In today’s busy world, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying dinner can feel overwhelming—especially when you want to keep things simple without sacrificing flavor.
That’s where five-ingredient dinner recipes come in.
These recipes are designed to be quick, easy, and require minimal ingredients, making them perfect for weeknights, beginners in the kitchen, or anyone looking to streamline meal prep.
With just a handful of staples and fresh ingredients, you can create flavorful meals that feel anything but basic.
In this article, we’ve gathered 23+ five-ingredient dinner recipes that will inspire you to get dinner on the table fast while delighting your taste buds.
23+ Easy Five Ingredient Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights
Five-ingredient dinner recipes prove that cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious.
These simple meals highlight how a few quality ingredients can come together to create satisfying dishes packed with flavor and nutrition.
Whether you’re looking for comforting classics, fresh and light options, or something a little more indulgent, these recipes offer a wide variety of choices that fit any lifestyle.
Give these easy recipes a try and enjoy stress-free cooking without compromising on taste.
garlic butter shrimp
Garlic butter shrimp is a quick and flavorful five-ingredient dinner perfect for busy nights.
With succulent shrimp cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, this dish is simple to prepare yet delivers restaurant-quality taste.
It’s light, satisfying, and pairs well with a variety of sides, making it a versatile weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Butter
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for a few minutes on each side until pink and cooked through.
- Stir in lemon juice and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately with your favorite low-carb side or crusty bread.
Garlic butter shrimp is a delicious and fuss-free dinner that combines bold flavors with minimal ingredients.
Its simplicity makes it accessible for cooks of all levels while still offering a rich, satisfying meal.
honey soy chicken
Honey soy chicken is a sweet and savory five-ingredient dinner that’s both easy to make and irresistibly tasty.
Tender chicken breasts are glazed in a simple sauce made with just honey, soy sauce, and garlic, delivering a perfect balance of flavors that will satisfy your cravings with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant.
- Add chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides.
- Mix honey and soy sauce in a bowl, then pour over the chicken.
- Reduce heat and simmer until chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens.
Honey soy chicken is a fantastic five-ingredient dinner that’s packed with flavor and incredibly easy to prepare.
It’s perfect for weeknights when you want something satisfying without a long ingredient list.
caprese pasta
Caprese pasta is a fresh and flavorful five-ingredient dinner inspired by the classic Italian salad.
With ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil, this dish is light yet filling, ideal for a quick meal that bursts with simple, vibrant flavors.
Ingredients:
- Pasta of your choice
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Fresh mozzarella, cubed
- Fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
- Drizzle with olive oil and toss gently to combine.
- Serve warm or chilled as a light dinner.
Caprese pasta is an easy and elegant five-ingredient dinner that celebrates fresh ingredients and Italian flavors.
It’s a perfect choice for busy days or when you want a meal that’s simple, healthy, and delicious.
lemon rosemary chicken
Lemon rosemary chicken is a simple yet aromatic five-ingredient dinner that’s perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal.
Tender chicken breasts are infused with fresh lemon juice and fragrant rosemary, creating a bright and savory dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Fresh rosemary
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Garlic cloves, minced
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and chopped rosemary.
- Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the lemon-rosemary mixture over them.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juicy.
Lemon rosemary chicken is a refreshing and straightforward five-ingredient dinner that highlights natural flavors with minimal effort.
It’s a perfect balance of tangy and herbaceous notes for a healthy, satisfying meal.
beef and broccoli
Beef and broccoli is a classic five-ingredient dinner that combines tender strips of beef with crisp broccoli in a savory sauce.
This quick and easy recipe is packed with flavor and nutrition, making it an ideal choice for a no-fuss, satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- Beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- Broccoli florets
- Soy sauce
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add beef slices and cook until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Add broccoli to the skillet and cook until tender-crisp.
- Return beef to the skillet, add soy sauce, and stir until everything is heated through.
Beef and broccoli is a simple and delicious five-ingredient dinner that offers a perfect combination of protein and vegetables.
