Dish Name: Savory Pantry Quinoa Pilaf

Ingredients:

1. 1 cup quinoa
2. 2 cups vegetable broth
3. 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
4. 1 small onion, finely chopped
5. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
6. 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
7. 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. Rinse Quinoa: Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water for about a minute. This helps to remove any bitterness.

2. Sauté Onion: In a medium-sized saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

3. Combine Ingredients: Add the rinsed quinoa to the saucepan, along with the garlic powder and smoked paprika. Stir to combine and toast the quinoa for about 2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Cook Quinoa: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed.

5. Add Chickpeas: Once the quinoa is cooked, add the drained chickpeas. Stir well and allow the mixture to sit for another 5 minutes to heat through the chickpeas and meld the flavors together.

6. Fluff & Serve: Use a fork to fluff the quinoa pilaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve warm as a main dish or a hearty side.

Estimated Prep/Cook Time: 30 minutes

Rustic Honey-Garlic Pantry Pasta

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 oz dried pasta (any shape you have)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon dried herbs (Italian seasoning, oregano, or thyme)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

2. While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

3. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook until fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes.

4. Reduce heat to low and stir in the honey and dried herbs.

5. Add drained pasta to the skillet along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.

6. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit more pasta water to reach desired consistency.

7. Season with salt to taste.

8. Serve immediately in warm bowls.

This simple dish transforms everyday pantry ingredients into a deliciously balanced pasta with sweet, savory, and spicy notes. The honey creates a subtle sweetness that complements the garlic perfectly.

"Pantry Raid Pasta"

A crispy, savory pasta dish made with just 7 basic ingredients you already have!

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta (any type)
• 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp salt (plus more for pasta water)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt.
2. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
3. While pasta cooks, melt butter (or heat oil) in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Add minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
5. Add breadcrumbs to the skillet and toast, stirring frequently, until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes).
6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet, along with the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
7. Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to help everything combine.
8. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan if desired.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Serves: 2-3

Tip: This versatile dish works with any pasta shape. For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or dried herbs if you have them on hand!

Okay, here's a simple and surprisingly satisfying savory dish using just 7 common pantry staples!

Dish Name: Golden Pantry Pasta

This dish uses basic ingredients to create a comforting, garlicky, and slightly creamy pasta sauce with added protein from chickpeas.

Yields: 2 servings Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 15-20 minutes

Ingredients:

1. Pasta: About 6-8 oz (170-225g) of any shape you have (spaghetti, penne, rotini work well)
2. Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons
3. Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon (or more, to taste)
4. Canned Chickpeas: 1 can (15 oz / 425g), drained and rinsed
5. Canned Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz / 411g), undrained
6. Salt: To taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon for the sauce, plus salt for pasta water)
7. Black Pepper: To taste (start with 1/4 teaspoon)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta.
2. Start the Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
3. Add Aromatics: Stir in the garlic powder and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
4. Combine Ingredients: Add the drained chickpeas and the entire can of undrained diced tomatoes to the skillet. Stir everything together.
5. Season and Simmer: Season with salt and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
6. Develop Flavor & Texture: Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. For a slightly creamier texture, use the back of your spoon to gently mash about a quarter of the chickpeas against the side of the skillet as it simmers.
7. Combine & Finish: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
8. Serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately.

Enjoy your delicious and easy Golden Pantry Pasta!

Recipe: "Golden Harvest Honey Glaze Chicken" (Savory Dish)

Ingredients (7 common pantry items):

1. Chicken thighs or breasts (4 pieces)
2. Honey (3 tablespoons)
3. Soy sauce (2 tablespoons)
4. Garlic (2 cloves, minced, or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
5. Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
6. Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
7. Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic (or garlic powder), salt, and black pepper until well combined.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a large zip-lock bag or bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it's evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes in the refrigerator (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
3. Heat the Pan: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and place it in the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
5. Glaze the Chicken: Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, spooning the glaze over the chicken until it thickens slightly and coats the pieces.
6. Serve: Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 2 minutes. Serve hot with rice, vegetables, or your favorite side.

Estimated Prep/Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 5 minutes (plus 15 minutes marinating)
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Why "Golden Harvest Honey Glaze Chicken"? The name reflects the warm, golden color of the honey glaze and the comforting, hearty nature of this dish, evoking the bounty of a harvest meal. This simple yet flavorful recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a sweet-savory masterpiece!

Sun‑Kissed Bean Spaghetti

A bright, one‑pot pasta that turns seven simple pantry staples into a satisfying meal in 20 minutes.

Ingredients (serves 2–3)

1. 8 oz (about 2 cups) dried spaghetti or any pasta
2. 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
3. 1 (15 oz) can beans (cannellini, kidney or chickpeas), drained & rinsed
4. 1 Tbsp olive oil
5. ½ tsp garlic powder
6. 1 tsp dried oregano
7. ½ tsp salt (plus more to taste)

Estimated Time
• Prep: 5 minutes
• Cook: 15 minutes
• Total: 20 minutes

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Stir in garlic powder and dri ed oregano; toast 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in the entire can of diced tomatoes (juices included) and the drained beans. Stir, increase heat to medium‑high, and let simmer 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Taste the sauce and season with ½ tsp salt (adjust to your preference).
5. When pasta is done, reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water, then drain.
6. Add drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat. If it seems too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pa sta water until the sauce clings nicely.
7. Divide between bowls and enjoy straight from the pantry!

