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    Home » Recipe Index » Pantry Dinners

    Quick Pantry Dinners for One

    March 18, 2020 Updated November 24, 2022 By Rebecca 30 Minute Meals, Cooking for One, Easy Recipes, Pantry Dinners

    spaghetti with sausage with text overlay
    3 pantry meals with text overlay

    Didn't plan dinner tonight? Don't worry, these quick pantry dinners for one will save you! You can definitely make something quick and tasty without planning ahead of time with these delicious 20 recipes-that are perfect if you're cooking for one.

    3 pantry meals with text overlay

    [This recipe was originally posted in March 2020. It has been updated with new recipes, expert tips]

    Table of contents

    • Why cheap pantry meals?
    • Quick tips for easy pantry dinners
    • Here are 20 easy pantry recipes for one
      • Quick Cooking Proteins
      • Quick Cooking Seafood
      • Recipes using Beans/Tofu
      • Recipes using Eggs
      • Pasta Recipes

    Why cheap pantry meals?

    Meal planning is great, when you actually do it (and learn how to do it right), but when you don't it's easy to feel like you have to eat something you don't want-whatever it is. But it doesn't have to be that way. I promise.

    That's why I'm a huge fan of stocking my freezer, fridge and pantry so I can throw together delicious and quick pantry dinners-no planning necessary. This will make your life so much easier & enjoyable.

    Plus these pantry ingredients are usually cheap, so enjoy your cheap dinners!

    Here's what I recommend keeping in your fridge, freezer, and pantry: Pantry Essentials List (or download it here). With this list, you're just a few recipes away from making quick pantry dinners without any planning!

    Bookmark this page so you can quickly find recipes that use ingredients you have on hand/sound good in the moment. I know you just have a moment-so make the most out of it with these quick pantry meals!

    Quick tips for easy pantry dinners

    • Keep quick cooking/precooked grains/proteins around. These will save you lots of time!
    • Quickly thaw seafood by dumping it (inside or out of individual packaging) in hot water for a few minutes. This will save you cooking time and help keep your fish tender.
    • Swap out vegetables. Sure lots of vegetables taste different, but most dishes would be good with another vegetable, if you want to include it. So, if you don't have cauliflower (for example) swap it for broccoli, beans, etc. It'll still be good!
    • Google spice/ingredient substitutions. The point of cooking quick pantry dinners is to use what you have. Google substitution for xx ingredient you don't have, and try it!
    • Try more pantry dinners here, Cooking for One Recipes, and Single Serving Recipes.
    • Buy frozen seafood and meats, or buy fresh and freeze for later! It'll give you more options for quick meals when you didn't plan-plus frozen meat is usually cheaper. Here's to cheap(er) dinners!

    Here are 20 easy pantry recipes for one

    Quick Cooking Proteins

    Pan Seared Pork Chop
    This pan seared pork chop are the perfect one pan weeknight meal for one. It's delicious, easy, and quick.
    Check out this recipe
    close up of pan seared pork chop, green beans, potatoes and a lemon on a plate
    Instant Pot Chicken and Yellow Rice
    Need a super easy one pot meal for dinner tonight? Look no farther this this Instant Pot chicken and yellow rice. The chicken and rice are done at the same time, and are super tender and flavorful.
    Check out this recipe
    chicken and yellow rice in glass bowl

