15 Easy 5 Ingredient Recipes Or Less For Busy Days: Quick and Delicious Meal Ideas

15 Easy 5 Ingredient Recipes Or Less For Busy Days: Quick and Delicious Meal Ideas

By Sara Taylor

15 Easy 5 Ingredient Recipes Or Less For Busy Days: Quick and Delicious Meal Ideas

By Sara Taylor
•
Updated
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Recipes

Some days, I lose the battle against my to-do list, and dinner gets made whilst I am still getting everyone seated at the table. That's why I keep five-ingredient meals on hand – they have short ingredient lists, actual food, and there are almost no dishes to clean! Choose one, take a deep breath, and know that something better than delivery will be done in no time.

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1) Avocado Toast

avocado toast in a wide horizontal shot, two crisp slices topped with mashed green avocado and red pepper flakes on a wooden board, bright morning light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

There is a good reason why breakfast became a personality type.

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avocado toast in a wide horizontal shot, two crisp slices topped with mashed green avocado and red pepper flakes on a wooden board, bright morning light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Avocado Toast

Mashed avocado with a bit of lemon and some flaky salt, served on top of crispy toast.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 slices crusty bread
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 0.25 tsp flaky salt
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes optional

Method
 

  1. Toast the bread until golden and crisp.
  2. Mash the avocado with the lemon juice in a small bowl.
  3. Spread the avocado generously over each slice.
  4. Sprinkle with flaky salt and red pepper flakes and serve.

Notes

A drizzle of olive oil and a poached egg on top turns this into a full meal.

2) Caprese Salad

a caprese salad in a wide horizontal shot, overlapping red tomato and white mozzarella slices with green basil and olive oil on a white platter, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Only three simple ingredients that encompass the greatest taste of summer.

a caprese salad in a wide horizontal shot, overlapping red tomato and white mozzarella slices with green basil and olive oil on a white platter, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Caprese Salad

Sliced juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, drizzled with olive oil.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 ripe tomatoes sliced
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella sliced
  • 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.25 tsp salt

Method
 

  1. Arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices in an overlapping row on a platter.
  2. Tuck basil leaves between the slices.
  3. Drizzle everything with olive oil.
  4. Sprinkle with salt and serve right away.

Notes

A drizzle of balsamic glaze is a lovely finishing touch if you have it.

3) Grilled Cheese Sandwich

a grilled cheese sandwich in a wide horizontal shot, cut in half with melty cheese pulling apart on a wooden board, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

You can always trust that food will give you comfort.

a grilled cheese sandwich in a wide horizontal shot, cut in half with melty cheese pulling apart on a wooden board, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Golden and buttery bread hugging melted cheese.
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Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 1 sandwich
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 slices sandwich bread
  • 2 slices cheddar cheese
  • 1 tbsp butter softened

Method
 

  1. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
  2. Place one slice butter-side down in a skillet over medium heat.
  3. Layer the cheese on top and add the second slice, butter-side up.
  4. Cook 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and the cheese has melted.
  5. Slice in half and serve hot.

Notes

Keep the heat at medium so the bread crisps before the cheese is fully melted.

4) Pasta Aglio e Olio

pasta aglio e olio in a wide horizontal shot, a twirled nest of glossy spaghetti with golden garlic and green parsley in a shallow bowl, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Italy's top-tier classy emergency dinner made from pantry items in a matter of minutes.

pasta aglio e olio in a wide horizontal shot, a twirled nest of glossy spaghetti with golden garlic and green parsley in a shallow bowl, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Pasta Aglio e Olio

Spaghetti mixed in olive oil with garlic, parsley, and chili flakes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb spaghetti
  • 0.33 cup olive oil
  • 6 garlic cloves thinly sliced
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 0.25 cup chopped parsley

Method
 

  1. Cook the spaghetti in salted water until al dente, reserving a cup of pasta water.
  2. Warm the olive oil with the garlic and red pepper flakes over low heat until fragrant and golden.
  3. Add the drained pasta to the pan along with a splash of pasta water.
  4. Toss until the pasta is glossy and coated.
  5. Stir in the parsley and serve.

Notes

Don't let the garlic brown too far or it will turn bitter.

5) Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

two peanut butter banana smoothies in a wide horizontal shot, thick creamy beige drinks in glasses with banana slices beside them on a light counter, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

You can consider this breakfast shake like a dessert since it has a similar taste and will keep you satisfied until lunch.

two peanut butter banana smoothies in a wide horizontal shot, thick creamy beige drinks in glasses with banana slices beside them on a light counter, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

Sip on a satisfying blend of creaminess, bananas and peanut butter mixed with milk!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ripe bananas frozen
  • 2 tbsp peanut butter
  • 1.5 cups milk
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 0.5 cup ice

Method
 

  1. Add the bananas, peanut butter, milk, honey, and ice to a blender.
  2. Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy.
  3. Taste and add a little more honey if you like.
  4. Pour into glasses and serve cold.

Notes

Use frozen bananas for the thickest, frostiest texture.

6) Baked Chicken Breasts

baked chicken breasts in a wide horizontal shot, golden seasoned chicken on a sheet pan with crisp edges, one sliced to show juicy interior, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

This scrumptious and simple chicken can be used in a million different ways for dinner.

baked chicken breasts in a wide horizontal shot, golden seasoned chicken on a sheet pan with crisp edges, one sliced to show juicy interior, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Baked Chicken Breasts

Delicious chicken breasts roasted to perfection with a tender and golden finish.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
  2. Rub the chicken breasts all over with olive oil.
  3. Mix the garlic powder, paprika, and salt and sprinkle over both sides.
  4. Place on a baking sheet and roast for 22 to 25 minutes, until cooked through.
  5. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.

Notes

An internal temperature of 165°F means they're perfectly done.

7) Tuna Salad

tuna salad in a wide horizontal shot, a creamy scoop flecked with celery on toasted bread beside crisp lettuce on a plate, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

This lunch can be made while waiting for the kettle to boil.

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tuna salad in a wide horizontal shot, a creamy scoop flecked with celery on toasted bread beside crisp lettuce on a plate, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Tuna Salad

Flaked tuna folded with creamy mayo, crunchy celery, and a squeeze of lemon.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 3 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cans tuna drained
  • 0.33 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 stalk celery finely diced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper

Method
 

  1. Flake the drained tuna into a bowl with a fork.
  2. Stir in the mayonnaise, celery, and lemon juice.
  3. Season with black pepper and mix until combined.
  4. Serve on bread, crackers, or a bed of greens.

Notes

A spoonful of relish or chopped pickle adds a nice tangy crunch.

8) Bean Burritos

bean burritos in a wide horizontal shot, golden toasted wraps cut on the diagonal to show melty cheese and beans, salsa bowl beside them, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Dinner is a hit with my kids and they even ask for it by name!

bean burritos in a wide horizontal shot, golden toasted wraps cut on the diagonal to show melty cheese and beans, salsa bowl beside them, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Bean Burritos

Tortillas with seasoned refried beans and melted cheese.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 burritos
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 flour tortillas
  • 1 can refried beans
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • 0.5 cup salsa
  • 1 tsp cumin

Method
 

  1. Warm the refried beans in a saucepan with the cumin.
  2. Lay out the tortillas and spread beans down the center of each.
  3. Sprinkle with cheese and a spoonful of salsa.
  4. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly.
  5. Toast seam-side down in a dry skillet until golden, then serve.

Notes

Add cooked rice or a handful of spinach to stretch them further.

9) Margherita Pizza

a margherita pizza in a wide horizontal shot, a whole pie with bubbly mozzarella, red sauce, and green basil on a wooden peel, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

You can use whatever crust you have on hand, skip the phone calls, and enjoy how easy it is to have a pizza night!

a margherita pizza in a wide horizontal shot, a whole pie with bubbly mozzarella, red sauce, and green basil on a wooden peel, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Margherita Pizza

Fresh mozzarella and basil with a crispy crust and tomato sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pizza crust
  • 0.5 cup tomato sauce
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella sliced
  • 0.25 cup fresh basil
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 475°F.
  2. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the crust.
  3. Arrange the mozzarella slices on top.
  4. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
  5. Scatter with fresh basil, drizzle with olive oil, and slice.

Notes

A naan or flatbread makes a great shortcut crust.

10) Greek Yogurt Parfait

two Greek yogurt parfaits in a wide horizontal shot, glasses layered with white yogurt, red berries, and golden granola on a bright counter, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Stacked nice and done before you look for a clean spoon.

two Greek yogurt parfaits in a wide horizontal shot, glasses layered with white yogurt, red berries, and golden granola on a bright counter, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Greek Yogurt Parfait

Smooth yogurt mixed with new berries, granola, and a hit of honey.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup mixed berries
  • 0.5 cup granola
  • 2 tbsp honey

Method
 

  1. Spoon a layer of yogurt into the bottom of two glasses.
  2. Add a layer of berries and a sprinkle of granola.
  3. Repeat the layers until the glasses are full.
  4. Drizzle with honey and serve right away.

