10 Dinner Recipes You Can Make With Just 5 Ingredients

Weeknight dinners don’t have to be complicated to taste delicious. With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you can put together filling meals in less time than it takes to order takeout. These five-ingredient recipes prove that less can be more when it comes to flavor. Perfect for busy evenings or when the fridge looks bare, each dish is designed to be simple, satisfying, and family-friendly. Here are ten dinners that keep it easy without sacrificing taste.

1. Creamy Garlic Pasta

This pasta is proof that comfort food doesn’t need a long shopping list. Boil your favorite pasta, then make a quick sauce by sautéing garlic in butter, adding heavy cream, and whisking in fresh grated Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper, then toss the pasta until every strand is coated in velvety sauce. The garlic provides depth, the cheese adds richness, and the cream ties it all together for a cozy dish ready in less than 20 minutes. It’s a budget-friendly option that works on its own or paired with a side salad.

2. Caprese Stuffed Chicken

This recipe takes the beloved Caprese salad and transforms it into a hearty main dish. Butterfly chicken breasts and stuff them with mozzarella, tomato, and fresh basil. Secure with toothpicks, season with salt and pepper, then bake or pan-sear until golden and cooked through. The cheese melts into a creamy layer while the tomato adds juiciness and the basil delivers fresh flavor. It’s an impressive dinner that looks restaurant-worthy but requires only a few ingredients, making it ideal for weeknights when you want something both simple and special.

3. Baked Salmon with Honey Mustard Glaze

This dish feels elegant but is incredibly easy. Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet and brush with a glaze made from honey, Dijon mustard, and olive oil. Bake until the salmon flakes easily with a fork, then garnish with parsley or lemon slices. The sweet and tangy glaze balances beautifully with the richness of the fish, making it a wholesome and flavorful dinner. With just five ingredients and less than 25 minutes, you’ll have a meal that looks impressive but is simple enough to prepare on a busy night.

4. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

A quick stir-fry is a lifesaver on hectic evenings, and this beef and broccoli version needs only a few staples. Sear thin slices of beef in hot oil, then toss in broccoli florets. Add soy sauce and a touch of garlic, letting the sauce coat everything evenly. The beef stays tender while the broccoli retains a crisp bite, creating a balanced dish that’s both hearty and nutritious. Serve over steamed rice for a complete meal that takes less than 20 minutes from stove to table. It’s fast, flavorful, and family-approved.

5. Sheet Pan Fajitas

Dinner doesn’t get much easier than fajitas cooked on a single sheet pan. Slice chicken breasts or steak, bell peppers, and onions, then toss with olive oil and fajita seasoning. Spread everything on a baking tray and roast until the meat is cooked through and the vegetables are slightly charred. Serve in warm tortillas with optional toppings like salsa or cheese. The beauty of this dish is its minimal prep and cleanup, while still delivering bold, Tex-Mex inspired flavors. It’s a no-stress way to feed a hungry crowd.

6. Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

For a light yet flavorful dinner, toss warm pasta with basil pesto and juicy cherry tomatoes. Boil your pasta of choice, drain, and stir in a few spoonfuls of pesto along with halved tomatoes. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan for richness, and you’ve got a meal that feels fresh and satisfying. The basil pesto infuses the dish with vibrant flavor, while the tomatoes bring juiciness and a pop of color. This vegetarian-friendly option is quick, wholesome, and ideal for nights when you want something homemade with minimal effort.

7. BBQ Chicken Flatbreads

Flatbreads make for a fun, fast dinner when topped with bold flavors. Spread barbecue sauce over store-bought flatbreads, then add shredded chicken, sliced red onion, and mozzarella cheese. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are crisp. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro at the end adds a bright finishing touch. These flatbreads are versatile. You can make one large version to slice and share or create personal-sized portions. It’s a simple way to transform a few ingredients into a flavorful meal that feels anything but ordinary.

8. Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice

Shrimp cooks in minutes, making it perfect for a last-minute dinner. Melt butter in a pan, add minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant. Toss in peeled shrimp and cook until pink and slightly golden. A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish, and serving it over rice makes it filling without requiring extra ingredients. The garlic butter sauce coats the shrimp beautifully, making every bite rich and flavorful. With minimal effort, you’ll have a meal that feels indulgent yet simple enough to whip up on any busy night.

9. Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are hearty enough to be a full meal with just a few additions. Bake them until tender, then split and fill with black beans, shredded cheese, and salsa. Return to the oven briefly until the cheese melts, and top with a dollop of sour cream. The combination of sweet, creamy potato with savory toppings creates a dish that’s satisfying and packed with flavor. This vegetarian-friendly option requires minimal prep, offers great nutrition, and delivers big comfort with very little effort.

10. Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese

A timeless pairing made simple with pantry basics. Heat canned tomatoes with broth and a splash of cream, then blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper for balance. While the soup simmers, prepare grilled cheese sandwiches using bread, butter, and your favorite melting cheese. The result is a cozy dinner that requires just five ingredients and offers maximum comfort. Perfect for chilly nights or when you’re craving something nostalgic, this meal proves that simple recipes can still feel warm, satisfying, and special.