    Quick Cooking Seafood

    Easy Baked Salmon in a Bag
    This easy baked salmon in a bag recipe is bursting with flavor and moisture, you wouldn't believe how easy it is, or that it's done in less than 25 minutes. It's cooked in parchment paper to maintain moisture without any effort. Plus, it's got the easiest clean up ever.
    Check out this recipe
    salmon with broccoli and lemon slices in parchment paper
    Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Salmon
    One pan meals are the best during this busy time of the year. In just 20 minutes, you'll have maple mustard salmon- tender, flaky salmon and crispy shaved brussels sprouts. See, quick meals for yourself don't have to be sad.
    Check out this recipe
    maple mustard salmon and brussels sprouts with a lemon wedge on a white plate
    Easy Shrimp Sheet Pan Dinner
    This easy shrimp and vegetable sheet pan dinner with veggies is the perfect weeknight dinner, it takes just 20 minutes and your oven will do 80% of the work.
    Check out this recipe
    shrimp sheet pan dinner in a bowl with bread on the side
    Instant Pot Fish from Frozen
    This Instant Pot steamed white fish recipe is the easiest way to cook fish. Not only is it easy, but it comes out tender, flaky, and perfect in less than 15 minutes. Oh and did I mention that you can cook cod, tilapia, or halibut this way from frozen? No need to plan ahead or defrost it before cooking.
    Check out this recipe
    cod with lemon on top next to couscous and broccoli

    Recipes using Beans/Tofu

    Refried Bean Tacos
    These refried bean tacos are hands down the easiest and most delicious 10 minute dinner. All you need to do is scour your fridge and pantry for a few essentials like refried beans, taco seasoning, veggies, cheese and salsa.
    Check out this recipe
    two tacos with red cabbage and cilantro on a plate
    Easy Chana Masala
    Chana masala, an Indian staple, is made with a mixture of a few pantry staples, including chickpeas, spices, and tomatoes. Serve it with naan, rice, or quinoa for a filling meal! (click on the number of servings in the recipe to adjust the servings to 1)
    Check out this recipe
    chana masala with cilantro on top in a white bowl
    Vegetarian Quesadilla Recipe
    This vegetarian quesadilla recipe is ready in 10 minutes, it's delicious, and it's the perfect vehicle to use up all those veggies sitting in the back of your fridge.
    Check out this recipe
    black bean & vegetable quesadilla on table with salsa and toppings
    Protein Mac and Cheese
    Craving a high protein mac and cheese recipe that's silky, creamy, and cheesy? One secret ingredient in this pasta recipe adds silkiness and protein without changing the taste of this delicious macaroni and cheese.
    Check out this recipe
    close up of protein mac and cheese in a bowl
    Coconut Green Lentil Curry
    This easy and delicious lentil spinach curry recipe for one is a great way to try out a vegan recipe with lentils. It's bursting with flavor and takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.
    Check out this recipe
    lentil curry on white and pink plate
    Vegetarian Chili
    This easy vegetarian chili recipe will be a favorite of both meat eaters and vegetarians alike. It’s made with convenient canned beans and can be ready in under 30 minutes. Hearty, healthy, and incredibly delicious!
    Check out this recipe
    Vegetarian chili in a red bowl with cheese and avocado on top
    Easy White Bean and Farro Bowl
    Clean out your fridge and pantry with this easy white bean and farro bowl. It's packed with satisfying ingredients and subtle flavor.
    Check out this recipe
    white bean and farro bowl with carrots and leeks in a bowl, with ingredients on table

    *this is a great recipe for substitutions. I don't usually have leeks around, so I'd swap it for celery, broccoli, cauliflower, etc. Use it fresh, or freeze for later! Same goes for the farro, barley, rice, or other hearty grain would work well here.

    Recipes using Eggs

    Easy Huevos Rancheros
    These healthy huevos rancheros are the perfect reason to get you out of bed on a lazy morning. They can be thrown together with a few pantry items in just 10 minutes.
    Check out this recipe
    tortilla with refried beans, a fried egg, and cheese on top
    Apple Omelette with Sharp Cheddar Cheese
    Jump into New England fall with this delicious apple omelette with sharp cheddar cheese for a protein punch.
    Check out this recipe
    apple omelette on a plate
    Chapati Roll with Summer Vegetables
    This chapati roll, or rolex as it's called in Uganda is the perfect super easy lunch or dinner recipe. All you need is an uncooked tortilla, eggs, cheese, and your fave seasonal vegetables.
    Check out this recipe
    slices of eggs rolled in tortilla

    *also a great recipe for substitutions. Swap out the veggies for ones you have, or omit them. Use what you have & like. This works for lots of quick pantry dinners.

