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    Home » Recipes » Main Course

    25 Easy Pantry Dinners for Social Distancing

    Published: Mar 17, 2020 by Coleen · This post may contain affiliate links.

    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.

    A collage of easy pantry dinner recipes

    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!

    Photo Credit: pipingpotcurry.com

    Instant Pot Spaghetti in Pesto Sauce

    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! 

    Photo Credit: www.melissassouthernstylekitchen.com

    One Pot Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo with Bacon

    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.

    Photo Credit: www.melissassouthernstylekitchen.com

    Quick Jambalaya

    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.

    Photo Credit: apressurecooker.com

    Instant Pot Mac and Cheese with Ground Beef 

    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.

    Photo Credit: www.eatingbirdfood.com

    One-Skillet Enchilada Pasta | Eating Bird Food

    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! 

    Photo Credit: www.willcookforsmiles.com

    Bacon and Fried Onions BBQ Hot Dogs

    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.

    Photo Credit: iowagirleats.com

    Italian Rice Ball Skillet - 20 Minute Gluten Free Recipe

    Italian Rice Ball Skillet is the the deconstructed version of Italian Rice Balls (arancini). Gluten free, made in 20 minutes, and zero chopping required!

    Photo Credit: iowagirleats.com

    One-Pot Chicken and Rice - Iowa Girl Eats

    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.

    Photo Credit: www.holajalapeno.com

    Weeknight Shrimp Tacos

    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.

    Photo Credit: www.themediterraneandish.com

    Simple Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables

    Simple, no fuss sheet pan chicken and vegetables with garlic and oregano. Takes one pan and 20 minutes to bake!

    Photo Credit: www.mamacheaps.com

    30 Minute Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

    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. 

    Photo Credit: www.acedarspoon.com

    White Bean Soup

    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! 

    Photo Credit: foolproofliving.com

    Weeknight Chicken Lo Mein - {Quick How To Video}

    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!

    Photo Credit: www.savoryexperiments.com

    Simple Chili

    I love quick and easy meals are the name of the game, so this easy chili recipe fits right into my recipe box!

    Photo Credit: www.thebittersideofsweet.com

    Bucatini with Tomatoes

    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!

    Photo Credit: www.pumpkinnspice.com

    Chili with Pasta

    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!

    Photo Credit: www.pumpkinnspice.com

    Creamy Parmesan Mushroom Chicken

    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! 

    Photo Credit: pastrychefonline.com

    Easy Sloppy Joe Recipe

    A tangy, delicious, affordable sloppy joe recipe.

    Photo Credit: www.karenskitchenstories.com

    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.

    Photo Credit: lexiscleankitchen.com

    One Pot Pantry Pasta with Chickpeas and Peppers

    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.

    Photo Credit: theblondcook.com

    Pasta with Tomato Butter Sauce

    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.

    Quick Chicken Piccata #SundaySupper

    Chicken piccata, ready in under 30 minutes! This dish uses quick-cooking chicken thighs instead of pounded-thin breasts, and skips the flour coating.

    Shrimp Fried Rice #SundaySupper

    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!

    Photo Credit: grandbaby-cakes.com

    Southern Salmon Croquettes

    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.

    Photo Credit: www.drugstoredivas.net

    Tuna Cakes

    Try these as a change from crab cakes. Top them with baked zucchini and squash.

    More Main Course

    • Roasted Butternut Squash Bisque
    • Instant Pot Beef Chili
    • Instant Pot Pork Carnitas Tacos
    • Fig and Brie Grilled Cheese

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