Busy nights don’t have to mean boring dinners. When time is short and the fridge looks a little empty, having a handful of quick, 5-ingredient recipes up your sleeve can save the day. These meals are proof that you don’t need a long grocery list or hours in the kitchen to make something tasty.
From hearty pastas to fresh, light options, these 20 easy recipes are all made with just five simple ingredients and come together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknights when you’re tired, weekends when you want to relax, or anytime you just want good food without the fuss.
If you’ve been searching for fast, budget-friendly meals that don’t skimp on flavor, you’re in the right place.
1. Cheesy Taco Pasta
Dinner goals, right here. This 5-ingredient cheesy taco pasta comes together in 30 minutes or less and it’s as cozy as it sounds. The pasta soaks up all that taco flavor, gets coated in melty cheese, and honestly tastes like a mash-up of taco night and pasta night. Quick, fun, and ridiculously satisfying—a total weeknight win!
2. 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken
Craving takeout but short on time? This orange chicken sauce needs just 3 ingredients and less than 20 minutes to whip up. It’s sweet, tangy, and clings perfectly to crispy chicken—giving you that restaurant-style flavor without the wait (or the delivery fee). Serve it over rice and you’ve got dinner handled, stress-free.
3. Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli
There’s nothing better than a meal that’s both hearty and wholesome. This orecchiette with sausage and broccoli is packed with flavor, only uses 5 simple ingredients, and is ready in about 30 minutes. The pasta catches all the little bits of sausage and garlic, while the broccoli adds that fresh, green bite. Easy, filling, and weeknight-approved!
4. Bacon Ranch Ground Chicken Quesadillas
Need a snack that’s high in protein but still super easy? These bacon ranch ground chicken quesadillas are made with just 5 ingredients and pack in 25g of protein with only 15g of carbs each. They’re cheesy, flavorful, and great for meal prep too—just reheat the leftovers for a quick, low-calorie bite that actually keeps you full. Simple, satisfying, and protein-packed!
5. Easy Pesto Chicken Salad
When you need lunch fast, this recipe is a total lifesaver. With just a few simple ingredients and plenty of fresh pesto flavor, this chicken salad comes together in under 5 minutes. It’s high in protein, super easy to meal prep, and makes a healthy lunch that actually tastes exciting. Fresh, fast, and ridiculously simple!
6. 4-Ingredient Goulash
Talk about comfort food made simple. This goulash comes together with just pasta, ground beef, tomato sauce, and seasoning—that’s it! It’s hearty, budget-friendly, and ready in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or even meal prep. Family-approved, filling, and fuss-free.
7. Beef and Noodles
This one takes me straight back to family dinners. Granny’s classic beef and noodles recipe is as simple as it gets—just 5 ingredients and pure comfort in a bowl. The Instant Pot makes it super quick, but you can also let it simmer away on the stovetop or in the crockpot if you want those cozy, slow-cooked vibes. Easy, nostalgic, and seriously satisfying.
8. Sweet and Sour Cauliflower
Who knew cauliflower could taste this good? With just a few simple steps, this sweet and sour version turns into a dish the whole family will happily dig into. It’s tangy, a little sweet, and totally satisfying. Serve it with rice for a quick dinner or enjoy it on its own—either way, it’s a keeper.
9. One Pot Alfredo Pasta
Creamy, rich, and unbelievably easy—this alfredo pasta only calls for 4 ingredients and about 15 minutes of your time. Everything cooks in a single pot, so the pasta starch naturally thickens the sauce while saving you from extra dishes. Use classic fettuccine or swap in any pasta that grabs the sauce. It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy but still fits right into a busy weeknight.
10. Pasta Parmesan Soup
Nothing feels quite as comforting as a warm bowl of soup on a busy night. This pasta parmesan soup comes together with just 5 ingredients and is rich, wholesome, and satisfying. The pasta makes it hearty, while a sprinkle of tangy parmesan cheese on top takes it to the next level. Simple, filling, and made for those nights you just want something cozy without the fuss.
11. Gluten-Free Chicken Chow Mein
Craving takeout but need it gluten-free? This chicken chow mein hits all the right notes—savory, saucy, and full of crisp veggies—without the gluten. Ready in under 30 minutes with just a handful of ingredients, it’s the perfect way to satisfy those noodle cravings at home. Tasty, quick, and feel-good comfort food.
12. 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp in Tomato Sauce
Busy night? This one-pan garlic shrimp in tomato sauce comes together in just 15 minutes and feels like something you’d order at a restaurant. It’s light, flavorful, and fits just about any lifestyle—gluten-free, paleo, and even keto-friendly. Quick to cook, easy to clean up, and absolutely delicious.
13. Brown Sugar Chipotle Salmon
Sweet with a little kick—this 5-ingredient salmon recipe is ready in under 30 minutes and will convert even the “I don’t like fish” crowd. The brown sugar and chipotle dry rub caramelizes beautifully, giving the salmon a smoky-sweet flavor that feels special but takes hardly any effort. Quick, bold, and downright irresistible.
14. 3-Ingredient Beef Stroganoff
Dinner doesn’t get much simpler than this. With just three ingredients, you can whip up a creamy, hearty beef stroganoff in no time. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights when you need something filling without the fuss. A true family favorite that proves comfort food can be easy.
15. Brown Sugar Italian Pork Chops
These pork chops are so good you’ll want them on repeat. Just three simple ingredients—pork chops, brown sugar, and Italian dressing mix—come together in under 30 minutes to make a sweet and savory dish everyone will rave about. Juicy, flavorful, and family-approved, this is one recipe where there are never any leftovers.
16. Chicken Pesto Pasta
There’s just something magical about how a few simple ingredients can turn into such a flavorful meal. This 5-ingredient chicken pesto pasta is quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy chicken and herby pesto coat every bite of pasta for a dish that feels fancy without any extra effort. Simple, fresh, and seriously tasty.
17. Honey Garlic Ground Beef & Broccoli
This recipe is such a lifesaver on busy nights. With only 5 ingredients, you get a perfect balance of sweet honey, savory garlic, tender beef, and crisp broccoli. Serve it over rice for a quick, filling dinner that tastes way better than takeout. Simple, flavorful, and always a hit.
18. Pasta with Zucchini
Light, quick, and so tasty—this 5-ingredient pasta with zucchini comes together in just 15 minutes. It’s the perfect way to use up plenty of zucchini while still making a meal the whole family will enjoy. Simple, fresh, and weeknight-friendly.
19. Garlic Butter Lemon Baked Cod
Dinner doesn’t get much easier—or tastier—than this. With just 5 ingredients (plus a little salt and pepper), you can have flaky baked cod on the table in no time. The combo of zesty lemon and rich garlic butter sauce makes this dish feel restaurant-worthy while still being weeknight-friendly. Simple, flavorful, and sure to impress the whole family.
20. One Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken
Fast, flavorful, and totally comforting—this creamy garlic chicken is made with just 5 ingredients and ready in 15 minutes. Even better, it’s keto, low carb, and gluten-free, so it fits a variety of diets without sacrificing taste. A simple one-pan dinner that feels rich and satisfying, minus the fuss.
Final Thoughts
Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to taste amazing. These 20 quick and easy 5-ingredient meals prove that you can whip up something delicious in under 30 minutes without a mile-long grocery list. Whether you’re in the mood for comfort food, light and healthy options, or bold flavors, there’s something here for every craving.
So the next time life gets hectic, remember—you don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen. Just a handful of staples, one pan, and a little inspiration, and dinner’s done. Simple, tasty, and stress-free.