It’s quick to make and sure to please the whole family.
tomato basil soup
Tomato basil soup is a comforting and flavorful five-ingredient dinner that’s both light and satisfying.
Made with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and simple seasonings, this soup is easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy evening meal.
Ingredients:
- Canned crushed tomatoes
- Fresh basil leaves
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add crushed tomatoes and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in chopped fresh basil and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or leave it chunky if preferred.
Tomato basil soup is a simple yet elegant five-ingredient dinner that warms you up while keeping things light.
It’s perfect served with a side salad or low-carb bread for a complete meal.
honey mustard pork chops
Honey mustard pork chops are a juicy and flavorful five-ingredient dinner that combines tender pork chops with a tangy, sweet honey mustard glaze.
This simple recipe is quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal that feels special without a long ingredient list.
Ingredients:
- Pork chops
- Honey
- Dijon mustard
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, mix honey and Dijon mustard.
- Season pork chops with garlic powder, then sear in olive oil over medium heat until browned on both sides.
- Brush honey mustard mixture over pork chops and transfer to the oven.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
Honey mustard pork chops are a delicious and easy five-ingredient dinner that balances sweet and tangy flavors with tender, juicy meat.
It’s a perfect meal for busy evenings when you want something both quick and tasty.
caprese chicken
Caprese chicken is a fresh and elegant five-ingredient dinner inspired by the classic Italian salad.
Juicy chicken breasts are topped with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, then drizzled with olive oil to create a flavorful and colorful meal that’s simple to prepare.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Fresh mozzarella slices
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season chicken breasts and place them in a baking dish.
- Top each breast with mozzarella slices and cherry tomato halves.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and drizzle with olive oil before serving.
Caprese chicken is a quick, vibrant five-ingredient dinner that brings the flavors of Italy to your table.
It’s light, cheesy, and full of fresh ingredients perfect for a wholesome meal.
sausage and peppers
Sausage and peppers is a hearty and flavorful five-ingredient dinner featuring savory sausage links cooked with colorful bell peppers.
This easy recipe is perfect for a filling meal that comes together quickly with minimal ingredients and maximum taste.
Ingredients:
- Sausage links (Italian or your favorite variety)
- Bell peppers, sliced
- Onion, sliced
- Olive oil
- Garlic cloves, minced
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add sausage links and cook until browned and cooked through, then remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, add bell peppers and onion; sauté until tender.
- Slice sausages and return to the skillet; toss everything together to combine and heat through.
Sausage and peppers is a delicious five-ingredient dinner that’s full of bold flavors and simple preparation.
It’s perfect served on its own or with a side salad for a satisfying, easy meal.
lemon garlic tilapia
Lemon garlic tilapia is a light and flavorful five-ingredient dinner that’s quick to prepare and perfect for a healthy weeknight meal.
The delicate fish is seasoned with fresh lemon juice and garlic, creating a bright and savory dish that pairs well with steamed vegetables or a simple salad.
Ingredients:
- Tilapia fillets
- Lemon juice
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place tilapia fillets on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
- Sprinkle minced garlic, salt, and pepper evenly over the fish.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Lemon garlic tilapia is a fresh and easy five-ingredient dinner that highlights the natural flavors of the fish with simple, wholesome ingredients.
It’s a perfect choice for a nutritious, low-effort meal.
creamy tomato chicken
Creamy tomato chicken is a rich and comforting five-ingredient dinner that combines tender chicken breasts with a simple tomato sauce made creamy with heavy cream or coconut milk.
This dish is indulgent yet easy to prepare, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Canned crushed tomatoes
- Heavy cream or coconut milk
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk and cook until sauce thickens and chicken is fully cooked.
Creamy tomato chicken is a delicious five-ingredient dinner that’s both comforting and simple.
Its creamy tomato sauce elevates the chicken to a rich, flavorful meal perfect for any night.
spinach feta stuffed mushrooms
Spinach feta stuffed mushrooms are a savory and elegant five-ingredient dinner or appetizer that combines earthy mushrooms with a creamy spinach and feta filling.
