Trying to limit your contact with the general public during this pandemic? Here are some easy (ready in about 30 minutes or less!) pantry dinners made primarily with staples from most kitchen cupboards.
I get it, things are a little scary right now. I'm in an at-risk group myself. I've come to the realization that I'll have to celebrate my 40th birthday (which is later this month) sometime in the summer, which sucks, but it's for the greater good.
In the meantime, make the most of the family time, try not to drive each other too crazy, and limit your interactions with the general public to only those that are absolutely necessary. I know it can get boring eating the same old meal, day in and day out, so here are some some new options for easy pantry dinners to liven things up.
Easy Pantry Recipes
Pantry meals during social isolation don't have to be boring!
Spaghetti tossed in pesto sauce along with sun-dried tomatoes and a drizzle of lemon juice. Make this as a one-pot dish in just 20 minutes in the Instant Pot. This is my favorite way to eat spaghetti!
Boneless chicken pieces marinated in a robust Italian dressing are then browned in bacon drippings with onion for added flavor. The fettuccine cooks in the Parmesan cream sauce until tender then dinner is on the table and ready to eat.
This easy and Quick Jambalaya is a semi-homemade dish specifically designed for busy day meals. Serve it sprinkled with chopped green onion and hot sauce on the side for dinner any night of the week.
This homemade mac and cheese with ground beef mixes a variety of ingredients to make a creamy Instant Pot mac and cheese like no other recipe out there.
Quick and easy one-skillet enchilada pasta made with red lentil pasta so it’s a good source of plant-based protein, gluten-free and loaded with flavor. It’s a dish the whole family will enjoy!
Bacon Wrapped BBQ Hot Dogs make an amazing addition to any summer barbecue party. These hot dogs are tossed in BBQ sauce, wrapped in bacon, and grilled to smoky perfection. To make it even better, they are topped with crispy fried onions.
Italian Rice Ball Skillet is the the deconstructed version of Italian Rice Balls (arancini). Gluten free, made in 20 minutes, and zero chopping required!
One-Pot Chicken and Rice is part soup, part risotto, and wholly comforting. Your family will ask for this easy yet irresistable gluten free dinner recipe again and again.
Simple garlic and black pepper marinated shrimp tacos take minutes to prepare. Dress them up with as many garnishes as you’d like for an easy weeknight dinner.
Simple, no fuss sheet pan chicken and vegetables with garlic and oregano. Takes one pan and 20 minutes to bake!
Looking for the perfect and easy (not to mention healthy!) soup to make in your pressure cooker? Try this delicious Instant Pot chicken tortilla soup recipe! Cooks up in just 30 minutes with minimal prep time.
This simple White Bean Soup is both a hearty and healthy vegan soup. Flavorful and packed with kale, white beans, carrots, tomatoes and warm spices your family will be asking for seconds. Serve this soup alongside crusty bread and a side salad for a complete meal!
Ready to up your stir-frying game? If so, you need this easy and better than take out Chicken Lo Mein Recipe. It is veggie-packed and ready in 30 minutes!
I love quick and easy meals are the name of the game, so this easy chili recipe fits right into my recipe box!
Bucatini with Tomatoes is a simple supper you won’t be able to resist. Full of fresh tomatoes and pancetta you will love this easy weeknight meal!
There is no better comfort food than this Chili with Pasta skillet meal. A comforting combination of ground beef, tomatoes, corn, and pasta come together with the perfect homemade chili seasoning to create an all in one meal you’ll love!
Creamy Parmesan Mushroom Chicken is an easy, one pan dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Tender chicken and sautéd mushrooms are tossed in a simple parmesan cream sauce. It’s fast, flavorful, and guaranteed to be a dinnertime favorite!
A tangy, delicious, affordable sloppy joe recipe.
Lightened Up Salmon Noodle Casserole | #FishFridayFoodies
At less than 600 calories per serving for a really big slice, this ligtened-up salmon noodle casserole is so satisfying. Add a little green salad, and you have a wonderful and super easy weeknight meal.
This delicious dinner uses only ingredients that are likely to be in your pantry and it’s made all in one pot! It’s also dairy-free and vegan and sure to a be a hit with the whole family.
This easy Pasta with Tomato Butter Sauce is prepared with staple pantry ingredients in just 30 minutes. Serve it as a delicious vegetarian main dish or hearty side dish.
Chicken piccata, ready in under 30 minutes! This dish uses quick-cooking chicken thighs instead of pounded-thin breasts, and skips the flour coating.
Eating tasty food at home doesn’t have to be expensive! This homemade shrimp fried rice uses mostly pantry staples and costs just $2.30 per serving!
These delicious Southern Salmon Croquettes are a quick and easy soul food classic done right! Nice and tender on the inside full of salmon flavor and aromatics, yet crunchy and delicious on the exterior from an irresistible cornmeal breading.
Try these as a change from crab cakes. Top them with baked zucchini and squash.