This list of delicious and easy pantry recipes for one will help you out on days when you didn't plan dinner. These recipes use simple ingredients that you can keep on hand for days like this!
[This pantry recipes post was originally created in March 2020. It has been updated with new recipes, expert tips]
Table of contents
- Stock Your Pantry
- Quick tips for easy pantry dinners
- One Pot Meals
- Quick Cooking Seafood
- Plant Based Meals
- Egg Recipes
- Chicken Recipes
- Pasta Recipes
Stock Your Pantry
One of the most helpful tips to make cooking for one easy and doable is to stock your pantry. And what I mean by pantry is really food in your kitchen. Gather essential dried, frozen, refrigerated, and fresh foods.
I know that stocking your kitchen with food can be very expensive, so take as long as you need to build your pantry. Start with the least expensive pantry items (like baking ingredients, beans, rice, etc) and go from there.
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!
But if you want to have these pantry dinner options as a back up and intentionally plan more meals than not, check out my guide on Meal Planning for One.
Having a few favorite pantry meals on hand is really important and helpful, but planning is too.
For example, I have been relying on pantry meals this past week because I just couldn't get myself to plan meals.
I've got plenty of plant and meat proteins, a few grains, but not many easy ways to season or add vegetables/toppings to my meals. They're pretty boring and I wish I planned a bit more.
A couple days here or there is doable, but if you feel (like I do now) that meals are too boring and not something you look forward to, it's time to add back meal planning to your schedule. It can be simple.
Again check out my Meal Planning for One guide.
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 recipes!
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 any vegetable, if you want them. So, if you don't have cauliflower (for example) swap it for broccoli, green beans, etc.
- 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, Cooking for One Recipes, and Single Serving Recipes.
- 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!
One Pot Meals
Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake
Make this cheesy white bean tomato bake for a super easy dinner for one. It takes just 15 minutes and can be made with pantry ingredients and enjoyed with crusty bread.
Check out this recipe
Panko Pork Chop
This 20 minute, one pan panko pork chop with vegetables is such an easy dinner for one. Crispy panko breading adds a nice crunch to a tender pork chop.
Check out this recipe
I keep proteins in the freezer, I currently have a couple pork chops. Get managers special meat and freeze it immediately. It's a great way to save money, reduce food waste, and have more options for your pantry recipes.
White Chicken Chili for One
Make white chicken chili in your slow cooker. Make extra servings for leftovers or one serving for a hands-off dinner.
You can use jarred jalapenos or even green chiles in this soup. Add toppings that you have, cheese, chips, etc would be good in this pantry recipe.
One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Make this 20 minute, pantry ingredient, one pot chicken parmesan pasta with crispy breadcrumbs instead of traditional crispy, cheesy chicken parmesan without the extra time, steps, and mess.
Check out this recipe
Italian Beans for One (Instant Pot)
Italian beans for one is an easy one-pot vegetarian dinner that's cooked in the Instant Pot. Cook white beans from dried to get tender, richly flavored beans. Add some vegetables and enjoy with crusty bread for a full dinner.
Check out this recipe
Add any vegetables that you like or have on hand to this bean dish. It's one of my favorite pantry recipes.
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 or clean up.
Check out this recipe
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.
Check out this recipe
Easy Shrimp Sheet Pan Dinner for One
This easy shrimp and vegetable sheet pan dinner with veggies for one is the perfect weeknight dinner, it takes just 20 minutes and your oven will do 80% of the work.
Check out this recipe
Air Fryer Frozen Salmon for One
This air fryer frozen salmon recipe is an easy 15 minute recipe for days you didn't plan dinner. Add frozen vegetables and fries to the basket and make a whole dinner for one in your air fryer.
Check out this recipe
Serve this salmon with a couple sides that you have. Fries, rice, crusty bread, vegetables, the options are endless.
Single Serving Shrimp Fried Rice
This easy shrimp fried rice for one cooks up in about 10 minutes and can be made with pantry ingredients.
