🛒 7 Things I Always Keep in My Pantry as a Mum on a Budget

Hi, I’m a working mum of two teens, and like many of you, I’m juggling work, school runs, and putting food on the table — without blowing the budget. Since moving from Croatia to Ireland five years ago, I’ve learned how to stretch the weekly shop and still keep the family fed.

Here are 7 pantry staples I always keep stocked — and how I use them:

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1. Tinned Chopped Tomatoes

Cheap, versatile, and perfect for sauces, stews, and soups.

Meal ideas:

• Hidden veg tomato pasta
• Shakshuka with eggs
• Rice with beans and chopped veg

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2. Dried Pasta

It’s a classic for a reason. Penne, fusilli, spaghetti — I rotate them weekly.

Meal ideas:

• Tuna + sweetcorn creamy pasta
• Garlic & oil spaghetti
• Tomato pasta bake

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3. Tinned Tuna

A go-to for quick lunches or last-minute dinners.

Meal ideas:

• Tuna + mayo wraps
• Tuna pasta (see recipe below!)
• Tuna potato cakes

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🧾 Recipe: Tuna + Sweetcorn Creamy Pasta

Family favourite — ready in 15 mins

“`recipe
title: Tuna + Sweetcorn Creamy Pasta
servings: 4
prep_time: 5 minutes
cook_time: 10 minutes
ingredients:

• 300g dried pasta (penne or fusilli)
• 1 tin tuna in sunflower oil (drained)
• 1 small tin sweetcorn (drained)
• 100ml cream (or cream cheese)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Optional: grated cheese or parsley
  instructions:
• Cook the pasta according to packet instructions.
• While pasta cooks, mix tuna, sweetcorn, cream, and garlic powder in a saucepan over low heat.
• Stir until warmed through. Season to taste.
• Drain pasta and combine with the sauce.
• Serve with cheese or herbs if you have them!