Busy weeknights often leave little time for cooking, but you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or nutrition. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create quick and delicious meals. Here are ten simple recipes with five ingredients or less, perfect for those hectic evenings when time is short, but you still want something tasty.
- Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon
This healthy and flavorful dish is ready in under 20 minutes. Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet, drizzle them with olive oil, and top with minced garlic, lemon slices, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes until the salmon flakes easily. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad, and you’ve got a nutritious dinner with minimal effort. - Tomato Basil Pasta
This simple pasta dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Cook your favorite pasta (spaghetti or penne work well), and while it’s boiling, sauté cherry tomatoes in olive oil with minced garlic. Toss the pasta with the tomatoes and freshly torn basil leaves, and top with Parmesan cheese for a light yet satisfying meal. With only five ingredients, this pasta is bursting with fresh flavors. - Avocado Toast with Poached Egg
For a quick and healthy dinner, try this simple yet satisfying dish. Toast a slice of whole grain bread, mash half an avocado on top, and season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Add a poached egg on top for protein, and sprinkle chili flakes for a bit of heat. This light meal is perfect when you want something fast but nourishing. - Caprese Chicken
Combine the classic flavors of a Caprese salad with tender chicken breasts for an easy, flavorful dinner. Pan-sear chicken breasts in olive oil until cooked through, then top with fresh mozzarella slices, tomato, and basil. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and serve with a side of greens or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s ready in under 20 minutes. - Black Bean Tacos
For a quick vegetarian meal, these black bean tacos are both delicious and filling. Heat canned black beans with cumin and chili powder for added flavor. Spoon the beans onto soft tortillas and top with shredded lettuce, salsa, and a dollop of sour cream or guacamole. These tacos are packed with protein and fiber, making them a healthy and satisfying option for a busy evening. - Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
A classic comfort food combination that’s easy to make when you’re short on time. Grill your favorite cheese between slices of bread until golden and crispy, and heat up some store-bought tomato soup on the stovetop or in the microwave. This simple meal is warm, comforting, and perfect for those nights when you just need something easy and familiar. - Chicken Pesto Wraps
For a quick and flavorful dinner, try these easy chicken pesto wraps. Spread a thin layer of pesto on a soft tortilla, add cooked or rotisserie chicken, and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese. Roll it up, and you have a delicious wrap that’s perfect for a quick meal on the go. You can even add some spinach or arugula for extra freshness. - Shrimp and Asparagus Stir-Fry
This light and fresh stir-fry comes together in less than 15 minutes. Sauté shrimp and asparagus in a pan with olive oil, garlic, and a splash of lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve with rice or quinoa for a complete meal. This dish is low in carbs but high in protein, making it a healthy option for busy nights. - Margherita Flatbread
If you’re craving pizza but want something faster and lighter, try this Margherita flatbread. Use a store-bought flatbread as your base, and top it with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the flatbread are crispy. This quick and easy meal is perfect for pizza lovers who want dinner on the table in under 15 minutes. - Eggplant Parmesan Stacks
This lightened-up version of eggplant Parmesan is a great option for a fast and healthy dinner. Slice an eggplant into rounds and bake or pan-fry them until golden and tender. Layer each round with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, then stack them in a baking dish and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with a side salad for a complete meal that’s comforting yet light.
These recipes prove that with just a few ingredients, you can create delicious, wholesome meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and fresh or warm and comforting, these simple dishes will save you time while still delivering big on flavor. Perfect for those nights when you need a quick fix but don’t want to compromise on taste or nutrition.
