Quick Pantry Dinners for One

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.

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

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.
• 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 Chops

These pan seared pork chops are the perfect one pan weeknight meal for one or two. They're delicious, easy, and quick.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

Recipes using Beans/Tofu

Black 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.

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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)

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Black Bean and Vegetable Quesadilla

This quick black bean and vegetable quesadilla 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.

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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.

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Coconut Green Lentil Curry

This easy and delicious coconut green lentil curry recipe 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.

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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!

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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.

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*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.

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Apple Omelette with Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Jump into New England fall with this delicious apple omelette with sharp cheddar cheese for a protein punch.

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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

*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 dish 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

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

15 Minute Pasta

Need a super easy and delicious meal that's ready to eat in 15 minutes? This simple pasta recipe fits the bill and tastes like it's been simmered all day. Plus it's a recipe you can make with nearly all pantry ingredients, just grab some Italian sausage or use another protein in your pantry and you're ready to go.

Check out this recipe

*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

One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Do you love traditional crispy, cheesy chicken parmesan but don't want to take the time to bread your chicken and cook it all evening? Make this 20 minute, pantry ingredient, one pot chicken parmesan pasta with crispy breadcrumbs instead.

Check out this recipe

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

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