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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    19 Easy Five-Ingredient Dinners for Simple Dinners

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated March 5, 2026 · Published March 16, 2026 · Leave a Comment

    Looking for quick and easy dinner ideas to simplify your Sunday meal prep? Check out these 17 recipes that require only 5 ingredients or less. From flavorful pasta dishes to tasty one-pan meals, these recipes are perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without a lot of fuss.

    Slow Cooker Maple Balsamic Chicken

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

    Simplify your Sunday with this quick and easy chicken breast recipe that only needs 5 minutes of prep time. Perfect for a simple and delicious weeknight dinner.

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    Sausage Asparagus Pasta Bake

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

    This Sausage Asparagus Pasta Bake is made with just five simple ingredients. The fresh asparagus and sweet Italian sausage create a delicious flavor duo that's both tasty and healthy.

    Get the recipe

    Corn and Leek Soup

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

    Make a delicious vegan corn and leek soup with just 5 simple ingredients. The broth gets an extra boost of flavor from simmering the corn cobs.

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    Sun-Dried Tomato Alfredo

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

    Simplify your Sunday with this quick sun-dried tomato alfredo pasta - perfect for busy nights when you need a fast meal.

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    Mexican Ravioli Lasagna

    Easy Mexican Ravioli Lasagna
    Photo Credit: Two Healthy Kitchens.

    Simplify your Sunday with this super simple Mexican Lasagna made with ravioli for easy layering. Perfect for busy nights since you don't have to thaw the ravioli first, just layer and bake.

    Get the recipe

    No Cream Italian Herb Pasta

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

    This pasta dish is full of flavor and coated in a light sauce, ideal for pairing with grilled meats or roasts, or enjoying on its own.

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    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is simple, cheesy, and absolutely delicious - perfect for a cozy meal at home.

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    One-Pot Hummus Pasta

    Hummus pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Cook a delicious dinner in just 12 minutes using only 5 ingredients and one pot. It's a simple and quick way to enjoy a satisfying meal.

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    Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

    An air fryer baked potato.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Simplify your Sunday dinners with these easy air fryer baked potatoes. They're quick to make, with a crispy outside and fluffy inside, using just three simple ingredients. Customize them with your favorite toppings for a delicious meal or side dish.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Pesto Pasta

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

    In just 10 minutes, whip up a creamy pesto pasta using only three ingredients. The vibrant pesto sauce combined with Greek yogurt creates a simple and cozy dinner option.

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    Homemade Hamburgers

    air fryer hamburger.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Simplify your Sunday dinners with this easy hamburger recipe. Cook juicy and delicious burgers in your air fryer or on the grill, ready to be topped with your favorite fixings.

    Get the recipe

    Cajun Alfredo Pasta

    Cajun alfredo pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Simplify your Sunday with this easy-to-make spicy Alfredo sauce. Made with basic powdered seasonings found in your pantry, it's a budget-friendly choice for a delicious meal.

    Get the recipe

    5-Ingredient Chicken Soup

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

    This chicken soup recipe is super simple with just 5 ingredients. You can customize it with any veggies you have on hand and enjoy it any time of the year.

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    Slow Cooker Mexican Bubble Up Casserole

    Slow Cooker Mexican Bubble Up Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Try this casserole that is slow-cooked to perfection with all the Tex-Mex flavors of a traditional Mexican-inspired pizza dish. Who knew just five ingredients could come together for such a delicious dish?!

    Get the Recipehotpot

    Miso-Sesame Chickpeas

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

    Simplify your Sunday with these tasty miso-sesame chickpeas that are simple to whip up and only require 5 ingredients.

    Get the recipe

    BBQ Chicken Flatbread

    5 Ingredient BBQ Chicken Flatbread
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This BBQ chicken flatbread is a quick and easy dish that you can whip up in just 20 minutes using just 5 basic ingredients. It's packed with delicious flavors and is a great option for using up any leftover grilled or shredded rotisserie chicken you have on hand.

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    Mini Calzones

    Mini Calzones
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    These mini calzones are super easy to make using store-bought biscuit dough. With just 5 ingredients and less than 30 minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready to enjoy. Your family can even join in by rolling out the dough and choosing their own fillings.

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    Quick Alfredo Pasta

    Quick Alfredo Pasta Recipe
    Photo Credit: Longbourn Farm.

    This easy alfredo pasta is a great go-to for busy weeknights! With just one pan, you can whip up a creamy, cheesy pasta in no time.

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    Crab Pasta

    Crab Pasta
    Photo Credit: Caroline's Cooking.

    This crab pasta is a breeze to whip up, with a light and tasty flavor that's sure to please. Perfect for a simple and satisfying meal!

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    More Recipe Roundups

    • A spoonful of seafood pasta bake.
      22 Comforting Cheesy Pasta Casseroles for Cozy Nights
    • Shamrock cookies.
      24 Best St Patrick’s Day Dessert Recipes
    • Jamaican jerk chicken.
      23 Juicy Chicken Thigh Dinners You'll Make Again and Again
    • Ground beef tacos.
      18 Ground Beef Recipes That Will Make You the Dinner Hero

    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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