5-Ingredient Recipes for When You’re Short on Time

When life gets hectic, cooking a delicious meal doesn’t have to be complicated. With just five ingredients or fewer, you can whip up quick, tasty dishes that the whole family will enjoy. These simple recipes are perfect for busy days when you’re short on time but still want something homemade and satisfying.

Here are some easy 5-ingredient recipes that are both quick and delicious:

1. Creamy Garlic Pasta

This creamy garlic pasta is comforting, flavorful, and comes together in just 15 minutes. It’s the perfect weeknight meal with minimal ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your favorite type)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
4. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce thickens.
5. Toss the pasta in the sauce and season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

2. Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon

This baked lemon garlic salmon is fresh, light, and perfect for a healthy, quick dinner. Pair it with a side of vegetables or rice for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon (sliced)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the salmon fillets on a lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Top each fillet with minced garlic and a lemon slice.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

3. Chicken Quesadillas

These cheesy chicken quesadillas make a quick and satisfying meal with only five ingredients. They’re perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a snack.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Place a tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle with 1/2 cup shredded cheese, and top with 1/2 cup shredded chicken.
3. Drizzle 2 tbsp of salsa over the chicken, then top with another tortilla.
4. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the tortilla is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted.
5. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and ingredients. Slice into wedges and serve.

4. Caprese Salad

This classic Italian salad is simple, refreshing, and bursting with flavor. With just five ingredients, it’s perfect as a side dish or light lunch.

Ingredients:

• 3 large ripe tomatoes, sliced
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar (optional)

Instructions:

1. Arrange the tomato slices and mozzarella on a plate, alternating them.
2. Tuck basil leaves in between the slices.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar if desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

5. BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

This BBQ chicken stuffed sweet potato recipe is filling and flavorful, and it only requires a handful of ingredients. It’s an easy dinner option that can be prepped ahead of time.

Ingredients:

• 4 sweet potatoes
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp sour cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Poke holes in the sweet potatoes with a fork and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until tender.
2. While the sweet potatoes bake, mix the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce in a bowl.
3. Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, cut them open and fluff the insides with a fork.
4. Stuff each sweet potato with the BBQ chicken mixture and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Return to the oven for 5-7 minutes to melt the cheese. Serve with a dollop of sour cream if desired.

6. Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese

A twist on the classic grilled cheese, this tomato basil version is a quick and satisfying meal with fresh, vibrant flavors.

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of bread
• 4 slices of mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• 1 ripe tomato, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves
• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
2. On the unbuttered side of two slices, layer cheese, tomato slices, and basil leaves.
3. Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side out.
4. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the sandwiches for 2-3 minutes on each side until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.

7. Sausage and Veggie Sheet Pan Dinner

This one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s easy to throw together, and the ingredients can be customized to your family’s preferences.

Ingredients:

• 4 sausages (Italian, chicken, or your favorite type)
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Place the sausages, bell peppers, and onion slices on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the sausages are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

Conclusion

Cooking with just five ingredients doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. These easy recipes are perfect for those nights when time is short, but you still want a homemade meal. Whether it’s a simple pasta dish, a fresh salad, or a hearty sheet pan dinner, these quick recipes will save you time in the kitchen while keeping your family happy and satisfied.