13 Super Easy Dinners with 5 Ingredients or Less 2025
When you’re short on time but still want to whip up something delicious, recipes with just five ingredients or less are a lifesaver.
These 13 super easy dinners prove that simplicity doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor.
From quick pasta dishes to satisfying skillet meals, each recipe is designed to streamline your cooking process while delivering impressive results
1. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
About: This Italian dish bursts with garlic flavor. Olive oil and red pepper flakes add a kick. It’s fast and perfect for pasta lovers.
Ingredients:
- Spaghetti (12 oz)
- Garlic (4 cloves, thinly sliced)
- Olive oil (¼ cup)
- Red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon)
- Parmesan cheese (¼ cup, grated)
Instructions:
- Boil water in a pot. Add spaghetti. Cook it until firm, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic slices and red pepper flakes. Stir them for 2-3 minutes until garlic turns golden.
- Add drained spaghetti to the pan. Toss everything together to coat the pasta.
- Plate the spaghetti. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top. Serve hot.
Fun Twist: Toss in some shrimp for a protein boost. Fresh garlic makes it pop!
2. Chicken Stir-Fry
About: This dish mixes juicy chicken with crisp veggies. Soy sauce brings savory goodness. It’s a speedy meal you’ll crave.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast (2, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Mixed vegetables (2 cups, fresh or frozen)
- Soy sauce (3 tablespoons)
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
- Ginger (1 teaspoon, grated)
Instructions:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken pieces. Cook them for 5-7 minutes until golden and done.
- Add mixed vegetables. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft.
- Pour in soy sauce. Add garlic and ginger. Stir for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve it over rice or noodles. Enjoy!
Quick Tip: Slice veggies thin for faster cooking. Add bell peppers for extra crunch.
3. Baked Salmon
About: This salmon is light and fresh. Lemon and dill make it zingy. It’s a healthy pick for any night.
Ingredients:
- Salmon fillet (1 large or 2 small)
- Lemon (1, sliced)
- Dill (1 tablespoon, fresh or dried)
- Salt (½ teaspoon)
- Pepper (¼ teaspoon)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Place salmon on a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Squeeze half the lemon over the salmon. Put lemon slices on top.
- Sprinkle dill, salt, and pepper over it.
- Bake it for 12-15 minutes until it flakes with a fork.
Yummy Idea: Pair it with a salad. Swap dill for parsley if you like!
4. Quesadillas
About: These cheesy tortillas are a crowd-pleaser. They’re warm, gooey, and super fast to whip up.
Ingredients:
- Tortillas (4 large)
- Cheese (2 cups, shredded, like cheddar)
- Salsa (½ cup)
- Sour cream (¼ cup)
- Guacamole (¼ cup)
Instructions:
- Heat a pan over medium heat.
- Lay one tortilla in the pan. Sprinkle ½ cup cheese on half of it.
- Fold the tortilla in half. Cook it for 2-3 minutes until golden.
- Flip it. Cook the other side for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts.
- Repeat with the other tortillas. Cut them into wedges. Serve with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.
Make It Yours: Add chicken or beans for more filling. Kids love these!
5. Tomato Soup
About: This soup is creamy and warm. Fresh basil lifts the tomato taste. It’s pure comfort in a bowl.
Ingredients:
- Tomatoes (4 large, chopped, or 1 can diced)
- Cream (½ cup)
- Basil (1 tablespoon, fresh or dried)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Instructions:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add tomatoes. Cook them for 5-7 minutes until they soften.
- Stir in cream and basil. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Blend the soup with a stick blender until smooth.
- Add salt and pepper. Stir and serve hot.
Cozy Touch: Dip a grilled cheese in it. Fresh tomatoes taste amazing!
6. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
About: This sandwich is crispy and melty. It’s a classic that never gets old. Perfect for a quick bite.
Ingredients:
- Bread (4 slices)
- Cheese (4 slices, like cheddar)
- Butter (2 tablespoons)
Instructions:
- Spread butter on one side of each bread slice.
- Heat a pan over medium heat.
- Place two slices in the pan, butter side down. Add two cheese slices on each.
- Top with the other bread slices, butter side up.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and melty.
Tasty Add-On: Slip in some tomato slices. It’s a hug on a plate!
7. Beef Tacos
About: These tacos are fun and flavorful. Spicy beef meets fresh toppings. Taco night just got easier.
Ingredients:
- Ground beef (1 pound)
- Taco seasoning (1 packet)
- Tortillas (8 small)
- Lettuce (1 cup, shredded)
- Tomato (1, diced)
Instructions:
- Heat a pan over medium heat. Add ground beef. Cook it for 5-7 minutes until browned.
