Sometimes, I find myself staring into the kitchen, wondering what I can make without running to the store. It’s easy to overlook the simple ingredients already tucked away in the pantry or fridge.
The truth is, you can whip up satisfying dinners using what you already have on hand, saving time and avoiding extra trips. These meals don’t need to be complicated to be tasty or comforting.
Pasta with Garlic and Olive Oil
One of my go-to dinners when I want something quick is pasta with garlic and olive oil. It’s super simple and uses ingredients I usually have on hand—pasta, garlic, olive oil, and a bit of chili flakes if I’m feeling adventurous.
I like to cook the pasta until it’s just firm, then toss it with garlic sautéed in olive oil. Sometimes I add parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan to finish it off. It’s fast, flavorful, and perfect for nights when I don’t want to fuss much. You can find a solid recipe for this classic at this easy garlic and oil pasta recipe.
Chickpea Curry with Canned Tomatoes
I love making chickpea curry when I need something quick and easy. Canned tomatoes and chickpeas are always in my pantry, so this dish comes together without any extra shopping.
The curry is straightforward: just simmer chickpeas with canned tomatoes, curry powder, and a little coconut milk if I have it. Fresh ginger or garlic adds a nice touch but isn’t necessary.
It’s a warm, comforting meal that pairs perfectly with rice or flatbread. Plus, it’s plant-based and filling, making it a go-to when I want something simple and tasty. For a quicker version, check out this easy Tomato Chickpea Curry recipe.
Tuna and White Bean Salad
I love making tuna and white bean salad because it’s quick and uses pantry staples. You just need canned tuna, white beans, a bit of onion, olive oil, and lemon juice. It’s fresh but filling.
Sometimes, I toss in parsley or arugula for a little green. The flavors come together easily without any fuss. It’s perfect when I want something healthy without spending much time cooking.
If you want to try a simple recipe, this Italian-style tuna and white bean salad is a great place to start. You can find a good version here.
One-Pot Lentil Stew
I love making one-pot lentil stew because it’s so easy to throw together with whatever I have in my pantry. Lentils, some veggies, and basic spices go a long way to create a meal that’s both filling and tasty.
All it takes is simmering everything in one pot, which means less cleanup for me. Plus, it’s great for leftovers and busy nights when I want something warm without a lot of hassle.
If you want to try a simple recipe, this one-pot lentil stew packs in flavor and nutrition without needing fancy ingredients. You can find details on easy variations at this one-pot lentil stew recipe.
Rice and Beans Bowl
I love making rice and beans bowls because they’re super simple and use stuff I usually have in my pantry. Just cook up some rice, toss in beans, and add whatever veggies or spices I find in the fridge.
It’s a quick, filling option that doesn’t require a fancy trip to the store. You can switch up the protein or add cheese and salsa to keep it interesting. If you want ideas, there are plenty of tasty recipes like those found in easy rice bowl recipes that I like to check out.
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is one of my go-to meals when I want something quick and simple. It only needs a few staple ingredients: garlic, olive oil, chili flakes, spaghetti, and a bit of parsley if you have it.
I love how it comes together in about 10-20 minutes and still tastes so satisfying. If you want a fuss-free dinner with minimal cleanup, this dish fits the bill perfectly.
You can find plenty of easy variations if you want to switch things up or add a protein. This classic Italian dish really feels like comfort food that’s always ready when you are. See more recipes for inspiration here.
Vegetable Fried Rice
I always keep vegetable fried rice in my dinner rotation because it’s super flexible. You just toss in whatever veggies you have lying around, like carrots, peas, or bell peppers.
It’s quick to make, usually ready in about 20 minutes. I like seasoning mine with soy sauce and a bit of garlic or ginger to keep it flavorful without fuss.
Using leftover rice is perfect here—it soaks up the flavors nicely. If you want some inspiration, there are great ideas for easy veggie fried rice recipes that don’t require fancy ingredients or special equipment like woks. For example, this easy vegetable fried rice recipe is a solid go-to.
Quick Tomato Soup
I always keep a can of tomato soup handy for easy meals. It’s super versatile and quick to turn into something tasty without much effort.
Tomato soup isn’t just for dipping grilled cheese anymore. You can use it as a base for pasta, casseroles, or even sauces.
Whenever I’m short on time, turning tomato soup into a warm, comforting dish saves the day. If you want ideas, check out some simple recipes using tomato soup as a base.
Baked Potato with Tuna and Corn
I love making baked potatoes with tuna and corn because it’s super simple and quick. I usually bake a russet potato until it’s fluffy inside, then mix canned tuna, sweet corn, a bit of mayo, and sometimes a sprinkle of cheese.
It’s an easy go-to meal when I don’t want to fuss but still want something tasty and filling. You can add whatever spices or herbs you like to keep it interesting. For a straightforward recipe, check out this tuna and sweetcorn jacket potato.
Egg Fried Rice
Egg fried rice is my go-to when I want something quick and satisfying. You just need leftover rice, eggs, and a few pantry staples like soy sauce and oil.
I like this dish because it’s super flexible—throw in any veggies or protein you have on hand. It usually takes me about 10 minutes to whip it up.
If you want a simple, budget-friendly dinner without much fuss, egg fried rice is always a win. For ideas on quick egg fried rice recipes, you can check out this easy 10-minute egg fried rice guide.