7 Easy Dinner Recipes You Can Make with Pantry Staples

Stuck in a dinner rut? No worries! Here are seven quick meal ideas that make good use of those pantry staples you probably already have on hand. Whether you're looking for something simple, hearty, or a bit more creative, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings without a big time commitment.

Wholesome One-Pot Pasta Dishes

One-pot pasta dishes are a lifesaver when you want something quick and satisfying. They allow you to combine various ingredients into a single pot, making cleanup a breeze. The image shows a vibrant pasta dish filled with colorful cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a sprinkle of cheese, all cooked together for a wholesome meal.

This dish is not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients. You can use pantry staples like pasta, canned tomatoes, and spices to whip up a delicious dinner in no time. The combination of flavors from the fresh ingredients makes it feel special, even if it’s made with what you have on hand.

Ingredients

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 can (15 oz) black olives, drained
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the penne pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic: In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add Tomatoes and Spinach: Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften.
4. Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked pasta to the pot. Add black olives, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
5. Serve: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy your wholesome one-pot pasta!

Hearty Vegetable Soup With Beans

Hearty vegetable soup with beans is a warm and comforting dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. This soup is not only filling but also packed with nutrients. The vibrant colors of the vegetables and the steam rising from the bowl create an inviting scene that makes you want to dig in right away.

Using pantry staples, you can whip up this delicious meal in no time. The combination of beans and vegetables provides a hearty texture, while the broth ties everything together. It’s a great way to use up any leftover veggies you have lying around.

Serve this soup with some crusty bread on the side for a complete meal. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home or to share with friends and family.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
2. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, white beans, and green beans. Add thyme, basil, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

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Quick And Easy Taco Salad

This taco salad is a fun and colorful dish that’s perfect for a quick dinner. It features layers of fresh ingredients, making it not only tasty but also visually appealing. The vibrant greens of the lettuce, the bright red tomatoes, and the yellow corn all come together in a beautiful bowl. Crunchy tortilla chips add texture, while black beans provide protein. A dollop of sour cream on top makes it extra creamy and delicious.

Using pantry staples, you can whip this up in no time. It’s a great way to use what you have on hand, and you can easily customize it to your liking. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a casual gathering, this taco salad is sure to please everyone.

Ingredients

• 4 cups chopped lettuce
• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 packet taco seasoning (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Base: In a large bowl, layer the chopped lettuce as the base.
2. Add the Beans: Sprinkle the rinsed black beans evenly over the lettuce.
3. Mix in the Corn: Add the corn on top of the beans.
4. Top with Tomatoes and Cheese: Scatter the diced tomatoes and shredded cheese over the salad.
5. Add Crunch: Sprinkle the crushed tortilla chips on top for added crunch.
6. Finish with Dressing: Top with sour cream and chopped cilantro. If using taco seasoning, sprinkle it over the salad for extra flavor.
7. Serve: Toss everything together before serving, or leave it layered for a beautiful presentation.

Simple Rice And Bean Bowl

This Simple Rice and Bean Bowl is a perfect weeknight dinner that’s quick, healthy, and satisfying. Packed with protein and fiber, it’s a great way to use pantry staples. The combination of rice and black beans creates a hearty base, while fresh toppings add color and flavor.

Start with cooked rice, then mix in black beans for protein. Top it off with diced tomatoes, creamy avocado slices, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. A squeeze of lime juice brings everything together, making each bite refreshing and delicious.

This dish is not only easy to make but also customizable. You can add any veggies you have on hand or even some cheese for extra flavor. It’s a great way to clean out the fridge while enjoying a nutritious meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice and black beans. Mix well.
2. Top the rice and bean mixture with diced tomatoes and avocado slices.
3. Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the bowl.

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Creamy Tomato And Spinach Pasta

This creamy tomato and spinach pasta is a delightful dish that brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table. It’s quick to make and uses simple pantry staples, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The vibrant colors of the fresh spinach and juicy tomatoes make it as appealing to the eyes as it is to the palate.

The dish features tender pasta coated in a rich, creamy sauce that balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients, making this meal both delicious and healthy. Pair it with a glass of red wine for a cozy evening.

Cooking this pasta is straightforward. You’ll boil the pasta, sauté garlic and tomatoes, and then mix in cream and spinach for that luscious texture. It’s a one-pot wonder that minimizes cleanup, too!

Ingredients

• 8 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese for serving
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
3. Add Cream and Spinach: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the fresh spinach and stir until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
5. Serve: Plate the pasta and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Enjoy!

Easy Baked Potato Bar

Setting up a baked potato bar is a fun and easy way to turn simple ingredients into a delicious meal. Just grab some potatoes, bake them, and let everyone customize their own. The image shows a colorful spread of baked potatoes topped with various ingredients. You can see crispy bacon bits, shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh herbs, all ready for your guests to enjoy.

This idea is perfect for a quick dinner. You can use whatever toppings you have on hand. Think of things like green onions, cheese, or even leftover chili. Everyone can mix and match to create their perfect potato.

Here’s how to make your own baked potato bar:

Simple Egg Fried Rice

Egg fried rice is a fantastic way to use up leftover rice and pantry staples. It’s colorful, quick to prepare, and packed with flavor. The vibrant bowl in the image showcases fluffy rice mixed with bright veggies and topped with fresh green onions. The addition of chili peppers adds a nice kick. This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

To make egg fried rice, you can use any vegetables you have on hand. The key is to have cooked rice ready, preferably day-old, as it holds up better when frying. This recipe is flexible, so feel free to adjust the ingredients based on what you have.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (like peas, carrots, and bell peppers)
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chili peppers, sliced (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the mixed vegetables and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until tender.
3. Push the veggies to one side of the skillet and crack the eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked.
4. Add the cooked rice to the skillet, mixing everything together.
5. Pour in the soy sauce and stir well. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Top with chopped green onions and sliced chili peppers if using. Serve hot!

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