A
A
A
We are all looking for quick dinner ideas to put on the table for ourselves and our families this week, right? With everything that is happening in the world today, everybody has a lot on their plates. Juggling our jobs, our kids’ e-learning responsibilities, and the regular household chores has us stretched to the limit, and to top it all off, everybody is hungry?!
You don’t need to look any further because we’ve got you covered. Read on to check out our top ten recipes that are easy, delicious, and best of all use the basic ingredients that most of us already have in our fridges and pantries. Go ahead and scan the list we have below, and chances are you will be able to put a tasty meal out on the table without having to dash off to the grocery store first. Bon appetit!
1. Spaghetti Carbonara
Ingredients: Pasta, bacon, egg, cheese, cream, herbs, spices
Read More »
A little bit of comfort food can go a long way, and you likely have all these ingredients in your kitchen. What can be more pleasant than a big bowl of creamy rich pasta? Spaghetti Carbonara is really simple to whip up and will be a go-to recipe in your future. Pairing it with a simple vegetable is a nice call.
2. Garlic Ginger Shrimp
Ingredients: Shrimp, garlic, ginger, honey, soy sauce, herbs
Seafood can be a little overwhelming for beginner cooks, but it is really an easy protein to learn to make. This flavorful marinade is made up of pantry staples but packs a major punch of flavor. A simple green salad pairs well with this meal, so take a look at what you have in your fridge.
3. Creamy Chicken Marsala
Ingredients: Chicken, white wine, mushrooms, butter, cream
This is a dish you usually reserve for ordering in a nice Italian restaurant, but did you know you could make it in the comfort of your own kitchen? Just grab a handful of these basic ingredients and make a batch of egg noodles. In no time at all, dinner is served. Why go through the hassle of going out when you can have restaurant quality meals at home?
4. Black Bean Soup
Ingredients: Black beans, salsa, cilantro, cumin, onion
This soup could not be more simple, and it barely requires any simmer time. Using salsa really packs a flavor lunch quickly without having to mince a lot of veggies making for super easy prep. Using canned beans shaves an hour or two off your cook time as well. Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
5. Ramen Re-Imagined
Ingredients: Ramen, mushrooms, onions, spinach, eggs & other toppings (optional)
Not only is ramen all the rage across the globe for its rich broth and comforting aroma, but also it one of the most budget-friendly dishes around. A pack of ramen costs around a quarter, and you can customize it based in what you have in your pantry or refrigerator. So many herbs and veggies are appropriate to toss into ramen soup, and if you are very daring you can toss an egg in there at the end! The simmering broth will cook it and give the entire soup a creamy texture.
6. Easy Pasta Salad
Ingredients: Pasta, mozzarella, arugula, veggies, olive oil, vinegar, spices and herbs
Pasta salad is a fresh and yummy meal that works for lunches or quick dinners and takes minimal prep time. One cool thing about this recipe – and many on this page – is that you can customize it based on the veggies you have in the fridge. Many things work as substitutions for salads and soups, so don’t be hemmed in by what the recipe says. If you see something that might be a good addition, go for it! Make a big batch and store half in the fridge for quick lunches this week.
7. Easy 5-Ingredient Hash
Ingredients: Tri-tip, potatoes, onion, olive oil, peppers, herbs, spices
If you happen to have any tri-tip laying around and you’re not sure what to do with it, here’s a wonderful suggestion. Don’t let that good steak go to waste! This is one of those easy meals that you’ll find yourself going back to again and again. It’s hot, rich and comforting, and everybody has a few potatoes hanging around that could be a perfect base for this hash.
8. Balsamic Glazed Salmon
Ingredients: Salmon, dijon, white wine, honey, balsamic, rosemary (optional)
Salmon has a strong flavor so you will want to create a glaze or marinade that will compliment it. Luckily is combo of flavors is simple and uses basic ingredients you will likely have on-hand. You’ll just need to sauté a quick side veggie such as asparagus or broccoli, and you have a nutritious and succulent ready in just minutes. Don’t get stuck in the chicken five nights a week track – keep your menus varied and healthy by adding in seafood each week.
9. Kale Salad
Ingredients: Kale, apple cider vinegar, almond butter, agave, soy sauce/tamari
Sometimes whipping up a fresh salad seems daunting if you don’t have a particular theme for it. Luckily this salad is simple and packs a nutritious punch. The best part is you most likely have all the basic ingredients you need to make it this afternoon. No need to have a fatty salad dressing for this dish because you’ll be making your own dressing easily and quickly.
This is a dish you can simply toss in your slow cooker and forget about it until the timer goes off. It couldn’t be easier, and you probably have everything you need in your fridge or cupboards. The only thing you’ll need to do is make a quick salad or pot of rice to go along with this moist, rich chicken. A slow cooker can be an invaluable tool for the chef with time constraints.
Final Thoughts On Family-friendly Recipes Using Your Pantry
When you get home from a long day at work, or you glance at the clock after another day of sheltering in place and you notice it’s dinnertime, keep this list handy and bookmarked. We can have you up and cooking a delightful spread for yourself or your family using just a handful of common ingredients in no time. A fresh, delicious and quick dinner is only minutes away!
