Can you make delicious dinners with just 5 ingredients? I've found that yes, you can. Imagine coming home and making a great meal quickly. It's all about choosing the right ingredients for a tasty and quick meal.
In this article, I'll share 13 easy dinner recipes for busy days and budgets. You'll find everything from a shrimp and asparagus stir-fry to a grilled cheese and tomato soup. These recipes will keep your dinner routine exciting.
Key Takeaways
Discover the concept of preparing delicious meals with just 5 ingredients or less.
Doesn't include salt and pepper, you can add this for taste.
Learn how to save time and money with simple dinner recipes.
Explore 13 unique dinner idea recipes 5 ingredients that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.
Find practical meal ideas that fit perfectly into your busy lifestyle.
Enjoy a mix of healthy and indulgent dishes, all easy to prepare.
Shrimp and Asparagus Stir-Fry
This shrimp stir-fry recipe is a quick and tasty dinner idea. It combines the flavor of shrimp with the freshness of asparagus. It's a meal that's ready in no time.
Ingredients
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
Instructions
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the trimmed asparagus and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp.
Remove the asparagus from the skillet and set aside.
Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet, then toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
Return the asparagus to the skillet and pour in the soy sauce. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through.
Serve immediately over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
This is one of my favorite asparagus recipes. It's simple, delicious, and perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy!
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a favorite of mine. It's a classic Italian dish that's easy to make. It's called spaghetti with garlic and oil, making it a quick 5 ingredient dinner. Its simplicity brings a burst of flavor with every bite.
Ingredients
12 oz. spaghetti
6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the garlic slices and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook until the garlic is golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Drain the cooked spaghetti, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until the spaghetti is well-coated with the oil and garlic.
Season with salt and pepper, then mix in the chopped parsley.
Serve immediately, with a drizzle of extra olive oil if desired. Enjoy your traditional Aglio e Olio!
Baked Salmon and Broccoli
If you're searching for healthy dinner ideas, this Baked Salmon and Broccoli recipe is perfect. It's an easy salmon recipe great for any night or a special event. The omega-3 rich salmon and the nutrient-packed broccoli make it a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
4 salmon fillets (each about 6 ounces)
1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lemon, sliced into rounds
2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place the salmon fillets on one side of the baking sheet and the broccoli florets on the other.
Drizzle the olive oil over both the salmon and broccoli, and season with minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Top each salmon fillet with a slice of lemon.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the broccoli is tender and slightly crispy on the edges.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Chicken Fajitas
Chicken fajitas are simple and full of flavor. They are great for quick dinners. With just 5 ingredients, they're ready in no time, perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breasts, thinly sliced
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 onion, sliced
2 tbsp fajita seasoning
8 small flour tortillas
Instructions
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the sliced chicken.
Sprinkle the fajita seasoning over the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the sliced bell pepper and onion to the skillet, cooking until the vegetables are tender, about another 5 minutes.
Warm the flour tortillas in a separate pan or microwave.
Spoon the chicken and vegetable mixture into each tortilla and serve hot.
Egg Fried Rice
Egg Fried Rice is a great way to turn leftover rice into a tasty meal. It's full of flavor and you can add your favorite veggies or protein. Here's how to make this easy fried rice at home.
Ingredients
2 cups leftover rice
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 eggs, beaten
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
Instructions
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
Add the beaten eggs and scramble until fully cooked. Remove the eggs from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil.
Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
Add the mixed vegetables and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender.
Stir in the leftover rice and cook for another 3-4 minutes, making sure to break up any clumps.
Add the cooked eggs back into the skillet, then pour over the soy sauce. Stir everything to combine.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
This egg fried rice recipe is perfect for those looking for quick meals. It's great with leftover rice. Enjoy it on its own or with your favorite Asian dishes.
Tomato Basil Pasta
Tomato Basil Pasta is a favorite of mine. It combines the sweetness of ripe tomatoes with the fresh smell of basil. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This dish is easy to make and full of flavor.