- Drain the fat. Add taco seasoning and ¼ cup water. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Warm tortillas in a pan or microwave for 10 seconds.
- Spoon beef into tortillas. Top with lettuce and tomato.
- Serve and dig in!
Party Tip: Set out extra toppings like cheese. Everyone loves tacos!
8. Pasta Primavera
About: This pasta is light and veggie-packed. Garlic and Parmesan make it irresistible. It’s a fresh dinner win.
Ingredients:
- Pasta (12 oz, like penne)
- Mixed vegetables (2 cups, like zucchini)
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated)
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons)
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
Instructions:
- Boil water in a pot. Add pasta. Cook it for 8-10 minutes. Drain it.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic. Cook it for 1 minute.
- Add vegetables. Cook them for 5-7 minutes until soft.
- Add pasta to the pan. Toss it with veggies.
- Sprinkle Parmesan on top. Serve warm.
Fresh Spin: Use cherry tomatoes for sweetness. So colorful!
9. Lemon Garlic Shrimp
About: This shrimp dish is bright and buttery. Lemon and garlic shine through. It’s fancy but fast.
Ingredients:
- Shrimp (1 pound, peeled)
- Lemon (1, juiced)
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
- Butter (3 tablespoons)
- Parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped)
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Add garlic. Cook it for 1 minute until it smells good.
- Add shrimp. Cook them for 2-3 minutes per side until pink.
- Squeeze lemon juice over shrimp. Sprinkle parsley on top.
- Serve hot with rice or bread.
Seafood Secret: Fresh shrimp cooks fast. It’s a date-night star!
10. Chicken Alfredo
About: This pasta is creamy and rich. Chicken adds heartiness. It’s comfort food made simple.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast (2, cut into strips)
- Alfredo sauce (1 cup)
- Pasta (12 oz, like fettuccine)
- Parmesan cheese (¼ cup, grated)
- Parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped)
Instructions:
- Boil water in a pot. Add pasta. Cook it for 8-10 minutes. Drain it.
- Heat a pan over medium heat. Add chicken. Cook it for 5-7 minutes until done.
- Pour Alfredo sauce into the pan. Stir it until hot.
- Add pasta. Toss it with sauce and chicken.
- Top with Parmesan and parsley. Serve warm.
Creamy Hack: Add broccoli for green goodness. So satisfying!
11. Veggie Stir-Fry
About: This stir-fry is bright and healthy. Veggies star with a soy sauce zip. It’s a meat-free delight.
Ingredients:
- Mixed vegetables (3 cups, like broccoli)
- Soy sauce (3 tablespoons)
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
- Ginger (1 teaspoon, grated)
- Rice (2 cups, cooked)
Instructions:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Add vegetables. Cook them for 5-7 minutes until tender.
- Pour in soy sauce. Add garlic and ginger. Stir for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve it over rice.
Veggie Boost: Toss in carrots for color. Quick and fresh!
12. Baked Cod
About: This cod is flaky and mild. Lemon and dill keep it light. It’s a fish dish you’ll love.
Ingredients:
- Cod fillet (1 large or 2 small)
- Lemon (1, sliced)
- Dill (1 tablespoon, fresh or dried)
- Salt (½ teaspoon)
- Pepper (¼ teaspoon)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Place cod on a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Squeeze half the lemon over the cod. Add lemon slices on top.
- Sprinkle dill, salt, and pepper over it.
- Bake it for 12-15 minutes until it flakes.
Light Bite: Serve with steamed veggies. Fish made easy!
13. Stuffed Bell Peppers
About: These peppers are hearty and savory. Beef and rice fill them up. It’s a full meal in one.
Ingredients:
- Bell peppers (4, tops off, seeds out)
- Ground beef (1 pound)
- Rice (1 cup, cooked)
- Tomato sauce (1 cup)
- Cheese (½ cup, shredded)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Heat a pan over medium heat. Add beef. Cook it for 5-7 minutes until browned.
- Drain fat. Stir in rice and tomato sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Stuff peppers with the beef mix. Place them in a baking dish.
- Sprinkle cheese on top. Bake them for 25-30 minutes until soft.
Flavor Pop: Use red peppers for sweetness. A family favorite!
These 13 dinners are quick, easy, and delicious. They use just 5 ingredients or less. You’ll save time and still eat well. Pick one tonight and enjoy a stress-free meal!
Hello! I’m Eloise Wilson, the culinary enthusiast behind SimplyCookings. Cooking is my canvas and flavors are my palette. I’m here to share easy-to-follow recipes and kitchen wisdom that will make your cooking journey joyful and delicious. Join me and let’s turn everyday meals into extraordinary experiences!
