Some nights, cooking dinner feels like way too much work, right? You’re tired, hungry, and the last thing you want to do is spend an hour in the kitchen. That’s why I love 5-ingredient recipes—they keep things super simple without sacrificing flavor.
These dinners are all about fast, easy, and delicious. With just a handful of ingredients and about 20 minutes, you can get a homemade meal on the table without the stress. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or just trying to avoid another night of takeout, these recipes are total lifesavers.
So, grab your favorite skillet or sheet pan and let’s make dinner simple again.
1. Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli
When I’m craving takeout but don’t want to spend the money, I make this honey garlic ground beef and broccoli. It’s fast, flavorful, and so satisfying, with that sweet-savory sauce that makes every bite irresistible. Serve it over rice or eat it on its own — either way, it’s a total weeknight win.
2. Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Calzones
If you love buffalo chicken, these cheesy calzones are such a fun twist. They’re spicy, gooey, and come together in about 20 minutes thanks to the air fryer. Just five simple ingredients and you’ve got a golden, crispy pocket of flavor that tastes like game-day food any night of the week.
3. Spicy Pork Noodles
Leftover pork tenderloin never goes to waste with this recipe. Tossed with noodles, soy sauce, and a touch of heat, it’s quick, bold, and completely satisfying. You can even add veggies if you want, but honestly, it’s amazing as-is — we made it twice in one week because it’s that good.
4. Pierogies and Sausage Skillet
When dinner needs to be quick but still filling, this pierogies and sausage skillet totally hits the spot. Everything cooks up in a buttery sauce that’s simple, flavorful, and so comforting. Add some steamed veggies on the side, and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing dinner that comes together fast with zero stress.
5. Cheese Tortellini Pasta with Broccoli and Bacon
Some nights you just need something easy but still feels special, and this tortellini pasta totally delivers. With crispy bacon, tender broccoli, and cheesy tortellini, every bite is comforting and full of flavor. It’s a quick, five-ingredient dinner that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite.
6. Pesto Chicken Pasta
Whenever I’m in the mood for something fresh and flavorful but still quick, I make this pesto chicken pasta. The herby pesto coats every bite of pasta perfectly, and the chicken adds just the right amount of heartiness. Simple ingredients, big flavor, and dinner’s on the table before you know it.
7. 3-Ingredient Brown Sugar Italian Pork Chops
Some nights call for a recipe that feels fancy but takes almost no effort, and these pork chops deliver exactly that. The brown sugar and Italian seasoning form a caramelized glaze that’s sweet, savory, and full of flavor. With just three ingredients, dinner’s on the table fast — no stress, no fuss.
8. Pasta with Sausage and Spinach
Nothing beats an easy pasta night, especially when it’s loaded with sausage and spinach. The sausage adds that rich, savory flavor while the spinach keeps it light and fresh. It’s a simple, comforting meal that comes together fast — perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something homemade.
9. Cheesy Ham and Broccoli Rice
Some dinners just make life easier, and this cheesy ham and broccoli rice is exactly that kind of meal. Everything cooks in one pan, so cleanup’s a breeze. It’s creamy, comforting, and ready in minutes — a simple, family-friendly dinner that feels homemade without all the effort.
10. Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp
If you need dinner on the table fast, this honey garlic shrimp is your new best friend. The glaze is the perfect mix of sweet and savory, coating the shrimp in sticky, delicious flavor. It’s quick, easy, and feels fancy without the effort — one of those meals you’ll end up making again and again.
11. Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
When I’m short on time but still want something delicious, this creamy chicken pesto pasta never disappoints. The sauce is rich, herby, and coats the pasta beautifully, while the chicken keeps it hearty. Quick, flavorful, and comforting, it’s a dinner I find myself making again and again.
12. Easy Homemade Hamburger Steak Recipe with Gravy
There’s just something about gravy and mashed potatoes that makes everything better. These hamburger steaks are juicy, flavorful, and come together with only three ingredients! It’s the kind of comfort food that feels like a warm hug after a long day — simple, satisfying, and so easy to love.
13. One Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken
Weeknights can be crazy, and that’s when I reach for this creamy garlic chicken. It’s rich, flavorful, and ready in about 15 minutes, which makes it a total lifesaver. Made with just five simple ingredients, it’s low-carb, keto-friendly, and honestly one of the easiest chicken dinners ever.
14. 5 Ingredient Cajun Sausage Pasta
Craving something creamy with a little kick? This Cajun sausage pasta is a must-try. It’s bold, flavorful, and comes together in no time — perfect for busy nights when you still want something that feels homemade. The smoky sausage and creamy sauce make every bite so satisfying you’ll definitely go back for seconds.
15. Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
There’s something about crispy coconut shrimp that just makes dinner feel fun. These come out golden, crunchy, and perfectly sweet, and the air fryer makes them so easy to whip up. Dip them in sweet chili sauce and you’ve got a light, delicious meal or appetizer that feels tropical and totally irresistible.
16. Sweet Corn Chicken Bowl in 15 Minutes
Some nights you just want dinner on the table, fast — and this sweet corn chicken bowl totally delivers. It’s the perfect mix of savory, slightly sweet, and super satisfying, all ready in about 15 minutes. Toss it over rice and you’ve got a quick, comforting meal that tastes way better than takeout.
17. Easy Garlic Bacon Pasta
You know those nights when you just want something quick but still tastes amazing? That’s where this garlic bacon pasta comes in. With just a handful of ingredients, it’s simple, rich, and full of flavor. The secret? Don’t skip the bacon drippings — that’s where all the magic (and deliciousness) happens.
18. Lemon Butter Scallops
Sometimes dinner just needs to feel a little special — and these lemon butter scallops totally do. They’re perfectly seared, buttery, and bright with a pop of lemon, yet take barely any time to make. Pair them with rice or pasta, and you’ve got an easy seafood dish that feels fancy without the fuss.
19. 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili
Cold nights call for something cozy and comforting, and this white chicken chili is perfect for that. It’s creamy, flavorful, and ready in just minutes — no complicated steps or fancy ingredients needed. With only five simple ingredients, you’ve got a warm bowl of comfort that tastes like it cooked all day.
20. 5 Ingredient Orange Chicken
Craving takeout but don’t want to wait on delivery? This orange chicken hits all the right notes — sweet, tangy, and ready in minutes. With just five simple ingredients, you’ll have a meal that tastes just like your favorite restaurant version but made right at home. Quick, easy, and seriously delicious.
21. 5 Ingredient Chicken Tortilla Soup
When you want something warm, creamy, and full of flavor without all the effort, this tortilla soup is the way to go. Just toss everything in one pot, let it simmer, and dinner’s ready in no time. Top it with cheese, avocado, and tortilla chips for that perfect cozy crunch — it’s comfort in a bowl.
22. Honey Garlic Salmon
Busy nights call for dinners that are fast but still feel special, and this honey garlic salmon totally nails it. The sweet honey lemon glaze caramelizes beautifully, giving the salmon that perfect sticky coating. With just five simple ingredients, it’s healthy, flavorful, and ready in under 20 minutes.
23. Easy Broccoli Cheese Soup
Nothing beats a bowl of creamy, cheesy soup on a chilly day, and this broccoli cheese version is the ultimate comfort food. It’s rich, smooth, and comes together with just five simple ingredients. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread, and you’ve got a cozy dinner that feels homemade and comforting.
24. Easy Low Carb Taco Soup Recipe with Ranch Dressing
If you’re craving something hearty but still low carb, this taco soup is such a winner. It’s creamy, flavorful, and made with just five simple ingredients — the ranch mix gives it that little something extra. Perfect for busy nights when you want a cozy bowl of comfort without spending hours in the kitchen.
25. Pasta Parmesan Soup
Some nights just call for a warm bowl of comfort, and this pasta parmesan soup totally delivers. With just five simple ingredients, it’s creamy, cheesy, and perfectly satisfying. The parmesan adds that tangy, salty kick that makes every spoonful feel extra special — simple, cozy, and so good.
26. Healthy Air Fryer Fish Recipe
When I want something light but still super satisfying, this air fryer tilapia is my go-to. The panko coating gets crispy and golden without needing any oil, and it’s ready in under 20 minutes. It’s one of those easy, healthy dinners that feels fresh, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights.
27. Zucchini Noodles with Spinach
If you’re craving pasta but want to keep things a little lighter, these zucchini noodles are perfect. They’re fresh, flavorful, and tossed with parmesan and spinach for that comforting touch without the heaviness. Plus, it all comes together in about 20 minutes — healthy, easy, and totally satisfying.
28. One Pot Mac and Cheese
Nothing says comfort quite like a bowl of creamy, cheesy mac and cheese — especially when it only takes one pot to make. It’s smooth, rich, and ready in less than 20 minutes, which makes it my go-to on busy nights. Easy cleanup, big flavor, and total comfort in every bite.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it — easy, delicious dinners that prove you don’t need a long ingredient list (or hours in the kitchen) to make something amazing. Whether you’re craving something cozy, creamy, or a little spicy, these recipes have you covered. Next time you’re short on time or energy, just pick one and thank your future self later.