Pantry dinners are one of those things that make you feel like you’ve totally got it together. You’re using what you already have, skipping the store run, and still pulling off something great. These recipes are perfect when the fridge is nearly empty but you’re still expected to come up with a real meal. They’re smart, simple, and way better than just getting takeout again. You’ll feel like a genius, and honestly, you kind of are.
Easy, Creamy White Bean Chili. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.
Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Just pasta, cheese, and pepper come together fast in this simple, no-stress dinner. It’s a smart pick when you want to feel like a genius using only pantry staples.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Mexican Corn Salad
Quick to prep with pantry basics, this corn salad works with all kinds of mains. It’s a great choice when you want something light that doesn’t take extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Corn Salad
3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole
With three ingredients and a 30-minute bake time, this casserole is fast and simple. It’s perfect for when you need dinner without overthinking what’s in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Panzanella Salad
Crusty bread, a few veggies, and vinaigrette make this salad come together quickly. It’s a smart way to stretch pantry basics and still make something fresh.
Get the Recipe: Panzanella Salad
Raw Carrot Salad
This carrot salad takes just 10 minutes and works even when the fridge is almost empty. It’s a fast side that makes the most of what’s already on hand.
Get the Recipe: Raw Carrot Salad
Easy Microwave Mac and Cheese
This creamy mac and cheese cooks right in the microwave for a fast comfort meal. It’s great when you want something hot without using the stove or extra pans.
Get the Recipe: Easy Microwave Mac and Cheese
Vegan Turkey Roast
Chickpeas and seitan make this roast come together using shelf-stable staples. It’s a good move when you want a hearty main straight from your pantry.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Turkey Roast
Jamaican Rasta Pasta
Ready in 30 minutes, this pasta keeps things simple with everyday spices and dry staples. It’s a great dinner when time is short and the pantry has to do the work.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Rasta Pasta
Easy, Creamy White Bean Chili
Canned beans and a few basics turn into chili in just 30 minutes. It’s a strong go-to when you want something filling from the pantry, no store run needed.
Get the Recipe: Easy, Creamy White Bean Chili
Pasta Fresca
With a short cook time and basic ingredients, this pasta is fast and straightforward. It’s perfect for nights when you want to pull off dinner without a plan.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Fresca
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Five ingredients and 20 minutes make this crispy side easy to throw together. It’s a quick win when you want something fast that pairs with almost anything.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Grilled Asparagus
Five ingredients and a short cook time make this side fast and flexible. It’s great when you want to round out a meal with what’s already in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus
Din Tai Fung Green Beans
Four ingredients and a few minutes are all it takes for these green beans. They’re an easy side when the goal is simple and no-fuss.
Get the Recipe: Din Tai Fung Green Beans
Pasta e Piselli
Peas and cheese make this dish fast and practical with pantry staples. It’s a great backup plan when groceries are low but dinner still needs to happen.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Piselli
Quick Jeera Rice (Indian Cumin Rice)
This cumin-spiced rice cooks fast and uses shelf ingredients from start to finish. It’s a perfect add-on when you want something quick and reliable.
Get the Recipe: Quick Jeera Rice (Indian Cumin Rice)
Ethiopian Cabbage
One pot, pantry veggies, and 30 minutes are all you need for this stew. It’s a bold dinner that feels like a smart move when the fridge is nearly empty.
Get the Recipe: Ethiopian Cabbage
Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza
A few fresh ingredients make this pizza quick to prep and fast to cook. It’s the kind of dinner that makes you feel like a genius for keeping it simple.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Packed with pantry-friendly vegetables, this soup is ready in about 35 minutes. It’s a strong dinner for cooler nights when you want something easy and filling.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Easy Caprese Salad
This salad comes together fast and works as a starter or side. It’s a quick go-to when you want to use what you have without digging around.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad
Pesto Salmon
Five ingredients and 25 minutes in the oven make this salmon easy to pull off. It’s great for those nights when you want a complete dinner without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon
Pasta Carbonara
This creamy pasta uses five simple ingredients and cooks fast. It’s a no-brainer when you want a solid dinner using what’s already in your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Carbonara
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