Quick Dinners & Pantry Staples

Now that school is in full swing, extracurriculars are consuming our lives, and germs are being passed around…quick dinners have become the norm around here.  I definitely love pouring my heart into preparing meals for friends and family, but most often I just don’t have the time or energy during the week to be very elaborate.  Healthy, yummy meals are still my top priority…but there are plenty of meals that can be prepared quickly and are still healthy.

Quinoa, Jasmine rice, and various types of pasta are always in my pantry.  Quinoa bowls are a weekly occurrence in my house.  It is easy to cook and easy to flavor.  Some of my favorite quinoa bowls are chicken fried quinoa, creamy chicken and quinoa, and this Teriyaki and broccoli quinoa bowl.

To recreate this quinoa bowl, just cook quinoa according to the package, steam broccoli, and cook diced chicken breast in your favorite Teriyaki sauce.  Easy peasy like my 6 year old would say.

Items Always in My Pantry

Various types of pasta (both whole wheat and regular)

Toasted Quinoa

Cream of _____________ Soup

Tomato Sauce and Paste

Chicken and Beef Stock (occasionally Vegetable Stock for meatless meals)

Beans-black, pinto, garbanzo, chickpeas

Olive and Avocado Oils

Marinara

Avocados

Various Citrus Fruits-usually Lemons and Limes

Black Chia Seeds

Justin’s Peanut Butter

Dried Fruits-Figs, Unsweetened Cranberries, Apricots

Various Nuts-Almonds, Pinenuts, Walnuts, Macadamia Nuts

Various Vegetables-Onions, Garlic, Sweet Potatoes

Items Always in My Fridge

Heavy Cream and/or Half and Half

Cream Cheese and/or Mascarpone Cheese

Fresh Herbs-usually Basil, Chives, and Cilantro

Fresh Fruit-Apples, Grapes, Strawberries

Various Cheeses-Cheddar, Fresh Mozzarella, Parmesan

Plain Greek Yogurt

Low Sodium Soy Sauce

Teriyaki Sauce

Worcestershire Sauce

Various Vegetables-Carrots, Celery, Broccoli

Leafy Greens-Spinach, Romaine, Arugula

Raw Flour Tortilla Shells

Items Always in My Freezer

Chicken Breasts

Ground Protein-Beef, Turkey, Chicken

Pork Tenderloin/Roast

Beef Roast

Frozen Fruits

Frozen Vegetables-Green Beans, Vegetable Mix, Corn, Broccoli

 

With these items, just about any quick recipe can be created…chicken alfredo, broccoli beef, BBQ pulled pork.  I have a lot of other staples in my kitchen as well (baking goods, spices).  But a lot of items come and go.  I will purchase and use something and not replace it right away.  Anything on my staples list is constantly being used and replaced when gone.  What are some of your staples for your kitchen?  Do you have anything that isn’t on my list that you absolutely couldn’t live without?  Hope y’all are having any amazing week.

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