Ingredients
8 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
Cook the pasta in boiling salted water as the package says. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet, season with salt and pepper. Cook until they soften and release juices, about 5 minutes.
Toss cooked pasta into the skillet with tomatoes and garlic. Mix well to coat pasta with tomato juices.
Stir in fresh basil leaves and cook for another minute, until basil wilts.
Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese if you like.
This recipe is a great example of how to make a simple yet tasty pasta sauce. It's perfect for anyone, whether you're new to cooking or have lots of experience. It's a quick and delicious meal.
Grilled Steak and Salad
Grilling the perfect steak is an art that anyone can master. Pairing it with a fresh salad makes the meal healthier and adds a refreshing contrast. I'm excited to share some easy steak recipes that are straightforward and delicious.
Ingredients
1 lb ribeye or New York strip steak
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil
Mixed greens (arugula, spinach, and lettuce)
Cherry tomatoes
Balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
Preheat your grill to high heat. Pat the steak dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
Brush the steak lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking to the grill grates.
Place the steak on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or adjust the time based on your desired doneness.
While the steak is grilling, prepare the salad by tossing the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red onion in a large bowl.
Once the steak reaches your preferred level of doneness, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Finish off the salad with a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette and mix well to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Serve the sliced steak alongside the fresh salad and enjoy immediately.
These easy steak recipes make for a delicious meal with minimal effort. The fresh salads bring a light and crisp element to your plate. Embrace the simplicity of 5 ingredient grilling and enjoy a mouthwatering dining experience at home.
Pesto Zucchini Noodles
Make your dinner routine exciting with this tasty dish. It uses zucchini instead of regular noodles, making it healthy and low-carb. Add a homemade pesto, and you get a meal that's both healthy and delicious.
Ingredients
4 medium zucchinis
1 cup fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup pine nuts
2 cloves garlic
Instructions
Begin by making zucchini noodles with a spiralizer or peeler. Set them aside.
In a food processor, mix basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic until well chopped.
With the processor running, add olive oil slowly until the pesto is smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the zucchini noodles and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender.
Then, toss the noodles with the homemade pesto until they're well coated.
Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan cheese and pine nuts if you like.
Try this zucchini noodle recipe for amazing flavors and health benefits. Homemade pesto adds a fresh, vibrant taste. It's a great choice for those looking for healthy pasta alternatives.
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken
Looking for a delicious stuffed chicken recipe? This quick chicken dinner is tasty and healthy. It's a great addition to your collection of healthy meals. Here's how to make Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken that will impress and satisfy.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small bowl, mix the chopped spinach, feta cheese, and minced garlic together.
Using a sharp knife, create a pocket in each chicken breast by cutting horizontally across the thickest part of the breast, being careful not to slice all the way through.
Stuff each chicken breast with the spinach and feta mixture, securing with toothpicks if necessary.
Season the outside of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste.
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each stuffed chicken breast on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
This Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken recipe is a hit. It combines juicy chicken with the rich flavors of spinach and feta. It's a healthy meal that tastes great in every bite.
Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
Quick grilled cheese with tomato soup is a classic comfort food. The mix of crunchy bread, gooey cheese, and smooth soup is irresistible. This guide will show you how to make these easy recipes even better, with just a few ingredients.
Ingredients
4 slices of sourdough bread
8 oz cheddar cheese, sliced
1 can of crushed tomatoes (14 oz)
1 cup vegetable broth
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
Prepare the Soup: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until they're soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Add the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth, stirring well. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the flavors blend.
Season the soup with salt and pepper. Use an immersion blender to puree it, or blend in batches in a regular blender. Keep it warm on the stove.
Make the Grilled Cheese: Butter one side of each sourdough slice. Place cheese between two slices, with buttered sides out.
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the sandwiches until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes each side.
Cut the sandwiches in half and serve with the tomato soup. Garnish with fresh basil if preferred.
Looking for a quick grilled cheese or easy soup recipes? This combo of grilled cheese and tomato soup will hit the spot for comfort food.
