25 Delicious and Nutritious Recipes Using Pantry Staples

Let’s be real, we all have those days when we look into our pantry and wonder what to cook with what we already have. It can be a challenge to come up with tasty and healthy meals without running to the store for extra ingredients. That’s why I’ve put together this list of 25 delicious and nutritious recipes using pantry staples. These dishes are not only easy to make but also packed with flavor and goodness.

Skillet Spaghetti and Meatballs

This comforting dish brings together spaghetti and meatballs in one skillet for easy cleanup. The meatballs are juicy, and the tomato sauce is rich and savory. Ingredients include canned tomatoes, dried spaghetti, ground beef, and Italian seasoning. Brown the meatballs, then simmer in tomato sauce and cooked spaghetti for a hearty meal. Perfect for a family dinner with minimal fuss. The taste is hearty and comforting with a perfect balance of tangy tomato sauce and savory meatballs.

Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole

A creamy and filling casserole that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a blend of vegetables. Using canned chicken, rice, and cream of chicken soup, this dish is both economical and satisfying. Mix all ingredients in a baking dish and bake until bubbly and golden. It’s a one-dish meal that is comforting and nutritious. The flavors meld together to create a rich and creamy casserole with tender bites of chicken.

Chickpea and Spinach Stew

This hearty stew is packed with protein and fiber from chickpeas and spinach. The flavors are enhanced with garlic, cumin, and a touch of lemon. Ingredients include canned chickpeas, frozen spinach, and vegetable broth. Sauté garlic and spices, then simmer with chickpeas and spinach for a warm, nourishing meal. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal. The stew has a savory and slightly tangy flavor with a comforting, earthy undertone.

Lentil Bolognese

A vegetarian twist on the classic Bolognese, using lentils for a meaty texture. The sauce is rich and flavorful, perfect over pasta. Ingredients include lentils, canned tomatoes, and Italian herbs. Cook lentils and mix with a tomato-based sauce, then simmer until thickened. Serve over your favorite pasta for a healthy, meatless dinner. The taste is robust and hearty, with a depth of flavor from the slow-cooked tomatoes and herbs.

Black Bean Tacos

These tacos are both easy and delicious, filled with seasoned black beans and topped with fresh vegetables. The beans are hearty and the toppings add a fresh crunch. Ingredients include canned black beans, taco seasoning, and tortillas. Heat the beans with seasoning, then fill tortillas and top with your favorite vegetables. Ideal for a quick and satisfying meal. The tacos have a satisfying, savory taste with a hint of spice and a refreshing crunch from the vegetables.

Tuna and White Bean Salad

A refreshing and protein-packed salad perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The tuna and beans create a creamy texture, balanced by a tangy vinaigrette. Ingredients include canned tuna, white beans, and lemon juice. Mix the tuna and beans, then dress with olive oil and lemon juice. Serve chilled for a simple, nutritious meal. The salad offers a light and tangy flavor with a smooth, creamy texture from the beans and tuna.

Tomato and Basil Soup

This classic soup is both rich and aromatic, made from pantry staples for a quick meal. The tomatoes provide a deep flavor, complemented by fresh basil. Ingredients include canned tomatoes, garlic, and basil. Sauté garlic, add tomatoes, and simmer with basil until flavors meld. Blend until smooth and serve with a drizzle of olive oil. The taste is rich and savory with a refreshing hint of basil.

Quinoa and Black Bean Stuffed Peppers

Colorful bell peppers stuffed with a flavorful mixture of quinoa and black beans. This dish is filling and nutritious, perfect for a wholesome dinner. Ingredients include quinoa, black beans, and bell peppers. Cook quinoa, mix with beans and spices, stuff into halved peppers, and bake until tender. A complete meal in one dish. The stuffed peppers are savory and slightly sweet with a satisfying, hearty filling.

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

A creamy and delicious smoothie that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack. The peanut butter adds protein while the banana provides natural sweetness. Ingredients include peanut butter, banana, and milk. Blend all ingredients until smooth and enjoy a nutritious and tasty drink. Great for a quick energy boost. The smoothie is rich and creamy with a delightful sweetness from the banana.

Veggie Fried Rice

A quick and easy fried rice that’s both colorful and packed with vegetables. The rice is flavorful and the veggies add a satisfying crunch. Ingredients include rice, mixed vegetables, and soy sauce. Sauté vegetables, add cooked rice and soy sauce, and stir-fry until heated through. A great way to use leftover rice. The taste is savory and umami-rich with a pleasing crunch from the vegetables.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

These cookies are chewy and delicious, perfect for a snack or dessert. The oats provide a hearty texture, and the raisins add a touch of sweetness. Ingredients include rolled oats, raisins, and brown sugar. Mix all ingredients, drop by spoonfuls onto a baking sheet, and bake until golden. A comforting treat made from pantry staples. The cookies are sweet and chewy with a delightful hint of cinnamon.

