Let’s face it—after a long day, the last thing most of us want is a complicated dinner with a sink full of dishes. That’s where 5-ingredient weeknight dinners come in. Simple, fast, and delicious, these recipes are perfect for busy nights when you still want something homemade.
The best part? Each recipe below requires just five main ingredients (excluding pantry basics like salt, pepper, and olive oil) and takes 30 minutes or less to make.
🍝 1. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients:
Spaghetti
Garlic (minced)
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese
Butter
How to Make It:
Cook spaghetti until al dente.
In a pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1–2 minutes.
Add cream and bring to a simmer.
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
Toss pasta with sauce and serve hot.
Tip: Add black pepper or chili flakes for a little kick.
🌮 2. Chicken Taco Bowls
Ingredients:
Cooked chicken (rotisserie or grilled)
Taco seasoning
Canned black beans (drained and rinsed)
Cooked rice
Salsa
How to Make It:
Shred chicken and mix with taco seasoning.
Heat black beans in a small pot.
Assemble bowls with rice, beans, chicken, and salsa.
Optional: Top with avocado or sour cream if you have it on hand.
🥘 3. One-Pan Sausage & Veggie Bake
Ingredients:
Smoked sausage (sliced)
Bell peppers
Zucchini
Red onion
Olive oil
How to Make It:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Chop all veggies and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Spread sausage and veggies on a baking sheet.
Roast for 25–30 minutes until browned and tender.
Easy cleanup, and it smells amazing while baking!
🍳 4. Caprese Omelet
Ingredients:
Eggs
Cherry tomatoes (halved)
Fresh mozzarella
Fresh basil
Butter or oil
How to Make It:
Beat eggs and pour into a heated, greased skillet.
Add tomatoes and mozzarella as the eggs begin to set.
Fold omelet and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
Sprinkle with fresh basil before serving.
Breakfast for dinner never tasted so good.
🍗 5. Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs
Ingredients:
Boneless chicken thighs
Dijon mustard
Honey
Garlic
Olive oil
How to Make It:
Mix honey, mustard, garlic, and oil to create a marinade.
Coat chicken thighs and let sit for 5 minutes (or more).
Pan-sear on medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
Serve with rice, greens, or roasted veggies.
📝 Final Thoughts
These recipes prove that simple can still be flavorful. When your pantry is nearly empty and your energy is low, having a few reliable 5-ingredient meals in your back pocket can make all the difference.