This easy recipe is great for a light meal or a delicious starter.
Ingredients:
- Large mushroom caps
- Fresh spinach, chopped
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sauté garlic and spinach in olive oil until spinach is wilted.
- Mix spinach with crumbled feta cheese.
- Stuff mushroom caps with the spinach and feta mixture and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until mushrooms are tender and filling is heated through.
Spinach feta stuffed mushrooms offer a flavorful five-ingredient dinner that’s both nutritious and easy to make.
They’re perfect for a low-carb meal or a tasty appetizer to impress guests.
honey garlic salmon
Honey garlic salmon is a simple and flavorful five-ingredient dinner that combines tender salmon fillets with a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze.
This quick recipe is perfect for a healthy weeknight meal that tastes indulgent but comes together with minimal ingredients.
Ingredients:
- Salmon fillets
- Honey
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Soy sauce
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, mix honey, minced garlic, and soy sauce.
- Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet, brush generously with the honey garlic mixture.
- Drizzle olive oil over the fillets and bake for 12-15 minutes until salmon is cooked through and flaky.
Honey garlic salmon is a delicious five-ingredient dinner that balances sweet and savory flavors with the rich texture of salmon.
It’s a nutritious, easy-to-make dish that works well for any night of the week.
sausage and cabbage skillet
Sausage and cabbage skillet is a hearty and satisfying five-ingredient dinner that’s quick to prepare.
This dish combines savory sausage with tender sautéed cabbage, creating a flavorful, low-carb meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
- Sausage links, sliced
- Green cabbage, shredded
- Onion, sliced
- Olive oil
- Garlic cloves, minced
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic and onion until soft.
- Add sausage slices and cook until browned.
- Stir in shredded cabbage and cook until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve warm.
Sausage and cabbage skillet is an easy, flavorful five-ingredient dinner that’s filling and nutritious.
It’s a great option when you want a comforting meal without lots of prep or ingredients.
caprese salad
Caprese salad is a fresh and elegant five-ingredient dinner or side dish that celebrates simple, high-quality ingredients.
Combining ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, it’s a vibrant and light option perfect for warm evenings or quick meals.
Ingredients:
- Fresh tomatoes, sliced
- Fresh mozzarella, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
Instructions:
- Arrange tomato and mozzarella slices on a plate, alternating them.
- Tuck fresh basil leaves between slices.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Season with salt and pepper if desired.
Caprese salad is a beautifully simple five-ingredient dinner or appetizer that’s bursting with fresh flavors.
It’s quick to prepare and a perfect choice for a light, satisfying meal.
baked salmon with dill
Baked salmon with dill is a simple and elegant five-ingredient dinner that highlights the fresh flavor of salmon enhanced by aromatic dill.
This recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for a healthy, satisfying meal that requires minimal ingredients and effort.
Ingredients:
- Salmon fillets
- Fresh dill, chopped
- Lemon slices
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Top each fillet with fresh dill and lemon slices.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Baked salmon with dill is a flavorful, nutritious five-ingredient dinner that’s perfect for a quick yet impressive meal.
The fresh dill and lemon add bright, delicate notes that complement the richness of the fish.
creamy mushroom chicken
Creamy mushroom chicken is a comforting five-ingredient dinner that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich mushroom cream sauce.
This dish is perfect for those seeking a quick and indulgent meal that’s easy to make with just a few ingredients.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Mushrooms, sliced
- Heavy cream
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add sliced mushrooms and cook until tender.
- Pour in heavy cream and simmer until sauce thickens. Return chicken to the pan and cook through.
Creamy mushroom chicken is a luscious five-ingredient dinner that offers hearty flavors and creamy texture.
It’s a perfect dish for cozy evenings and pairs well with steamed vegetables or cauliflower rice.
garlic butter steak
Garlic butter steak is a quick and savory five-ingredient dinner featuring juicy steak cooked to perfection and topped with a rich garlic butter sauce.
This simple recipe elevates a classic steak dinner with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor.
