Recipes Everyday Cooking Quick and Easy Main Dishes 30 Pantry-Friendly Dinners Ready in 45 Minutes or Less By Carl Hanson Carl Hanson Carl Hanson is a Senior Editor at Allrecipes who has been writing about food and wine for nearly 20 years. He enjoys creating content that informs, entertains, and assists busy home cooks get nourishing meals on the table for their families. Allrecipes' editorial guidelines and Vicky McDonald Vicky McDonald Vicky McDonald is a Seattle-based editor with over 15 years of experience in the media industry. She currently works as an editor for ParentMap.com. Prior to that, she was a senior content manager at Allrecipes. She loves baking, developing new recipes, and growing vegetables. Allrecipes' editorial guidelines Updated on December 7, 2022 Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: France C Stock your pantry with a few simple ingredients, and you'll have a head start on these quick-and-easy, satisfying meals. They're perfect for even the busiest weeknights. Keep spaghetti sauces, noodles, potatoes, cans of tuna, salmon, beans, and soups in the cupboard, and simple, healthy dinners are yours. Here are some of our favorite pantry-friendly dinners that are on the table in less than an hour. 01 of 31 How to Cook Dinner with What You Have in Your Pantry Looking for a way to save time and money on meal prep? Try cooking your family's meals using what you already have in your pantry! By utilizing these simple hacks and pantry staples, you can take the guesswork out of your delicious dishes. Breakfast, lunch and dinner prep will be a breeze! 02 of 31 Simple Beef Stroganoff View Recipe Snacking in the Kitchen Pantry Items: Egg noodles, cream of mushroom soupReady In: 30 minutes "This is a very simple and quick beef stroganoff that can be made after a busy day at work," says Brenda. "It uses ground beef and mushroom soup!" 03 of 31 Yummy Lemon Salmon Burgers View Recipe Photo by Meredith. Pantry Items: Canned salmon, Italian-seasoned bread crumbsReady In: 20 minutes"A quick, delicious, and nutritious way of serving up canned salmon," says MELDS. "You can enjoy this with or without the dressing, in a hamburger bun, or with a salad." 04 of 31 Spicy Tuna Rice Bowl View Recipe Photo by Chef John. Pantry Items: Olive-oil packed tuna, long-grain rice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oilReady In: 40 minutes "What we have here is equal parts tuna and rice by weight, which for me, gives this the perfect balance between protein and starch," says Chef John. "While this may remind some people of a fried rice dish, this is significantly lighter, and actually very low on the fat content, but that doesn't mean it's not satisfying, and like most rice dishes, it's very comforting." 05 of 31 Tomato-Cream Sauce for Pasta View Recipe Tomato-Cream Sauce for Pasta | Photo by CookinBug. Pantry Items: Diced tomatoes, pasta, olive oilReady In: 20 minutes "So easy and so delicious!" says MariyaC. "The whole family keeps asking for more. Each time, I've followed the recipe 'as is' but added baby shrimp to the saute mix. The results never cease to amaze!" 06 of 31 Homemade Black Bean Veggie Burgers View Recipe Photo by Gord Linder. Pantry Items: Canned black beans, onions, dried bread crumbsReady In: 35 minutes "You will never want to eat frozen veggie burgers again," says LAURENMU. "These are so easy, and you'll be proud to have created such a vegetarian delight." 