Running low on fresh ingredients but still need to get dinner on the table? No problem! These 11 easy dinners made with pantry staples prove that you don’t need a stocked fridge to create satisfying, flavorful meals. Using ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen — like pasta, canned beans, rice, broth, and spices — you can whip up delicious dinners without a last-minute grocery run.
From one-pot pasta dishes and hearty soups to quick rice bowls and comforting casseroles, these recipes are perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re sticking to a budget. They require minimal prep and use shelf-stable items that are affordable, long-lasting, and incredibly versatile.
For example, turn canned tomatoes and pasta into a creamy tomato garlic spaghetti. Mix canned tuna with rice, frozen veggies, and soy sauce for a fast stir-fry. Or whip up a simple chickpea curry with coconut milk, spices, and rice — no takeout required! These easy pantry dinners are not only tasty but also highly customizable. Don’t have one ingredient? Swap it with something you do have — the recipes are flexible and forgiving.
These meals are also great for meal prepping. Make a big batch of chili or lentil stew with canned beans and serve it throughout the week. Or prepare a baked pasta dish that feeds the whole family and leaves plenty of leftovers. With just a few basics from your pantry, you can create dinners that feel fresh, nourishing, and satisfying.
The best part? No fancy cooking skills needed. These easy dinners are designed for home cooks of all levels and come together quickly — most in under 30 minutes. So even on your busiest nights, you can still sit down to a homemade meal without the stress.
If you’re looking to save money, reduce food waste, or simply make the most of what you already have, these 11 easy dinners using pantry staples are a must-try. They’re proof that simple ingredients can lead to amazing meals. So go ahead — open that pantry and get cooking!
Chicken Tortilla Casserole
This layered casserole brings together rotisserie chicken, salsa verde, and Monterey Jack cheese for an easy dinner. The tortillas hold up beautifully during baking, while the creamy chicken mixture infused with tangy salsa verde creates a dish the entire family will love.
Lentil Potato Soup
Brown lentils and chunky potatoes simmer together with cumin and smoked paprika for a filling soup. The key is cooking everything low and slow so the lentils become tender without turning mushy, while the potatoes hold their shape perfectly.
Cornflake Chicken Nuggets
These crispy nuggets get their golden crunch from a coating of crushed cornflakes mixed with panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. A splash of pickle juice in the egg wash adds a subtle tang that makes these much more interesting than your average chicken nuggets.
Chicken Spaghetti
This one-skillet dish combines spaghetti with shredded chicken in a creamy sauce made from Rotel tomatoes, cream cheese, and Colby Jack cheese. The dish gets finished under the broiler for a bubbly, golden top that’s absolutely irresistible.
Oven Pork Chops
Just four simple ingredients come together to create this tasty dinner. Boneless pork chops get smothered in a sauce made from cream of mushroom soup for a meal that’s on the table in 30 minutes.
Dutch Oven 7 Can Soup
This dump-and-go soup combines beans, corn, Rotel tomatoes, and fiesta nacho cheese sauce for a hearty meal that tastes like a cross between chili and tortilla soup. Everything goes into one pot with no draining required, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken
Three ingredients and a slow cooker create the most versatile shredded chicken you’ll ever make. Chicken breasts, salsa, and taco seasoning transform into tender, flavorful meat that’s perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, or piling over baked potatoes.
Chicken Noodle Casserole
All the comforting flavors of chicken noodle soup get transformed into a bubbly casserole that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. The homemade cream sauce coats everything, making for a satisfying meal you’ll want to add to your rotation.
Chili
This flavor-packed chili delivers plenty of protein per serving thanks to ground beef, black beans, and kidney beans. Unsweetened cocoa powder adds richness and depth while keeping the heat level kid-friendly.
Tuna and Rice Casserole
This 30-minute casserole proves that canned tuna can be the star of a satisfying dinner. Basmati rice gets mixed with tuna, corn, and a simple egg-milk mixture, then topped with melted cheddar cheese for a meal that’s cheap to make.
Chickpea Curry
This curry transforms canned chickpeas into something extraordinary with warming spices like cumin, garam masala, and fresh ginger. The creamy coconut milk base balances the spices perfectly, while fresh tomatoes add brightness to every spoonful.
