15 Pantry Recipes for Busy Weeknights

A well-stocked pantry means you can always throw together a warm and satisfying meal at the last minute. When you keep a store of basic ingredients— and a list of recipes you can make from them—you will never be caught off guard, whether your kids arrive home demanding food, you're surprised by spontaneous guests, or you just don't want to venture out for ingredients. Take a look at our list of must-have pantry items below for ideas on what to stock in your cupboard, fridge, and freezer. Then, browse the pantry recipes that follow, to get started with easy and delicious weeknight dinners you can whip up with the basics.

For the Cupboard

• Canned tomato products, including diced tomatoes, tomato paste
• Jarred pasta sauce and salsa
• Rice, lentils, whole grains, and assorted pasta shapes
• Canned beans and legumes
• Canned broths and condensed soups
• Canned fish and meats
• Olive and vegetable oil
• Vinegars
• Dried Italian breadcrumbs and panko
• Nuts and dried fruits
• Sauces (unopened), including soy, sriracha, Tabasco, Worcestershire
• Dried herbs and spices
• Salt and pepper
• Baking ingredients, including flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch

For the Fridge

• Anchovy paste
• Olives
• Potatoes, onions, garlic, carrots, celery, lemons
• Milk, heavy cream, sour cream, plain yogurt
• Butter
• Eggs
• Mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup
• Cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese

For the Freezer

• Frozen vegetables, including corn, peas, broccoli, French fries
• Frozen meats, bacon, fish, shellfish
• Frozen pre-cooked meatballs
• Frozen pastry shells
• Frozen burger buns, dinner rolls, sliced bread