16 Easy 6 Ingredient Dinner Recipes Or Less: Quick and Delicious Meals for Busy Evenings

16 Easy 6 Ingredient Dinner Recipes Or Less: Quick and Delicious Meals for Busy Evenings

By Sara Taylor

16 Easy 6 Ingredient Dinner Recipes Or Less: Quick and Delicious Meals for Busy Evenings

By Sara Taylor
•
Updated
•
Recipes

Some nights, I feel like I don't want to deal with another 15-step recipe, and I know you understand what I'm talking about. That's why I've made this list. All of these dinners have 6 ingredients or fewer (not counting the basics like oil, salt, and pepper), so you can get a real meal on the table without a long-hours cooking. Short list, big flavor, happy family.

Don't lose this article. Enter your email below, and I'll send it to you right now. Plus a little encouragement and inspiration from me, straight to your inbox.

1) Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

a wide horizontal bowl of glossy garlic spaghetti twirled high, flecked with parsley and chili, grated cheese on top, on a rustic wood table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Here is some evidence showing that a few simple staples can be used to create an elaborate meal.

ONE LIST
Five simple dinners. One grocery list.

Five simple dinners. One grocery list.

No recipe hunting, no messy shopping notes, no complicated chef projects. Just family dinners that fit real weeks.

Get This Week's Plan
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
a wide horizontal bowl of glossy garlic spaghetti twirled high, flecked with parsley and chili, grated cheese on top, on a rustic wood table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Oily and garlicky spaghetti with a hint of chili flakes and fresh parsley.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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

Method
 

  1. Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente, reserving a cup of pasta water.
  2. Warm olive oil over low heat and gently cook the garlic until golden and fragrant.
  3. Stir in the red pepper flakes, then add the drained pasta and a splash of pasta water.
  4. Toss until glossy, then fold in parsley and Parmesan and serve.

Notes

Keep the heat low so the garlic doesn't burn and turn bitter.

2) Chicken Alfredo Bake

a wide horizontal baking dish of creamy chicken Alfredo pasta with bubbly golden cheese on top, a serving scooped out, on a kitchen counter, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Cheesy food that is very creamy and is so easy to make.

a wide horizontal baking dish of creamy chicken Alfredo pasta with bubbly golden cheese on top, a serving scooped out, on a kitchen counter, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Chicken Alfredo Bake

Baked pasta that includes alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and mozzarella cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz penne
  • 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
  • 2 cups Alfredo sauce
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375F and cook penne until just shy of al dente.
  2. Toss the pasta with chicken and Alfredo sauce, then spread into a baking dish.
  3. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
  4. Bake 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly and golden, then rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Stir in frozen peas for an easy vegetable.

3) Garlic Shrimp and Rice

a wide horizontal plate of garlic butter shrimp over white rice with lemon wedges and parsley, glistening sauce, on a light marble surface, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

A quick skillet dinner that will make it seem like you put in a lot more effort than you actually did.

a wide horizontal plate of garlic butter shrimp over white rice with lemon wedges and parsley, glistening sauce, on a light marble surface, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Garlic Shrimp and Rice

Juicy garlic butter shrimp on rice with a lemon wedge.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 lemon juiced
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Method
 

  1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat and add the garlic.
  2. Add the shrimp and cook 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  3. Stir in the lemon juice and parsley.
  4. Spoon the shrimp and garlic butter over the warm rice and serve.

Notes

Don't overcook the shrimp or they'll turn rubbery.

4) BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

a wide horizontal plate of golden BBQ chicken quesadilla wedges with melty cheese pulling apart, small bowl of barbecue sauce, on a wood board, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Cheesy, smoky, and faster than delivery!

a wide horizontal plate of golden BBQ chicken quesadilla wedges with melty cheese pulling apart, small bowl of barbecue sauce, on a wood board, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

Tortillas are filled with even more cheesy goodness and barbecued chicken and then crispy fried!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
  • 0.5 cup barbecue sauce
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar
  • 0.25 cup red onion thinly sliced

Method
 

  1. Toss the shredded chicken with barbecue sauce.
  2. Lay cheese, barbecue chicken, and red onion over half of each tortilla, then fold.
  3. Cook in a dry skillet over medium heat 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden and the cheese melts.
  4. Slice into wedges and serve with extra sauce.

Notes

A little cilantro inside is a nice touch.

5) Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

a wide horizontal bowl of beef and broccoli stir fry in a glossy brown sauce, sesame seeds on top, beside white rice, on a dark table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Faster than takeout and ready in under 30 minutes.

a wide horizontal bowl of beef and broccoli stir fry in a glossy brown sauce, sesame seeds on top, beside white rice, on a dark table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Tender beef and crispy broccoli are coated in a shiny garlic soy sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb flank steak thinly sliced
  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • 0.33 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Method
 

  1. Whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic together.
  2. Heat oil in a wok and sear the beef in batches until browned, then set aside.
  3. Stir-fry the broccoli with a splash of water until crisp-tender.
  4. Return the beef, pour in the sauce, and toss until glossy and thickened. Serve over rice.

