What to eat this week, pantry edition!
Mostly pantry-friendly ideas this week. I’ve also put together a more comprehensive post with additional dinner ideas, plus extra breakfasts and lunches for anyone working from home. My biggest tip: don’t skip a recipe just because you’re missing one or two ingredients—you can usually swap something or simplify. If you have questions about any recipe, leave a comment or send a message on Instagram.
Easy meals you can mostly make from the pantry
Start with a soup. Make a large batch—double it if you can—and give half to family or freeze it for later. Choose brothy soups that freeze well, without noodles that will soak up liquid. Options include chicken taco soup, minestrone, or a classic tomato soup. For a quick idea, a simple ramen with shredded chicken is fast, comforting and pantry-friendly.
Homemade Spaghettios are fast, filling and kid-friendly. Add a batch of meatballs or a slow-cooker turkey meatball recipe if you want extra protein. Paired with a simple house salad, it makes for a comforting, complete meal.
Slow-roasted sweet potatoes with spicy garlic chickpeas are a great pantry-forward vegetarian option—warm, satisfying and full of flavor. They store well and reheat nicely.
Black beans and tortillas turn into crunchy baked taquitos that everyone will love. Serve with salsa or add rotisserie chicken if you need more meat on the plate.
Sheet-pan nacho chicken is incredibly versatile. Roast chicken breasts or thighs, then shred and use in tacos, enchiladas, salads, or bowls. It freezes well and makes multiple meals. Similarly, a batch of turkey taco meat is a great multipurpose pantry staple.
Sheet-pan gnocchi is a crowd-pleaser and easy to customize—add sausage, extra vegetables, or use frozen veg. The key to great roasting is not crowding the pan so the ingredients brown instead of steam.
Spicy peanut noodles are perfect right now. Any long noodle works; toss with roasted (or frozen) broccoli and add shrimp or chicken to boost protein. The sauce keeps well and makes leftovers very tasty.
Side dishes to round out meals
Here are a few standout side dishes that store and reheat well:
- Crispy smashed potatoes—versatile, easy, and a crowd favorite.
- Spaghetti squash parmesan—hearty enough to be a main if you like, and squash keeps a long time in the pantry or cellar.
- Pineapple cashew fried rice—use canned pineapple and leftover rice for an easy, flavorful meal.
- Corn and cheddar quinoa—simple, tasty, and a great make-ahead side.
Lunch ideas for working at home
For lunches, consider a collection of make-ahead salads and bowls. A chickpea salad is excellent for lunch—mix in whatever herbs, tomatoes, or corn you have on hand; the dressing makes it. Egg salad is another reliable classic that keeps well in the fridge. Slow-roasted tomato farro is hearty and stretches for several lunches—roasting tomatoes concentrates their flavor, especially with grape tomatoes.
Breakfasts that save time
If you have kids at home, a big pan of baked oatmeal is an easy, filling option everyone will enjoy. Quiche is another great make-ahead breakfast—store slices in the fridge for quick mornings or pack for lunch. Other simple breakfasts include immunity-boosting smoothies, peanut butter overnight oats, homemade coffee syrups to flavor your at-home brew, breakfast tacos, or breakfast fried rice for a savory morning meal.
Treats and snacks to make at home
Some easy snack and treat ideas to keep on hand:
- No-bake peanut butter oatmeal bites—quick, portable, and freezer-friendly.
- Salted brown butter chocolate chip cookie bars—easy to slice and share.
- Sour cream coffee cake—for slower mornings and dunking with coffee.
- A loaded party mix that lasts—great for nibbling and easy to customize.
- Chipotle caramel Chex mix—for a sweet-and-spicy snack that keeps well.
I’d love to hear what’s on your menu this week and how you’re planning meals right now. Share your favorites or ask for swaps—happy to help you adapt recipes to what you have on hand.