Easy Pantry Pasta

Some of the best meals come together when you don’t have a plan. This pantry pasta recipe is proof that a well-stocked kitchen can turn last-minute dinners into something seriously satisfying. With simple Mediterranean staples like olives, artichoke hearts, and pesto, it’s bright, briny, and full of flavor no fancy ingredients or grocery runs required.

Whether you're cooking for one or feeding a family, this recipe is endlessly flexible and perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 1/2 red onion, diced

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juice)

• 1/3 cup chicken stock or white wine

• 1/3 cup assorted olives, pitted and roughly chopped

• 1 jar artichoke hearts, drained and halved

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 8 ounces pasta (any kind), cooked al dente and drained

• 2 to 3 tablespoons jarred pesto

• 1/2 cup crumbled or fork-chunked feta

• 3 tablespoons pine nuts, dry-toasted

Instructions

1. Sauté the aromatics:
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced red onion and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.

2. Build the sauce:
   Add the canned tomatoes with their juice, chicken stock (or white wine), olives, artichoke hearts, and minced garlic. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir to combine, then reduce heat to low and let simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Add the pasta:
   Toss the cooked pasta directly into the skillet. Stir until the noodles are coated with the sauce.

4. Mix in the pesto and feta:
   Spoon in the pesto and stir gently to distribute. Add in the feta and let it warm slightly without fully melting this keeps the texture rich and creamy.

5. Finish and serve:
   Top with toasted pine nuts just before serving for a nutty crunch that complements the creamy, briny flavors.

Tips & Swaps

• No feta? Try goat cheese or even a sprinkle of Parmesan.

• Make it vegetarian: Use veggie broth instead of chicken stock.

• Want more protein? Add in canned chickpeas, grilled chicken, or a fried egg.

• Use what you have: Sun-dried tomatoes, capers, or roasted red peppers all work well in this dish.

Why Pantry Pasta Works

Pasta is a global comfort food, and its versatility makes it ideal for "throw-together" meals like this one. A 2023 survey found that 68% of Americans keep pasta stocked in their pantry at all times and it’s easy to see why. With a few jarred or canned ingredients, you’ve got a hearty, satisfying dish that can be on the table in under 30 minutes.

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