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35 Tasty Pantry Recipes That Make the Most of Ingredients You Already Have at Home

Raid your pantry for plenty of inspired and flavor-packed family dinners.

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cook what's in your pantry
Danielle Occhiogrosso Daly

We've all had those days where we couldn't find the time to grocery shop. But don't let that get in the way of dinner! With these delicious pantry recipes, you can easily make the most of your stocked shelves, freezer stash, and the veggies already in your fridge to make a tasty meal for the whole family.

We've gathered our favorite meals that take advantage of what's likely already in your pantry for interesting and flavor-packed meals. From crowd-pleasing pasta dishes to cheesy polenta, the grain possibilities are endless as a base for a family meal. Plus, if you're on a budget, inexpensive pantry meals are the perfect addition to your weeknight dinner routine.

From tuna recipes to plenty of bean recipes, you're sure to be armed with delicious dinners, no matter the occasion. Your pantry is a great resource to get dinner on the table fast!

1

Pot Sticker Stir-Fry

cook what's in your pantry
Danielle Occhiogrosso Daly

The best part about a stir-fry is that it works with plenty of veggies. Whatever you have in your fridge will work here – try asparagus, frozen peas, bell peppers, or anything else you have on hand for a nutrient packed dinner the whole family will love.

Get the recipes for Pot Sticker Stir-Fry »

2

BBQ Beef Nachos

pantry recipes - bbq beef nachos
Mike Garten

Barbecue sauce is the secret ingredient that gives these nachos a little extra spice. No one will really know how easy it was to season this delicious dinner.

Get the recipe for BBQ Beef Nachos »

RELATED: 37 Delicious Game Day Food Recipes Your Party Guests Will Love

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3

Jalapeno-Parmesan Crusted Grilled Cheese

pantry recipes - jalapeno grilled cheese
REPRINTED FROM CRAVINGS: HUNGRY FOR MORE

These two-cheese griddled sandwiches, with a deliciously crunchy parmesan crust, really pack a punch (read: jalapeños).

Get the recipe for Jalapeno-Parmesan Crusted Grilled Cheese »

4

Chicken With Creamy Spinach and Artichokes

pantry recipes - chicken with creamy spinach and artichokes
Danielle Occhiogrosso Daly

Sour cream is the secret ingredient that adds rich creaminess to a simple veggie side that zests up the classic chicken breast.

Get the recipe for Chicken with Creamy Spinach and Artichokes »

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5

Smoky Maple Turkey Chili

pantry recipes - smoky maple turkey chili
Mike Garten

Flavored with chipotle and maple syrup, this recipe can be frozen for up to three months. Make a big batch on the weekend and stock up for those days when you don't feel like cooking!

Get the recipe for Smoky Maple Turkey Chili »

6

Sheet Pan Chickpea Chicken

pantry recipes - sheetpan chickpea chicken
Danielle Occhiogrosso Daly

Prep the ingredients for this one-pan dinner in five minutes, sit back, and relax. A flavor-packed supper is a quick roast away.

Get the recipe for Sheet Pan Chickpea Chicken »

RELATED: 16 Easy Sheet Pan Dinners That Make Cleanup a Breeze

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7

Mini Meatballs With Garlicky Tomatoes

pantry recipes - mini meatballs with roasted tomatoes
Mike Garten

These mini (and flavor-packed) bites are a new twist on meatball parmesan and can be tossed with pasta or white beans or spooned over polenta.

Get the recipe for Mini Meatballs with Garlicky Tomatoes »

RELATED: 51 Delicious Ways to Have Meatballs for Dinner

8

White Bean and Tuna Salad With Basil Vinaigrette

pantry recipes - white bean and tuna salad
Danielle Occhiogrosso Daly
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9

Crunchy Chickpeas

pantry recipes - chickpea nuts
Mike Garten

Turn a can of trusty chickpeas into a deliciously crave-worthy snack.

Get the recipe for Crunchy Chickpeas »

10

Double Bean Nachos

pantry recipes - bean nachos
Mike Garten

Top tip: To make the best bites in a whole batch of nachos, toss chips with sturdy ingredients and cheese. Then, once baked, top with shredded lettuce and chopped tomatoes for a cooling fresh hit of veggies.

Get the recipe for Double Bean Nachos »

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11

Chickpea and Kale Soup

high protein chickpea and kale soup
Danielle Occhiogrosso Daly

For extra added flavor, simmer the soup with leftover pecorino rinds. They add an extra cheesy flavor that makes any vegetarian soup richer.

Get the recipe for Chickpea and Kale Soup »

RELATED: 21 Healthy Soups and Stews That'll Warm You Up

12

Spring Herb Frittata

pantry recipes - herb frittata
Mike Garten

Upgrade your eggs with any herbs that you have hanging out in the fridge. They turn an ordinary dish into a crowd-pleasing brunch menu must-have.

Get the recipe for Spring Herb Frittata »

RELATED: 45+ Easy Egg Recipes for Your Best Brunch Ever

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13

Tuscan Ragu

pantry recipes - tuscan ragu
Mike Garten

The addition of Italian sausage packs on the flavor without needing to invest in a whole bunch of dry spices.

Get the recipe for Tuscan Ragu »

14

Patty Melts

pantry recipes - patty melts
Mike Garten

This delicious mashup between a burger and a grilled cheese is made with ingredients you already have in your house.

Get the recipe for Patty Melts »

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15

Ravioli With Brown Butter & Spinach

pantry recipes - ravioli with spinach
Mike Garten

Spinach adds a dose of key nutrients to this decadent pasta dish. But if you don't have any on hand, another leafy green, like baby kale or Swiss chard, is the perfect swap.

Get the recipe for Ravioli with Brown Butter & Spinach »

16

Chili Dogs

pantry recipes - chili dogs
Danielle Occhiogrosso Daly

A spoonful of homemade chili takes this summer classic (well, anytime classic!) to the next level.

Get the recipe for Chili Dogs »

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17

Chili Pie With Cornbread Crust

pantry recipes - chili pie
Mike Garten

No need to make cornbread and chili — in a cast iron skillet, with this dinner recipe, you can make both at once, pie-style.

Get the recipe for Chili Pie with Cornbread Crust »

18

Hasselback Potatoes

pantry recipes   hasselback potatoes
Mike Garten

This elegant side is made with only five ingredients (and they're already in your kitchen!).

Get the recipe for Hasselback Potatoes »

RELATED: 44 Easy Potato Recipes That Are Bursting With Flavor

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19

Spaghetti Bolognese

pantry recipes - spaghetti bolognese
Emily Kate Roemer

When you taste how hearty and flavorful this classic meal is, you'd think someone carefully prepared it in the kitchen all day. In truth, it only takes 25 minutes!

Get the recipe for Spaghetti Bolognese »

20

French Onion Soup

pantry recipes - french onion soup
Mike Garten

Onions, slowly cooked until deep brown and caramelized, give this classic its distinctive flavor. Great for a party, this recipe is easily doubled; Simply cook the onions in two skillets.

Get the recipe for French Onion Soup »

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