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Home » Recipe Collections

25 Meals You Can Make with Just Five Ingredients

Published: Feb 11, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Five ingredients meals are a great way to keep cooking simple without giving up flavor. When you're short on time or just don’t feel like dealing with a long grocery list, these meals get the job done. They’re easy to throw together, don’t require a bunch of steps, and still taste great. Whether you're cooking for yourself or feeding the whole family, keeping it simple can make life a lot easier.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Pasta-Carbonara.jpg

Pasta Carbonara. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Close up of cacio e pepe in white bowl with fork and spoon.
Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

With just three ingredients, this bucatini cacio e pepe brings a classic pasta dish to your table with ease. A quick way to enjoy a restaurant-style meal at home.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

An image of broccoli cheese casserole served on a table with a spoon on the right side.
3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This broccoli cheese casserole comes together in 30 minutes with only three ingredients. A simple option when you need something easy but full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Air Fryer Everything Bagel Salmon

Air Fryer Everything Bagel Salmon with parsley on a white plate.
Air Fryer Everything Bagel Salmon. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Made with only two ingredients, this Air Fryer Everything Bagel Salmon is ready in under 15 minutes. A fast and effortless way to prepare a well-cooked meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Everything Bagel Salmon

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Instant Pot mac and cheese takes just five ingredients and a few minutes to cook. A quick and kid-friendly dinner for a relaxed evening.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Walnut sauce pasta needs only five ingredients and is ready in under 30 minutes. A practical meal using pantry staples for a balanced bite.
Get the Recipe: Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

Ground Beef Egg-in-a-Hole

Ground Beef Egg-in-a-Hole. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Ground beef and eggs turn into a five-minute twist on egg-in-a-hole. A high-protein breakfast that’s quick and easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Egg-in-a-Hole

Low Carb Fettuccine Alfredo

Red plate filled with alfredo sauce and keto noodles.
Low Carb Fettuccine Alfredo. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

This five-ingredient Fettuccine Alfredo comes with homemade noodles and a creamy texture. A simple pasta dish that skips the extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Fettuccine Alfredo

Two Ingredient Chicken Nuggets

Plate of chicken nuggets on a wooden serving board.
Two Ingredient Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

These two-ingredient chicken nuggets come together in no time. A fast and hassle-free meal the whole family can enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Two Ingredient Chicken Nuggets

Pesto Salmon

Pesto Salmon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This pesto salmon bakes in under 25 minutes with just five ingredients. A simple way to prepare a flavorful meal with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon

Pasta Carbonara

Pasta Carbonara. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Pasta Carbonara comes together in under 30 minutes with just five ingredients. A rich and creamy dish that’s simple to make.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Carbonara

Easy Caprese Salad

Easy Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Made with five fresh ingredients, Caprese salad works as an appetizer or a side. A light and refreshing option that takes minutes to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad

Baked Scotch Eggs

Baked Scotch Eggs. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Scotch eggs require just three ingredients and can be enjoyed any time of day. A straightforward meal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Baked Scotch Eggs

Low-Carb Meat Pie

A slice of meat pie on a plate with green beans.
Low-Carb Meat Pie. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

This meat pie uses only four ingredients for the crust and has a hearty filling. A practical choice for meal prep with leftovers that hold up well.
Get the Recipe: Low-Carb Meat Pie

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Thighs on a light blue plate with parsley.
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Chicken Air Fryer Recipes.

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Thighs need just two ingredients and cook quickly. A fast dinner with a kick of spice for those who like bold flavors.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Thighs

Easy Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders

Easy Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders on a black plate with parsley.
Easy Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Chicken Air Fryer Recipes.

These lemon pepper chicken tenders use only three ingredients and cook in 15 minutes. A no-hassle dinner that’s both quick and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders

Buffalo Turkey Cauliflower Skillet

Buffalo Turkey Cauliflower Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This four-ingredient buffalo turkey cauliflower skillet cooks fast with minimal prep. A solid choice for making meals ahead of time.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Turkey Cauliflower Skillet

Chicken Salad

Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

This five-ingredient chicken salad is quick to put together and can be adjusted to your taste. A convenient meal for light lunches or easy dinners.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad

5-Minute Spicy Chicken Wrap

5-Minute Spicy Chicken Wrap. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Leftover chicken tenders turn into a simple wrap with just five ingredients. A fast and easy lunch that fits into a busy schedule.
Get the Recipe: 5-Minute Spicy Chicken Wrap

Crock Pot Ranch Pork Chops

Crock Pot Ranch Pork Chops. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

These Crock Pot ranch pork chops need only three ingredients for a hands-off meal. Just set them in the slow cooker and let dinner make itself.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Ranch Pork Chops

Easy Potato Soup

Easy Potato Soup. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

This four-ingredient potato soup is made with potatoes, broth, milk, and onion. A simple, comforting meal that requires little effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Potato Soup

Easy Air Fryer Chicken Legs with Dry Rub

Easy Air Fryer Chicken Legs with Dry Rub on a white plate.
Easy Air Fryer Chicken Legs with Dry Rub. Photo credit: Chicken Air Fryer Recipes.

Air Fryer Chicken Legs with Dry Rub need only two ingredients for an easy and budget-friendly meal. A fast dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Chicken Legs with Dry Rub

Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter

Sliced flank steak with chili butter.
Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Flank steak grills in 20 minutes and gets a boost of flavor from chili butter. A five-ingredient meal that’s both quick and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter

Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Caprese pasta uses five ingredients or less, making it easy for any occasion. A simple option for dinners, potlucks, or quick leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pasta Salad

3 Ingredient Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

3 Ingredient Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Slow cooker mac and cheese turns extra creamy with just three ingredients and a few minutes of prep. A family-friendly choice for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This slow cooker chicken dish is easy to make with just a few ingredients. A hands-off meal that delivers plenty of flavor with minimal work.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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