18 Quick Meals with Only 5 Ingredients You Already Have at Home

When life gets busy, having a list of quick, easy meals that only require a few ingredients can be a real lifesaver. These recipes are designed to be simple, using common pantry staples, so you don’t need to make a trip to the store. With just five ingredients, each dish brings out maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.

Creamy Tomato Pasta

Boil your pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and return it to the pot. Stir in a can of tomato sauce, half a cup of heavy cream, a pinch of salt, and a generous handful of shredded cheese. Heat the mixture over low until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking. Garnish with a sprinkle of dried basil or parsley for extra flavor. This creamy tomato pasta is quick, rich, and incredibly satisfying, making it the perfect meal for busy nights.

Cheesy Quesadilla Wraps

Start by placing a tortilla on a warm skillet and spread a layer of refried beans across one half. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the beans, add a few slices of cooked chicken, then fold the tortilla in half to make a wrap. Cook until golden and crispy on each side, allowing the cheese to melt and bind everything together. Cut into triangles for easy dipping, and serve with salsa or sour cream if you have it on hand. This cheesy quesadilla wrap is a quick and filling meal that brings big flavors with minimal ingredients.

One-Pot Garlic Butter Rice

In a medium pot, melt two tablespoons of butter and add a clove of minced garlic, cooking until fragrant. Add one cup of rice and stir to coat the grains, then pour in two cups of chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and fluffy. Fluff the rice with a fork, season with salt and pepper to taste, and sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions if desired. This garlic butter rice is a delicious side or simple main dish that’s incredibly easy to make.

Simple Baked Chicken with Herbs

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking dish with parchment paper. Place four chicken thighs in the dish and season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of dried thyme or rosemary. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken to help it crisp and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is golden and fully cooked. This baked herb chicken is tender and flavorful, pairing perfectly with a quick salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal. It’s a simple, low-maintenance dinner that tastes like it took hours to make.

Egg Fried Rice

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet, then add a cup of leftover rice and cook until heated through. Push the rice to one side and crack two eggs on the other side of the pan, scrambling them until fully cooked. Mix the eggs and rice together, adding a dash of soy sauce and a sprinkle of green onions if you have them. Stir everything together until well combined and serve hot. This egg fried rice is a great way to repurpose leftover rice into a tasty, filling meal in minutes.

Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Cook your pasta in salted water, drain, and set aside. In the same pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil, add a clove of minced garlic, and cook until fragrant. Toss in a handful of shrimp, cook until pink, then add the pasta back to the pot. Squeeze a little lemon juice for brightness and stir everything together until well coated. This garlic shrimp pasta is light, flavorful, and perfect for when you’re craving seafood with minimal prep.

Easy Veggie Stir-Fry

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet, add sliced bell peppers, onions, and any leftover veggies you have on hand. Stir-fry until tender, then add a dash of soy sauce for flavor and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. If you want, crack an egg in the pan and scramble it into the veggies for extra protein. Serve hot over rice or noodles for a complete meal. This veggie stir-fry is a versatile, healthy dish that makes use of whatever you have in the fridge.

Cheesy Potato Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F and slice four potatoes thinly. Layer the slices in a baking dish, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and shredded cheese, then repeat the layers. Pour half a cup of milk over the potatoes, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake another 10-15 minutes until golden. This cheesy potato bake is creamy, comforting, and an easy side or main that the whole family will love.

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Cook your spaghetti, then drain and set aside. In a pan, heat olive oil and add thinly sliced garlic, cooking until golden. Toss the cooked pasta in the garlic oil, add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like some heat, and season with salt. Finish with a sprinkle of parsley or parmesan if available. Spaghetti aglio e olio is a classic Italian dish that’s quick, simple, and surprisingly delicious with only a few ingredients.

Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps

Toss chopped romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing, shredded chicken, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Place the salad mix onto a tortilla, wrap it up, and slice in half. This wrap has all the flavors of a Caesar salad with the convenience of a handheld meal, perfect for lunches or on-the-go dinners. Add croutons for an extra crunch if you have them on hand. Quick and satisfying, these wraps make eating salad fun and portable.

Black Bean and Corn Salad

In a bowl, combine a can of black beans (drained), a cup of corn, diced bell pepper, chopped green onions, and a splash of lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and toss everything together. Serve as a salad, dip, or side with tortilla chips. This black bean and corn salad is fresh, vibrant, and a great way to add more veggies to your meal. Plus, it’s packed with protein and fiber, making it a healthy, filling option.

Pita Pizzas

Preheat your oven to 400°F, place pita bread on a baking sheet, and spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on top. Sprinkle shredded cheese and any toppings you have, such as pepperoni, olives, or sliced bell peppers. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the cheese melts and the pita is crispy. These pita pizzas are customizable, quick, and perfect for pizza cravings without the hassle of dough. Great for kids and adults alike, they make for a fun and easy dinner.

Honey Mustard Chicken

Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear in a pan until golden. Mix a tablespoon of honey with a tablespoon of mustard, then pour over the chicken and let it cook until the sauce thickens. Serve with a side of rice or steamed veggies for a complete meal. This honey mustard chicken is sweet, tangy, and incredibly flavorful with minimal ingredients. Perfect for busy nights, it feels like a gourmet meal without the effort.

Tuna Salad Stuffed Avocado

Slice an avocado in half and remove the pit, then scoop some tuna salad into each half. For the tuna salad, mix canned tuna with a bit of mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Garnish with a sprinkle of green onions or parsley if you like, and serve immediately. This tuna-stuffed avocado is a simple, protein-packed meal that’s fresh, creamy, and perfect for a quick lunch. With minimal prep, it’s a healthy, satisfying choice for any day.

BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Shred leftover chicken and toss with barbecue sauce until coated. Place the chicken on a bun, top with a slice of cheese, and heat in the oven until warm and the cheese melts. Add a pickle or sliced onion if you like for extra crunch and flavor. These BBQ chicken sandwiches are sweet, tangy, and easy to make with pantry staples, perfect for a fast, filling meal. They’re ideal for when you need a quick dinner that still feels homemade.

Veggie Omelette

Crack two eggs into a bowl, add a pinch of salt and pepper, and whisk until well combined. Heat a bit of oil in a skillet, pour in the eggs, and let them cook until they start to set. Add a handful of chopped veggies you have on hand, such as bell peppers, onions, or spinach, and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Fold the omelette in half and cook for another minute until the cheese melts. This veggie omelette is a quick, protein-packed meal perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Peanut Butter Banana Toast

Toast a slice of bread until golden, then spread a generous layer of peanut butter on top. Slice half a banana and arrange the slices over the peanut butter. Drizzle a bit of honey for extra sweetness if you have it, and sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon for flavor. This peanut butter banana toast is a simple, energy-boosting snack or breakfast that’s both nutritious and delicious. It’s a great way to satisfy your sweet cravings with minimal ingredients.

Quick Pesto Pasta

Cook your pasta according to the package directions, drain, and return to the pot. Stir in two tablespoons of pesto, mixing until the pasta is fully coated. Add a handful of cherry tomatoes or any leftover veggies you have, and stir to combine. Sprinkle with shredded parmesan if you like, and serve warm. This quick pesto pasta is fresh, flavorful, and a breeze to make, perfect for days when you want something light yet satisfying.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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