When it comes to whipping up a quick and easy dinner on a hectic workweek day, the task can feel overwhelming – especially when your energy levels are low and your clock is ticking. However, we’re here to help you overcome this culinary conundrum with our collection of 41 simple yet satisfying recipes that require minimal ingredients but deliver maximum flavor. From now until the end of the week, let’s get cooking!
41 Easy Few Ingredient Dinners
Lemon-Garlic Shrimp
The simplicity of this dish belies its flavor profile, boasting a mere four essential components: pungent garlic, zesty lemon, succulent shrimp, and the richness of olive oil. A perfect accompaniment to warm summer evenings or whenever you yearn for something light yet satisfying.
Sausage and Pepper Skillet
Flavorful and quick, this savory dish can be prepared in just 30 minutes. With only a few ingredients – including sausage, bell peppers, onions, and olive oil – you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy. Serve it on its own or pair it with pasta for a more satisfying meal.
Chicken Pasta Casserole
Chicken pasta casserole embodies the essence of a warm and inviting weeknight dinner, offering a harmonious blend of simplicity and versatility. This comforting dish lends itself perfectly to customization, allowing you to infuse your personal touch by incorporating a range of ingredients and flavor profiles, making it a staple in any culinary repertoire.
Quinoa Fried Rice With Vegetables
Savory quinoa fried rice is an exceptional dinner option, boasting an impressive nutritional profile. The quinoa itself is a rich source of protein, while the medley of vegetables contributes a bounty of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. What’s more, this dish is remarkably straightforward to prepare, making it an ideal choice for hectic weeknights when time is of the essence.
Chicken Alfredo
With its rich, velvety texture and savory flavor profile, this indulgent dish is surprisingly straightforward to prepare. In fact, it only requires three key components: succulent chicken, al dente pasta, and the quintessential Alfredo sauce. This unpretentious recipe makes for an excellent solution for those chaotic evenings when time is of the essence, allowing you to whip up a satisfying meal with minimal fuss.
Garlic Butter Shrimp
Indulge in this succulent shrimp dish that’s bursting with flavor, requiring just five essential components: pungent garlic, rich butter, succulent shrimp, zesty lemon juice, and fragrant parsley. Pair it with a bed of fluffy rice or complement it with a fresh side salad for a satisfying meal.
Lemon Chicken with Asparagus
In the midst of spring, a timeless culinary delight emerges: lemon chicken with asparagus. This refreshing dish is characterized by succulent chicken breasts smothered in a tangy lemon sauce and paired with fresh, crunchy asparagus stalks. The harmonious union of bright flavors and light textures creates a truly satisfying experience for the palate.
Pesto Pasta
Indulge in a delightful yet uncomplicated pasta dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. The core ingredients are straightforward: pasta, a rich and herby pesto sauce, and a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. To elevate the dish further, consider adding some juicy cherry tomatoes and a handful of nutritious spinach leaves. This harmonious blend of flavors and textures will leave you craving for more.
Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
One of my absolute favorite go-to meals is undoubtedly chicken and broccoli stir-fry – and it’s not hard to see why! This classic dish checks all the right boxes: it’s rapid, effortless, nutritious, and incredibly versatile. Whether I’m in a rush or simply craving something satisfying and wholesome, this recipe always hits the spot.
Bacon Wrapped Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken
Indulge in the rich flavors of bacon-wrapped cream cheese stuffed chicken, an impressive dish that’s sure to delight on any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping centerpiece for a special celebration or a weeknight meal that feels like a indulgent treat, this recipe delivers. The harmonious union of crispy bacon and creamy cheese filling is elevated by the tender, juicy texture of the chicken, making it a true crowd-pleaser.
Sweet Chili Sesame Shrimp and Zoodles
Indulge in the delightful fusion of Sweet Chili Sesame Shrimp and Zoodles, a weeknight wonder that’s as effortless as it is flavorful. This harmonious blend of spiralized zucchini noodles, succulent shrimp, and an aromatic trio of sweet chili sauce, sesame oil, and soy sauce comes together in a wondrous stir-fry. As the shrimp cooks through to tender perfection, the zoodles soften to a delightful texture. The finishing touches come with a sprinkle of nutty sesame seeds and a pop of freshness from green onions.
