Introduction
Some nights, cooking dinner feels like a chore—especially when recipes call for long ingredient lists you don’t have time for. The good news? You can make delicious, satisfying meals with just five simple ingredients.
These easy dinner ideas are perfect for busy weeknights, tight grocery budgets, or anyone who wants to cook without overthinking it. Each recipe uses five main ingredients (not counting basics like salt, pepper, or oil), but still packs plenty of flavor and comfort.
Let’s dive into 15 dinner recipes you can cook using only 5 ingredients—you’ll want to save these for your weekly rotation.
15 Easy 5-Ingredient Dinner Recipes
1. Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken
Bright, flavorful, and done in under 30 minutes.
You’ll need:
- Chicken breasts
- Lemon
- Butter
- Garlic
- Parsley
Serve with rice or veggies.
2. Cheesy Baked Ravioli
A lazy lasagna that requires almost zero effort.
Ingredients:
- Frozen ravioli
- Marinara sauce
- Mozzarella
- Parmesan
- Italian seasoning
Bake until bubbly and golden.
3. Salsa Chicken (Slow Cooker or Oven)
One of the easiest budget-friendly dinners you’ll ever make.
What you need:
- Chicken breasts
- Jar of salsa
- Taco seasoning
- Shredded cheese
- Lime
Serve over rice or in tortillas.
4. Creamy Pesto Pasta
A quick comfort meal loaded with flavor.
Ingredients:
- Pasta
- Pesto
- Cream cheese
- Parmesan
- Cherry tomatoes
Cream cheese melts into a naturally rich sauce.
5. Sheet Pan Sausage & Veggies
A hands-off dinner with easy clean-up.
You’ll need:
- Smoked sausage
- Bell peppers
- Onions
- Potatoes
- Garlic powder
Roast until everything is browned and tender.
6. Honey Soy Glazed Salmon
Sticky, sweet, savory perfection.
Ingredients:
- Salmon fillets
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Garlic
- Lemon
Serve with steamed veggies or rice.
7. Alfredo Chicken Bake
Creamy, cheesy, and ultra simple.
You’ll need:
- Rotini pasta
- Store-bought Alfredo
- Chicken
- Mozzarella
- Parmesan
Bake until melted and irresistible.
8. Black Bean Quesadillas
A quick vegetarian dinner you can customize.
Ingredients:
- Tortillas
- Black beans
- Shredded cheese
- Salsa
- Corn (optional but counts as the 5th ingredient)
Great with sour cream or guacamole.
9. Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
A restaurant-level dinner in 20 minutes.
Ingredients:
- Shrimp
- Pasta
- Garlic
- Butter
- Lemon
Add red pepper flakes for heat.
10. BBQ Chicken Flatbread
Perfect for picky eaters.
You’ll need:
- Flatbread
- Shredded cooked chicken
- BBQ sauce
- Red onion
- Mozzarella
Bake until crispy.
11. Baked Potato Bar (Dinner Style)
Cheap, filling, and fun.
Ingredients:
- Russet potatoes
- Cheddar
- Sour cream
- Bacon bits
- Butter
Top with chives or anything you have on hand.
12. Spinach Feta Stuffed Chicken
Simple, healthy, and full of flavor.
You’ll need:
- Chicken breasts
- Spinach
- Feta
- Garlic
- Olive oil
Serve with rice, salad, or pasta.
13. Chili Mac Skillet
Comfort food that stretches your ingredients.
Ingredients:
- Ground beef
- Macaroni
- Canned chili
- Cheddar
- Onion
Cook in one pot for easy clean-up.
14. Tomato Basil Tortellini
Ready in 15 minutes.
Ingredients:
- Cheese tortellini
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh basil
- Olive oil
- Parmesan
Light, fresh, and perfect for summer.
15. Pepperoni Pizza Chicken
A low-carb, kid-friendly meal.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Marinara
- Mozzarella
- Pepperoni
- Italian seasoning
Bake until the cheese is melted and the pepperoni is crispy.
Tips for Cooking 5-Ingredient Dinners
1. Use pantry staples wisely
Salt, pepper, olive oil, and spices stretch flavor without “adding” ingredients.
2. Choose ingredients that carry flavor
Think pesto, salsa, cheese, smoked sausage, or marinara.
3. Keep frozen items on hand
Frozen veggies, ravioli, or shrimp cook fast and stay budget-friendly.
4. Lean on sheet pans and skillets
They speed up cooking and reduce dishes.
5. Build meals around protein or pasta
This keeps dinners filling and well-balanced.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do spices count as ingredients in 5-ingredient recipes?
Most cooks don’t count salt, pepper, or basic seasonings. The five listed ingredients refer to main components of the recipe.
2. Can I swap ingredients in these recipes?
Absolutely. These meals are flexible—swap proteins, cheeses, or veggies based on what you have.
3. Are these recipes budget-friendly?
Yes. Most rely on affordable ingredients like pasta, chicken, beans, and frozen foods.
4. Can I meal prep 5-ingredient dinners?
Many recipes like salsa chicken, sheet pan sausage, and chili mac work well for meal prep.
5. Are 5-ingredient dinners healthy?
They can be. Look for recipes with lean proteins, veggies, or whole grains. It depends on your ingredient choices.