Optional garnish (not counted in the 7): a pinch of red pepper flakes or grated cheese, if you have it.

Recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken Bake

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the honey mustard mixture over them, making sure they are evenly coated.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve the honey mustard chicken bake hot with your favorite side dish.

Estimated prep/cook time: 40 minutes.

Dish Name: Sunshine Lemon-Ricotta Mugs

(Sweet & Simple!)

This light and flavorful dessert comes together quickly for a little sweet treat .

Ingredients (7 Common Pantry Staples):

1. Ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim)
2. Granulated sugar
3. Lemon zest (from one lemon)
4. Vanilla extract
5. All-purpose flour
6. Baking powder
7. Large egg

Instructions:

1. Get Mugs Ready: Lightly grease two standard-sized microwaveable mugs with a little butter or cooking spray (don't need an extra ingredient for this if you have it on hand!). 2. Mix Wet: In a medium bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until mostly smooth. 3. Add Dry: Add the flour and baking powder to t he bowl. Gently mix until just combined. Don't overmix!
2. Add Egg: Add the egg to the mixture and whisk until just incorporated. Th e batter will be thick.
3. Fill Mugs: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared mugs.
4. Microwave Magic: Place one mug in the microwave and microwave on high for 1 minute to 1 minute 30 sec onds, or until the edges appear set and the center is mostly firm (it will still be a little soft). Repeat with the second mug. 7. Cool & Enjoy: Let the mugs cool for a minute or two before enjoying. They're delicious warm!

Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 3 minutes (total for 2 mugs)

Okay, here is a simple, delicious savory recipe using only 7 common pantry ingredients.

Dish Name: Sunshine Lentil Soup

This is a bright, comforting soup that's surprisingly flavorful with just a few staples.

Ingredients (7 Total):

1. 1 cup Dried Brown or Green Lentils
2. 4 cups Water (can substitute vegetable or chicken broth if it's a pantry staple for you, but water is universal)
3. 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes
4. 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
5. 1 teaspoon Dried Italian Seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, thyme if you have them)
6. ½ teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
7. ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper (or to taste)

Instructions:

1. Rinse Lentils: Rinse the dried lentils under cold water in a sieve or colander until the water runs clear. This removes any dust or small stones.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized pot, combine the rinsed lentils, water (or broth), canned diced tomatoes (undrained), garlic powder, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Bring to Boil: Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and add more salt and pepper if needed. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash a small portion of the lentils against the side of the pot. If it's too thick, add a splash more water.
6. Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Enjoy your simple, hearty "Sunshine Lentil Soup"!

Estimated Time:

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes

Here is a simple recipe for a delicious sweet dish using only 7 common pantry ingredients:

Cinnamon Sugar Swirl Bites

Ingredients:

1. Refrigerated crescent roll dough
2. Granulated sugar
3. Ground cinnamon
4. Butter, melted
5. Vanilla extract
6. Salt
7. Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate into triangles. Brush each triangle with the melted butter and sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
4. Starting from the wide end, tightly roll up each triangle. Place the rolled-up bites seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown.
6. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
7. In a small bowl, mix together the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
8. Drizzle the vanilla-salt mixture over the warm bites and dust them with powdered sugar.
9. Serve warm and enjoy!

Estimated Prep Time: 10 minutes Estimated Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes

Fiesta in a Bowl: Black Bean, Corn, and Avocado Salad with Lime-Cilantro Dressing

This vibrant salad is a fiesta of flavors and textures, perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or quick dinner. It's packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal. Plus, it only uses 7 common pantry staples, making it easy to whip up on the fly.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 oz) sweet corn, drained
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the black beans, corn, avocado, and red onion.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes for a more flavorful salad.

Estimated prep time: 15 minutes Estimated cook time: 0 minutes

Tips:

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
• To make the salad vegan, substitute olive oil for honey in the dressing.
• This salad is also delicious topped with crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Enjoy your delicious and easy Fiesta in a Bowl!

Here is a 7-ingredient recipe for a sweet dish I'll call "Cinnamon Apple Surprise":

Cinnamon Apple Surprise

Ingredients:

• 3 apples, cored and sliced
• 1⁄4 cup brown sugar
• 1⁄4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1⁄4 tsp nutmeg
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 refrigerated pie crust

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, toss the apple slices with brown sugar, flour, cinnamon and nutmeg until coated.
3. Pour melted butter over apple mixture and stir to coat apples.
4. Roll out pie crust and press into a 9-inch pie plate. Scoop apple mixture into pie crust.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until apples are tender and top is lightly browned.
6. Allow to cool 15 minutes before serving.

Prep time: 10 minutes Bake time: 25-30 minutes Total Time: 35-40 minutes

Enjoy this sweet and cinnamon-y apple surprise! The pie crust adds a nice contrast to the tender spiced apples.