15 Pantry Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Frozen pre-cooked meatballs and jarred pasta sauce make this skillet pasta so easy to prepare. The whole meal cooks in one pan on your stovetop for a filling, hot and cheesy spaghetti dinner with minimal clean-up.

Two popular family casseroles come together in this hearty tuna macaroni and cheese bake that makes a satisfying weeknight dinner. Creamy condensed soup and shredded cheddar cheese give it plenty of richness, with canned tuna adding healthy protein and omega-3s.

Use bacon instead of pancetta in this simple 30-minute risotto with a beautiful balance of fresh and creamy. The rice cooks in the bacon drippings along with white wine, shallots, chicken stock, peas, and Parmesan cheese for a rich-tasting dish that's out of this world.

Canned beans and tomatoes form the base of this nutritious vegan chili that cooks in just half an hour and freezes well for a wonderful make-ahead meal. You can omit the bell pepper if you don't have it, or feel free to toss in any fresh or frozen veggies from your fridge.

Canned salmon is used in these crunchy-on-the-outside salmon burgers that you can enjoy either on their own or tucked into a fluffy roll or burger bun. Make it a complete pub-style dinner with a side of French fries or potato salad.

Baked ziti is a popular potluck casserole that makes a fabulous weeknight family dinner. Canned chicken adds flavor and protein to a creamy baked pasta that requires just a handful of ingredients. Use cheddar cheese instead of the suggested Muenster for a super kid-friendly meal.

When you're craving breakfast for dinner, but want something filling, make this cheesy pasta frittata, ready in just 20 minutes. All you need is some eggs, cooked pasta, chopped onion, whatever cheese is on hand, and a few basic seasonings.

Your family is sure to enjoy this winning dinner soup with all the delicious flavors of loaded baked potatoes. The creamy soup—filled with bits of crispy bacon, diced onion, and cheddar cheese—uses pantry staples, but tastes anything but basic.

Canned salmon can be substituted for leftover fish in this delicious recipe, without sacrificing flavor. The luxurious salmon spaghetti carbonara with bacon, egg yolks, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and peas is quick and easy enough for busy weeknights, but special enough to serve drop-in guests.

An elegant salmon quiche makes a nice light dinner. Prepare it ahead with basic pantry ingredients—including canned water-packed salmon, and a prepared unbaked pastry shell—and freeze it for a tasty meal you can heat and serve anytime.

Kids love sloppy Joes and this essential family recipe is always a crowd-pleaser. Saucy ground beef is piled onto burger buns for a tasty and filling dinner you can get on the table quickly. Use defrosted frozen beef to make it, thawing meat in the fridge overnight.

Whip up this low-fat, protein-rich bean soup on cooler days when you're craving a warming bowl of goodness. It's quick and easy to make in just 15 minutes with canned black beans, vegetable broth, jarred salsa, and chili powder.

The creamy soup has a surprising secret—it's made from canned tomatoes. Enjoy a warming bowl with crackers, rolls, or buttered toast, for a soul-soothing, weeknight dinner any time of year.

Move frozen fillets into the fridge to thaw in the morning. Then come home and assemble this 30-minute fish dish with a crispy Parmesan breadcrumb coating For a complete meal, serve with hot rice or noodles and some cooked frozen peas or corn.

White beans and pasta shells are simmered in a tasty, Italian-seasoned tomato sauce with dried or fresh herbs, for a protein-packed weeknight dinner that uses basic pantry ingredients, fills up hungry stomachs, and is easy on your budget.