Instant Pot Fish from Frozen
This Instant Pot 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 20 minutes. It's best served hot with this lemon herb couscous. It can even be cooked frozen!
Check out this recipe
Plant Based Meals
Refried 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.
Check out this recipe
French Toast for One
Enjoy this french toast for one recipe any day of the week. It's a great 15 minute recipe that can be enjoyed in the morning or for dinner. It's dipped in a rich custard dip and pan fried to crispy deliciousness.
Check out this recipe
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)
Vegetarian Burrito Bowl
This easy vegetarian burrito bowl is the perfect super quick dinner recipe. You can throw it together in 5-10 minutes, using ingredients you already have in your pantry, with good salsa, it's packed with flavor and doesn't taste thrown together.
Check out this recipe
This burrito bowl is a great recipe to use what you have on hand. It's like a clean out the fridge pantry recipe.
Vegetarian Quesadilla Recipe
This vegetarian quesadilla recipe 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.
Check out this recipe
Panko Tofu
Make panko tofu for one on the stove in 20 minutes (oven and Air Fryer instructions too). The tofu comes out soft with a delicious crispy crunch on the outside. I like to serve it with rice and vegetables and drizzle soy sauce and sweet chili sauce over.
Check out this recipe
Protein Mac and Cheese for One
Protein mac and cheese recipe for one is silky, creamy, cheesy, and ready in 20 minutes. One secret ingredient in this pasta recipe adds silkiness and protein without changing the taste of classic, delicious macaroni and cheese.
Check out this recipe
Lentil Spinach Curry for One
This easy and delicious lentil spinach curry recipe for one 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.
Check out this recipe
A can of tomatoes, lentils, rice and any vegetables you have on hand make this curry easy and tasty. This versatile pantry recipe is easy and very tasty. It's also easy to make a few more servings for leftovers.
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!
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.
Check out this recipe
*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.
Egg Recipes
Microwave Egg in a Cup
Easy microwave egg in a cup (or mug or bowl) is a super quick breakfast. Cook 1.5-2 minutes for fluffy souffle-like eggs. Add whatever toppings you like for a quick tasty breakfast in less than 10 minutes from start to finish.
Check out this recipe
Apple Omelette with Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Jump into New England fall with this delicious apple omelette with sharp cheddar cheese for a protein punch.
Check out this recipe
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 recipes.
Chicken Recipes
Baked Panko Chicken for One
This panko chicken is very easy to make, throw some potato wedges and vegetables in with it to make a one pan dinner. Depending on how thin the chicken breast is, it can cook in about 15-20 minutes. A mayonnaise coating seals in the juices so it's not dry.
Check out this recipe
Instant Pot Chicken and Yellow Rice for One
Need a super easy single serving 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.
Check out this recipe
Healthy Chicken Salad Sandwich
All you need is 10 minutes to assemble this chicken salad pita, thanks to precooked chicken. Eat it over a bed of lettuce, over whole grain bread, or just off a spoon.
Check out this recipe
This easy chicken salad can be adapted to use what you have. Use a pita if you have it, enjoy it over salad if you've got greens, or serve between bread slices. The best way to make pantry recipes is to adapt them to use what you have.
Pasta Recipes
Light Pasta Carbonara
This healthy carbonara pasta 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. Making substitutions in these pantry recipes is important to not have to go to the store!
Single Serving Mac and Cheese
Dinner is just 15 minutes away with this easy single serving mac and cheese. It's versatile, delicious, and made with a handful of pantry ingredients. Enjoy it as is or add a side for a filling meal.
Check out this recipe
Canned Tomato Pasta
Make this easy canned tomato pasta with pantry ingredients. It comes together in just 15 minutes and doesn't taste like you threw it together. Freshly cooked pasta, a can of tomatoes, Italian seasoning, basil, and Italian sausage are delicious in this meal.
Check out this recipe
*substitution ideas: if you don't have sausage, swap for ground beef, or quick cooking chicken tenders, or leave the meat out. You can do this with lots of quick pantry recipes.
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)
Did you make any of these pantry recipes? Leave me a comment & rating to share how it turned out!
