Quick and Flavorful 5-Ingredient Dinner Recipes for Busy Nights
When you’re short on time and ingredients, having simple yet satisfying dinner options can be a lifesaver.
These 5-ingredient dinner recipes are perfect for those busy nights when you don’t have time for a grocery run or a lengthy cooking session.
From pizzas and pastas to comforting soups, you’ll find these recipes require only five key ingredients to deliver a hearty and delicious meal.
Stocking your pantry and freezer with essentials ensures that you’re always ready to whip up a flavorful dish.
Below, we’ve compiled some of the best 5-ingredient recipes that will help you get dinner on the table quickly without sacrificing taste.
Whether it’s a savory pizza, a creamy pasta, or a light soup, these dishes are here to rescue your dinner plans!
1. Classic Margherita Pizza
The simplicity of a Margherita pizza is what makes it shine.
Using just five ingredients—store-bought pizza dough, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil—you can create a pizza that’s crispy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor.
This pizza bakes in just 20 minutes and is perfect for those nights when you want a delicious, no-fuss meal.
2. Sauteed Chicken in Mustard-Cream Sauce
A few ingredients can make a world of difference when combined properly. This sauteed chicken in mustard-cream sauce comes together with chicken breasts, Dijon mustard, heavy cream, fresh tarragon, and olive oil.
The sauce is rich and tangy, and the chicken is juicy and flavorful. A sprinkle of fresh tarragon adds a bright note, elevating the dish to restaurant-level quality.
3. Martha’s Fettuccine Alfredo
For a 3-ingredient pasta dish that delivers big on taste, this classic Fettuccine Alfredo is a go-to recipe. Made with butter, Parmesan cheese, and fettuccine pasta, this dish is rich and comforting.
To achieve the perfect sauce, melt butter and combine it with grated Parmesan cheese. Toss with the cooked pasta, and you’re ready to serve a creamy bowl of goodness in just a few minutes.
4. Quick Broccoli Frittata
Need a fast dinner that’s also healthy? This quick broccoli frittata requires only five ingredients—eggs, broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, olive oil, and garlic.
The frittata is fluffy and cheesy, with the broccoli adding a bit of crunch and nutrition. It’s an easy meal to make when you’re in a rush but still want something nutritious and filling.
5. Bell Pepper Egg-in-a-Hole
For a colorful and fun twist on breakfast-for-dinner, try this bell pepper egg-in-a-hole. You only need bell peppers, eggs, multigrain bread, olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
The peppers add a sweet note, while the eggs cook perfectly in the middle, creating a satisfying and visually appealing dish.
6. Basic Chicken Soup
When you’re craving something comforting, nothing beats a bowl of basic chicken soup. Made with just chicken, carrots, celery, onion, and water, this soup is hearty and satisfying without being complicated.
The chicken simmers in the water with the vegetables, creating a rich broth that’s perfect for a quick and simple dinner.
7. Loaded Baked Sweet Potatoes
Transform sweet potatoes into a loaded baked dinner by adding just a few key ingredients.
Top baked sweet potatoes with cannellini beans, broccoli rabe, olive oil, and a sprinkle of sea salt for a filling, nutritious meal.
The beans add protein, while the broccoli rabe gives the dish a slightly bitter yet nutty flavor.
8. Simple Risotto
With just five ingredients, this simple risotto recipe is easy to make but rich in flavor. Arborio rice, vegetable or chicken stock, white wine, Parmesan cheese, and butter are all you need.
The key is slowly stirring the stock into the rice to create that classic creamy texture. For added depth, try tossing in some peas or mushrooms.
9. Roasted Salmon With Butter
Salmon is a favorite for its flavor and ease of preparation. This roasted salmon with butter recipe only needs salmon fillets, butter, olive oil, parsley, and lemon.
Roast the salmon with butter and lemon for a zesty, savory main course. Serve with steamed vegetables like broccolini or sauteed green beans for a complete meal.
10. Cheater’s Mac and Cheese
When you’re craving comfort food, this cheater’s mac and cheese delivers a creamy, cheesy dish in just 20 minutes.
The secret ingredient? Cream cheese! Combine it with macaroni, Parmesan cheese, butter, and milk for a luscious sauce. This mac and cheese is perfect for both kids and adults.
11. Roasted Pumpkin Soup
When the weather cools down, a warm bowl of roasted pumpkin soup is just what you need. This vegan recipe uses just five ingredients—sugar pumpkin (or butternut squash), garlic, olive oil, vegetable broth, and sage.
Roast the pumpkin to bring out its natural sweetness, and blend with broth for a creamy, comforting soup.
12. One-Pot Pasta With Broccoli and Lemon
This one-pot pasta with broccoli and lemon is the definition of an easy weeknight meal. With just penne pasta, broccoli, lemon, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, you can create a light yet filling dish. The lemon brightens up the pasta, while the broccoli adds a crunchy texture.
13. Prosciutto Mozzarella Pizza
For a more indulgent pizza option, this prosciutto mozzarella pizza combines the salty, slightly sweet flavors of prosciutto with the creamy richness of mozzarella.
Use store-bought dough, mozzarella, prosciutto, olive oil, and Parmesan to create this gourmet pizza in under 30 minutes.
14. Roast Spatchcocked Lemon Chicken
A spatchcocked lemon chicken may sound fancy, but it’s surprisingly simple. You only need a whole chicken, olive oil, lemon, garlic, and rosemary.
By spatchcocking (flattening) the chicken, it roasts evenly, and the skin becomes extra crispy. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables to round out the meal.
Recipe Guide and Tips:
- Stocking Your Pantry: Keep essentials like olive oil, salt, pepper, and dried herbs on hand. These will enhance any recipe without needing extra ingredients.
- Freezer Staples: Frozen vegetables and meats can help you prepare meals quickly. Keep items like broccoli, spinach, and chicken breasts stocked for last-minute dinners.
- Plan Ahead: Try making double batches of certain meals and freezing the leftovers. That way, you’ll always have a quick dinner option ready to go.
- Mix and Match: Feel free to swap ingredients in these recipes. Don’t have broccoli? Use spinach. No fettuccine? Spaghetti works just as well. These recipes are versatile and can adapt to what you have on hand.
FAQs
What are the best ingredients to keep for quick dinners?
Keeping a variety of pantry staples like pasta, rice, beans, and canned tomatoes can help you create quick meals. Also, stock up on versatile ingredients like olive oil, garlic, and onions.
Can these recipes be doubled for meal prepping?
Yes, most of these recipes can easily be doubled. Store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for future meals.
How can I make these recipes healthier?
To make these recipes healthier, opt for whole grain pasta, low-fat cheese, and lean proteins. You can also add more vegetables to increase the nutritional value.
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