Let’s be honest: some nights, dinner feels like a puzzle you forgot how to solve. You’re tired, hungry, and tempted to order takeout (again). But you know what saves me? A well-stocked pantry.
These are the go-to staples I always keep on hand, the ones that turn “I have nothing to make” into “Dinner’s ready in 20 minutes.”
🍝Pasta (Any Shape, Any Time)
Dry pasta is the ultimate weeknight hero. Whether it's spaghetti, penne, or even orzo, it cooks fast and works with just about anything.
Quick Fix Ideas:
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Toss with olive oil, garlic, and chili flakes
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Add canned tomatoes for instant marinara
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Stir in tuna, capers, and lemon zest for a Mediterranean twist
🍅Tinned Tomatoes
Whole, crushed, diced, or paste, they’re endlessly useful. They form the base of sauces, soups, stews, and even shakshuka.
Why I Love Them:
They add depth and flavour with zero prep. Keep a few varieties on hand and you’re always halfway to something hearty.
🌮Tinned Beans
Black beans, chickpeas, white beans, they’re budget-friendly, protein-packed, and ready in seconds.
Dinner Lifesavers:
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Toss in a skillet with veggies and rice
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Mash for tacos or wraps
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Add to soup for instant substance
🍚Rice & Grains
Brown rice, jasmine, quinoa, farro, a mix of quick and slow-cooking options means you can always bulk up a meal.
Go-To Combos:
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Rice bowls with roasted veggies + a fried egg
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Quinoa salad with canned beans and vinaigrette
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Stir-fry with frozen veggies and leftover proteins
🥫Coconut Milk
This little can is my shortcut to creamy, flavourful dinners, especially when I don’t want dairy.
Try It With:
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Curry (add curry paste + veggies)
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Simmered lentils or chickpeas
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Soups with a touch of lime and spice
🌶️Spice Blends
Individual spices are great, but ready-made blends like taco seasoning, Italian herbs, or garam masala make cooking faster and tastier.
Why It Matters:
Flavour is the key to making simple food exciting. These blends save me when I can’t think straight but still want something delicious.
🧄Garlic & Onion (Fresh or Frozen)
They’re the building blocks of almost every savoury dish. When I’m out of fresh, frozen chopped onion or garlic paste in a tube are life-savers.
Pro Tip:
Sautéing garlic and onion instantly makes your kitchen smell like you know what you’re doing, even if you’re winging it.
🧂Broth or Bouillon
Whether boxed or in cubes/paste form, broth gives body to soups, grains, and sauces.
Speedy Uses:
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Simmer rice or quinoa in broth for extra flavour
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Deglaze a pan for a quick pan sauce
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Add to canned beans or lentils for an instant stew
🍋Lemon Juice + Vinegar
A splash of acid can completely transform a flat-tasting dish. Lemon juice (bottled or fresh) and vinegars like balsamic or red wine are essential.
When I Use Them:
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Finishing soups and pastas
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Homemade salad dressings
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Marinades or glaze for meat/veggies
🥫Nut Butters or Tahini
These aren’t just for toast, they add creamy richness to sauces, stir-fries, or even dressings.
Easy Idea:
Mix peanut butter with soy sauce, lime juice, and a bit of honey for an amazing noodle sauce or veggie dip.
Weeknights are busy, but your cupboards can do more than you think. With just a few smart staples, you can throw together fast, nourishing meals without the stress (or the delivery fees). These are the items that rescue my dinners again and again and I hope they help you too.