Pork Rib Marinade
When it comes to creating a mouthwatering pork rib dish, a well-crafted marinade is essential. A good marinade should not only tenderize the meat but also infuse it with an abundance of flavor and moisture. With some preparation and patience, you can concoct a pork rib marinade that will undoubtedly elevate your next barbecue to new heights.
Easy Mushroom Garlic Spaghetti
A single forkful of this pasta dish is enough to transport your taste buds on a journey of culinary ecstasy. The pungent aroma of garlic melds harmoniously with the earthy undertones of mushrooms, resulting in a delightful balance of savory flavors that tantalize the palate. With each successive bite, the symphony of tastes and textures builds upon itself, elevating this humble dish to new heights.
Honey Garlic Chicken
A staple of many restaurants and dinner parties, honey garlic chicken is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. By coating chicken pieces in a rich and tangy honey garlic sauce, you can create a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
The mere mention of cheesy hashbrown casserole is enough to evoke visions of golden-brown crumbs, velvety melted cheese, and tender potatoes – a culinary embodiment of warmth and comfort. As a quintessential comfort food, this dish has earned its place in the hearts (and stomachs) of many.
Ground Beef Casserole
This classic ground beef casserole recipe is remarkably flexible, allowing you to incorporate an array of ingredients that suit your taste preferences. The dish typically comprises a blend of ground beef, savory sauce, an assortment of vegetables, and a starchy component, all harmoniously combined in a single casserole dish and baked to perfection.
Mexican Shredded Chicken
To unleash the full potential of this delectable Mexican dish, click here to get the recipe! Mexican shredded chicken is a culinary chameleon that can transform into an array of mouthwatering creations. This versatile delight typically involves cooking chicken in a rich and aromatic sauce or marinade before tenderly shredding it with two forks. The resulting masterpiece can be effortlessly incorporated into tacos, burritos, enchiladas, salads, or even savored on its own as a satisfying snack.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers are an absolute delight, transforming the humble vegetable into a vibrant, edible vessel filled to the brim with flavorful ingredients. The process begins by carefully hollowing out the pepper’s cavity, making room for a savory blend of cooked rice, ground meat, sautéed onions, and diced tomatoes, all infused with a pinch of your preferred spices. As you take a bite, the tender peppers provide a sweet contrast to the hearty filling, creating a harmonious balance that will leave you craving more.
Balsamic Chicken
Savor the sweet and tangy union of flavors in a classic dish that never goes out of style: balsamic chicken. This beloved recipe is characterized by tender chicken pieces smothered in a rich marinade or sauce, where the star ingredient – balsamic vinegar – shines alongside its supporting actors like herbs, garlic, and occasionally honey or Dijon mustard. The resulting harmony of flavors is nothing short of phenomenal, making it an ideal choice for a speedy yet satisfying weeknight meal that’s sure to please.
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
In the world of Italian cuisine, Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a beloved staple that’s as much about simplicity as it is about bold flavors. At its core, this dish relies on the harmonious marriage between garlic-infused oil and perfectly cooked pasta. The resulting culinary experience is nothing short of satisfying, with each bite delivering a rich tapestry of aromas and tastes that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Chicken Fajitas
Combine chicken breasts, sliced bell peppers, and onions with fajita seasoning in a slow cooker. Allow it to simmer on low for 6 to 8 hours, or if you’re short on time, cook it on high for 3 to 4 hours. Once the dish is ready, serve it with warm tortillas and your preferred toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, avocado, or shredded cheese.
Pork Carnitas
To prepare a mouth-watering pork shoulder dish, begin by placing it in your slow cooker along with a flavorful combination of orange juice, garlic, cumin, and chili powder. Allow the mixture to simmer on low for 8 hours or opt for a quicker cooking time of 4 hours on high heat. Once the pork is tender and falls apart easily, shred it into bite-sized pieces and use it as the main attraction in your favorite tacos or burritos.
Vegetable Stir-Fry
For a nutritious and swift dinner option, combine your preferred stir-fry vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas in a skillet. Then, add some savory stir-fry sauce and choose from protein sources such as tofu or chicken. With minimal cooking time, you’ll be enjoying a balanced meal in no time.
