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5 EASY Pantry Meals & Pro Tips for Building Your Perfect Working Pantry on a BUDGET!

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In The Kitchen With Momma Mel
In The Kitchen With Momma Mel
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5 recipes
vegetarian

Originating from Italy, Pantry Pasta is a staple dish that showcases the beauty of simple ingredients. Traditionally made with just garlic, olive oil, and pasta, it reflects the Italian philosophy of using what you have on hand to create a delicious meal. This dish is often enjoyed as a quick weeknight dinner, and its flexibility allows for various adaptations, making it a favorite in homes around the world.

Ingredients

  • spaghetti
  • olive oil
  • garlic
  • red pepper flakes
  • parsley
  • parmesan cheese
  • salt
  • black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Boil water in a large pot and add salt until it tastes like the sea.
  2. 2Add spaghetti to boiling water and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. 3While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  4. 4Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
  5. 5Stir in red pepper flakes and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
  6. 6Reserve some pasta water and drain the spaghetti when done.
  7. 7Add drained spaghetti to the skillet with garlic oil.
  8. 8Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a sauce.
  9. 9Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  10. 10Stir in chopped parsley and toss again to combine.
  11. 11Serve immediately, topped with grated parmesan cheese.

Ingredient Alternatives

parmesan cheese

Healthier: nutritional yeast

Cheaper: pecorino cheese

Nutritional yeast is lower in calories and adds a cheesy flavor.

olive oil

Healthier: avocado oil

Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is often less expensive and has a neutral flavor.

Techniques

boilingsautéing

Equipment

large potskilletcolandertongs
🌶️🌶️🌶️Mediumglutendairy

Also Known As

Pasta Aglio e OlioSpaghetti Aglio e Olio

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lime, juiced

Instructions

  1. 1In a large pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  2. 2Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. 3Add the chicken breasts to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
  4. 4Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
  5. 5Stir in the white beans, diced green chilies, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  6. 6Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream and lime juice until well combined.
  7. 7Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  8. 8Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Equipment

large potmeasuring cupsmeasuring spoonscutting boardknife
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

Originating from Italian cuisine, tortellini are small pasta filled with meat or cheese, often served in broth. This comforting soup combines the heartiness of chicken and the richness of tortellini, making it a popular choice in American households, especially during colder months. Today, variations abound, with many adding vegetables or using different broths, reflecting personal tastes and dietary needs.

Ingredients

  • chicken
  • tortellini
  • carrots
  • celery
  • onion
  • garlic
  • chicken broth
  • spinach
  • olive oil
  • Italian seasoning
  • bay leaves
  • parmesan cheese
  • salt
  • black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. 2Add diced onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. 3Stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. 4Pour in chicken broth and add bay leaves; bring to a boil.
  5. 5Add chicken and tortellini; cook until tortellini is tender, about 5-7 minutes.
  6. 6Stir in spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
  7. 7Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  8. 8Remove bay leaves before serving.
  9. 9Serve hot, garnished with parmesan cheese.

Ingredient Alternatives

chicken

Healthier: turkey

Cheaper: canned chicken

Turkey is leaner, while canned chicken saves prep time.

tortellini

Healthier: whole wheat tortellini

Cheaper: pasta

Whole wheat adds fiber, while pasta is more economical.

chicken broth

Healthier: vegetable broth

Cheaper: water with bouillon cubes

Vegetable broth is lower in calories, while bouillon is budget-friendly.

parmesan cheese

Healthier: nutritional yeast

Cheaper: grated cheese blend

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free, while a blend can be less expensive.

Techniques

sautéingboiling

Equipment

large potladlecutting boardknife
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowglutendairy

Also Known As

Tortellini SoupChicken Soup with Tortellini
vegetarianvegangluten-free

Rice and beans is a staple dish in Brazil, often enjoyed as a comforting meal that reflects the country's diverse culinary heritage. Traditionally served alongside meats or as a vegetarian option, it embodies the spirit of Brazilian home cooking. Today, variations exist across Latin America, with each region adding its unique twist, making it a beloved dish worldwide.

Ingredients

  • rice
  • black beans
  • onion
  • garlic
  • bell pepper
  • olive oil
  • bay leaves
  • cumin
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • cilantro
  • lime
  • water
  • vegetable broth
  • tomato
  • green onions

Instructions

  1. 1Rinse black beans under cold water and soak overnight in water.
  2. 2Drain soaked beans and place them in a pot with fresh water and bay leaves.
  3. 3Bring beans to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until tender, about 1-1.5 hours.
  4. 4In a separate pot, heat olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
  5. 5Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic, sautéing until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  6. 6Stir in cumin, salt, and black pepper, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
  7. 7Add diced tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to break down.
  8. 8In a separate pot, bring vegetable broth and water to a boil.
  9. 9Add rice to the boiling liquid, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender.
  10. 10Once beans are tender, drain and remove bay leaves, then add beans to the sautéed vegetable mixture.
  11. 11Stir to combine and cook for an additional 5 minutes to meld flavors.
  12. 12Fluff cooked rice with a fork and serve topped with the rice and beans mixture.
  13. 13Garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced green onions.
  14. 14Squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish before serving.
gluten

Taco Mac and Cheese blends the comforting essence of American mac and cheese with the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine. This dish is a modern take on classic comfort food, often made for family dinners or gatherings. It showcases how culinary traditions can evolve, creating beloved dishes that resonate across cultures. Today, variations abound, with many adding different proteins or vegetables to suit personal tastes.

Ingredients

  • elbow macaroni
  • ground beef
  • taco seasoning
  • onion
  • garlic
  • bell pepper
  • black beans
  • corn
  • cheddar cheese
  • monterey jack cheese
  • cream cheese
  • sour cream
  • canned tomatoes
  • jalapeños
  • cilantro

Instructions

  1. 1Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. 2In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  3. 3Add chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. 4Stir in taco seasoning and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. 5Add black beans, corn, and canned tomatoes to the skillet. Mix well and simmer for 5 minutes.
  6. 6In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni, meat mixture, cream cheese, sour cream, and half of the cheddar and monterey jack cheeses. Stir until well combined.
  7. 7Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  8. 8Transfer the macaroni mixture to a greased baking dish and spread evenly.
  9. 9Top with remaining cheddar and monterey jack cheeses, and jalapeños if desired.
  10. 10Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  11. 11Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
  12. 12Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

cream cheese

Healthier: Greek yogurt

Cheaper: ricotta cheese

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess

cheddar cheese

Healthier: reduced-fat cheddar

Cheaper: colby cheese

Colby cheese is often less expensive and melts well.

sour cream

Healthier: plain yogurt

Cheaper: creme fraiche

Plain yogurt provides a similar tangy flavor.

ground beef

Healthier: ground turkey

Cheaper: ground chicken

Ground chicken is often cheaper and lower in fat.

Techniques

boilingsautéingbaking

Equipment

large potlarge skilletbaking dishcolandermixing bowl
🌶️🌶️🌶️Hotmilkeggs

Also Known As

Taco Pasta BakeTex-Mex Mac and Cheese

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