Baked Cod with Lemon
Looking for tasty and simple fish dinner ideas? Try this baked cod with a zesty lemon butter sauce. It's a light and healthy meal that's easy to make and full of flavor.
Ingredients
4 cod fillets
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place the cod fillets in a baking dish.
Drizzle olive oil over the fish, ensuring even coating.
In a small bowl, mix the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and melted butter together to create the lemon butter sauce.
Pour the sauce evenly over the cod fillets.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
These easy cod recipes will make your fish dinner a hit. The lemon butter sauce adds a bright and moist touch. It's perfect with veggies or a side salad.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Looking for a colorful dinner that's both tasty and healthy? Stuffed bell peppers are the answer. They're great for everyone, whether you eat meat or not. Plus, they make your table look bright and cheerful. Let's explore some simple ways to fill these bell peppers.
Ingredients
4 large bell peppers (any color)
1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
1 cup black beans or ground beef (cooked)
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
1 teaspoon cumin
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
In a bowl, mix together the cooked quinoa or rice, black beans or ground beef, diced tomatoes, cumin, salt, and pepper. This makes a tasty filling.
Stuff each bell pepper with the quinoa mix.
If you like, add shredded cheese on top for extra flavor.
Put the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the peppers are soft.
Take off the foil and bake for 5-10 more minutes to brown the cheese.
Let them cool a bit before you serve your colorful dinner.
These stuffed bell peppers are not just a treat for your eyes. They're also full of flavor. They're a great choice for any meal.
Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps
If you're searching for a quick, low-carb dinner that's both tasty and healthy, try Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps. It mixes creamy tuna salad with crisp lettuce for a light meal. This recipe is easy to make and fits well into a healthy diet.
Ingredients
1 can of tuna (preferably packed in water), drained
1/4 cup of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
1 celery stalk, finely chopped
1/4 cup of red onion, finely chopped
Several large lettuce leaves (such as Romaine or Butterhead)
Instructions
In a medium bowl, mix the tuna, mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, celery, and red onion.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix until everything is well combined.
Place the tuna salad in the center of large lettuce leaves. Make sure not to overstuff.
Wrap the lettuce around the tuna salad. Use a toothpick if needed, and serve right away.
Your Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps are now ready to enjoy. This recipe is quick, healthy, and fun to eat. It's perfect for dinner or a nutritious lunch. You'll love making it again and again.
FAQ
What are some dinner idea recipes with 5 ingredients?
There are many tasty dinner recipes that need only 5 ingredients. Try Shrimp and Asparagus Stir-Fry, Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, or Baked Salmon and Broccoli. They're quick and full of flavor.
Can you suggest simple dinner recipes for busy nights?
Yes! For busy nights, try Chicken Fajitas, Egg Fried Rice, or Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup. They're fast to make and need few ingredients.
What are some healthy dinner ideas that are easy to make?
Healthy and easy dinner ideas include Baked Salmon and Broccoli, Pesto Zucchini Noodles, and Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken. They're nutritious and quick to prepare.
What are some quick dinner ideas for making fast dinners?
For quick dinners, go for Shrimp and Asparagus Stir-Fry, Egg Fried Rice, or Grilled Steak and Salad. They're fast and flavorful.
What are some ideas for 5 ingredient dinners that I can make?
There are many 5 ingredient dinners to try. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, Baked Cod with Lemon, and Stuffed Bell Peppers are great options. They're easy and delicious.
Do you have any recipes for easy chicken dinners?
Yes! Easy chicken dinners include Chicken Fajitas and Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken. They're simple and flavorful.
What are some quick pasta dishes I can make for dinner?
Quick pasta dishes like Spaghetti Aglio e Olio and Tomato Basil Pasta are perfect for dinner. They're easy to make and very tasty.
Can you suggest any low-carb dinner recipes?
For low-carb dinners, try Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps and Pesto Zucchini Noodles. They're healthy and great for reducing carbs.
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