07 of 31 Baked Italian Chicken Thighs View Recipe France C Pantry Items: Ragú Simply Chunky Marinara Sauce, olive oilReady In: 40 minutes "These juicy chicken thighs are topped with a flavorful blend of three cheeses and your favorite marinara sauce," says France C. "Serve over pasta or rice or alongside roasted potatoes for a tasty weeknight meal. I like to shred my own cheese, as I find it melts better, but feel free to use pre-shredded to save time." 08 of 31 Quick Spicy Black Bean Soup View Recipe fabeveryday Pantry Items: Chicken broth, black beans, corn, white riceReady In: 40 minutes "Easy to prepare and very tasty!" says fabeveryday. "Makes a big portion so it's great for meal prepping for lunches the next few days." 09 of 31 Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole View Recipe Kimberly Laroche Gray Pantry Items: Spaghetti, cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups"It is easy to prepare and everyone I have made it for really likes it!" says Daniella Stevens. "I like to cook my chicken ahead of time and freeze it, so that it is even quicker to make when I'm ready)." 10 of 31 Quick Chicken Divan View Recipe Tara Pantry Items: Cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups, frozen broccoliReady In: 45 minutes "My family loves this recipe," says Shannon Fountain. "My kids love it because the broccoli is 'hidden' under all the chicken and cheese! This is an excellent way to use up leftovers." 11 of 31 Easy Tuna Casserole View Recipe Photo by Melissa Goff. Pantry Items: Canned tuna, cream of chicken soup, French fried onions, macaroniReady In: 45 minutes "Tuna, macaroni, creamy soup, cheese and fried onions are all you need to make this super easy tuna casserole," says LMCDEVIT. "It's great as leftovers, too." 12 of 31 Jeanie's Falafel View Recipe Buckwheat Queen Pantry Items: Canned garbanzo beans, onions, dried bread crumbsReady In: 30 minutes "This is a tasty dense falafel that contains no eggs," says JeanieMomof3. "Serve on pitas with tzatziki or tahini sauce with lettuce and tomato." 13 of 31 Red Lentil Curry View Recipe Lea Eats Pantry Items: Lentils, curry paste, tomato puree, onionsReady In: 40 minutes "This is a rich and hearty lentil curry, great as a main meal rather than as a side dish like the more traditional Indian dhal," says Emma Maher. "This really is an easy dish to make. This dish is great served with basmati rice." 14 of 31 Lori's Beef and Spaghetti Macaroni View Recipe Photo by RheaMaeJ. Pantry Items: Spaghetti sauce, macaroni, onionsReady In: 30 minutes "This recipe was right up my alley!" raves Kelli. "Quick and easy to make plus my family LOVED it!" 15 of 31 Skillet Lasagna View Recipe Buckwheat Queen Pantry Items: Spaghetti sauce, diced tomatoes, onions, noodlesReady In: 45 minutes "This no-bake skillet lasagna is made right on your stovetop and is a fast and easy alternative to store-bought hamburger mixes!" says Brittany. 16 of 31 Chicken Cacciatore with Rice View Recipe Chicken Cacciatore with Rice | Photo by Kim. Pantry Items: Whole peeled tomatoes, tomato sauce, instant riceReady In: 40 minutes "What an easy and delicious recipe!" says Kim. "5 stars for simplicity alone! I actually used some leftover brown rice in place of the insta-rice to make it even easier, Served this topped with some freshly grated Parmesan and a side of roasted broccoli. Perfect easy dinner!" 17 of 31 Ranch Taco Soup View Recipe Dotdash Meredith Food Studios Pantry Items: Crushed tomatoes, canned pinto beans, corn, black beans, diced tomatoes and green chiles, black olives, ranch dressing mix, taco seasoning mixReady In: 45 minutes "This thick and hearty taco soup comes together in a flash," says Soup Loving Nicole. "The subtle hint of ranch sets it apart from your average taco soup. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired." 18 of 31 Tender Tomato Chicken Breasts View Recipe pchbloom Pantry Items: Stewed tomatoes, chicken broth (with mixed veggies from the freezer)Ready In: 45 minutes "Being a mom of a seven month old, I've learned to take a lot of shortcuts and still be able to cook quality food," says Erin. "This is quick, easy, and tasty. Serve with rice, if desired. To kick it up a bit, add chopped green peppers in with the tomatoes." 19 of 31 Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe View Recipe Buckwheat Queen Pantry Items: Spaghetti, olive oil, ParmesanReady In: 20 minutes If you've got these ingredients, you can whip up this fancy-sounding dish for a truly last-minute dinner. 