Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen every night, only to end up with a mediocre meal? Look no further! In today’s fast-paced world, it can be tough to find the time and energy to cook a delicious meal. But what if we told you that there are simple and quick recipes out there that can satisfy your cravings without sacrificing flavor or nutrition?
In this article, we’ll share 17 effortless 5-ingredient recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights. From creamy pasta dishes to savory chicken and seafood options, and even sweet treats like cookies and pancakes, these recipes are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
A rich and satisfying pasta dish that combines the flavors of garlic, parmesan cheese, and creamy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti or fettuccine)
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
3. Sprinkle flour over garlic mixture; whisk together to form a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
4. Gradually add heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes or until thickened.
5. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine cooked pasta and creamy sauce; toss until coated, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
5-Ingredient Honey Garlic Chicken
Quickly elevate your chicken game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the sweetness of honey and the pungency of garlic. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this dish is sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together honey, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the honey-garlic mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Easy Avocado and Egg Toast
Start your day with a nutritious and delicious breakfast that’s ready in just minutes! This recipe combines creamy avocado, runny eggs, and crispy toast for a satisfying morning meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of whole grain bread
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 2 large eggs
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: red pepper flakes, chopped cilantro, or feta cheese for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Toast the bread until lightly browned.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and a pinch of salt.
3. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour in the eggs and cook until scrambled to your liking.
4. Spread the mashed avocado on top of the toast.
5. Place the cooked eggs on top of the avocado.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Add any desired toppings (red pepper flakes, chopped cilantro, or feta cheese).
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
One-Pan Lemon Butter Salmon
A flavorful and elegant dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes! This recipe combines the richness of butter, the brightness of lemon, and the tenderness of salmon all in one pan.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the salmon fillets under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a large oven-safe skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
4. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add the lemon juice and stir to combine.
6. Place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin side up (if they have skin).
7. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the fish is cooked halfway through.
8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through.
9. Sprinkle with parsley and season with salt and pepper.
10. Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
These bite-sized sliders are packed with flavor and simplicity. A perfect combination of tender pork, tangy BBQ sauce, and crunchy coleslaw make for a mouthwatering treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 1/4 cup coleslaw
– 5 hamburger buns
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season the pork shoulder with brown sugar.
3. Place the pork in a slow cooker or Dutch oven and cook for 6-8 hours, or until tender.
4. Shred the pork with two forks.
5. Mix in BBQ sauce.
6. Assemble sliders by placing shredded pork onto hamburger buns, topping with coleslaw.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (slow cooker) or 2-3 hours (Dutch oven)
Quick Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
Get ready for a rich and indulgent treat that combines the classic flavors of chocolate and peanut butter. These soft-baked cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream peanut butter and butter until smooth. Add sugar and beat until combined.
3. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in flour and chocolate chips.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Simple Caprese Salad
This classic Italian salad is a symphony of flavors and textures, featuring fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a stunning side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (about 1/4 cup)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Arrange the tomato slices on a large plate or platter.
2. Top each tomato slice with a round of mozzarella cheese.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the salad, followed by a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
4. Sprinkle chopped basil leaves over the salad.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (mostly assembly time)
Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this flavorful and easy-to-make Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice recipe. Succulent shrimp are cooked to perfection in a rich garlic butter sauce, served atop fluffy white rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
3. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside. Reduce heat to medium, add remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Cook garlic for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Stir in cooked rice and season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve shrimp on top of rice mixture and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Easy Tomato Basil Soup
A classic summer soup that’s perfect for warm weather, this recipe combines the flavors of fresh tomatoes and basil with a hint of garlic and cream. It’s quick to make and can be served as a starter or a light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of diced tomatoes)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the garlic in a little bit of oil until fragrant.
2. Add the chopped tomatoes, basil, and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
4. Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with additional basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
5-Ingredient Teriyaki Meatballs
Elevate your dinner game with this easy-to-make recipe for teriyaki meatballs that require just 5 ingredients. This Asian-inspired dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or as an appetizer for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 egg
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions and shape each into a ball.
4. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Brush the teriyaki sauce evenly over the meatballs.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta
A flavorful and comforting twist on traditional pasta dishes, this recipe combines the spicy kick of taco seasoning with the creaminess of melted cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta (such as penne or rotini)
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 packet taco seasoning
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; set aside.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking up with spoon as needed.
3. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; cook until vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in taco seasoning and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add cherry tomatoes and cooked pasta to the pot; stir to combine.
6. Top with shredded cheese and cover pot; let cheese melt for 2-3 minutes.
7. Sprinkle with cilantro, if desired.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Elevate your vegetable game with this simple yet impressive side dish that combines the natural sweetness of asparagus with the smoky richness of bacon. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 6 slices of bacon, cut in half
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place the asparagus spears on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Wrap each asparagus spear with a piece of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if needed.
5. Drizzle the olive oil over the asparagus and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the asparagus is tender and the bacon is crispy.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
5-Ingredient Pesto Chicken Bake
A flavorful and effortless weeknight dinner that combines the richness of pesto with the simplicity of chicken and vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup pesto sauce
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 1 baguette, cubed (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place the chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Drizzle the pesto sauce over the chicken, making sure they’re fully coated.
5. Arrange the sliced red bell pepper and onion around the chicken.
6. If using baguette cubes, sprinkle them around the vegetables.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Fast Banana Pancakes
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these quick and delicious banana pancakes. Made with ripe bananas, eggs, and a hint of cinnamon, they’re perfect for a busy morning or a lazy Sunday brunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 tablespoon milk
– 1 tablespoon melted butter
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth.
2. Add the egg, flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Mix until combined.
3. Gradually add the milk and melted butter, mixing until smooth.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
5. Drop the batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the skillet.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (depending on the number of pancakes)
No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars
These no-bake peanut butter bars are a perfect treat for any occasion. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can satisfy your sweet tooth without heating up the kitchen.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– Optional: chopped peanuts or chocolate chips for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs and confectioners’ sugar.
2. In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
3. Gradually add the graham cracker mixture to the peanut butter mixture, stirring until well combined.
4. Press the mixture into a 9×9-inch pan lined with parchment paper.
5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
6. Cut into bars and serve.
Cooking Time: None! These no-bake bars are ready in just 2 hours.
5-Ingredient Spinach Feta Quesadillas
These 5-ingredient Spinach Feta Quesadillas are a flavorful and easy-to-make snack or meal. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, these quesadillas combine the creaminess of feta cheese with the nutty flavor of spinach.
Ingredients:
– 4 large tortillas
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half with spinach and half with feta cheese.
3. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
4. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
5. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
6. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts
Elevate your side dish game with this sweet and spicy recipe that combines the natural bitterness of Brussels sprouts with the warmth of honey and sriracha. This flavorful twist is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1-2 teaspoons sriracha sauce (depending on desired level of spiciness)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Spread the sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Drizzle honey over the sprouts and toss to combine.
5. Sprinkle sriracha sauce over the top and toss again to distribute.
6. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until caramelized and tender, stirring occasionally.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Looking for quick and delicious recipes to spice up your busy weeknights? Look no further! This article features 17 effortless 5-ingredient recipes that are perfect for a stress-free dinner. From creamy pasta dishes to flavorful chicken and seafood options, there’s something for everyone. Try the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta, 5-Ingredient Honey Garlic Chicken, or Easy Avocado and Egg Toast for a satisfying meal in no time. With minimal ingredients and simple preparation, these recipes will become your new go-to’s for a hassle-free dinner routine.
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