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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    37 5-Ingredient Gourmet Dinners That Get the Job Done

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated December 2, 2025 · Published December 24, 2025 · Leave a Comment

    Finding easy dinner ideas can be a challenge, especially when you want to keep things simple and quick. These 37 dinner recipes are perfect for busy nights, using just a few ingredients that you probably already have at home. With minimal shopping required, you can whip up very satisfying meals without the hassle.

    Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

    Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks + Legs
    Photo Credit: Foodess.

    Enjoy a quick dinner with juicy chicken covered in a tasty homemade honey BBQ sauce. With just five ingredients, you'll have an easy meal and only one dish to clean up.

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    Slow Cooker Ritz Chicken

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

    This dish features tender chicken breasts simmered in a creamy sauce and finished with a crunchy Ritz cracker topping. Serve over rice or noodles for a filling dinner.

    Get the recipe

    One-Pot Hummus Pasta

    Hummus pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dinner is quick and easy, using just 5 ingredients all in one pot. You can have it ready in just 12 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    No Cream Italian Herb Pasta

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

    This pasta is full of flavor and has a light sauce that pairs well with grilled meats, roasts, or fried foods. It's a simple and tasty side dish that complements many meals.

    Get the recipe

    5-Ingredient Chicken Drumsticks

    Five Ingredient Chicken Drumstick
    Photo Credit: Karen Kelly.

    This dish has juicy meat with a crispy skin that everyone will enjoy. The marinade combines tamari, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and garlic for a flavorful kick.

    Get the recipe

    5-Ingredient Chicken Soup

    5-Ingredient Chicken Soup
    Photo Credit: Tried and True Recipe.

    This chicken soup with just five ingredients is great for a chilly spring day, but you can switch it up with any veggies you have on hand and enjoy it all year long. It's super easy to prepare, light, and a simple dish that you'll appreciate.

    Get the recipe

    Miso-Sesame Chickpeas

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

    These miso-sesame chickpeas are quick and easy to prepare with just a handful of ingredients. This dish is perfect for a fast and satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    Crab Pasta

    Crab Pasta
    Photo Credit: Caroline's Cooking.

    Crab pasta is quick to prepare and has a fresh, delicious flavor. It's a great option for a simple and satisfying dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Quick Alfredo Pasta

    Quick Alfredo Pasta Recipe
    Photo Credit: Longbourn Farm.

    This creamy, cheesy pasta dish comes together in just 20 minutes and only requires one pan. It's a simple and satisfying meal that's perfect for busy evenings.

    Get the recipe

    Traditional Bucatini Carbonara with Guanciale

    Bucatini carbonara on a plate.
    Photo Credit: Casual Epicure.

    Pasta Carbonara is a straightforward dish that combines crispy guanciale, pasta, creamy egg, and Parmigiano Reggiano. This is a delicious dinner that comes together quickly with just a few ingredients.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Salsa Chicken

    CHEESY SALSA CHICKEN.
    Photo credit: A Taste of Madness.

    This simple dinner can be made with just a few ingredients and comes together in no time. It's great for busy weeknights when you want something easy and tasty.

    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 with crispy Panko-coated chicken cutlets. With just four ingredients and a quick 12 minutes in the air fryer, it's a fast and satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Pesto Pasta

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

    Creamy pesto pasta is a simple dinner that comes together in just 10 minutes with only three ingredients. The mix of bright pesto sauce and Greek yogurt makes for a comforting meal that you'll want to make often.

    Get the recipe

    BBQ Chicken Flatbread

    5 Ingredient BBQ Chicken Flatbread
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    BBQ chicken flatbread is a simple and quick meal that comes together with just 5 basic ingredients. It's full of flavor and a perfect way to use up any leftover grilled or shredded chicken.

    Get the recipe

    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 super 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.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Peppers

    Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Peppers.
    Photo credit: Lynn's Way of Life.

    Stuffed peppers are an easy and delicious dinner that everyone will enjoy. With just a few ingredients like orzo, ground chicken, and gooey mozzarella on top, this dish is quick to prepare.

    Get the recipe

    Cajun Chicken Foil Packs

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

    A simple grilling meal can be made with boneless chicken thighs, sliced peppers, onions, and Cajun seasoning wrapped in foil. This is a quick and easy dinner that's ready in just 30 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Teriyaki Ham Stir-Fry

    A bowl of stir fried rice with leftover ham.
    Photo Credit: Feast for a Fraction.

    This stir-fry is a great way to use leftover ham. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a tasty dinner in under 15 minutes for less than a dollar per serving.

    Get the recipe

    Sausage Asparagus Pasta Bake

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

    Asparagus and sweet Italian sausage create a flavorful meal. This dish is simple and satisfying, perfect for a quick dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders

    Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders.
    Photo credit: Finding Zest.

    These chicken tenders are simple to prepare with just four ingredients. They come together in under 30 minutes, making them a great choice for a quick and family-friendly dinner.

    Get the recipe

    3-Ingredient Beef Stroganoff

    Beef Stroganoff.
    Photo credit: Feast for a Fraction.

    A quick and easy dinner can be made with just a few ingredients. Ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, and egg noodles come together for a creamy meal that's ready in just 15 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Sun-Dried Tomato Alfredo

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

    A quick and tasty pasta dish can be made by combining sun-dried tomato alfredo sauce with your favorite pasta. This is a good dinner choice for busy nights when you want something simple.

    Get the recipe

    Pesto Chicken

    Pesto chicken with a side of salad.
    Photo credit: I Heart Nap Time.

    This pesto chicken dish is simple and quick, using just grilled chicken breast and creamy basil pesto. It's a tasty option for dinner that doesn't require much effort.

    Get the recipe

    Homemade Hamburgers

    air fryer hamburger.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A simple burger patty can be made with just ground beef, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Add your favorite toppings for a satisfying dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Baked Ziti

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

    This dish combines soft noodles, a creamy sauce, and melted cheese for a comforting meal. It's simple to prepare and brings delicious Italian flavors to your dinner table, making it a hit with the whole family.

    Get the recipe

    Southern Oven-Fried Chicken

    SOUTHERN OVEN-FRIED CHICKEN.
    Photo credit: Grits and Pinecones.

    Baked chicken with a crispy coating and juicy thighs is a tasty option that skips the deep frying. It's a healthier choice that still delivers on flavor.

    Get the recipe

    Mini Calzones

    Mini Calzones
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Mini calzones are quick and easy to make with just a few ingredients. Using store-bought biscuit dough, you can have a tasty meal ready in no time.

    Get the recipe

    Brown Butter & Sage Chicken Penne Pasta

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

    This dinner features a great combination of brown butter and sage. It's easy to prepare and is bound to be a favorite for years to come.

    Get the recipe

    Red Pesto Pasta With Prawns

    Red pesto pasta with prawns on a black plate.
    Photo Credit: Somebody Feed Seb.

    This quick pasta dish with red pesto and prawns is ready in just 15 minutes. With only 5 ingredients, it's an easy and delicious meal that everyone will love.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is easy to make, cheesy, and really delicious. It's great for a cozy night in.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Spaghetti and Sausage

    Instant Pot Spaghetti and Sausage on a bowl.
    Photo Credit: Copy Kat Recipes.

    This Instant Pot Spaghetti and Sausage recipe is packed with rich Italian flavors and is quick to prepare. It's a great option for busy nights when you want a satisfying meal without a lot of work.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Goujons

    CHICKEN GOUJONS.
    Photo credit: Cinnamon & Kale.

    Baked chicken goujons offer a healthier take on traditional chicken nuggets and can be ready in just 30 minutes. This is a simple and tasty choice for a quick family dinner during the week.

    Get the recipe

    Caprese Chicken

    Caprese chicken.
    Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

    A simple Caprese Chicken comes together with just 5 ingredients, creating a satisfying one-pan meal. With little prep and only a few items needed, this dish is perfect for a quick dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Lemony Olive Oil Tortellini

    Lemony Olive Oil Tortellini on a plate.
    Photo Credit: Masala Herb.

    This tortellini dish is quick and tasty, featuring a mix of lemon, garlic, basil, and olive oil. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without a lot of work.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Maple Balsamic Chicken

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

    Flavorful and juicy chicken breasts can be ready in just 5 minutes of prep time. This is a great option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Cajun Alfredo Pasta

    Cajun alfredo pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish gives a spicy twist to classic Alfredo sauce. It's an easy and affordable option that uses everyday seasonings you probably already have at home.

    Get the recipe

    Mexican Ravioli Lasagna

    Easy Mexican Ravioli Lasagna
    Photo Credit: Two Healthy Kitchens.

    A simple Mexican Lasagna can be made using ravioli as the layers. It's great for busy nights since you can just layer the ingredients and bake without needing to thaw the ravioli.

    Get the recipe

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    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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