20 of 31 Black Bean Chili View Recipe Cristi Pantry Items: Canned black beans, olive oil, chicken or vegetable broth, cumin, chili powderReady In: 40 minutes Enjoy a big bowl of this hearty bean chili with some tortilla chips, sour cream, and grated cheese. We won't judge you for eating tortilla chips while it cooks. 21 of 31 Pita Pizza View Recipe Pita Pizza. Tammy Lynn Pantry Items: Tomato sauce, black olives, pimiento peppers, dried basil, dried oreganoReady In: 15 minutes If you've got pita bread in the freezer, you can make pizza! Top with sauce, cheese, and some vegetables for a quick, tasty meal. 22 of 31 Barbeque Beef Casserole View Recipe Barbeque Beef Casserole. Kim Pantry Items: Whole kernel corn, diced tomatoes, corn bread mix, barbeque sauce Ready In: 40 minutes Simply brown ground beef in a large skillet with chopped onions and bell peppers, add the pantry ingredients, and top with cornbread batter. "A wonderful, quick, and inexpensive recipe for those time crunched dinners," says themamalion. "Just throw together and bake. Adjust your seasonings for your own taste." 23 of 31 Penne Pasta with Spinach and Bacon View Recipe abapplez Pantry Items: Penne pasta, olive oil, diced tomatoesReady In: 25 minutes "Delicious and easy, how could you ask for anything more?! I had made this several times before and I always seem to forget to rate it (and make it often). It is the perfect pasta dish if you want something fast, easy and tasty." — korilynne 24 of 31 Ten Minute Szechuan Chicken View Recipe Holiday Baker Pantry Items: Cornstarch, vegetable oil, soy sauce, white wine vinegar, white sugarReady In: 30 minutes If you are lucky enough to have chicken in the fridge, this recipe is quick, easy, and inexpensive. No fancy ingredients here! 25 of 31 Lasagna Flatbread View Recipe lutzflcat Pantry Items: Marinara sauce, Parmesan, Italian seasoning If you haven't got ricotta, you can use cream cheese instead for this quick and tasty flatbread, which tastes just like lasagna. 26 of 31 Potatoes and Corn Soup View Recipe Photo by Baking Nana. Pantry Items: Canned corn, potatoes, onion, chicken bouillonReady In: 20 minutes "Great with breadsticks! Serve alone, with a dollop of sour cream, or some grated cheese and pepper," says recipe creator Soraya Sanchez. 27 of 31 Delicious Black Bean Burritos View Recipe CookinBug Pantry Items: Canned black beans, flour tortillas, vegetable oilReady in: 25 minutes "All of the reviews are right. These burritos are awesome," Caroline says. 28 of 31 Easy Tuna Patties View Recipe Sugarplum Pantry Items: Canned tuna, Italian-seasoned bread crumbs, Parmesan, vegetable oilReady In: 25 minutes "These patties are great dipped in ketchup, mustard, or hot sauce. They are also great as a sandwich," recipe creator Phyllis Spencer Brixey says. 29 of 31 Tex-Mex Pantry Casserole View Recipe Tex-Mex Pantry Casserole | Photo by thedailygourmet. Pantry Items: Tomato sauce, taco seasoning, corn, black beans, Spanish rice mix, salsa, and brothReady In: 45 minutes Half a pound of ground beef is extended for miles with the addition of Tex-Mexy pantry staples. Top with shredded sharp Cheddar cheese and bake for about 20 minutes. Garnish with sour cream and sliced avocado. 30 of 31 Spicy Asian Ramen Noodles View Recipe Spicy Asian Ramen Noodles. lutzflcat Pantry Items: Ramen noodles, creamy peanut butter, chili-garlic sauce, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, peanutsReady In: 15 minutes "Fast, easy, and spicy with salty, sweet, and sour flavors kicking in," says lutzflcat. "The spiciness level can be adapted to your taste by adjusting the chili garlic sauce." 31 of 31 More Super-Quick Pantry-Friendly Meals naples34102 Deliciously Different Things to Do with 1 Pound of Ground Beef Easy Dinners to Make with a Jar of Salsa Quick, Delicious Dinners to Make with Canned Cannellini Beans Quick Meals That Start With a Can of Black Beans More 45-Minute Meal Recipes Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit