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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    15 Delicious Dinners You Can Make with Just 5 Ingredients

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on October 18, 2025, updated October 9, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Cooking doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. With just five simple ingredients, you can whip up a variety of satisfying dinners that are both easy to prepare and full of flavor. From hearty pasta dishes to quick stir-fries, these recipes prove that you can create delicious meals without a long grocery list.

    Air Fryer Kielbasa & Potatoes

    Kielbasa cooked in an air fryer.
    Photo Credit: Savory Sweet Spoon.

    This simple dinner features kielbasa, potatoes, and peppers, making it perfect for a busy weeknight. You can have it on the table in under 15 minutes with just four ingredients.

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    Quick Alfredo Pasta

    Quick Alfredo Pasta Recipe
    Photo Credit: Longbourn Farm.

    This simple alfredo pasta is perfect for hectic weeknights. You can make a creamy, cheesy dish in just 20 minutes using only one pan.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Ritz Chicken

    SLOW COOKER RITZ CHICKEN.
    Photo credit: The Cookin Chicks.

    Juicy chicken breasts are cooked slowly in a creamy sauce and topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust. This simple dish goes perfectly with rice or noodles.

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    Pasta with Pancetta & Peas

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

    This dish features crispy pancetta and sweet peas, making it a simple yet tasty 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 require a lot of ingredients.

    Get the recipe

    Brown Butter + Sage Chicken Penne Pasta

    Brown Butter + Sage Chicken Penne Pasta
    Photo Credit: Buy This Cook That.

    Brown butter and sage dinner is a fantastic dish that's easy to prepare. With just a few ingredients, it brings a wonderful flavor that everyone will enjoy.

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    Pesto Chicken Pasta

    Pesto Chicken Pasta
    Photo Credit: The Toasty Kitchen.

    This is an easy meal that comes together with just five ingredients. In about 20 minutes, you'll have bow tie pasta and chicken tossed in a flavorful pesto sauce.

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    Sun-Dried Tomato Alfredo

    5-Ingredient Sun-Dried Tomato Alfredo
    Photo Credit: Girl Gone Gourmet.

    This sun-dried tomato alfredo pasta sauce is a great choice for those hectic evenings when you want something easy to whip up. With just five ingredients, it makes a satisfying meal without a lot of fuss.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Chicken Katsu

    Air fryer katsu chicken.
    Photo credit: Piper Cooks.

    This recipe puts a fun spin on Japanese chicken katsu, featuring a crispy chicken cutlet made with Panko breadcrumbs. With just four ingredients and a quick 12 minutes in the air fryer, it's an easy and tasty dinner choice.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Pesto Pasta

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

    This creamy pesto pasta is a simple dinner that comes together in just 10 minutes with only three ingredients. The mix of bright pesto and Greek yogurt makes for a comforting dish that everyone will love.

    Get the recipe

    Ras El Hanout Chicken

    Ras El Hanout Chicken.
    Photo credit: Like Hot Keto.

    This Moroccan chicken dish features crispy skin and is made with just four easy ingredients. It's a simple yet flavorful meal that you can whip up in no time.

    Get the recipe

    Crab Pasta

    Crab Pasta
    Photo Credit: Caroline's Cooking.

    This crab pasta is simple to prepare and packed with fresh flavors. It's an ideal option for a quick and satisfying dinner.

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    Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders

    Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders.
    Photo credit: Finding Zest.

    These chicken tenders are simple to make with just four ingredients. They come together quickly, making them a great option for a family dinner in under 30 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    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 an easy and fast way to enjoy a great meal!

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    Caprese Chicken

    Caprese chicken.
    Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

    Caprese Chicken is a great choice for a cozy evening at home. It only takes five ingredients and one pan, making it simple to prepare and really enjoyable.

    Get the recipe

    Cajun Alfredo Pasta

    Cajun alfredo pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Add some excitement to your Alfredo sauce with a few simple seasonings. This easy recipe keeps things affordable while still delivering great flavor.

    Get the recipe

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      24 Simple Fall Dinners to Try This Week
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      15 Set It and Forget It Ground Beef Recipes That Are Perfect for Busy Nights

    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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