15 Ingredient Recipes for When You’re Short on Time

In today’s fast-paced world, cooking can sometimes feel like a daunting task. But with just five ingredients, you can whip up delicious meals that are quick and satisfying. Here are some easy 5-ingredient recipes perfect for when you’re short on time.

1. Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp, lemon juice, and zest. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with extra lemon zest if desired.

Why It’s Great:

This dish is light, flavorful, and can be ready in under 15 minutes. Serve it over rice or with a fresh salad for a complete meal.

2. Caprese Salad

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe tomatoes, sliced
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves
• 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. On a platter, alternate layers of tomato and mozzarella slices.
2. Tuck fresh basil leaves between the layers.
3. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Serve immediately as a refreshing salad or appetizer.

Why It’s Great:

This classic Italian salad is vibrant and packed with flavor, perfect for a quick lunch or side dish.

3. One-Pan Chicken and Broccoli

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, honey, and olive oil.
3. Place chicken breasts on a baking sheet and pour the sauce over them.
4. Scatter broccoli florets around the chicken.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the broccoli is tender.

Why It’s Great:

This dish is not only easy to make, but it also requires minimal cleanup since everything is cooked on one pan. It’s a balanced meal full of protein and veggies.

4. Pasta Aglio e Olio

Ingredients:

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Red pepper flakes to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté until golden, about 2 minutes.
3. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat. If the pasta seems dry, add some reserved pasta water.
4. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and toss again. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Why It’s Great:

This Italian classic is not only quick but also relies on pantry staples. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that satisfies.

5. Fruit Yogurt Parfait

Ingredients:

• 2 cups yogurt (any flavor)
• 1 cup granola
• 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• Honey (optional)
• Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a glass or bowl, layer 1/2 cup of yogurt at the bottom.
2. Add a layer of granola, followed by a layer of mixed berries.
3. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with berries on top.
4. Drizzle with honey and garnish with mint leaves if desired.

Why It’s Great:

This parfait is not only quick to assemble but also a nutritious breakfast or snack option. It’s refreshing, filling, and packed with vitamins.

6. 20-Ingredient Pasta Primavera

This vibrant, vegetable-packed pasta is perfect for a light and flavorful meal that doesn’t require a lot of cooking time.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 zucchini (chopped)
• 1 yellow squash (chopped)
• 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
• 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced)
• 1 carrot (peeled and chopped)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Toss in all the vegetables, except the peas, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they are tender.
5. Stir in the peas and cook for another 2 minutes.
6. Add the cream, Parmesan, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
7. Mix the cooked pasta into the skillet, tossing to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
8. Garnish with fresh basil, parsley, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar before serving.

Why It’s Great: This pasta primavera is colorful, full of fresh ingredients, and can be made in under 30 minutes. It’s a great way to get in a variety of vegetables while enjoying a comforting dish.

7. Loaded Taco Salad

For a quick, hearty meal, this taco salad is packed with protein, veggies, and bold flavors, all in under 20 minutes!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup water
• 4 cups romaine lettuce (chopped)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 cup black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1/2 cup corn (canned or fresh)
• 1 avocado (sliced)
• 1/4 cup red onion (diced)
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup salsa
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped)
• Tortilla chips (crushed)

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat. Add taco seasoning and water, simmer until the meat is fully cooked and the sauce thickens.
2. In a large bowl, toss the lettuce, tomatoes, black beans, corn, avocado, and red onion.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, cumin, and chili powder to make a dressing.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
5. Top with cooked taco meat, cheddar cheese, sour cream, salsa, and crushed tortilla chips.
6. Garnish with cilantro and serve.

Why It’s Great: This taco salad is a perfect option when you’re craving Mexican flavors but don’t have the time to assemble a bunch of dishes. It’s a filling, protein-packed meal that’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings.

8. Quick Chicken Tikka Masala

A quick take on a classic Indian dish, this chicken tikka masala is full of spice and warmth, yet simple enough for a weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast (cubed)
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp coriander
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tbsp ginger (grated)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup basmati rice
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, marinate the chicken with yogurt, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and salt. Set aside for 10-15 minutes.
2. Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, and ginger, cooking until softened.
3. Add marinated chicken, cooking until browned on all sides (about 7 minutes).
4. Stir in tomato paste and diced tomatoes, cooking for another 5 minutes.
5. Lower heat and add the heavy cream, stirring until the sauce thickens.
6. Serve over basmati rice and garnish with cilantro and lemon juice.

