Let’s create a collection of simple 5-ingredient recipes for dinner, designed to be quick, nutritious, and perfect for busy days or beginner cooks.
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp Ingredients:
Shrimp (peeled and deveined) Garlic cloves (minced) Lemon (juiced and zested) Olive oil Parsley (chopped for garnish) Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Stir in lemon juice and zest, then garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Variations: Substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different protein option. Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Tomato Basil Pasta Ingredients:
Pasta (choice of shape) Cherry tomatoes Fresh basil leaves Olive oil Parmesan cheese (grated) Instructions:
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and add halved cherry tomatoes; cook until soft. Toss cooked pasta with tomatoes, fresh basil, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve warm. Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Variations: Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for healthier options. Add crushed garlic for extra flavor.
- Honey Mustard Chicken Ingredients:
Chicken breasts Honey Dijon mustard Olive oil Salt and pepper Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix honey and Dijon mustard in a bowl. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then brush them with the honey mustard mixture. Bake in the preheated oven until the chicken is cooked through, about 25-30 minutes. Serve hot. Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Variations: Add a side of steamed vegetables or substitute chicken with turkey or pork chops.
- Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Ingredients:
Beef strips Broccoli florets Soy sauce Garlic (minced) Sesame oil Instructions:
Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok. Add minced garlic and beef strips, cooking until the beef is browned. Add broccoli florets and soy sauce, stir-frying until the vegetables are tender. Serve hot over rice or noodles. Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Variations: Use chicken or tofu instead of beef. Add bell peppers or carrots for more veggies.
- Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Ingredients:
Chicken breasts Spinach (chopped) Feta cheese Olive oil Paprika Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut a pocket into each chicken breast and stuff with a mixture of chopped spinach and crumbled feta cheese. Season the outside with paprika and a drizzle of olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven until chicken is cooked through, about 20-25 minutes. Serve hot. Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Variations: Substitute feta with goat cheese or add sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
These dinner recipes focus on simplicity and quick preparation, with just five ingredients each, making them ideal for a quick yet nutritious meal on a busy day.