Between work, family, and everything else on your plate, making dinner can feel like just another chore. But cooking at home doesn't have to be time-consuming or complicated. With the right ingredients and a few smart tips, you can whip up delicious, satisfying meals using only five ingredients or less.
These recipes are perfect for busy weeknights, beginners in the kitchen, or anyone trying to cut down on prep time without sacrificing flavor.
Why 5-Ingredient Meals Work
Five-ingredient recipes keep things simple. Fewer ingredients mean less shopping, less prepping, and fewer dishes to clean. You also reduce the chance of food waste because you're more likely to use everything you buy. Best of all, these meals rely on pantry staples and simple techniques that anyone can master.
Here are a few easy dinner ideas that require only five ingredients each.
1. Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients:
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Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
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Spaghetti or linguine
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Garlic
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Butter
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Lemon juice
How to make it:
Cook pasta according to the package directions. In a pan, sauté garlic in butter until fragrant, then add shrimp. Cook until pink, then stir in a splash of lemon juice. Toss everything with the cooked pasta and serve. It’s light, quick, and packed with flavor.
2. BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
Ingredients:
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Cooked shredded chicken
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BBQ sauce
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Shredded cheddar cheese
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Tortillas
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Red onion (optional for flavor)
How to make it:
Mix the chicken with BBQ sauce. Place a tortilla in a skillet, sprinkle with cheese, chicken mixture, and a few slices of onion. Top with another tortilla and cook until golden on both sides. Slice and serve with salsa or sour cream.
3. Baked Salmon with Dijon and Honey
Ingredients:
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Salmon fillets
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Dijon mustard
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Honey
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Olive oil
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Salt
How to make it:
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Mix mustard, honey, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Spread the mixture over the salmon. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the fish is flaky and cooked through. Serve with a side salad or rice.
4. Sausage and Veggie Sheet Pan Dinner
Ingredients:
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Smoked sausage (sliced)
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Bell peppers
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Zucchini
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Olive oil
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Italian seasoning
How to make it:
Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss sausage and chopped vegetables with olive oil and seasoning. Spread on a sheet pan and roast for 20 to 25 minutes until browned and tender. It's colorful, healthy, and super easy to clean up.
5. Creamy Tomato Tortellini
Ingredients:
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Cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
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Canned crushed tomatoes
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Garlic
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Heavy cream
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Parmesan cheese
How to make it:
Cook tortellini according to the package. In a saucepan, sauté garlic, add crushed tomatoes, and let simmer. Stir in cream and Parmesan, then toss in the cooked pasta. Rich, creamy, and ready in under 20 minutes.
Tips for Making 5-Ingredient Meals Work for You
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Use pantry staples like spices, oil, and vinegar to enhance flavor. These are often not counted in ingredient totals.
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Prep in advance when possible. Chopping veggies or marinating proteins ahead of time saves even more time.
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Choose versatile ingredients that can work in multiple recipes. Rotisserie chicken, canned beans, or pasta are great options.
Final Thoughts
Easy 5-ingredient dinners are proof that you don’t need a long shopping list or hours in the kitchen to enjoy a good meal. Whether you're cooking for one or feeding a family, these simple recipes can make dinnertime feel less like work and more like something to look forward to.
Looking for more inspiration? Stay tuned for a roundup of make-ahead freezer meals and quick lunches using just five ingredients.
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