Some nights, even the thought of chopping vegetables or preheating the oven feels like too much. Maybe you’ve had a long day at work, the kids are cranky, and your motivation is running low. That’s when your pantry becomes a lifeline. A few well-stocked staples can turn into dinner in 20 minutes or less—no recipe hunting or meal planning required.
The trick is to focus on formulas, not fancy. Think of pantry meals as plug-and-play: pick a grain, add a protein, throw in something flavorful, and call it a night.
- Pasta + Sauce + Add-Ins
Keep a box of pasta and a jar of marinara sauce on hand at all times. Dress it up with canned mushrooms, olives, or a scoop of pesto if you have it. Add a can of white beans or tuna for protein, or sprinkle in some dried Italian herbs. Whole wheat pasta adds fiber and holds up well to hearty sauces.
Need a quick go-to recipe? Try From My Bowl’s Tahini Pasta with Chickpeas—cheap, filling, and ready in 30 minutes.
- Rice Bowl Remix
Cook up a batch of rice (or use a microwaveable pouch) and top it with whatever’s in the pantry: canned black beans, corn, salsa, and shredded cheese. Add a fried egg or avocado if you have one. It’s the perfect “use what you’ve got” meal that never feels like a compromise.
Looking for inspiration? Love and Lemons’ Easy Vegetarian Burrito Bowl is easy to customize and pantry-friendly.
- Soup from Scratch (Sort Of)
A can of diced tomatoes, boxed broth, canned beans, and some pasta or rice can easily turn into a comforting soup. Add spices like cumin or Italian seasoning, and throw in frozen veggies or leftover chicken if you’ve got it. Let it simmer for 15 minutes and serve with crackers or toast.
Try The Kitchn’s Tortellini Soup for a minimal-effort option that tastes homemade.
- Tuna or Chickpea Salad Sandwiches
Canned tuna or chickpeas mashed with mayo (or Greek yogurt), mustard, salt, pepper, and a few pickle slices or chopped celery makes for a satisfying sandwich filler. Serve with toast or crackers, and you’ve got lunch or dinner in minutes.
Bonus: Feel Good Foodie’s Chickpea Salad is a great meatless option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
- Breakfast for Dinner
When in doubt, scramble some eggs and make toast. Throw in canned beans for a Tex-Mex twist or add a dollop of jam to turn toast into a sweet finish. Oatmeal with peanut butter and banana? Still counts as dinner.
Make It Even Easier With a Pantry Inventory
To keep these ideas within reach, take a few minutes to inventory your pantry. Keep staple items stocked (using Fluz gift cards to purchase them), rotate out old cans, and organize your shelves so it’s easy to see what you have. When your pantry is set up for success, dinner doesn’t have to be a chore.
