17 Simple 5 Ingredient Recipes to Make Weeknights Easier
Making dinner can feel hard when nights are busy, but you don’t need lots of ingredients to make tasty meals.
With only five simple things, you can get big flavor without a long shopping list or lots of steps. Recipes like Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta or Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies help you cook fast and still enjoy every bite.
These 5 ingredient recipes are perfect for saving time and cutting stress when you are hungry.
Each dish is quick to prepare and easy enough for anyone to make.
Try these simple ideas and see how easy dinner can be on even the busiest nights.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta comes together with just a handful of ingredients, making it an ideal quick comfort meal. Tender noodles are tossed in a luscious sauce made with garlic, heavy cream, and melted Parmesan cheese, resulting in a velvety, savory coating. This simple yet flavorful dish delivers rich, cheesy goodness and bold garlic undertones in every bite, perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner for two.
Baked Lemon Herb Chicken
Juicy chicken breasts are marinated in a zesty blend of fresh lemon juice, fragrant garlic, Italian herbs, olive oil, and a touch of salt. Baked to perfection, this simple dish offers bright citrus flavor and aromatic herbs in every bite. Quick to prepare using only five ingredients, Baked Lemon Herb Chicken is a wholesome, flavorful weeknight meal that’s satisfying and easy to make with minimal effort.
Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies
Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies is a fuss-free, flavorful meal perfect for busy nights. Juicy sausages roast alongside a medley of colorful vegetables—such as bell peppers, zucchini, and red onions—on a single sheet pan. Everything cooks together, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to caramelize beautifully. With minimal prep and cleanup, this five-ingredient recipe delivers a balanced and satisfying dinner in under 30 minutes.
Honey Mustard Salmon
Succulent salmon fillets coated in a tangy honey mustard sauce create a flavorful and satisfying meal with minimal effort. The blend of sweet honey and sharp mustard perfectly complements the rich, tender fish, while a hint of garlic and a squeeze of lemon brighten the dish. This simple, five-ingredient recipe delivers a delicious dinner that comes together quickly, ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions alike.
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole combines fluffy rice, tender broccoli florets, and a creamy cheese sauce into a comforting, family-friendly dish. With just five simple ingredients, this casserole comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings. The melted cheese creates a rich, gooey topping that pairs perfectly with the mild flavor of broccoli and the soft texture of rice. Ideal as a hearty side or vegetarian main.
BBQ Chicken Flatbread
A quick and satisfying meal, BBQ Chicken Flatbread combines tender shredded chicken tossed in smoky barbecue sauce, layered over a crisp flatbread base. Topped with melty mozzarella cheese and crunchy red onions, it bakes to golden perfection. A final sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds brightness, making this flatbread ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, all with just five simple ingredients.
Easy Shrimp Tacos
Easy Shrimp Tacos bring together succulent shrimp, fresh cabbage slaw, creamy avocado, warm tortillas, and tangy lime. In just a few minutes, seasoned shrimp are sautéed and tucked into tortillas, then topped with crisp slaw and slices of avocado. A squeeze of lime over the top adds a revitalizing citrus finish. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or a casual gathering.
Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast
Juicy chicken breasts are stuffed with ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil for a vibrant twist on classic Caprese flavors. Lightly seasoned and pan-seared until golden, then finished in the oven, each bite delivers melty cheese, sweet tomato, and aromatic herbs. This easy, five-ingredient recipe creates a satisfying, restaurant-quality main dish perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
Beef and Pepper Stir Fry
This Beef and Pepper Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish made with just five simple ingredients. Tender strips of beef are seared and tossed with crisp bell peppers, then coated in a savory sauce. Ready in minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and delivers satisfying flavor with minimal effort. Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a complete, no-fuss meal the whole family can enjoy.
Classic Margherita Pizza
Classic Margherita Pizza celebrates simplicity with a crisp, thin crust topped by bright tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil. The combination of these five ingredients creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures, capturing the essence of traditional Italian pizza. Baked until golden and bubbly, it delivers a light, fresh taste that’s both satisfying and timeless.
Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls
Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls combine tender chicken glazed with sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, served atop fluffy steamed rice. With only five ingredients, this meal delivers bold Asian-inspired flavors and comes together in minimal time. Crisp vegetables like snap peas or broccoli add a fresh crunch, creating a balanced, satisfying bowl perfect for quick lunches or busy weeknight dinners. Simple, delicious, and family-friendly.
Crispy Ranch Pork Chops
Crispy Ranch Pork Chops deliver big flavor with minimal effort, making them an ideal weeknight dinner. Coated in a tangy ranch seasoning and crisp breadcrumbs, these juicy pork chops bake up golden and crunchy on the outside, while staying tender inside. With just five simple ingredients, this recipe requires barely any prep yet achieves a savory, satisfying main dish that pairs well with your favorite sides.
Turkey Spinach Quesadillas
Turkey Spinach Quesadillas are a quick, nutritious meal featuring lean ground turkey, fresh spinach, shredded cheese, and soft tortillas. Simply sauté turkey with spinach, layer everything with cheese in a tortilla, and cook until golden and melty. These quesadillas deliver a satisfying balance of protein and greens in every bite, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or a hearty lunch that’s easy to customize and ready in minutes.
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup combines the deep, caramelized flavors of oven-roasted tomatoes with aromatic fresh basil for a comforting classic made easy. Blending roasted tomatoes with garlic, onion, and broth creates a velvety base, while a finish of basil infuses freshness. This simple, five-ingredient recipe results in a rich, smooth soup that’s perfect for pairing with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich.
Ham and Swiss Sliders
Ham and Swiss Sliders are a quick, crowd-pleasing snack or meal that comes together with just a handful of ingredients. Soft slider buns are layered with savory slices of ham, melty Swiss cheese, and brushed with a buttery topping. Baked until the cheese is perfectly gooey and the tops are golden, these sliders offer a delicious balance of salty, sweet, and savory in every bite. Ideal for parties or easy weeknight dinners.
Spicy Peanut Noodles
Chewy noodles tossed in a lusciously creamy peanut butter sauce with a kick of sriracha, these spicy peanut noodles balance savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors. Finished with a touch of soy sauce and a squeeze of lime for brightness, this dish comes together in minutes and makes for a satisfying lunch or quick dinner. Garnish with chopped peanuts or scallions for extra texture and freshness.
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
A vibrant mix of canned chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese creates a revitalizing Mediterranean Chickpea Salad. This dish offers a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and juicy textures with a tangy kick from the feta. Quick to assemble and protein-rich, it’s ideal for a light lunch, side dish, or healthy meal prep packed with fresh Mediterranean flavors.
Conclusion
Let these 5-ingredient recipes be your weeknight anchor—a lifeline when the clock races and hunger knocks. With simple building blocks and bold flavors, dinner transforms from a daily hurdle to an effortless victory. Quick, fresh, and satisfying, each dish brings color to your table without cluttering your kitchen or your mind. Ditch the long shopping lists and let creativity simmer; your weekday meals just got a whole lot brighter, no magic wand required.
