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Recipes that utilize pantry staples can be a saving grace when it comes to preparing a meal with ingredients you already own. Regardless of whether you are in a time crunch or simply desire to bypass a trip to the grocery store, these recipes maximize the use of your basic kitchen items.
From filling soups to rapid snacks, there is a reassuring aspect about making delectable dishes from the basic necessities.
This compilation contains an array of easy-to-prepare recipes, majoring in pantry staples that are enjoyable and fulfilling. Each dish emphasizes the conversion of regular ingredients, such as rice, pasta, beans, and canned food, into a lavish meal.
Utilizing some imagination, these pantry essentials can become extraordinary meals.
These recipes are ideal for evenings where you crave something delicious but lack the time for a trip to the supermarket. They also provide an effective method to reduce waste and ensure everything in your pantry is consumed.
Regardless of whether you’re cooking for a family or simply yourself, these dishes will illustrate that some of the finest meals can be created from existing items in your cupboard.
Pantry Staple Recipes
15. Basic Crepes from Allrecipes
This collection features eight quick and easy Italian pasta recipes that can be prepared in about 20 minutes. Each recipe uses simple ingredients commonly found in most kitchens, making it easy to whip up classic dishes like Aglio e Olio, Arrabiata, and Spaghetti with Tuna.
The recipes focus on combining cooked pasta with flavorful sauces, often using pasta cooking water to help thicken and bind the sauce to the noodles. These dishes serve six people and offer a variety of tastes, from spicy to savory, perfect for a fast, satisfying meal.
14. Simple Pasta from RecipeTin Eats
This collection features eight simple Italian pasta recipes that can be prepared in under 20 minutes, making them ideal for quick meals. Each recipe uses basic pantry ingredients to create classic dishes like Aglio e Olio, Arrabiata, and Spaghetti alla Puttanesca that bring authentic flavors to your table.
The recipes emphasize the technique of tossing pasta with sauce and reserved cooking water to achieve a perfect, silky coating. These dishes serve six people and offer a variety of flavor profiles, from spicy tomato sauces to savory anchovy and tuna options.
13. Peanut Butter Pancakes from MyRecipes
These fluffy peanut butter pancakes combine classic buttermilk batter with creamy peanut butter for a rich, tender texture. The recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and offers a quick way to elevate your breakfast with a nutty twist.
A smooth peanut butter syrup made with maple syrup and vanilla adds extra flavor when drizzled over the pancakes. Optional toppings like mini chocolate chips, honey-roasted peanuts, and whipped cream create a decadent finish perfect for special occasions.
12. Cheese Grits from Food Network
11. Fried Cornmeal Mush from Allrecipes
This item demonstrates how to prepare fried cornmeal mush, a simple dish made by cooking cornmeal with water and salt until thick, then chilling it overnight.
Once set, the cornmeal is sliced and pan-fried in butter until golden brown on both sides, creating a crispy exterior with a soft interior.
The process highlights a traditional comfort food that can be enjoyed as a breakfast or side dish. The result is a versatile, mildly flavored base that pairs well with sweet toppings like maple syrup or savory additions such as fried eggs.
10. Fried Pasta from Martha Stewart
These fried macaroni-and-cheese bites offer a crispy, golden exterior with a creamy, cheesy center. The recipe involves making a rich stovetop macaroni and cheese, chilling it until firm, then cutting it into squares for a two-step breading process using panko breadcrumbs.
Once breaded, the bites are fried in batches until perfectly crisp and golden brown, making them ideal for serving warm at parties or gatherings. They can be prepared ahead of time and reheated easily, allowing for convenient entertaining without sacrificing flavor or texture.
9. Hearty Black Bean and Corn Chili from Spoon University
This item highlights a recipe for a hearty black bean and corn chili, perfect for creating a nutritious and flavorful meal. It combines simple ingredients to deliver a satisfying dish that can be enjoyed by anyone looking for a wholesome option.
The recipe encourages cooking with pantry staples, making it accessible and easy to prepare. It offers a way to enjoy a warm, comforting chili that balances protein-rich beans with sweet corn for texture and taste.
8. Grilled Cheese Rollups from Damn Delicious
7. Easy Parmesan Buttered Noodles from Foodie Crush
This dish features fettuccine noodles cooked to al dente and tossed in melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and a touch of pasta cooking water to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a subtle brightness that complements the rich, buttery flavors.
The recipe uses just four simple ingredients and can be prepared in under 15 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying meal or side dish. It pairs well with a variety of proteins or can be enjoyed on its own for a comforting, easy pasta experience.
6. Tuna Melts from Allrecipes
This item features a recipe for classic tuna melts made with a simple mixture of tuna, diced sweet onion, shredded mozzarella cheese, and mayonnaise spread on slices of French bread.
The sandwiches are baked until the cheese melts and the bread is toasted, creating a warm and satisfying meal.
The recipe yields eight servings and requires about 25 minutes from start to finish, including preparation and cooking time. It provides a balanced combination of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, making it a hearty option for lunch or dinner.
5. Tomato-Garlic Spaghetti from Martha Stewart
This one-pan pasta recipe demonstrates how to cook dried linguine directly in a skillet with fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, basil, and olive oil. As the pasta cooks, the water reduces and combines with the starch to create a creamy sauce that coats each strand evenly.
The method simplifies dinner preparation by requiring only one pan and minimal cleanup. It delivers a flavorful, quick meal ready in about 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
4. Mexican Rice from Eating Well
This recipe demonstrates how to make flavorful Mexican rice by first toasting the rice in oil until golden, which creates a nutty base. It combines tomato sauce, broth, and vegetables to cook the rice to a tender, savory finish.
The dish yields six servings and can be made with either white or brown rice, adjusting cooking times accordingly. It offers a dairy-free, vegan, and gluten-free option that fits well into a balanced meal.
3. Easy Fried Rice from The Recipe Critic
This recipe demonstrates how to make a simple and flavorful fried rice using everyday ingredients like day-old rice, sesame oil, soy sauce, eggs, and mixed vegetables.
The method involves cooking the vegetables and eggs separately in one pan before combining them with rice and seasoning, resulting in a quick and satisfying meal.
The dish captures the classic taste of Chinese takeout with a homemade touch, emphasizing the use of sesame oil for a rich, nutty flavor. It also offers tips for storing leftovers safely and suggests variations to customize the recipe with different proteins or low-carb alternatives.
2. Baked Pasta with Tomatoes and Parmesan from Martha Stewart
This item clarifies the differences between tomato paste, tomato puree, and tomato sauce by explaining their textures, flavors, and typical uses in cooking. It highlights how tomato paste is a concentrated flavor booster, tomato puree serves as a smooth base for sauces, and tomato sauce offers a ready-to-use, seasoned option.
It also covers practical details such as packaging, storage methods, and how to extend the shelf life of tomato paste by freezing or refrigerating. Additionally, it touches on how marinara sauce fits into the tomato product spectrum, helping users choose the right ingredient for their recipes.
1. Homemade Mac and Cheese from Allrecipes
This homemade mac and cheese features a rich cheese sauce made from scratch using a roux, whole milk, sharp Cheddar, and Parmesan. The dish is topped with buttered bread crumbs and a sprinkle of paprika, then baked until golden and bubbly for a comforting, classic meal.
The recipe guides you through boiling macaroni, preparing the creamy sauce, and assembling the casserole before baking. It offers flexibility with cheese choices and suggests serving ideas, making it suitable as a main dish or a side for various meals.