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Easy Pantry Staple Dinner Recipes: 5 Quick Ideas When Low on Ingredients

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Quick, comforting meals made from pantry staples that come together in under 30 minutes, perfect for nights when you’re low on ingredients.

Ingredients

  • Dry pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fusilli)
  • Canned crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
  • Olive oil, extra virgin
  • Garlic cloves, minced
  • Dried herbs like oregano and basil
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Long-grain white rice or brown rice
  • Canned beans (black beans, chickpeas, or kidney beans), rinsed and drained
  • Onion, finely chopped
  • Chicken or vegetable broth (or bouillon cubes)
  • Canned corn
  • Ground cumin
  • Smoked paprika
  • Canned diced tomatoes
  • Canned lentils or split peas
  • Carrots and celery, diced
  • Bay leaves and thyme (dried)
  • Potatoes or sweet potatoes, cubed
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Soy sauce or tamari
  • Peanut butter
  • Canned coconut milk
  • Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Prepare your base: Boil water in a large pot for pasta or rice. For pasta, add a pinch of salt once water boils (about 4 quarts for 1 pound pasta). Cook 8-12 minutes until al dente. For rice, rinse under cold water, then simmer in broth or water (1 cup rice to 2 cups liquid) for 15-20 minutes (white rice) or 40-45 minutes (brown rice).
  2. Sauté aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and 1 small chopped onion, cooking 3-5 minutes until fragrant and translucent. Stir often to avoid burning.
  3. Add flavorings: Toss in 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Toast spices for 30 seconds before adding liquids.
  4. Combine main ingredients: Pour in one 14-ounce can of crushed tomatoes or rinsed beans. Stir and simmer. For thicker sauces, cook uncovered 8-10 minutes until reduced. For soups, add diced carrots, celery, and 2 cups broth, simmer 20 minutes.
  5. Mix and finish: Drain pasta or rice and toss into sauce or soup base. Stir and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Add olive oil or pasta water if dry.
  6. Serve hot: Garnish with fresh herbs and sprinkle grated cheese or nutritional yeast if desired.

Notes

Toast spices before adding liquids to enhance flavor. Reserve pasta water to thicken sauces. Rinse canned beans to reduce sodium. Adjust seasoning gradually. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and freeze nicely.

Nutrition

Keywords: pantry staples, quick dinner, easy recipes, chickpeas, tomato sauce, rice, pasta, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free

Find it online: https://vexifood.com/easy-pantry-staple-dinner-recipes-5-quick-ideas-when-low-on-ingredients/