5 Quick & Easy Pantry Staple Recipes for Busy Weeknights

It's 6 pm, you're exhausted from a long day, and the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. Sound familiar? We've all been there. That's where these quick and budget-friendly pantry staple recipes come in handy. With just a few simple ingredients you likely already have on hand, you can whip up a delicious and satisfying meal in no time.

Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons

Nothing says comfort food quite like a warm bowl of tomato soup. This version gets an extra boost of creaminess from a splash of milk or cream, and the crispy grilled cheese croutons on top take it to the next level. Serve with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

One-Pot Tuna Noodle Casserole

This classic casserole is a true pantry hero. Canned tuna, egg noodles, canned cream of mushroom soup, and a few other simple ingredients come together in one pot for a hearty, comforting dish. Top with crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs for a delicious crunchy topping.

Chickpea Curry with Rice

Canned chickpeas are the star of this easy curry dish. Sauté some onion, garlic, and spices, then add the chickpeas and a can of diced tomatoes. Serve over basmati rice for a filling vegetarian meal.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Overnight Oats

Start your day off right with this nutritious and delicious breakfast. Simply combine old-fashioned oats, peanut butter, jelly, milk, and a touch of honey in a jar, then let it sit overnight in the fridge. In the morning, you'll have a satisfying breakfast ready to go.

Baked Potato Bar

Baked potatoes are the ultimate blank canvas for all sorts of tasty toppings. Bake a big batch of potatoes, then let everyone customize their own with toppings like shredded cheese, bacon bits, sour cream, chives, and more. It's a fun, interactive meal the whole family will love.

The best part about these recipes is that they're all made with common pantry staples, so you can whip them up anytime without having to make a special trip to the grocery store. Whether you're short on time or on a tight budget, these quick and easy meals will have dinner on the table in no time.

Conclusion

Stocking your pantry with versatile ingredients means you're always just a few steps away from a delicious, homemade meal. With these simple pantry staple recipes, you'll have plenty of tasty options to choose from on even the busiest weeknights. Enjoy!