Easy One Pan Dinner Recipes Using Only Pantry Staples

We all have those nights. You look in the fridge and see nothing but a jar of mustard and some old celery. You want to cook, but you don't want to wash five different pans. That's where simple one pan dinner recipes save the day. You don't need to spend hours at the grocery store. You can make a great meal tonight using what's already in your cupboard.

Let's look at how you can turn simple ingredients into a warm meal. You'll save money, and you'll save time on cleanup. What's not to love about that?

Why Pantry Dinner Recipes Save Your Budget

Cooking from your pantry is a smart way to live. It helps you use up food before it goes bad. We often buy canned goods and forget they're there. Those black beans and diced tomatoes can become the star of your plate.

Using pantry staples also keeps you from ordering expensive takeout. When you're tired, the urge to order food is strong. A quick one pan meal is cheaper and healthier.

The Twenty Minute Chickpea and Tomato Skillet

This meal is cheap and full of protein. You only need a can of chickpeas, a can of diced tomatoes, and some spices. If you have garlic and olive oil, you're ready to start.

First, heat olive oil in a skillet. Add garlic if you have it. Pour in one drained can of chickpeas. Let them cook for five minutes until they turn slightly brown.

Next, pour in the whole can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Add a spoonful of dried oregano, some salt, and black pepper. Let everything simmer on medium heat. The tomato juice will thicken and coat the chickpeas in a rich sauce.

If you have frozen spinach, throw a handful in at the end. Serve this warm skillet with a slice of bread to soak up the juices.

One Pot Cheesy Pasta and Broccoli

Many people think you need to boil pasta in a separate pot. That's not true. You can cook pasta directly in the sauce. This trick saves you from washing a heavy colander.

For this recipe, you need short pasta like penne or rotini. You also need water or broth, frozen broccoli florets, and shredded cheese. If you want to save even more time during the week, check out our guide on quick meal prep to get ahead of your cooking. It makes weeknight dinners feel like a breeze.

Put two cups of dry pasta in your skillet. Add two and a half cups of water. Bring the liquid to a boil, stirring often so it doesn't stick.

Once the liquid boils, lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the pan and let it cook for eight minutes. Now, add one cup of frozen broccoli florets right on top. Cover the pan again for another four minutes.

Once the pasta is soft, stir in half a cup of cheddar cheese. The cheese will melt into a creamy sauce. Stir well and eat.

Easy Black Bean and Rice Skillet

This is another quick meal that feels like comfort food. It uses instant rice, canned black beans, and your favorite jar of salsa. It's warm, filling, and packed with fiber.

Heat a little oil in your skillet. Add one can of drained black beans and one cup of salsa. Stir until they start to bubble.

Next, add one cup of instant rice and one cup of water. Stir everything well so the rice is fully wet. Bring the liquid to a boil, then cover the pan with a lid. Turn off the heat.

Let the pan sit covered for five minutes. The rice will absorb the liquid. Fluff with a fork and top with some cheese.

Tips for Making One Pan Meals Work Every Time

You don't need fancy tools to make these recipes. A good heavy skillet is your best friend here. A cast iron pan or a deep non stick frying pan works best because they hold heat well.

Always keep a lid nearby. Many one pan meals need to be covered to trap the steam. This steam is what cooks the rice or pasta without drying out the dish. If your pan doesn't have a lid, use a baking sheet instead.

Do not fear spices. Pantry staples can taste plain on their own. Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder are essential. Taste your food as you cook and add more spices if it tastes bland.

Cooking doesn't have to be hard or messy. Keeping your pantry stocked with beans, rice, pasta, and canned tomatoes means you always have a backup plan. Next time you feel tired, don't reach for your phone to order food. Grab a single pan and see what you can create.