Trying to limit your contact with the general public during this pandemic? Here are quick pantry dinners you can make in about 30 minutes or less using common staples from most kitchens.
I know things feel uncertain right now. I’m in an at-risk group and have adjusted plans like moving my 40th birthday celebration to the summer for everyone’s safety. While it’s disappointing, it’s also an opportunity to focus on home and family.
To keep meals interesting and reduce trips to the store, try these easy pantry-friendly recipes. They use items commonly found in cupboards and can brighten up weeknight dinners without much fuss.
Easy Pantry Recipes
Pantry meals during social isolation don’t have to be boring.
Instant Pot Spaghetti in Pesto Sauce
Spaghetti tossed with pesto, sun-dried tomatoes and a squeeze of lemon. Made as a one-pot dish in about 20 minutes using an Instant Pot—simple, fast, and flavorful.
One-Pot Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo with Bacon
Boneless chicken marinated in Italian dressing, browned in bacon drippings with onion, then cooked with fettuccine in a creamy Parmesan sauce. A rich, satisfying one-pot meal.
Quick Jambalaya
A semi-homemade, fast version of jambalaya designed for busy nights. Serve with chopped green onions and hot sauce for an easy, flavorful dinner.
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese with Ground Beef
A creamy Instant Pot mac and cheese made heartier with ground beef. A comforting, pantry-friendly homemade take on hamburger helper.
One-Skillet Enchilada Pasta
A quick one-skillet enchilada-style pasta made with red lentil pasta for added plant protein. Gluten-free, flavorful, and family-friendly.
Bacon and Fried Onions BBQ Hot Dogs
Hot dogs brushed with BBQ sauce, wrapped in bacon and grilled until smoky, then topped with crispy fried onions. A fun, indulgent option for an easy meal.
Italian Rice Ball Skillet
A deconstructed arancini made in 20 minutes with no chopping required. Gluten-free and ready fast for a comforting weeknight meal.
One-Pot Chicken and Rice
Part soup, part risotto—this comforting one-pot chicken and rice is easy to make and becomes a family favorite for repeated weeknight dinners.
Weeknight Shrimp Tacos
Garlic- and pepper-marinated shrimp that cook in minutes. Load them with your favorite garnishes for a fast, bright weeknight dinner.
Simple Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables
A no-fuss sheet-pan meal with garlic and oregano. Toss everything on one pan and bake for about 20 minutes—minimal cleanup and great flavor.
30-Minute Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
An easy, healthy pressure-cooker soup ready in 30 minutes with minimal prep—perfect for quick weeknight comfort.
White Bean Soup
A hearty vegan white bean soup with kale, carrots, tomatoes and warming spices. Serve with crusty bread and a side salad for a complete meal.
Weeknight Chicken Lo Mein
A veggie-packed, better-than-takeout chicken lo mein that’s ready in about 30 minutes. Great for improving your stir-fry skills with pantry staples.
Simple Chili
An easy chili recipe that fits perfectly into a weeknight rotation—quick, comforting, and made with pantry-friendly ingredients.
Quick Chicken Piccata
Chicken piccata ready in under 30 minutes using quick-cooking chicken thighs and no flour coating—bright, lemony, and quick to prepare.
Shrimp Fried Rice
Economical and tasty, this shrimp fried rice relies on pantry staples to create a flavorful, budget-friendly meal.
Southern Salmon Croquettes
Crispy, cornmeal-breaded salmon croquettes that are tender inside and flavorful throughout—a quick soul-food classic.
Tuna Cakes
A tasty alternative to crab cakes—serve with roasted or baked zucchini and squash for an easy, balanced plate.