Easy and Practical Pantry Recipes

When running out to the store (or running out anywhere) is not an option, having a few easy and practical pantry recipes to lean into can really save the day.  Ok, maybe it doesn't exactly save the day, but at least mealtime can be one less thing to worry about.

I've gone through some of my previous recipes and pulled together this roundup of some of my easiest recipes that require only a handful of easy to find ingredients.

I've made some suggestions below these pictures (along with their recipe links) that will make them simpler to do without putting their tastiness in jeopardy.  For instance, here's how to make the Fettuccini Carbonara recipe easy.  Instead of making your own pasta → use any shape or size boxed pasta.

Easy and Practical Pantry Recipes

Fettuccini Carbonara

Simplify the recipe by using these subsitutions:

Switch out the shallot → use ½ onion; heavy cream → use regular milk; instead of making your own pasta → use any shape or size boxed pasta.

Frittata

If you have any leftover pasta, throw it into your frittata.  It's delicious, more substantial and a meal you can really sink your teeth into!  In fact, frittatas are great for almost any leftovers.

With or without pasta, you can put almost any veggie or chopped meat into it and come out with a fantastic dish.

Black Beans and Rice

This is my mom's recipe and one that takes me straight back to being a kid.

It's comfort food at it's finest and super easy to make.  I make it with a can of black beans but you can make it with a can of kidney, pinto or cannellini beans.    If you don't have any sheri on hand, leave it out and don't worry about it. It's a great touch, but this is still a wonderful dish with out it.

Honey glazed carrots

Got a bag of carrots you don't know what to do with?  Simplify this recipe by leaving out the turmeric and ginger.  No honey?  No problem, you can use 1 tablespoon molasses or sprinkle them with a teaspoon of brown sugar.

The lemon and parsley are a nice touch, but both are optional too.

M Salad

Switch out Romain lettuce → any lettuce; pine nuts → toasted pecans or almonds, or leave the nuts out altogether;  white wine vinegar → red wine or regular white vinegar. 

Egg muffins

These are very similar to frittatas except you make them in a muffin tin.  No fresh herbs on hand?  Add 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning.  Use any cheese or veggies you have or none at all.

You can also add 1-2 cups of chopped sausage, ham, bacon, or cooked beef to this recipe.  If you go cheese, meat or veggie-less, beef up the flavor by adding 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs.  I love adding cooked pasta (about 2 cups) to these too.  Leftover white, brown or wild rice (about 1 ½ cup) would be tasty too!

Meatloaf