Notes

Layer it in a jar the night before for a grab-and-go breakfast.

11) Honey Garlic Shrimp

honey garlic shrimp in a wide horizontal shot, glossy glazed shrimp in a skillet with a sprinkle of scallions over rice, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

These will be a hit because they are sticky and sweet and even quicker to make than rice!

honey garlic shrimp in a wide horizontal shot, glossy glazed shrimp in a skillet with a sprinkle of scallions over rice, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Honey Garlic Shrimp

Succulent shrimp that are seared and glazed with a quick honey garlic sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb shrimp peeled
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Method
 

  1. Whisk the honey, garlic, and soy sauce together in a small bowl.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the shrimp and cook 2 minutes per side until pink.
  4. Pour in the sauce and toss until the shrimp are glazed and sticky.
  5. Serve over rice or with steamed veggies.

Notes

Don't overcook the shrimp — they're done the moment they curl and turn opaque.

12) Tomato Basil Soup

tomato basil soup in a wide horizontal shot, a creamy red bowl topped with a swirl of cream and fresh basil beside crusty bread, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

It might be hard to believe, but the complex and well-rounded flavor profile of this dish comes from only 20 minutes of simmering.

tomato basil soup in a wide horizontal shot, a creamy red bowl topped with a swirl of cream and fresh basil beside crusty bread, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Tomato Basil Soup

Fresh basil and a hint of cream bring out the richness of the smooth tomato soup.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cans crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 0.25 cup fresh basil
  • 0.33 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp butter

Method
 

  1. Melt the butter in a pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the crushed tomatoes and broth and bring to a simmer.
  3. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Blend until smooth with an immersion blender.
  5. Stir in the cream and basil, warm through, and serve.

Notes

Serve with a grilled cheese for the ultimate cozy combo.

13) Lemon Butter Fish

lemon butter fish in a wide horizontal shot, a flaky white fillet in a glossy butter sauce with lemon slices and parsley in a skillet, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

With just a single pan, you can create an upscale meal with little to no effort or cleanup!!

lemon butter fish in a wide horizontal shot, a flaky white fillet in a glossy butter sauce with lemon slices and parsley in a skillet, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Lemon Butter Fish

Tender white fish complemented by a zesty lemon butter sauce.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 white fish fillets
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley

Method
 

  1. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Place the fish in the pan and cook 3 to 4 minutes per side until flaky.
  4. Pour in the lemon juice and spoon the butter over the fish.
  5. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Notes

Cod, tilapia, or haddock all work beautifully here.

14) Fried Rice

fried rice in a wide horizontal shot, golden rice flecked with vegetables and egg in a dark skillet with scallions on top, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

How to make last night's leftover rice ready for the full dinner tonight.

fried rice in a wide horizontal shot, golden rice flecked with vegetables and egg in a dark skillet with scallions on top, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Fried Rice

Stir-fried day-old rice with eggs, vegetables, and soy sauce.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups cooked rice cold
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil

Method
 

  1. Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over high heat.
  2. Push everything aside and scramble the eggs in the empty space.
  3. Add the frozen vegetables and stir-fry for 2 minutes.
  4. Add the cold rice and soy sauce, breaking up any clumps.
  5. Stir-fry until everything is hot and slightly crisped, then serve.

Notes

Cold, day-old rice fries up the crispiest — fresh rice turns mushy.

15) Pancakes

a stack of pancakes in a wide horizontal shot, golden fluffy pancakes with a pat of butter and syrup dripping down on a plate, bright morning light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

The only reason my children get out of bed during the weekends. Delicious and fluffy.

a stack of pancakes in a wide horizontal shot, golden fluffy pancakes with a pat of butter and syrup dripping down on a plate, bright morning light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Pancakes

A classic stack of light and fluffy pancakes made from a few pantry staples.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups flour
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1.25 cups milk
  • 1 egg

Method
 

  1. Whisk the flour, sugar, and baking powder together in a bowl.
  2. Stir in the milk and egg until just combined; a few lumps are fine.
  3. Heat a greased skillet over medium heat.
  4. Pour in 1/4 cup of batter per pancake and cook until bubbles form on top.
  5. Flip and cook another minute until golden, then serve with syrup.

Notes

Don't overmix the batter — lumps are the secret to fluffy pancakes.
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