Keep Basic Food Items in the Kitchen

The key component to a dinner party is the dinner, the food. When company is coming at the last minute, it helps to have staples already available. You might not have time to create a gourmet meal, but with basic food items, you can easily create a few no-fuss, tasty recipes.

In the pantry:

Pasta
Rice
Beans ( a variety of types)
Canned fruits and vegetables
Marinara sauce
Flour
Sugar
Chicken stock
Olive oil
Herbs and spices

In the refrigerator/freezer:

Cheese
Plain yogurt
Milk
Eggs
Chicken breasts
Ground beef
Lemons
Peas and other vegetables
Shrimp