Ella's Pantry

All Recipes

994 recipes found

Tuna Patties

Tuna Patties

These tuna patties have become a weeknight favorite in my kitchen because they're ready in under twenty minutes and honestly cost just a few dollars to make. I love that canned tuna is packed with omega 3 fatty acids that are great for your heart and brain, plus it means no special shopping required. The bright lemon juice and fresh herbs keep things from tasting fishy, and that little kick of hot sauce adds so much flavor without any fuss. They're crispy on the outside, tender inside, and perfect with just some lemon wedges on the side.

18 mins
Nut-Free
Chicken à la King

Chicken à la King

This elegant chicken à la king is one of my go to dishes when I want something that feels fancy but comes together in under an hour. The beauty of this recipe is how simple it actually is, despite tasting like you spent all afternoon cooking. Sautéed mushrooms and tender chicken in a creamy, wine infused sauce make this absolutely comforting, and the mushrooms bring wonderful umami flavor plus beneficial compounds that support immune health. It's perfect for using up leftover chicken, which keeps costs down, and everything comes together in just 40 minutes total. Serve it over rice for a complete meal that'll have everyone asking for seconds.

40 mins
Nut-FreeEgg-Free
Minestrone in minutes

Minestrone in minutes

When you're craving a warming, homemade soup but don't have much time, this is the recipe I turn to. Minestrone in minutes comes together in just eight minutes of cooking, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something nourishing and delicious. Using frozen vegetables means there's no chopping involved, and they're actually packed with nutrients since they're frozen at peak ripeness. The pesto stirred through at the end adds wonderful flavor without any fussing, while the whole thing costs very little to make. It's honest, satisfying comfort food that proves you don't need hours in the kitchen to eat well.

23 mins
Gluten-FreeVegetarianNut-FreeEgg-Free
Speedy lentil coconut curry

Speedy lentil coconut curry

This speedy lentil coconut curry is my go to weeknight dinner when I need something wholesome on the table fast. With just twenty minutes of cooking time, it comes together quicker than you'd think, and the best part is it relies on simple pantry staples and frozen veg so there's minimal prep involved. Green lentils are packed with protein and fiber, making this a genuinely nourishing meal that keeps you satisfied, and the creamy coconut milk balances the warming spices beautifully. Serve it over brown rice with a dollop of yogurt for pure comfort in a bowl.

25 mins
Gluten-FreeVegetarianNut-FreeEgg-Free
Roasted carrot & whipped feta tart

Roasted carrot & whipped feta tart

This is one of my go to tarts when I want something that looks impressive but doesn't require much fussing around. Roasted carrots get sweet and tender while you prep everything else, and the whipped feta is so creamy you'd never guess it's actually quite good for you with all that protein and probiotics from the yogurt. The whole thing comes together in about an hour and uses just a block of puff pastry to do the heavy lifting, so there's minimal skill required. It's perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping, and honestly tastes even better the next day when all those flavors have had time to get cozy together.

1 hr 20 mins
Vegetarian
Basa fillet with garlic, spring onion & paprika butter

Basa fillet with garlic, spring onion & paprika butter

This is one of my go to weeknight dinners because it comes together in just fifteen minutes flat. Basa is such an affordable white fish, and it's naturally lean and packed with protein, making it perfect for a lighter meal that still feels satisfying. The garlic and paprika butter transforms these delicate fillets into something really special, while the spring onions add a fresh, bright note. Serve it over rice or potatoes with your favourite vegetables, and you've got an impressive dinner that tastes like you've spent far more time in the kitchen than you actually have.

15 mins
VegetarianNut-FreeEgg-Free
Monte Cristo sandwich

Monte Cristo sandwich

Here's my go to sandwich when I want something impressive but don't have much time. The Monte Cristo is basically a fancy take on a classic club sandwich, but dipped in egg and pan fried until it's golden and crispy. I love making this because it comes together in just twenty minutes total, and you probably have most of the ingredients already in your kitchen. The ham and turkey give you lean protein while the Emmental adds a lovely nutty flavor, and honestly, it's so satisfying that you won't need much else for lunch. Best of all, it's budget friendly and requires minimal effort, which means more time enjoying your meal and less time in the kitchen.

20 mins
Nut-Free
Harissa broccoli & flatbreads

Harissa broccoli & flatbreads

This is my go to weeknight dinner when I want something really quick but still feels special. I've been making these soft, pillowy flatbreads paired with roasted broccoli and harissa for about a year now, and honestly, it never gets old. The whole thing comes together in just thirty minutes, which means you can have dinner on the table faster than ordering takeaway. What I love most is that broccoli is absolutely packed with vitamins and fiber, so you're getting something genuinely good for you alongside food that tastes indulgent. The flatbread dough is embarrassingly simple too, requiring just three ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. It's become my favorite way to impress people without actually breaking a sweat in the kitchen.

30 mins
VegetarianNut-Free
Spicy root & lentil casserole

Spicy root & lentil casserole

This is one of my go to weeknight dinners because it comes together in under an hour and tastes absolutely comforting. The combination of warming spices with earthy root vegetables and protein packed red lentils creates something really satisfying that feels fancy but requires barely any fuss. Red lentils are brilliant because they're packed with fiber and plant based protein, so this casserole keeps you full and energized without breaking the bank. Everything goes into one pot, the flavors meld beautifully, and you end up with a nourishing meal that's perfect for cold evenings.

45 mins
VegetarianNut-FreeEgg-Free
Prawn & harissa spaghetti

Prawn & harissa spaghetti

This is one of my favorite quick weeknight dinners because it comes together in just 15 minutes, which means you can have a restaurant quality meal on the table before you know it. The harissa paste brings this wonderful smoky, spiced depth that makes the prawns and cherry tomatoes sing, while the broccoli adds a nutritious punch of vitamins and fibre to keep things wholesome. It's simple enough that you don't need any fancy cooking skills, yet impressive enough to serve when friends drop by. Best of all, it uses just a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients, so you won't break the bank making it.

20 mins
Gluten-FreeDairy-FreeNut-FreeEgg-Free
Easy risotto with bacon & peas

Easy risotto with bacon & peas

This is one of my go to weeknight dinners because it comes together in just under an hour and honestly feels fancy without any fuss. The bacon adds such a delicious savory depth, while the frozen peas are a lifesaver that keep this budget friendly and require zero prep work. Plus peas are packed with fiber and protein, so you're getting something genuinely nutritious alongside all that creamy, comforting rice. Whether you're cooking for yourself or impressing guests, this risotto delivers every single time.

55 mins
Gluten-FreeNut-FreeEgg-Free
Healthy chicken burritos

Healthy chicken burritos

These healthy chicken burritos are my go to weeknight dinner when I want something satisfying but nutritious. They come together in just 35 minutes from start to finish, making them perfect for busy evenings. I love using wholemeal tortillas and black beans, which are packed with fibre to keep you fuller for longer. The beauty of this recipe is how straightforward it is, with most ingredients either straight from the cupboard or quick to prepare. You can easily meal prep these or customize them to suit everyone's tastes, which makes them ideal for feeding a family without fuss.

35 mins
Dairy-FreeNut-FreeEgg-Free