Notes

Freeze the steak 20 minutes for easier thin slicing.

6) Roasted Lemon Herb Salmon

a wide horizontal sheet pan of roasted salmon fillets topped with lemon slices and dill, lightly charred edges, on a kitchen counter, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

This dinner will impress without asking a lot from you.

a wide horizontal sheet pan of roasted salmon fillets topped with lemon slices and dill, lightly charred edges, on a kitchen counter, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Roasted Lemon Herb Salmon

Lemon, garlic, and fresh herb salmon that’s flaky and roasted.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 salmon fillets
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lemon sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill chopped

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400F and line a baking sheet.
  2. Place the salmon on the sheet and rub with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  3. Top each fillet with lemon slices and dill.
  4. Roast 12 to 15 minutes until the salmon flakes easily, then serve.

Notes

Roast some asparagus alongside for an easy side.

7) Pesto Pasta Salad

a wide horizontal bowl of green pesto pasta salad with red cherry tomatoes and white mozzarella pearls, fresh basil leaves, on a bright marble surface, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

A dinner that's stress-free and just as delicious cold or warm!

Don't lose this article. Enter your email below, and I'll send it to you right now. Plus a little encouragement and inspiration from me, straight to your inbox.

a wide horizontal bowl of green pesto pasta salad with red cherry tomatoes and white mozzarella pearls, fresh basil leaves, on a bright marble surface, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Pesto Pasta Salad

Fussili pasta in basil pesto with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella ball pearls.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz rotini
  • 0.5 cup basil pesto
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup mozzarella pearls
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan

Method
 

  1. Cook the rotini until al dente, then drain and cool slightly.
  2. Toss the warm pasta with pesto until evenly coated.
  3. Fold in cherry tomatoes and mozzarella pearls.
  4. Sprinkle with Parmesan and serve warm or chilled.

Notes

A splash of olive oil keeps it from drying out in the fridge.

8) Turkey and Swiss Roll-Ups

a wide horizontal plate of turkey and Swiss tortilla pinwheels arranged in a row, green spinach peeking out, on a light wood board, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

This is what you need when you need to make dinner in five minutes.

a wide horizontal plate of turkey and Swiss tortilla pinwheels arranged in a row, green spinach peeking out, on a light wood board, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Turkey and Swiss Roll-Ups

Soft tortillas rolled with turkey and Swiss cheese with a touch of creamy mustard.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 flour tortillas
  • 8 oz sliced turkey
  • 4 slices Swiss cheese
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 cup baby spinach

Method
 

  1. Spread each tortilla with a thin layer of Dijon mustard.
  2. Layer on turkey, Swiss, and a handful of baby spinach.
  3. Roll up tightly and slice into pinwheels.
  4. Serve right away or chill until lunchtime.

Notes

Cream cheese in place of mustard makes them extra kid-friendly.

9) Vegan Chili

a wide horizontal bowl of thick three-bean vegan chili topped with avocado and lime, steam rising, on a rustic table, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Cozy and packed with meaty flavors, this dish is meatless so no one feels shortchanged.

a wide horizontal bowl of thick three-bean vegan chili topped with avocado and lime, steam rising, on a rustic table, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Vegan Chili

Three-bean chili with tomatoes and zesty chili spices.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cans mixed beans drained
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 onion diced
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Method
 

  1. Heat oil and soften the onion until translucent.
  2. Stir in the chili powder and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the beans, tomatoes, and corn with a cup of water.
  4. Simmer 20 minutes until thickened, season with salt, and serve.

Notes

Top with avocado or a squeeze of lime.

10) Caprese Stuffed Mushrooms

a wide horizontal tray of baked stuffed mushrooms with melted mozzarella, red tomatoes, basil, and balsamic drizzle, on a slate board, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

It is an easy and fancy dinner that is pretty light too.

a wide horizontal tray of baked stuffed mushrooms with melted mozzarella, red tomatoes, basil, and balsamic drizzle, on a slate board, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Caprese Stuffed Mushrooms

Baked portobello mushrooms stuffed with mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and basil.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 portobello mushroom caps
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella cubed
  • 0.25 cup fresh basil chopped
  • 2 tbsp balsamic glaze

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375F and place the mushroom caps on a baking sheet.
  2. Fill each cap with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella.
  3. Bake 15 to 18 minutes until the cheese melts and the mushrooms soften.
  4. Top with fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving.

Notes

Brush the caps with a little oil first so they don't dry out.

11) Maple Glazed Pork Chops

a wide horizontal skillet of glossy maple glazed pork chops with caramelized edges and a sticky sauce, on a stovetop, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

It has a sticky golden glaze that makes it sweet and savory. Plus, it can be made quickly on a weeknight!

a wide horizontal skillet of glossy maple glazed pork chops with caramelized edges and a sticky sauce, on a stovetop, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Maple Glazed Pork Chops

Maple-Dijon glaze over pan-seared pork chops.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pork chops
  • 3 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Method
 

  1. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper.
  2. Sear in olive oil over medium-high heat about 4 minutes per side until browned.
  3. Whisk maple syrup, Dijon, and garlic, then pour into the pan.
  4. Spoon the glaze over the chops and simmer 2 minutes until sticky, then serve.

