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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    14 Gourmet Dinners You Can Make with Just 5 Ingredients

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated December 2, 2025 · Published December 20, 2025 · Leave a Comment

    Cooking gourmet dinners doesn't have to be complicated or require a long list of ingredients. With just five simple items, you can create impressive meals that are both satisfying and easy to prepare. These recipes are perfect for anyone looking to impress at dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

    Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

    Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks + Legs
    Photo Credit: Foodess.

    This recipe features simple oven-baked BBQ chicken drumsticks that are both tasty and easy to prepare. With just 5 ingredients, including the chicken, it's ideal for a quick dinner on a busy weeknight.

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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, making it a tasty dinner that comes together with just 5 ingredients. In under 20 minutes, you can enjoy a satisfying meal of orecchiette pasta topped with grated parmesan.

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    Homemade Hamburgers

    air fryer hamburger.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This easy burger recipe uses just ground beef, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. You'll have tasty, juicy burgers ready in no time!

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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 great flavors and is really simple to prepare with just a handful of ingredients. It goes well with grilled meats, roasts, or fried foods.

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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 just four ingredients and some ready-made options, you can have it ready in 5 minutes and on the table in under 40.

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    Vegan Corn and Leek Soup

    Vegan Corn and Leek Soup
    Photo Credit: Tried and True Recipe.

    This vegan corn and leek soup is easy to make with only 5 ingredients. The corn cobs bring extra flavor while they cook in the broth.

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    Cajun Alfredo Pasta

    Cajun alfredo pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Elevate your Alfredo sauce with some easy seasonings you probably have at home. This is a great option for a simple yet fancy dinner when you're trying to save money.

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    4-Ingredient Chili

    Chili.
    Photo credit: The Feathered Nester.

    This is a simple and tasty dinner option that requires just 4 ingredients. It's budget-friendly and perfect for a quick meal.

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    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These meals are quick and delicious, using only 5 ingredients each. They're simple to prepare and perfect for a satisfying dinner.

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    Miso-Sesame Chickpeas

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

    This recipe for miso-sesame chickpeas is easy to make and full of flavor. With just 5 ingredients, it's perfect for a quick and tasty meal.

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    Creamy Pesto Pasta

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

    This creamy pesto pasta is super easy to whip up with just three ingredients and takes only 10 minutes. Combining pesto sauce with Greek yogurt gives you a comforting and tasty dish that everyone will love.

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    Brown Butter & Sage Chicken

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

    Brown butter and sage chicken is simple to prepare with just a handful of ingredients. It's a tasty meal that you can quickly make on the stovetop.

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    Quick Alfredo Pasta

    Quick Alfredo Pasta Recipe
    Photo Credit: Longbourn Farm.

    This creamy alfredo pasta is a favorite for weeknight dinners. With just one pan and 20 minutes, you can enjoy a delicious cheesy meal.

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    One-Pot Hummus Pasta

    Hummus pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dinner is quick and easy, using only 5 ingredients and taking just 12 minutes in one pot. It's a simple way to enjoy a great meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    More Recipe Roundups

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      18 Insanely Delicious Ground Beef Dishes You Can Make in Under One Hour
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      51 Simple Suppers for Nights When the Couch Is Calling
    • A spoonful of cheesy tortellini casserole.
      47 Main Dish Casseroles You Can Count On When Time Is Tight
    • Peppermint kiss cookies.
      29 Christmas Cookies That Belong on Every Holiday Tray

    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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