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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    14 Gourmet Recipes You Can Make With Just 5 Ingredients

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated January 20, 2026 · Published February 13, 2026 · Leave a Comment

    Cooking gourmet meals doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. With just five ingredients or less, you can whip up delicious dishes that impress without the hassle. These simple recipes make it easy to enjoy great flavors while keeping your kitchen time to a minimum.

    Creamy Baked Ziti

    CREAMY BAKED ZITI.
    Photo credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    This classic Italian casserole is a simple and satisfying dish that the whole family will enjoy. With soft noodles, a creamy sauce, and plenty of melted cheese, it's the perfect comfort food.

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    Southern Baked Chicken Thighs

    SOUTHERN BAKED CHICKEN THIGHS.
    Photo credit: Healthy Mom Healthy Family.

    This chicken dish is easy to make with just three simple ingredients. It turns out crispy and tasty, perfect for a quick meal.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Pesto Pasta

    Creamy pesto pasta topped with cherry tomatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This creamy pesto pasta is super easy to make with just three ingredients and takes only 10 minutes to prepare. The mix of fresh pesto and Greek yogurt makes for a simple yet satisfying dish that everyone will love.

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    5-Ingredient Chicken Drumsticks

    Five Ingredient Chicken Drumstick
    Photo Credit: Karen Kelly.

    This dish showcases tender chicken with a crispy skin that keeps it juicy. A simple marinade of tamari, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and garlic adds great flavor.

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    3-Ingredient Beef Stroganoff

    Beef Stroganoff.
    Photo credit: Feast for a Fraction.

    This dish combines ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, and egg noodles for a quick and satisfying meal. You can have it ready in just 15 minutes.

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    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is simple and satisfying, bringing together cheesy goodness with minimal effort. With just a handful of ingredients, you can enjoy a comforting meal that feels special.

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    Meatloaf

    Meatloaf.
    Photo credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

    This version of meatloaf is a healthier take on the classic, leaving out the breadcrumbs. With just a handful of ingredients, it's simple to make and great for a quick family dinner any night.

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    One-Pot Hummus Pasta

    Hummus pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Prepare a tasty gourmet dinner using just 5 ingredients in one pot, all in just 12 minutes. This meal is quick and easy to make!

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    Tater Tot Casserole

    Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo credit: Simply Five Ingredients.

    This dish combines a flavorful ground beef filling with cheesy tater tots on top, creating a simple casserole that comes together in just 30 minutes. It's a comforting meal that's perfect for busy weeknights.

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    Cajun Alfredo Pasta

    Cajun alfredo pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Alfredo sauce can be made even better with a few simple seasonings. This easy recipe keeps things affordable by using just everyday powdered spices.

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    Sausage Asparagus Pasta Bake

    Sausage Asparagus Pasta Bake
    Photo Credit: Buy This Cook That.

    This dish features a tasty mix of fresh asparagus and sweet Italian sausage, all baked together for a satisfying meal. With only five ingredients, it's a simple and slightly healthier option for dinner.

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    Chicken Nugget Parmigiana

    Chicken Nugget Parmigiana.
    Photo credit: Australian Gluten-Free Life.

    These chicken nuggets offer a fun and delicious take on a family favorite that everyone will enjoy. Simple to prepare, they're perfect for your next family meal.

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    No-Boil Ravioli Casserole

    This cheesy ravioli casserole is one of the simplest dishes you can make. With just four simple ingredients and store-bought shortcuts, you can prep this dish in 5 minutes, and eat in under 40!
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This dish is incredibly easy to prepare. With only four ingredients and some ready-made options, you can have it ready in just 5 minutes and on the table in under 40.

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    Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken

    Chicken thighs and pineapple sauce in a bowl.
    Photo credit: Dizzy Busy and Hungry.

    This  is a simple dish that combines sweet and spicy flavors. With just four ingredients, it makes for an easy and affordable weeknight dinner.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • No Boil Chicken Pasta Bake.
      15 Easy Chicken Dinners That Go Straight to the Oven
    • Surf and turf foil packs.
      21 Easy Seafood Recipes Anyone Can Make
    • Sheet pan with chicken and sweet potatoes.
      22 Throw-Together Meals for Your Busiest Nights
    • Chicken mushroom stroganoff.
      Want Impressive Results Without the Hard Work? Try These 27 Simple Dishes

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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