and get cooking!
Now, let’s take a look at 20 delicious recipes that you can make using pantry staples. From hearty stews to flavorful pasta dishes and creative takes on classic favorites, these recipes will surely become your go-to options for quick and easy meals:
1. Bean and Vegetable Chili: A hearty and protein-packed chili featuring a variety of beans, vegetables, and spices. Top it with shredded cheese and serve with tortilla chips for added crunch.
2. Pasta e Fagioli: This classic Italian dish combines pasta and beans in a flavorful tomato-based broth. It’s comfort food at its best.
3. Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole: Canned tuna, egg noodles, and a creamy sauce come together in this nostalgic and budget-friendly casserole.
4. Lentil Curry: A flavorful and aromatic curry featuring lentils, onions, tomatoes, and a blend of spices. Serve it with rice for a hearty vegetarian meal.
5. Black Bean Tacos: Spice up your taco night with these easy and flavorful black bean tacos. Topped with salsa, avocado, and a squeeze of lime, they’re sure to become a favorite.
6. Veggie-Loaded Minestrone Soup: Packed with vegetables, beans, and small pasta shapes, this minestrone soup is a nutritious and comforting one-pot meal.
7. One-Pot Pasta Puttanesca: Olives, capers, and a tangy tomato sauce are the stars of this easy pasta puttanesca that can be made in a single pot.
8. Chickpea Salad Sandwich: Mash up chickpeas with mayonnaise, mustard, and your favorite herbs and spices to create a delicious and hearty sandwich filling.
9. Shrimp Scampi: Sauté shrimp in a garlicky butter sauce and serve it over a bed of linguine for a quick and elegant weeknight meal.
10. Veggie Fried Rice: Using frozen mixed vegetables and day-old rice, this fried rice dish is a versatile and tasty option to spruce up your rice dishes.
11. BBQ Beans on Toast: A comforting and savory meal, BBQ beans on toast combines canned baked beans with a tangy barbecue sauce, served on toasted bread and topped with cheese.
12. Chicken Noodle Soup: A classic for a reason, chicken noodle soup is comforting and nourishing. Use canned or leftover chicken, vegetables, and noodles for a quick recovery meal.
13. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio: This simple yet flavorful pasta dish comes together with just a few ingredients: spaghetti, olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, and parsley.
14. Mexican Rice Bowl: Create a flavorful rice bowl with rice, black beans, corn, avocado, and your choice of protein. Top it off with a zesty lime crema.
15. Tomato Bisque: Blend canned tomatoes with onions, garlic, and spices, then top with fresh basil and a drizzle of cream for an elegant and delicious soup.
16. Pesto Pasta Salad: Combine cooked pasta, diced vegetables, and a flavorful pesto sauce for a quick and refreshing pasta salad perfect for picnics and potlucks.
17. Coconut Curry Noodle Bowl: Rice noodles, vegetables, and a creamy coconut curry sauce come together in this flavorful and satisfying noodle bowl.
18. White Bean and Kale Soup: A hearty and nutritious soup featuring canned white beans, kale, and a flavorful broth. It’s a quick and easy option for a healthy meal.
19. French Onion Grilled Cheese: Caramelize onions and pair them with melted Swiss cheese on toasted bread for a delicious and sophisticated take on the classic grilled cheese.
20. Peanut Noodles: Mix peanut butter, soy sauce, and a few other pantry staples to create a flavorful peanut sauce for this popular noodle dish. Top with chopped peanuts and green onions for a tasty crunch.
With these recipes in your back pocket, you’re sure to find something delicious and satisfying to make, even on those busy weeknights when you don’t have time to run to the grocery store. Bon appétit!