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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    14 Easy 5-Ingredient Dinners That Prove Less Is More

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated October 17, 2025 · Published October 26, 2025 · Leave a Comment

    Sometimes, you just need a quick and easy dinner that doesn't require a long list of ingredients. With just five simple items, you can whip up delicious meals that are perfect for busy weeknights. Here are some ideas that will help you get dinner on the table in no time!

    Chicken Nugget Parmigiana

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

    This easy recipe makes chicken nuggets that everyone in the family will enjoy, including the adults. It's a simple dish that's sure to be a hit at the dinner table!

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    Pasta with Pancetta & Peas

    Pasta with peas and pancetta.
    Photo Credit: Scarlati Family Kitchen.

    This pasta dish features crispy pancetta and fresh peas, for a quick and easy dinner that you can whip up in under 20 minutes. With orecchiette pasta and a sprinkle of grated parmesan, it's a satisfying meal that doesn't take much time to prepare.

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    Cajun Chicken Foil Packs

    Cajun Chicken Foil Packets.
    Photo credit: Camp Grill Eat.

    This easy meal features boneless chicken thighs, peppers, onions, and Cajun seasoning all wrapped in foil. It's a quick and tidy dinner that you can have on the table in just 30 minutes!

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    Quick Alfredo Pasta

    Quick Alfredo Pasta Recipe
    Photo Credit: Longbourn Farm.

    Alfredo pasta is a simple and tasty option for a weeknight dinner. You can make this creamy, cheesy dish in just 20 minutes using only one pan.

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    Miso-Sesame Chickpeas

    Easy Miso-Sesame Chickpeas
    Photo Credit: Tried and True Recipe.

    This simple miso-sesame chickpea dish makes for a great dinner option for any night of the week. With just five ingredients, it's full of flavor and easy to prepare.

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    Creamy Pesto Pasta

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

    This creamy pesto pasta is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. With only three ingredients and a quick 10-minute prep time, it's an easy dish that everyone will love.

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    Italian Herb Chicken

    ITALIAN HERB CHICKEN.
    Photo credit: Two Pink Peonies.

    This easy chicken dish requires just a handful of ingredients and goes well with many different sides. It's also great served with alfredo sauce and fettuccine.

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    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This simple and deliciously cheesy dinner can be made with just 5 ingredients. It's cozy, easy to prepare, and sure to please.

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    Brown Butter & Sage Chicken

    BROWN BUTTER AND SAGE CHICKEN.
    Photo credit: Through the Fibro Fog.

    This chicken dish features brown butter and sage, making it both delicious and easy to prepare on the stove. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying meal in no time.

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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 you probably have on hand. This easy recipe is great for a quick and affordable dinner.

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    One-Pot Hummus Pasta

    Hummus pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Make a tasty dinner for date night using just 5 ingredients and one pot in only 12 minutes. It's super simple and quick!

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    Slow Cooker Maple Balsamic Chicken

    Maple Balsamic Slow Cooker Chicken.
    Photo credit: Fit as a Mama Bear.

    Tender and juicy chicken breasts can be ready in just 5 minutes with very little prep. This dish is ideal for a fast and simple dinner during a busy weeknight.

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    No Cream Italian Herb Pasta

    No Cream Italian Herb Pasta
    Photo Credit: Sprinkles and Sprouts.

    This pasta dish is full of flavor and works well with grilled meats or fried foods, and is also delicious on its own. With just five ingredients, it's quick and easy to prepare.

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    Monterey Chicken Casserole

    Monterey Chicken Casserole.
    Photo credit: Zona's Lazy Recipes.

    This casserole comes together in no time and is super simple to prepare. With zesty BBQ sauce, juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy Monterey Jack cheese, it's a dish that everyone in the family will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • 30 Summer Dinners That Come Together Fast on Your Busiest Nights
    • King ranch chicken casserole.
      23 Quick Chicken Dinners Even Picky Eaters Will Request Again and Again
    • Tahini pasta.
      27 Pasta Dinners That Come Together From a Nearly Empty Pantry
    • Red wine pork chops.
      20 Impressive Dinners That Are Easy on the Wallet

    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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