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I like to keep my pantry stocked with versatile dry goods that can quickly turn into a meal or snack during those weeks when things don’t go as planned. It’s reassuring to know that if I skip a grocery trip for any reason, I still have the ingredients to whip up simple and tasty pantry recipes. In the past, this mostly meant relying on overly processed packaged meal kits, which still needed items like butter or milk from the fridge.
Recently I’ve been making these four recipes on repeat. They’re delicious and simple, and even better? Everything you need can be stored right in your pantry or kitchen cabinets! Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting dinner or a tasty snack, these ideas have you covered.
Pantry Recipes for Dinner
Assassin’s Spaghetti
This recipe from Buzzfeed is proof that patience in the kitchen will be rewarded. It’s a simple yet bold dish. It calls for tomato purée but I think I like using tomato sauce better. I’ve tried it both ways. The char adds a surprising and delicious texture. I put in the least amount of red pepper flakes recommended and it still has a little bit too much bite for me. Serving with a freshly baked slice of frozen garlic cheese bread helps cut the spice. The leftovers reheat well too. Overall, this recipe is perfect when you want something hearty and bold.
Pasta con Aglio e Olio
I was introduced to this recipe when I read Stanley Tucci’s Taste. It quickly became a favorite, simple, tasty dinner! This dish is all about garlic and good-quality extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). Skip the generic olive oil and look for a bottle labeled Made in Italy, Product of Italy or 100% Italiano. Trust me, I’ve made it both ways, and the EVOO makes a huge difference here.
When it comes to the garlic, the recipe in the book calls for the cloves to be sliced into thirds. In this video though, Stanley Tucci thinly slices the garlic into multiple pieces. I like the larger garlic pieces. So much so that I slice two cloves (or as many cloves for the servings I’m making) into thirds and then make sure each serving gets three delicious garlic pieces. If you want to take the video approach, but don’t want to slice by hand, this garlic slicer does a good job. Also, for the garlic, add it to a cold pan with cold oil and let all of these warm up together. I learned this tip in a cooking class in Italy. It works great to impart more, rich garlic flavor throughout the dish and reduces the risk of burning it. For more guidance, check out the recipe in the book or the video below. The recipe from the book is shared at the end.
Pantry Recipes to Snack On
Stovetop Popcorn
We love popcorn! It’s our go-to movie treat and is a relatively healthy snack. We always made microwave popcorn until our friends recently shared this Perfect Popcorn recipe from Simply Recipes with us. The tip they passed on is to put the salt in at step 3. So we did that and now have our own tip to add to that: instead of salt, use Flavacol. Don’t forget to melt some butter and if you’re feeling fancy brown the butter for a nutty, rich twist as the recipe suggests.
No-Bake Energy Bites
I’ve been making these protein-packed bites for years, and they’ve become my go-to breakfast lately. As someone who isn’t a fan of savory breakfasts, these hit the spot. They’re super easy to whip up and loaded with fiber and protein. I use the recipe from Gimme Some Oven. I chill the mix before rolling it into balls. Then I freeze the protein balls and they last me for weeks.
Bonus: Pantry Recipe Ingredient
One ingredient I have started keeping on hand is evaporated milk. It’s versatile and can be used in so many recipes. I saw it recommended as a healthier substitute for heavy whipping cream. I first tried it in After-Hours Tortellini and it turned out great! Then I grabbed a couple more cans to have on hand to substitute into another recipe eventually. Turns out, I was recently making Broccoli Cheese Soup with Noodles. After getting it started I realized I didn’t have milk! The evaporated milk came to my rescue and, after adding water, was a perfect substitute!
What are your favorite pantry recipes? Share them in the comments—I’m always looking for new ideas to try!