    Pasta Recipes

    Light Pasta Carbonara
    This healthy carbonara pasta is just as good as the best versions you've had, it just has less added fat without skimping on flavor or creaminess. Not only is this carbonara recipe healthy and delicious, it can be made in just about 15 minutes.
    Check out this recipe
    pasta with peas, prosciutto, and a poached egg in a bowl

    *substitution ideas: swap the prosciutto for bacon or similar meat. Or omit if needed.

    Canned Tomato Pasta
    Make this easy canned tomato pasta with pantry ingredients. It comes together in just 15 minutes and doesn't taste like you threw it together. Freshly cooked pasta, a can of tomatoes, Italian seasoning, basil, and Italian sausage are delicious in this meal.
    Check out this recipe
    simple pasta in a white bowl with sausage on top and ingredients behind

    *substitution ideas: if you don't have sausage, swap it for ground beef, or chicken tenders (love these because they cook more quickly than chicken breasts), or leave the meat out. You can do this with lots of quick pantry dinners.

    Kung Pao Pasta
    Kung Pao Pasta is the best spicy pasta EVER! If you like spicy, easy and delicious this Kung Pao Pasta is for you! Enjoy with chicken, tofu, steak or enjoy as is! (click on the number of servings in the recipe to adjust the servings to 1)
    Check out this recipe
    kung pao pasta in a white bowl
    One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
    Make this 20 minute, pantry ingredient, one pot chicken parmesan pasta with crispy breadcrumbs instead of traditional crispy, cheesy chicken parmesan without the extra time, steps, and mess.
    Check out this recipe
    square photo of spiral pasta with tomatoes on a black plate with a fork

    Stay safe, wash your hands before making your quick dinner & wear your mask!

    Want to get more single serving recipes, like these quick pantry meals delivered to your inbox? Click here to download my Single Serving Cookbook.

    More Pantry Dinners

    • slices of french toast, bacon, butter on plate
      French Toast for One
    • plate of pancakes with blueberries and butter
      Pancakes for One
    • chia seed pudding with coffee, yogurt, chocolate shavings
      Coffee Chia Pudding
    • macaroni and cheese, broccoli on black plate
      Single Serving Mac and Cheese

    About Rebecca

    Welcome! I’m Rebecca, a food loving dietitian. On Nourish Nutrition, you’ll find real, quick, and nourishing recipes for one that'll get you to want to cook for yourself, because you deserve it.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Deanne says

      March 19, 2020 at 8:47 am

      These are perfect! thanks so much for sharing 🙂

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        March 19, 2020 at 10:06 am

        great to hear

        Reply
    2. Danielle says

      March 19, 2020 at 9:35 am

      This is a very timely roundup - so may great ideas to try. I am really excited about Veggie Quesadilla - the recipe looks amazing!

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        March 19, 2020 at 10:06 am

        right?! it's so good

        Reply
    3. Tawnie Kroll says

      March 19, 2020 at 10:08 am

      So many delicious recipes, thank you for including me!! xo

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        March 20, 2020 at 8:59 pm

        absolutely! thanks

        Reply
    4. Anita says

      March 19, 2020 at 10:41 am

      Such a great collection of recipes, perfect for this crazy time we are living right now. This will be so handy. 🙂

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        March 20, 2020 at 8:59 pm

        exactly, thanks

        Reply
    5. Suzy says

      March 19, 2020 at 11:25 am

      This is an excellent list when you are not cooking for a house full of people! So many great ideas!

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        March 20, 2020 at 8:58 pm

        totally! thanks

        Reply

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    Rebecca, MS, RDN
    of Nourish Nutrition

    At Nourish Nutrition, you'll find bold, flavorful recipes for one. Most are single serving, and all have suggestions to use up the leftover ingredients so you can stop throwing away unused ingredients & leftovers!

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