Ingredients:
- Steak (your choice of cut)
- Butter
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Season steak with salt and pepper. Cook steak in a hot skillet to your preferred doneness.
- In the last few minutes, add butter and garlic to the pan, basting the steak with the garlic butter.
- Remove steak and let rest. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Garlic butter steak is a delicious and elegant five-ingredient dinner that’s perfect for steak lovers.
The garlic butter adds richness and depth, making it a satisfying and easy meal to prepare any night.
roasted garlic pork tenderloin
Roasted garlic pork tenderloin is a juicy and flavorful five-ingredient dinner that’s simple to prepare yet impressive enough for guests.
The tender pork is infused with the rich aroma of roasted garlic, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- Pork tenderloin
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Olive oil
- Fresh rosemary or thyme
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rub pork tenderloin with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Place in a roasting pan and roast for about 20-25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Let rest before slicing and serving.
Roasted garlic pork tenderloin is a delicious five-ingredient dinner that combines simple ingredients for a flavorful and tender main course.
It pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
spinach feta omelette
Spinach feta omelette is a light and nutritious five-ingredient dinner perfect for a quick meal any time of day.
Packed with fresh spinach and tangy feta, this omelette is simple to make and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients:
- Eggs
- Fresh spinach
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Beat eggs with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted. Pour in eggs and cook until almost set.
- Sprinkle feta over one side, fold omelette, and cook until cheese melts.
Spinach feta omelette is an easy and satisfying five-ingredient dinner that’s both healthy and flavorful.
It’s perfect for a light, protein-rich meal that comes together in minutes.
honey glazed carrots
Honey glazed carrots are a sweet and simple five-ingredient side dish or light dinner addition that pairs well with many main courses.
The natural sweetness of carrots is enhanced with honey and butter for a deliciously tender and glossy finish.
Ingredients:
- Carrots, sliced
- Honey
- Butter
- Salt
- Fresh thyme (optional)
Instructions:
- Steam or boil carrots until tender.
- In a skillet, melt butter and stir in honey.
- Add carrots to the skillet and toss to coat evenly.
- Season with salt and sprinkle fresh thyme if using. Cook until glazed and heated through.
Honey glazed carrots are an easy five-ingredient dish that brings natural sweetness and a buttery finish to your dinner table.
They’re a perfect, healthy complement to any meal.
chicken piccata
Chicken piccata is a bright and tangy five-ingredient dinner featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a lemony caper sauce.
This classic Italian dish is quick to make and delivers bold, refreshing flavors with minimal ingredients.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Lemon juice
- Capers
- Butter
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook chicken until golden and cooked through; remove and keep warm.
- In the same pan, melt butter, add lemon juice and capers, and simmer briefly.
- Return chicken to the pan and coat with the sauce before serving.
Chicken piccata is a delicious and elegant five-ingredient dinner that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or special occasion.
The tangy lemon and salty capers create a vibrant flavor profile that complements the tender chicken beautifully.
shrimp scampi
Shrimp scampi is a simple and flavorful five-ingredient dinner that highlights juicy shrimp in a garlicky butter and white wine sauce.
This quick dish is perfect for a light yet satisfying meal and pairs wonderfully with pasta or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients:
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Butter
- White wine or chicken broth
- Lemon juice
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque.
- Pour in white wine or chicken broth and lemon juice; simmer briefly to reduce sauce.
- Serve immediately with a side of your choice.
Shrimp scampi is a classic five-ingredient dinner that’s both elegant and easy.
The combination of garlic, butter, and lemon creates a bright, rich sauce that perfectly complements the tender shrimp.
Conclusion
When life gets hectic, having a collection of five-ingredient dinner recipes at your fingertips can be a game changer. These recipes demonstrate that simplicity is often the key to great cooking—minimal ingredients, minimal prep, but maximum flavor. By focusing on fresh, wholesome components and straightforward techniques, you can enjoy quick and delicious meals that please the whole family. Explore these 23+ recipes to find your new favorite go-to dinners that make busy nights easier and more enjoyable.