Notes

Let the chops rest a few minutes before slicing.

12) Creamy Tomato Soup

a wide horizontal bowl of creamy tomato soup with a swirl of cream and basil leaves, grilled cheese on the side, on a rustic table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

The lovely bowl that calls for you to have a grilled cheese sandwich with it.

a wide horizontal bowl of creamy tomato soup with a swirl of cream and basil leaves, grilled cheese on the side, on a rustic table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Creamy Tomato Soup

A silky smooth tomato soup fortified with cream and garnished with fresh basil.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cans crushed tomatoes
  • 1 onion diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Method
 

  1. Heat oil and soften the onion and garlic until fragrant.
  2. Add the crushed tomatoes with a cup of water and simmer 15 minutes.
  3. Blend until smooth, then stir in the heavy cream and warm through.
  4. Season with salt, top with basil, and serve.

Notes

An immersion blender makes this a one-pot job.

13) Egg Fried Rice

a wide horizontal bowl of egg fried rice with peas, carrots, and green onion, glossy grains, in a dark bowl, on a wood table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

My favorite way to use leftover rice and clean out the fridge.

a wide horizontal bowl of egg fried rice with peas, carrots, and green onion, glossy grains, in a dark bowl, on a wood table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Egg Fried Rice

Light and fluffy fried rice with scrambled eggs, peas, and soy sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups cooked rice chilled
  • 3 eggs beaten
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 3 green onions sliced
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Method
 

  1. Heat oil in a wok and scramble the eggs, then set aside.
  2. Add the peas and carrots and stir-fry 2 minutes.
  3. Add the chilled rice, breaking up clumps, and stir-fry until hot.
  4. Return the eggs, pour in the soy sauce, toss with green onions, and serve.

Notes

Day-old rice fries up best without getting mushy.

14) Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad

a wide horizontal bowl of quinoa tabbouleh bright with green parsley, red tomato, and cucumber, lemon wedge on the rim, on a white surface, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Beautiful, clean, and spacious enough to feel good after a long day.

a wide horizontal bowl of quinoa tabbouleh bright with green parsley, red tomato, and cucumber, lemon wedge on the rim, on a white surface, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad

Quinoa salad with a lemony dressing and loads of parsley, tomato, and cucumber.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 1 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 cup cucumber diced
  • 1 cup tomatoes diced
  • 1 lemon juiced
  • 3 tbsp olive oil

Method
 

  1. Cook the quinoa according to package directions and let it cool.
  2. Combine the cooled quinoa with parsley, cucumber, and tomato.
  3. Whisk lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  4. Toss the salad with the dressing and serve chilled.

Notes

Make it ahead; the flavor only gets better.

15) Zucchini Lasagna

a wide horizontal baking dish of zucchini lasagna with melted golden cheese, a slice lifted to show layers, on a kitchen counter, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

A fun version of lasagna that replaces the pasta with slices of zucchini instead.

a wide horizontal baking dish of zucchini lasagna with melted golden cheese, a slice lifted to show layers, on a kitchen counter, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Zucchini Lasagna

Low-carb lasagna with layers of zucchini, marinara, and ricotta.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 large zucchini sliced lengthwise
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1.5 cups ricotta
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375F and salt the zucchini slices to draw out moisture, then pat dry.
  2. Layer marinara, zucchini, ricotta, and mozzarella in a baking dish, repeating the layers.
  3. Finish with marinara, mozzarella, and Parmesan on top.
  4. Bake 30 to 35 minutes until bubbly and golden, then rest 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Salting and drying the zucchini keeps it from getting watery.

16) Crispy Tofu Stir Fry

a wide horizontal bowl of crispy golden tofu stir fry with colorful vegetables in a glossy sauce, sesame seeds on top, on a dark table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Even tofu haters love this one! Tofu has never been better than in this dish featuring deliciously crispy tofu and an amazing rich sauce.

a wide horizontal bowl of crispy golden tofu stir fry with colorful vegetables in a glossy sauce, sesame seeds on top, on a dark table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Crispy Tofu Stir Fry

Golden pan-fried tofu and vegetables in a sweet and savory soy sauce glaze.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 14 oz firm tofu cubed
  • 3 cups mixed stir-fry vegetables
  • 0.25 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil

Method
 

  1. Press the tofu, cube it, and pan-fry in oil until golden and crisp on all sides, then set aside.
  2. Stir-fry the vegetables until crisp-tender.
  3. Whisk soy sauce, honey, and garlic, then pour into the pan.
  4. Return the tofu, toss until glazed, and serve over rice.

Notes

Pressing the tofu well is the secret to crispy edges.
Privacy Policy Your Privacy Choices Accessibility Statement Terms of Use Accessibility Widget