23 Creative Dinners Using What You Already Have In The Pantry

Ever find yourself staring into the pantry, wondering what on earth you can whip up for dinner without having to hit the grocery store again? These recipes are all about making the most of those pantry staples to create meals that are not just easy, but also really good. With a mix of creativity and some basic ingredients, you can make dinner time a lot less stressful and a whole lot more interesting.

Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas

This dish is a game changer, using canned chickpeas and a few spices to elevate chicken into a creamy, flavorful main. Serve it over rice, and dinner is done in less than 30 minutes. It’s all about turning those pantry items into a meal that’s both easy and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas

Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp

This easy pasta dish uses bucatini, garlic, shrimp, and cherry tomatoes for a meal that feels fancy but is straightforward to make. It’s a great way to use up that pasta and those canned tomatoes, plus it comes together in no time.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp

Instant Pot Tomato & White Beans

This recipe makes great use of canned tomatoes and white beans for a hearty, comforting dish. It’s perfect on toasted sourdough or any bread you’ve got. Quick, easy, and very filling, it shows how your Instant Pot and pantry staples can work wonders.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tomato & White Beans

Marinated Baked Tempeh

A simple marinade transforms tempeh into a crispy, flavorful main that’s great for any plant-based meal. It’s an easy way to make a meat alternative exciting using just a few ingredients. Plus, it’s a great protein-packed option for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Baked Tempeh

Pecan Crusted Chicken

Give chicken a makeover with a pecan crust and a simple honey dijon yogurt sauce. It’s a straightforward recipe that turns basic ingredients into a meal that’s anything but ordinary. Great for a night when you want something a little different.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Crusted Chicken

Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

With just five ingredients, including bucatini and Pecorino Romano cheese, this dish is a testament to simplicity and flavor. It’s a budget-friendly meal that shows off the power of pantry staples in creating a rich, satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Turkey Chili Pie

Combine lean turkey chili with a cornbread topping for a one-skillet dinner that’s as comforting as it is easy to make. Using canned beans and cornbread mix, it’s a great way to whip up a hearty meal without a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chili Pie

Coconut Lime Baked Chicken

Mix that can of coconut milk with lime for a tropical take on baked chicken, served over rice. If you’ve got mango, add it to the rice for a sweet touch. It’s a simple way to make dinner feel like something special, using mostly ingredients you already have.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Lime Baked Chicken

Dandelion Greens and Beans

A simple, rustic dish that brings canned beans and dandelion greens together for a tasty, nourishing meal. It’s perfect for a light dinner or lunch, proving that great meals can come from humble ingredients. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Dandelion Greens and Beans

Vegetable Bean Skillet

This dish brings together canned beans and whatever veggies you have on hand for a quick, nutritious meal. It’s great for using up leftovers and getting a healthy dinner on the table fast. Plus, it’s super adaptable to whatever you’ve got in the pantry.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Bean Skillet

Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops

This recipe gives pork chops a crunchy twist with a pretzel crust and a simple maple dijon sauce. It’s an easy way to make dinner a bit more interesting using items you likely have in your pantry. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s a weeknight winner.
Get the Recipe: Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops

Lentil Bolognese

Lentils are a pantry must-have, and this recipe turns them into a thick, hearty sauce that’s perfect over any pasta. It’s a budget-friendly dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to make a meatless meal that still feels substantial.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Bolognese

Italian Black Bean Meatballs

These meatballs use canned black beans and breadcrumbs to make a fantastic dinner that’s both hearty and meat-free. Serve them over pasta or zoodles with jarred marinara sauce for a complete meal. They’re proof that great dinners can come from simple pantry staples.
Get the Recipe: Italian Black Bean Meatballs

Healthier Sloppy Joes

Using lean ground beef and a few pantry staples, you can make a healthier version of the classic Sloppy Joe. It’s quick, easy, and sure to be a hit with the whole family. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a familiar favorite without the guilt.
Get the Recipe: Healthier Sloppy Joes

Sweet & Spicy Pork Ramen Stir Fry

Spice up your dinner with this quick stir fry, using ramen noodles and a bit of pork. Add in whatever veggies are hanging around in your fridge for a complete meal. It’s a fast, flavorful way to beat takeout cravings with pantry items.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Pork Ramen Stir Fry

Smashed White Bean Quesadillas

Turn a can of white beans and some tortillas from your pantry into these awesome quesadillas. Add kale or any greens you have, and top with cheddar for a super satisfying meal. It’s the perfect quick fix for those nights when you want something tasty without a lot of work.
Get the Recipe: Smashed White Bean Quesadillas

Goat Cheese Grits

These creamy grits with goat cheese, burst tomatoes, chicken, and basil make for a comforting and flavorful meal. It’s a great example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese Grits

Soba Noodle Pasta

Soba noodles, onions, and a soft-boiled egg can transform into an exciting dinner with just a few pantry items. It’s simple, but the flavors are right on point. This dish is perfect for when you want something different without needing to buy a bunch of new ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Soba Noodle Pasta

Salsa Chicken

This dish is as easy as laying chicken breasts in a baking dish, covering them with salsa, corn, and cheese, and baking. It’s a no-fuss recipe that turns a few pantry staples into a meal your family will love. Ready in less than 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken

Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Got pasta, spinach, and a lemon? Throw in some feta from the fridge, and you’ve got yourself a bright, flavorful dinner. It’s super quick to whip up and you can add chicken or beans for extra protein. This dish is all about making something special from the everyday ingredients you’ve got at home.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Have ground beef and pasta? Then you’re already halfway to making this fantastic skillet dinner. It tastes like it’s been simmering all day but is ready in under 30 minutes. This recipe is all about making the most of what you have for a great dinner.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Skillet

Grab that jar of cashews and some basil for this one-pan wonder. It’s a great way to use up those chicken breasts in the freezer, and the sauce is simple but memorable. Perfect for a quick dinner that doesn’t feel like an afterthought.
Get the Recipe: Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Skillet

Creamy Tomato Farfalle

This 20-minute dish turns farfalle, peas, and that jar of sun-dried tomatoes in your pantry into a great dinner. The crispy prosciutto adds a nice crunch, but it’s just as good without if you’re keeping it vegetarian. It’s a perfect example of how a few shelf-stable items can create a hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tomato Farfalle