The Best Easy Pantry Recipes (2024)

by Kellie March 25, 2020

Looking to raid the pantry? These EASY Pantry recipes will help you have a meal on the table in no time. From pasta to beans and rice or tuna, so many pantry meals you can make on the fly.

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With the world swirling about and uncertainty on our mind, it’s a good idea to have a well stocked pantry for moments when you may not be able to get to the store. Even in a normal world, I rely heavily on pantry staples to help me get a healthy, hearty meal on the table in no time flat.

From soups and pasta dishes, to snacks and vegetarian meals….there’s something for everyone here. I compiled a list of my favorite go-to recipes using ingredients from your kitchen pantry.

How To Stock Your Pantry

Making dinner from pantry items comes down to how well your pantry is stocked. But don’t worry if you don’t have all the items listed. Sometimes improvisation can be magical and you’ll end up with something truly tasty with one or two substitutes.

Here are my pantry item BASICS:

• Kosher salt
• Fine salt
• Black pepper
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Vegetable oil
• Apple cider vinegar
• Red wine vinegar
• Balsamic or sherry vinegar
• Rice vinegar (unseasoned)

Baking Essentials:

• Flour: all purpose, whole wheat or pastry
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Cream of tartar
• Cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• Chocolate: chips or bar
• Evaporated milk
• Pure vanilla extract

Sweeteners:

• Granulated sugar
• Confectioners’ sugar
• Brown sugar
• Maple syrup
• Honey
• Agave syrup

Rice and Grains:

• Long-grain white rice
• Brown rice
• Grains: bulgur, quinoa, couscous or farro
• Pasta: standard, whole grain, rice noodles or egg noodles
• Polenta
• Breadcrumbs: plain or panko

Canned Goods:

• Chicken broth
• Beans: cannellini, navy, chickpeas or black
• Vegetables: hominy, corn or green beans
• Olives or capers
• Chiles: chipotles in adobo or pickled jalapenos
• Salsa
• Tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Roasted red peppers
• Tuna
• Anchovy fillets or paste (not a necessity)

Dried Herbs and Spices:

• Bay leaves
• Cajun seasoning
• Cayenne pepper
• Chile powder
• Crushed red pepper
• Curry powder
• Fennel or dill seed
• Granulated garlic
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground cloves
• Ground cumin
• Ground ginger
• Oregano
• Paprika: sweet and smoked
• Rosemary
• Sesame seeds
• Thyme
• Whole nutmeg

Condiments and Sauces:

• Jelly, jam or preserves
• Ketchup
• Mayonnaise
• Mustard: Dijon or whole grain
• Pickles
• Hot sauce: Tabasco, Sriracha or sambal
• Worcestershire sauce
• Soy sauce or tamari
• Asian fish sauce
• Toasted sesame oil

Now, this is just a guide for things I suggest for your pantry. If you’re having trouble sourcing these items or are not a fan of, say Rosemary, you can easily substitute with something else you have on hand.

Quick Pantry Recipes

I’m breaking down my pantry meals by category to make things a little easier since this article has a ton or information. I hope you find these recipes helpful in getting a quick and easy meal on the table for your family. Some recipes may include items from my refrigerator and freezer. As I mentioned, if you don’t have those items, feel free to substitute with something else.

You can always email me or message me on social media with questions about any recipe and I’ll be sure to answer as soon as possible.

Pasta Recipes

My go-to for quick dinners always, first and foremost, is a box of pasta. It’s always a crowd pleaser and totally versatile.

Here are our favorites:

• Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
• Buffalo Chicken Pasta
• Easy Pasta Puttanesca with Linguine
• Baked Chicken Florentine Pasta
• Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet
• Pesto Chicken Noodle Soup
• Baked Rigatoni Bolognese
• Linguine with Red Clam Sauce
• 10 Minute Macaroni and Cheese
• Easy Chicken Tetrazzini
• Beef Stir Fry with Rice Noodles
• Easy Fettuccine Alfredo

Canned Bean Recipes

Looking for a little protein, these easy canned bean recipes are sure to please.

Here are our favorites:

• Italian Sausage Soup with White Beans and Spinach
• Creamy White Chicken Chili
• Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
• Easy Homemade Hummus (I know this isn’t a meal…but sometimes it can be.)
• Mediterranean Couscous with Sweet Potato and Chickpea
• Easy Three Bean Salad

Canned Meat Recipes

Canned tuna and chicken can be lifesavers when the fridge is bare!

Here are our favorites:

• Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
• The BEST Tuna Salad Recipe
• One Pot Mediterranean Tuna Pasta
• California Style Eggs Benedict
• Easy Salmon Patties
• Simple Tuna Salad Tacos
• Southwestern Tuna Pizza
• Mediterranean Tuna Wrap
• Easy Chicken Noodle Soup
• Chicken Enchilada Soup

Oat, Grain and Rice Recipes

Everything from breakfast to dinner….oats, grain and rice are totally underrated.

• Easy Cilantro Lime Rice
• Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
• Easy Shrimp Fried Rice
• The Very BEST Rice Pudding
• No Cook Asian Rice Noodle Salad
• Asian Style Ramen Noodle Salad
• The Best Stuffed Cabbage Soup
• Dried Fruit Oatmeal Bake
• Easy Slow Cooker Oatmeal
• Oatmeal Raisin Energy Bites
• Bananas Foster Baked Oatmeal
• Easy Blueberry Overnight Oats
• Easy Pancake Mix
• The Very Best Waffles
• Corn Nuts

The list is long but it should contain at least ONE item your family will love. 🙂

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Comment below with YOUR favorite pantry recipes!

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