Every time I go grocery shopping, I’m floored by the total at checkout. No matter how carefully I stick to my list or try to budget, I always end up spending way more than expected. As if that weren’t enough, half the groceries seem to go bad in my fridge before I can even use them. That’s why I’m on a mission to cut down on my grocery bill and reduce food waste by embracing the unsung heroes of my kitchen: pantry staples. Things like canned goods, rice, and pasta are shelf-stable, affordable, versatile, and likely sitting in your cabinets collecting dust. If you can relate, here are 15 budget-friendly pantry recipes to make the most of what you already have.
1. Pasta Pomodoro
If pasta pomodoro is your go-to at Italian restaurants, you’ll love how simple it is to make at home. With just 30 minutes of total prep and cook time, you can whip up a restaurant-quality dish using ingredients you probably already have.
2. Chana Masala
It’s time to use up those chickpeas in your pantry! This curry dish is made all in one pot, using a variety of ground spices to achieve the rich, warm flavor. The spiced chickpeas can be served over rice, with naan, or even just eaten on their own.
3. Easy Vegetable Soup
This delicious vegetable soup is a great way to use up those pantry and freezer foods you keep forgetting about. Simply dice some potatoes and onions, open up some canned corn and tomatoes, throw in some frozen veggies, and let everything simmer. Toss it in the slow cooker to make it even easier!
4. Chickpea Tuna Salad
If you ever buy tuna, chances are you have a can of it hiding somewhere in your pantry. This Greek tuna salad is the perfect way to use it. Mix in chickpeas, kalamata olives, feta, a shallot, cucumber, red bell pepper, and a homemade dressing for a fresh and flavorful meal. Bonus: It gets even better as it marinates in the fridge.
5. 5-Ingredient Chili
You might think of chili as a complicated dish, but this recipe keeps it simple with just 5 ingredients—most of which you already have in your pantry. There’s no chopping required either, so you can throw this together quickly on a night you don’t feel like doing too much.
6. Quick Pantry Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Burrata
Pasta is definitely a pantry staple, and it only takes a few ingredients to level up the flavor even more. Create your sauce using tomato paste, pasta water, a jar of sun-dried tomatoes, and spices you already have, then top with fresh burrata from the fridge for a creamy finish.
7. Spiced Lentils with Carrots
Lentils are a severely underrated pantry staple. Packed with protein and flavor, they’re a versatile addition to any meal. In this recipe, they’re spiced, saucy, and absolutely delicious served over rice, mashed potatoes, or polenta.
8. Roasted Garlic Potatoes and Sausage
This sheet pan dinner is a lifesaver when you need to clean out your fridge. Roast sausage, potatoes, and any veggies you have on hand for a no-fuss, flavorful meal. The recipe suggests carrots, yellow onion, and asparagus, but feel free to swap with whatever vegetables are in your fridge.
9. Lemon Chicken and Rice
Chicken and rice is a weeknight staple, but the lemon and Parmesan in this recipe give it a delicious upgrade. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a dish that’s anything but boring.
10. Chicken Fried Rice
I’m a huge fried rice girlie. I make it almost every week because it’s so quick, easy, and satisfying. This recipe makes it even simpler by calling for frozen veggies, so you can have dinner ready in no time.
11. Penne Alla Vodka
If I could put vodka sauce on literally everything, trust me, I would. You most likely already have all the ingredients on hand, and it is far better than defaulting to frozen pizza when your fridge is bare.
12. Chicken Enchilada Casserole
This hearty casserole is made with pantry staples and is freezer-friendly, making it perfect for meal prep. Once you try this easy enchilada recipe, it’s bound to become a regular in your weekly rotation.
13. Green Goddess Tuna Quinoa Salad
Remember the TikTok-famous green goddess salad? This version takes it up a notch with tuna for extra protein. It’s fresh, filling, and perfect to keep you energized all day.
14. Beef and Tomato Rice Bowl
This beef and tomato rice bowl is quick, affordable, and endlessly customizable. Tailor it to your preferences and enjoy a meal that comes together in minutes.
15. Egg Drop Soup
Think dinner in 15 minutes is impossible? Meet egg drop soup. It’s warm, comforting, and exactly what you need to warm up on a chilly evening.
16. Avocado Sweet Potato Tacos
The crispy sweet potatoes in this recipe are incredible, but the real MVP is the avocado yogurt sauce. Blend Greek yogurt, avocado, garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper into a creamy topping that elevates your tacos.
17. Zucchini Mac and Cheese
There’s nothing like mac and cheese for ultimate comfort food vibes, and this version sneaks in some extra veggies. With pasta, sharp cheddar, and zucchini, it has all the makings of a cozy, satisfying meal.
18. “Sweep the Kitchen” Pasta Salad
This “sweep the kitchen” pasta salad is the best use-it-up recipe. Toss in whatever veggies, cheeses, or proteins you have on hand for a simple, budget-friendly dish.
19. Banana Muffins
Sometimes, the best way to use up pantry items is to get baking. If you have some bananas starting to look a little too ripe, these muffins are perfect for breakfast or if you’re just craving a sweet treat.
20. Sesame Noodles
Noodles are a great pantry item to keep stocked because the recipes are endless! This quick 15-minute recipe uses a few Asian condiments you likely already have on hand to create a simple yet flavorful sauce. Sprinkle your bowl with toasted sesame seeds and green onions for a quick and easy dinner. You can also add in a protein of your choice, whether that’s tofu, shrimp, or chicken.
Lauren Blue, Assistant Editor
As an Assistant Editor for The Everygirl, Lauren ideates and writes content for every facet of our readers’ lives. Her articles span the topics of must-read books, movies, home tours, travel itineraries—and everything in between. When she isn’t testing the latest TikTok trend, she can be found scouring Goodreads for new releases to feature on the site.
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