Last-minute dinner? These 19 pantry meals make it easy to get something on the table fast. Using ingredients you already have at home, you can make filling and tasty dinners without running to the store. From quick weeknight meals to simple dishes everyone will enjoy, these recipes turn pantry staples into easy, satisfying dinners.
Buffalo Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
This quick pasta recipe turns pantry staples into a flavorful dinner in about 25 minutes. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights and easy for kids to help with. The combination of tuna and tomato makes a filling meal that comes together fast. Using ingredients you already have on hand keeps this dinner convenient and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Ground beef, rice, and cheese make a hearty casserole that’s simple to prepare. It uses common pantry ingredients and comes together with minimal effort. This dish is filling, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners when time is short. It’s an easy pantry meal that turns everyday items into something everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Canned Chicken Salad
This recipe turns canned chicken into a savory salad using simple pantry staples. It comes together quickly and makes a filling option for dinner or snacks. With just a few ingredients, it’s a tasty and convenient meal when time is limited. This salad is a practical pantry meal that’s both simple and satisfying.
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Instant Pot Baked Potato Soup
This potato soup is easy to make in the Instant Pot and comes together quickly. Using pantry basics, it delivers a rich and comforting flavor without much effort. It’s naturally gluten-free and perfect for a filling dinner. This simple recipe turns common ingredients into a satisfying meal that’s ready fast.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Baked Potato Soup
Tomato Lime Chicken
This recipe uses pantry staples to make a simple, flavorful chicken dish. It works for tacos, rice bowls, or served as a main dinner. The combination of tomato and lime adds bright flavor with little prep. It’s an easy pantry meal that comes together quickly and is satisfying every time.
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Buffalo Chicken Salad
This buffalo chicken salad combines spicy chicken, crisp greens, and a creamy dressing for a bold dinner option. It’s quick to prepare and makes a filling, flavorful meal. Using pantry ingredients keeps it simple and convenient. This recipe is a practical way to make a tasty meal without much work.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Salad
Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
This pasta recipe comes together in about 30 minutes using simple pantry ingredients. Grape tomatoes and creamy ricotta make a satisfying and flavorful dinner. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for nights when time is short. This pantry meal is quick, simple, and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Chicken Fried Rice
This fried rice recipe turns leftover chicken into a quick and tasty dinner. Add any vegetables or ingredients you have on hand for a flexible meal. It comes together fast and makes a filling dish for the whole family. Using pantry staples makes this recipe both practical and satisfying.
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Mexican Skillet Quinoa
This protein-packed skillet meal uses quinoa, beans, corn, and salsa for a simple, filling dinner. It’s easy to make and uses ingredients you likely already have in the pantry. This dish is gluten-free and comes together with minimal effort. It’s a quick and tasty pantry meal everyone can enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Cacio e Pepe
This simple pasta recipe uses only pasta, cheese, and pepper to create a rich, satisfying meal. It cooks in about 15 minutes and is perfect for a fast dinner. Using pantry staples makes it easy to prepare when time is short. This dish is a flavorful and practical pantry meal that’s simple to make.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Simple Marinara Sauce
This quick marinara uses ripe tomatoes and herbs for a simple, flavorful sauce. It comes together in about 15 minutes and works for pasta, dipping, or topping other dishes. Using ingredients you already have makes it an easy go-to for quick dinners. It turns basic items into a tasty and satisfying addition to any meal.
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Semi-homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Rotisserie chicken and pantry staples make these enchiladas quick and cheesy. They’re simple to assemble and full of flavor, making dinner stress-free. This recipe is a convenient way to create a filling meal without extra prep. It’s an easy option that turns basic ingredients into a hearty dinner everyone will like.
Get the Recipe: Semi-homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Pizza Pot Pies
These mini pot pies combine pizza flavors with a comforting baked dish. Using leftover chicken and pantry staples, they come together quickly. They’re simple to make and offer a fun way to use what you already have. This recipe is a filling and easy dinner option for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pot Pies
Spicy Tuna Rolls
Canned tuna takes center stage in this spicy roll recipe. It balances heat and texture for a satisfying meal without complicated prep. Using a few pantry essentials, it’s easy to make and full of flavor. This dish turns simple ingredients into something unique and quick for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Rolls
Creamy Pea Pasta
This creamy pasta is quick to prepare using simple ingredients you likely have on hand. It’s flavorful, meatless, and satisfying for a fast weeknight dinner. With minimal effort, it comes together in just a few steps. This recipe shows how pantry basics can become a comforting, easy meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and seasonings come together in this fast skillet dish. It’s easy to make and ready in no time, perfect for busy nights. Using pantry ingredients keeps it simple without sacrificing flavor. This recipe is a practical and satisfying option for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Tomato Basil Bisque
Tangy tomatoes and fresh basil create a creamy, comforting soup in about 30 minutes. It uses common ingredients and comes together quickly for a filling meal. This recipe is simple, warm, and satisfying without extra effort. It’s a convenient way to turn pantry basics into a tasty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque
Pizza Dough
Homemade pizza dough uses just a few pantry staples and makes it easy to create personalized pizzas. It’s flexible, simple, and ready to use for a fast dinner. This recipe lets you turn basic ingredients into a satisfying, hands-on meal. Making pizza at home is easier than it seems with this dough.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Dough
Pizza Rolls
These rolls combine rotisserie chicken, cheese, spinach, and sauce into a handheld pizza-inspired dinner. They’re quick to prepare and use ingredients you likely have on hand. The recipe is simple yet filling and works well for busy nights. It’s a practical way to turn basic items into a fun, tasty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls