Looking for quick and easy meal ideas that don’t require a long list of ingredients? These 5-ingredient recipes use common pantry staples, so you can whip up something delicious with minimal effort. Perfect for busy days or when you’re running low on groceries, these recipes cover breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, all with flavors that satisfy.
Contents
- 1 Garlic Butter Pasta
- 2 Chickpea and Tomato Salad
- 3 Peanut Butter Banana Toast
- 4 Tomato Basil Pasta
- 5 Simple Fried Rice
- 6 Creamy Tomato Soup
- 7 Avocado and Egg Toast
- 8 Black Bean Quesadilla
- 9 Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
- 10 Spaghetti Carbonara
- 11 Honey Mustard Chicken
- 12 Banana Oat Pancakes
- 13 Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
- 14 Tomato and Egg Stir-Fry
- 15 Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
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Garlic Butter Pasta
Cook 12 ounces of spaghetti until al dente, then drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water. In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter and add 4 cloves of minced garlic, cooking until fragrant. Toss the pasta in the garlic butter, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to create a light sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, stirring until the noodles are coated and shiny. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra boost of flavor.
Chickpea and Tomato Salad
Drain and rinse one can of chickpeas, then combine in a bowl with one can of diced tomatoes (drained), one diced cucumber, and ¼ cup of crumbled feta cheese. Toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined, adjusting seasoning if needed. This salad is refreshing and protein-packed, perfect as a side dish or a light lunch. Enjoy immediately or chill in the fridge for an hour to let the flavors meld.
Peanut Butter Banana Toast
Toast two slices of whole-grain bread until golden brown. Spread each slice with 1 tablespoon of peanut butter, then top with sliced banana. Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon and drizzle a little honey over the top for added sweetness. This simple yet satisfying toast is packed with protein, fiber, and natural sugars for an energizing snack or breakfast. For extra crunch, add a sprinkle of granola or chopped nuts on top.
Tomato Basil Pasta
Cook 12 ounces of spaghetti according to package instructions and drain. In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté 3 minced garlic cloves until golden. Add a can of diced tomatoes with their juice and cook until slightly reduced. Toss in the pasta, ¼ cup of fresh basil leaves, and salt and pepper to taste, stirring until well combined. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Simple Fried Rice
In a hot skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and add 2 cups of cooked rice, stirring to break up any clumps. Add 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 2 beaten eggs. Stir everything together until the eggs are fully cooked and the rice is heated through. This quick and easy fried rice is a perfect way to use leftover rice and makes a delicious side or light meal.
Creamy Tomato Soup
In a pot, combine a can of crushed tomatoes with 1 cup of vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Add ½ cup of heavy cream and 1 teaspoon of dried basil, stirring until creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste, allowing the flavors to blend as it heats through. This rich tomato soup is perfect for dipping a grilled cheese or enjoying on its own. Serve warm, topped with a sprinkle of fresh basil if available.
Avocado and Egg Toast
Toast two slices of whole-grain bread and top each with half a mashed avocado, seasoned with salt and pepper. In a small pan, cook two eggs to your liking (fried or scrambled), then place one egg on each piece of toast. Sprinkle with a dash of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor. This quick breakfast or lunch option is filling, nutritious, and packed with protein and healthy fats.
Black Bean Quesadilla
Spread ½ cup of black beans over one tortilla, then sprinkle with ½ cup of shredded cheese and top with another tortilla. In a skillet, cook the quesadilla over medium heat until the cheese melts and the tortilla is crispy, about 3 minutes per side. Slice into wedges and serve with salsa for dipping. This simple, cheesy quesadilla makes a great snack or light meal, full of protein and fiber.
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
Preheat the oven to 400°F and cut four medium potatoes into wedges. Toss the wedges with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and ¼ cup of grated Parmesan. Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crispy. These garlic Parmesan potatoes are perfect as a side dish or snack.
Spaghetti Carbonara
Cook 12 ounces of spaghetti until al dente, then drain and set aside. In a skillet, cook 4 ounces of diced bacon until crispy, then add 3 minced garlic cloves. Toss the hot pasta into the skillet with 2 beaten eggs, stirring quickly to create a creamy sauce. Season with salt and black pepper, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. This easy carbonara is rich, satisfying, and requires minimal ingredients.
Honey Mustard Chicken
In a bowl, mix ¼ cup of honey and ¼ cup of mustard, then coat four chicken breasts with the mixture. Place the chicken in a baking dish, season with salt and pepper, and bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until cooked through. This sweet and tangy chicken pairs well with rice or veggies for a complete meal. Baste with extra honey mustard sauce halfway through baking for more flavor.
Banana Oat Pancakes
In a bowl, mash one ripe banana, then mix with ½ cup of rolled oats, two eggs, and a pinch of cinnamon. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and pour the batter to make small pancakes. Cook for about 2 minutes per side or until golden. These easy pancakes are naturally sweet and perfect for a quick, healthy breakfast. Serve with a drizzle of honey or a few fresh berries.
Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Trim and halve one pound of Brussels sprouts, then toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Roast at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar before serving for a sweet and tangy finish. These roasted Brussels sprouts are a tasty and nutritious side dish, perfect for any meal.
Tomato and Egg Stir-Fry
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan, then scramble two eggs until just set and remove. In the same pan, cook one diced tomato until softened, then return the eggs to the pan. Season with salt and pepper and stir everything together. This simple stir-fry is full of flavor and takes just minutes to make, perfect for breakfast or a light meal.
Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
In a jar, combine ½ cup of oats, ½ cup of milk, one grated apple, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Stir well, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, give it a quick stir and enjoy cold or warmed up. These overnight oats are a nutritious, grab-and-go breakfast that you can make ahead for busy mornings. Add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of nuts for extra flavor.
This article originally appeared on RetailShout.
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