5 Quick and Delicious Recipes You Can Cook with Only 5 Ingredients
Sometimes, you need a meal that’s fast, tasty, and doesn’t require a long list of ingredients. Whether you’re short on time or just don’t feel like a big grocery run, these five recipes will save the day. Best of all, they’re made with only five ingredients, but still pack a punch in flavor.
1. Creamy Garlic Pasta
This simple yet decadent pasta dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With a rich garlic cream sauce, it’s comfort food at its finest.
Ingredients:
- Pasta (any kind)
- Garlic (minced)
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Butter
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
- In a large pan, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens.
- Toss the pasta in the sauce and serve with extra Parmesan on top.
2. Honey Soy Glazed Salmon
This dish is both healthy and delicious, with the perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness from the honey-soy glaze. Ready in minutes, it’s ideal for impressing guests or enjoying a quick solo dinner.
Ingredients:
- Salmon fillets
- Soy sauce
- Honey
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
Instructions:
- Mix soy sauce, honey, olive oil, and lemon juice in a bowl to create a marinade.
- Coat the salmon fillets in the marinade and let them sit for at least 10 minutes.
- Heat a pan with a little olive oil and cook the salmon fillets for 3-4 minutes on each side until cooked through.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a side of rice for a complete meal.
3. Caprese Salad
A classic Italian dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. The combination of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with olive oil is perfect for a light meal or as an appetizer.
Ingredients:
- Fresh mozzarella
- Ripe tomatoes
- Fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar (optional)
Instructions:
- Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella into even slices.
- Layer them alternately on a plate, tucking fresh basil leaves in between.
- Drizzle with olive oil and, if desired, a splash of balsamic vinegar.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.
4. Chicken Stir-Fry
This quick chicken stir-fry packs a punch with minimal ingredients. It’s perfect for a speedy dinner without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts (sliced thin)
- Soy sauce
- Garlic (minced)
- Bell peppers (sliced)
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced chicken and cook until browned.
- Add the minced garlic and bell peppers, stirring frequently.
- Pour in the soy sauce and cook for a few more minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
- Serve with rice or noodles.
5. Chocolate Banana Pancakes
If you’re craving something sweet, these chocolate banana pancakes are a dream. They’re quick, easy, and perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients:
- Bananas
- Eggs
- Cocoa powder
- Baking powder
- Honey or maple syrup
Instructions:
- Mash the bananas in a bowl and whisk in the eggs.
- Add cocoa powder and baking powder to the mixture, stirring until smooth.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and pour in small amounts of the batter.
- Cook each pancake for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Drizzle with honey or maple syrup and serve warm.
Final Thoughts
With these five quick and delicious recipes, you can whip up a satisfying meal in no time, without needing to stock your kitchen with endless ingredients. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, impromptu dinners with friends, or when you just want to keep things simple. Enjoy!
