5-Ingredient Meals: Easy & Delicious Recipes For Busy Nights

If your weeknights are a whirlwind of activities and you’re tired of complicated recipes, “5-Ingredient Meals” is here to simplify dinner. This collection features easy-to-follow recipes that require minimal ingredients yet don’t skimp on flavor, making it perfect for busy schedules. Say goodbye to stressing over what to cook and hello to quick, satisfying meals that you and your family will love.

Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Drizzle

This Caprese Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of fresh flavors that makes for a quick and satisfying meal. With juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, each bite is bursting with taste. The addition of a balsamic drizzle elevates the dish, adding a tangy sweetness that ties everything together.

Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is not only simple to prepare, but it also requires just a few ingredients. It’s a crowd-pleaser that can be served warm or cold, making it versatile for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta of your choice
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup balsamic glaze

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil water in a large pot and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let it cool slightly.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves.
3. Add Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Serve: Enjoy immediately, or chill in the fridge for 30 minutes for a refreshing cold salad.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

This creamy tomato basil soup is a comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s rich and velvety, with the fresh taste of basil balancing the acidity of the tomatoes. The flavors come together beautifully, making each spoonful delightful.

With just a few simple ingredients, it’s quick to prepare and requires minimal cooking skills. Pair it with some crusty bread for a satisfying meal that warms the soul.

Ingredients

• 2 cans (15 oz each) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Combine Tomatoes and Broth: In a pot, combine the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Add Cream and Basil: Once simmering, stir in the heavy cream and chopped basil. Allow to cook for another 5 minutes.
3. Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. For a creamier texture, you can blend it in batches in a regular blender.
4. Season: Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
5. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional basil if desired. Enjoy with warm bread!

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Beef and broccoli stir-fry is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together tender slices of beef and crisp broccoli in a savory sauce. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also delivers a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any night of the week.

The combination of beef and broccoli offers a delightful contrast in textures, while the sauce infuses every bite with rich, savory flavors. Perfect for busy evenings, this easy meal can be on your table in no time!

Ingredients

• 1 pound flank steak, sliced thinly
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions

1. Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine the sliced flank steak, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Mix well and let it sit for about 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
2. Cook the Broccoli: In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Stir-Fry the Beef: In the same pan, add the marinated beef and cook for about 4-5 minutes until it’s browned and just cooked through.
4. Combine: Add the cooked broccoli back to the pan with the beef and stir to combine everything well. Cook for an additional minute to heat through.
5. Serve: Plate the stir-fry over a bed of cooked rice and enjoy!

Honey Soy Glazed Salmon

If you’re looking for a quick and tasty dinner, honey soy glazed salmon is a perfect choice. This dish combines the rich flavors of honey and soy sauce to create a sweet and savory glaze that pairs beautifully with tender salmon. Not only does it taste delightful, but it’s also incredibly easy to make—ideal for those busy weeknights!

The salmon fillets cook quickly, allowing you to have dinner on the table in no time. Serve it alongside steamed vegetables and rice for a well-rounded meal that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, and minced garlic.
2. Marinate the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let them sit for about 15 minutes.
3. Cook the Salmon: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the salmon, skin-side down, and cook for about 4-5 minutes. Flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
4. Serve: Drizzle any remaining glaze from the pan over the salmon before serving. Enjoy with your favorite sides!

Vegetable Quesadillas with Avocado Dip

Looking for a quick and tasty meal? These vegetable quesadillas are just the ticket! Packed with fresh veggies and melted cheese, they strike a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights.

Pair these quesadillas with a creamy avocado dip, and you’ve got a satisfying dish that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner or a casual get-together, they’re sure to please!

Ingredients

• 4 flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers, cooking until they are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Place a tortilla in the skillet, and sprinkle half of it with cheese. Add a portion of the cooked vegetables on top of the cheese, then fold the tortilla in half. Cook until the cheese melts and the tortilla is golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and ingredients.
4. For the avocado dip, mash the avocado in a bowl, and mix in lime juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
5. Serve the quesadillas warm with the avocado dip on the side.

Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw

These spicy shrimp tacos are a delightful combination of flavors and textures. With plump, seasoned shrimp wrapped in soft tortillas and topped with a crunchy cabbage slaw, they offer a satisfying bite that’s both spicy and refreshing. Perfect for busy nights, this recipe keeps things simple while delivering a punch of flavor that everyone will enjoy.

Making these tacos is a breeze. In just a few steps, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time. The shrimp cook quickly, and the slaw adds a nice crunch that complements the spiciness perfectly. Serve with your favorite sauce or salsa for an extra kick!

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 head of cabbage, shredded
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 8 small corn tortillas

Instructions

1. Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Set aside for about 10 minutes.
2. Make the Slaw: In another bowl, combine shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and set aside.
3. Cook the Shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are pink and opaque.
4. Warm the Tortillas: In a separate pan, warm the corn tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side until they are pliable.
5. Assemble the Tacos: Place a few shrimp in each tortilla, top with the cabbage slaw, and add any additional toppings you like.

One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken

If you’re looking for a quick and tasty meal, One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken is a winner. This dish combines juicy chicken breasts with zesty lemon and aromatic garlic, all cooked together in one pan for easy cleanup. The bright flavors make it refreshing, while the simple ingredients keep it straightforward for busy nights.

Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also satisfying. The chicken turns out tender and flavorful, while the accompanying vegetables add a nutritious touch. Let’s dive into the recipe so you can whip this up in no time!

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 lemons, sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups green beans or your choice of vegetables

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and oregano. Place them in the skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
4. Add the lemon slices and green beans to the skillet, mixing everything together.
5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.
6. Serve hot, garnished with any extra lemon slices if desired.

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos

Sweet potato and black bean tacos are a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the roasted sweet potato pairs beautifully with the hearty black beans, creating a satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and tasty. Plus, this recipe is incredibly simple to make, making it ideal for those busy nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

These tacos are versatile as well; you can customize them with your favorite toppings like avocado, cilantro, or salsa. Not only are they quick to prepare, but they also offer a vibrant, colorful presentation that makes dinner feel special. Ready to get cooking? Here’s how to make them!

Ingredients

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into sticks
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 8 small corn tortillas
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional toppings: avocado slices, fresh cilantro, salsa

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). In a bowl, toss the sweet potato sticks with olive oil, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Spread the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for about 25-30 minutes until tender and slightly crispy.
3. While the sweet potatoes are roasting, warm the black beans in a small saucepan over low heat.
4. Once the sweet potatoes are done, warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
5. Assemble the tacos by placing roasted sweet potatoes and black beans on each tortilla. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!