Chickpea and Tomato Salad

A vibrant and fresh salad that’s quick to prepare and full of flavor. The chickpeas are hearty, and the tomatoes add a juicy sweetness. Ingredients include canned chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, and olive oil. Toss all ingredients together and season with salt and pepper. Serve chilled or at room temperature. The salad is light and refreshing with a balanced combination of savory and sweet flavors.

Spaghetti Carbonara

A classic Italian pasta dish that’s rich and creamy, made with just a few ingredients. The eggs and cheese create a silky sauce that coats the pasta. Ingredients include spaghetti, eggs, and Parmesan cheese. Cook pasta, toss with beaten eggs and cheese, and serve immediately. Simple yet indulgent. The taste is creamy and savory with a luxurious, velvety texture.

Minestrone Soup

A hearty and nutritious soup loaded with vegetables and beans. The broth is flavorful, and the vegetables add texture and nutrition. Ingredients include canned beans, pasta, and mixed vegetables. Sauté vegetables, add broth and beans, and simmer with pasta until everything is tender. A warming and wholesome meal. The soup has a rich, savory flavor with a variety of textures from the beans and vegetables.

Baked Beans on Toast

A simple yet satisfying meal that’s quick to prepare. The beans are savory and rich, perfect over crispy toast. Ingredients include canned baked beans and bread. Heat the beans and serve over toasted bread slices. Ideal for a quick lunch or dinner. The taste is comforting and savory with a slight sweetness from the baked beans.

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili

This chili is hearty and flavorful, with a hint of sweetness from the sweet potatoes. The black beans add protein and fiber. Ingredients include sweet potatoes, black beans, and chili spices. Sauté sweet potatoes, add beans and spices, and simmer until tender. Serve with cornbread for a complete meal. The chili has a rich, spicy flavor balanced by the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.

Rice and Bean Burritos

These burritos are filling and easy to make, with a delicious combination of rice and beans. The beans are creamy, and the rice adds substance. Ingredients include rice, beans, and tortillas. Fill tortillas with cooked rice and beans, wrap, and heat until warm. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. The burritos are savory and hearty with a satisfying blend of textures.

Split Pea Soup

A thick and hearty soup that’s both nutritious and flavorful. The split peas create a creamy texture as they cook down. Ingredients include split peas, carrots, and vegetable broth. Simmer all ingredients until peas are tender and soup is thick. Serve with a slice of bread. The soup has a rich, earthy flavor with a smooth, creamy consistency.

Tuna Pasta Salad

A light and refreshing pasta salad that’s perfect for warm days. The tuna adds protein, and the pasta provides a satisfying base. Ingredients include canned tuna, pasta, and mayonnaise. Mix cooked pasta with tuna and a light mayo dressing. Serve chilled for a cool and tasty meal. The salad is light and tangy with a creamy texture from the mayo.

Lentil Soup

A nutritious and filling soup made with pantry staples. The lentils provide a hearty base, and the vegetables add flavor and texture. Ingredients include lentils, carrots, and celery. Sauté vegetables, add lentils and broth, and simmer until lentils are tender. A comforting bowl of soup. The taste is rich and savory with a robust, earthy undertone from the lentils.

Chickpea Curry

A flavorful curry that’s quick and easy to prepare, using pantry staples. The chickpeas are tender, and the curry sauce is rich and aromatic. Ingredients include canned chickpeas, coconut milk, and curry powder. Simmer all ingredients until flavors meld and serve with rice. A delicious and easy curry. The curry has a creamy, spicy flavor with a hint of coconut sweetness.

Tomato Basil Pasta

A simple yet flavorful pasta dish that’s perfect for a quick meal. The tomatoes provide a rich sauce, and the basil adds freshness. Ingredients include canned tomatoes, garlic, and basil. Cook garlic in olive oil, add tomatoes and basil, and toss with pasta. A classic and easy dish. The pasta has a fresh, tangy flavor with aromatic basil notes.

Quinoa Salad

A light and nutritious salad that’s perfect for a healthy meal. The quinoa is fluffy, and the vegetables add crunch and flavor. Ingredients include quinoa, cucumbers, and feta cheese. Mix cooked quinoa with diced vegetables and a light vinaigrette. Serve chilled or at room temperature. The salad is light and refreshing with a mix of textures and flavors.

Pasta Primavera

A colorful and delicious pasta dish loaded with vegetables. The vegetables are crisp-tender, and the pasta is coated in a light sauce. Ingredients include pasta, mixed vegetables, and Parmesan cheese. Sauté vegetables, toss with cooked pasta and cheese, and serve immediately. A vibrant and tasty meal. The taste is fresh and light with a satisfying blend of crisp vegetables and tender pasta.

Black Bean Soup

A thick and hearty soup that’s packed with flavor and nutrition. The black beans provide a creamy texture, and the spices add warmth. Ingredients include canned black beans, onion, and cumin. Sauté onion and spices, add beans and broth, and simmer until thick. Serve with a dollop of sour cream. The soup is rich and savory with a hint of smokiness from the cumin.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout

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