Why It’s Great: This chicken tikka masala recipe delivers deep, comforting flavors in a fraction of the time. It’s perfect for satisfying your craving for Indian cuisine without spending hours in the kitchen.

9. Savory Beef Stroganoff

Beef stroganoff is a creamy, comforting dish that can be made in a snap with tender beef, mushrooms, and a rich sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef sirloin (sliced thin)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 cups mushrooms (sliced)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp thyme
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp flour
• 8 oz egg noodles
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup peas (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until softened.
3. Add beef and cook until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in flour and cook for another minute.
5. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, paprika, and thyme. Simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Return the beef to the skillet and stir in sour cream. Cook until sauce thickens, about 3 minutes.
7. Toss with egg noodles and garnish with parsley and Parmesan.

Why It’s Great: Beef stroganoff is a classic comfort food that’s easy to prepare with rich flavors and a creamy sauce. It’s a hearty dish perfect for busy evenings.

10. Lentil and Vegetable Soup

This hearty, protein-packed lentil and vegetable soup is nutritious, flavorful, and can be made with ingredients you likely already have on hand.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup green lentils (rinsed)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 carrots (chopped)
• 2 celery stalks (chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 zucchini (chopped)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup spinach (chopped)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in tomato paste, cumin, paprika, turmeric, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute.
3. Add lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes until lentils are tender.
4. Stir in zucchini and spinach, cooking for another 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice and parsley, and season with salt and pepper. Serve with crusty bread.

Why It’s Great: This soup is packed with fiber, protein, and veggies, making it a healthy, filling dinner option. It’s also great for meal prep or freezing for later.

11. Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

This creamy tomato basil chicken is rich in flavor but comes together in just 30 minutes with a few simple ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 oz spaghetti or any pasta
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, cooking until the sauce thickens.
4. Return the chicken to the skillet and cook for another 3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the sauce.
5. Serve the chicken over cooked spaghetti, garnished with fresh basil and additional Parmesan.

Why It’s Great: Creamy, comforting, and full of flavor, this dish feels indulgent but is quick enough for a weeknight meal. The combination of tomatoes, basil, and cream creates a rich sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta.

12. Lentil and Vegetable Soup

This hearty, protein-packed lentil and vegetable soup is nutritious, flavorful, and can be made with ingredients you likely already have on hand.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup green lentils (rinsed)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 carrots (chopped)
• 2 celery stalks (chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 zucchini (chopped)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup spinach (chopped)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in tomato paste, cumin, paprika, turmeric, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute.
3. Add lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes until lentils are tender.
4. Stir in zucchini and spinach, cooking for another 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice and parsley, and season with salt and pepper. Serve with crusty bread.

Why It’s Great: This soup is packed with fiber, protein, and veggies, making it a healthy, filling dinner option. It’s also great for meal prep or freezing for later.

13. Chicken Fajitas

Classic chicken fajitas loaded with bell peppers, onions, and delicious toppings.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breasts (sliced)
• 3 bell peppers (assorted colors)
• 1 onion
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp cumin
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Juice of 1 lime
• 8 tortillas
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• 1 avocado (sliced)
• Salsa
• Cilantro (chopped)
• 1 jalapeño (optional)

14. Shrimp Stir-Fry

A colorful stir-fry loaded with shrimp and fresh vegetables, perfect for a quick dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 yellow bell pepper
• 1 carrot (julienned)
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp ginger (minced)
• 1/4 cup water chestnuts
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup green onions (chopped)
• Cooked rice for serving
• Sesame seeds for garnish

15. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Bell peppers stuffed with rice, ground beef, and veggies.

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers (tops removed)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup cooked rice
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp basil
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup parsley (chopped)
• Fresh basil for garnish
• 1 cup chicken broth (for baking)
• Crusty bread for serving

Conclusion

These 5-ingredient recipes are perfect for those times when you’re short on time but still want a delicious and satisfying meal. With minimal ingredients and quick preparation, you can enjoy homemade dishes that don’t compromise on flavor. Whether it’s a light salad or a hearty one-pan dinner, these recipes will help you eat well even on the busiest days!