30+ Pantry Recipes for Quick Meals and Simple Weeknight Dinners

Prepare for emergencies by stocking your pantry. Below are more than 30 practical recipes using common pantry staples.

Pin for Pantry Recipes

Grocery aisles have been unusually busy lately as people respond to health concerns. It’s understandable to want to stock up. While my family isn’t panicking, having a well-stocked pantry and a collection of simple recipes is reassuring—especially with schools and routines disrupted.

Being prepared for a temporary lockdown or other emergency is sensible. With a mix of shelf-stable goods, refrigerated basics, and frozen items, you can make a wide variety of satisfying meals without frequent trips to the store.

What are Pantry Recipes?

Pantry recipes rely on everyday ingredients that most households keep on hand. They are straightforward, require minimal special ingredients, and often use items that are shelf-stable, have a long refrigerator life, or freeze well.

  • Non-perishable canned and boxed goods. Beans, rice, pasta, canned corn, flour, sugar, cereal, breadcrumbs, and similar staples.
  • Non-perishable liquids. Broth or stock, soy sauce, and vinegar add flavor and versatility.
  • Non-perishable condiments. Ketchup, mustard, barbecue sauce, salsa, and preserves help transform simple dishes.
  • Longer lasting produce. Onions, garlic, and potatoes keep well and enhance many recipes.
  • Refrigerated basics. Cheese, butter, milk, cream, and eggs extend what you can prepare.
  • Frozen items. Frozen vegetables, fruit, and meats are convenient and extend meal options.

Below are categorized pantry recipes—over 30 ideas to help you plan meals for a stretch at home.

Pantry Recipes using a slow cooker

Slow Cooker Pantry Recipes

  • Zesty BBQ Chicken
  • Taco Soup
  • Tomato-Balsamic Chicken
  • Honey Sesame Chicken
  • Hurry Chicken
  • Italian Lemon Chicken
pantry recipes using chicken

Chicken Pantry Recipes

  • Cranberry Chicken
  • Baked Maple-Mustard Chicken
  • Salsa Verde Chicken Bake
  • Crispy Cornflake Oven Baked Chicken
  • Chicken Parmesan Meatball Skillet
pantry recipes using pasta

Pasta Pantry Recipes

  • American Goulash
  • One Pot Chili Mac
  • Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Skillet
  • Pepperoni Pizza Macaroni and Cheese
Pantry Recipes using rice

Rice Pantry Recipes

  • Mexican Rice Skillet
  • Meatballs and Rice Skillet
  • Ground Turkey Rice Skillet
  • Skillet Rice and Beans with Kielbasa
pantry recipes side dishes

Casserole Pantry Recipes

  • Corn Dog Casserole
  • Chili Relleno Casserole
  • Creamy Cornbread Casserole
  • Cornbread Hamburger Pie
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Miscellaneous Pantry Recipes

  • Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Gruyere Croutons
  • Honey Chipotle Meatloaf
  • Easy Cuban Picadillo
  • Sweet and Sour Pork Ramen
Pantry recipes side dishes

Side Dish Pantry Recipes

  • Skillet Cornbread
  • Three Bean Salad
  • Baked Potatoes
  • Irish Soda Bread
pantry recipes breakfast

Breakfast Pantry Recipes

  • Bran Muffins
  • Scrambled Eggs
  • Sheet Pan Pancakes
  • Baked Oatmeal

Stay well and take care of yourself and your loved ones.

If you try any of these recipes, please leave a review on the recipe’s page. Follow the original recipe source on social media for more ideas and updates.