Chicken Teriyaki
Combine tender chicken thighs with the sweet and savory flavors of teriyaki sauce and juicy slices of pineapple in your slow cooker. Allow this mouthwatering mixture to simmer on low for a leisurely 6-8 hours, or if you’re in a hurry, cook it on high for a shorter 3-4 hour period. Once cooked, serve the tender chicken and its accompanying flavors over a bed of fluffy rice, making for a satisfying and easy meal.
Sesame Noodles
To elevate the humble noodle, combine cooked noodles with a trifecta of flavors: the nutty essence of sesame oil, the savory depth of soy sauce, and the crunchy texture of sesame seeds. This harmonious union can be further enhanced by incorporating crisp green onions or refreshing cucumber slices.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Transform bell peppers into a flavorful dish by filling them with a savory blend of ground beef, rice, diced tomatoes, and spices. Simply place the mixture inside the peppers and bake in the oven until they’re tender and the filling has reached the perfect level of doneness.
BBQ Ribs
To achieve that fall-off-the-bone tenderness, season your ribs with a BBQ rub of your choice and opt for either a slow-cooked oven method or a low-and-slow grilling approach. Once they’re cooked to perfection, brush them with a rich BBQ sauce and finish them off on the grill, allowing the sweet and smoky flavors to meld together for a truly mouthwatering experience.
Creamy Garlic Pasta
Transform your favorite pasta dish by cooking it to your liking and then tossing it with a rich and savory garlic sauce. This indulgent accompaniment is crafted by combining heavy cream, melted butter, the pungency of garlic, and the nutty flavor of grated Parmesan cheese. The resulting harmony of flavors will elevate your pasta experience to new heights.
Shrimp Scampi
Indulge your taste buds by combining succulent shrimp with the pungency of garlic, the brightness of lemon, and the richness of butter. Simply sauté the ingredients together in a skillet, adding a splash of white wine for added depth. Serve the flavorful mixture over a bed of cooked pasta or pair it with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Stuffed Mushrooms
To elevate your stuffed mushroom game, combine the caps with a savory blend of cream cheese, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and crunchy breadcrumbs. Then, pop them in the oven until they’re tender and the filling reaches a golden brown perfection.
Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken
To add a burst of flavor to your meal, season a whole chicken liberally with a mixture of freshly squeezed lemon juice, aromatic herbs like thyme or rosemary, and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. Next, place the chicken in the oven and roast it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, resulting in a succulent and golden-brown bird.
Honey Glazed Salmon
To add a touch of sweetness to your baked salmon, brush the fillets with a marinade made from a harmonious blend of honey, soy sauce, and aromatic minced garlic. As the mixture infuses into the fish, place the salmon in the oven until it’s cooked through and glazed to perfection.
Cilantro Lime Rice
Transform plain white rice into a flavorful and aromatic accompaniment by combining it with the freshness of cilantro, the brightness of lime juice, and a hint of salt. The result is a side dish that’s both visually appealing and bursting with citrusy zest.
Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes
Transforming ordinary baby potatoes into a culinary delight is as simple as combining them with aromatic ingredients. Simply toss the potatoes with minced garlic, a drizzle of olive oil, and your preferred herbs. Then, place the mixture on a baking sheet and roast in the oven until the potatoes are perfectly crispy and infused with an abundance of flavor.
Honey Mustard Chicken
To create a flavorful and aromatic dish, combine honey, Dijon mustard, and a hint of curry powder in a single mixture. Then, coat chicken thighs evenly with this savory blend, before baking them to perfection, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked throughout.
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
To create a flavorful and aromatic pasta dish, cook spaghetti according to package instructions and then combine it with a medley of ingredients, including sautéed garlic that has been allowed to caramelize and intensify in flavor, red pepper flakes for an added kick, olive oil to bring everything together, and chopped fresh parsley that adds a bright and refreshing note. This combination results in a dish that is both simple and spicy, with a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Crockpot Tacos
To prepare a mouth-watering slow-cooked taco dish, combine ground beef, taco seasoning, and diced tomatoes in your slow cooker. Allow the mixture to simmer on low for 6-8 hours or opt for a quicker cooking time of 3-4 hours on high. Once cooked, serve the tender beef and flavorful sauce inside crispy taco shells, topped with your preferred fixings.
Soy Ginger Glazed Salmon
To add depth and complexity to your baked salmon fillets, combine soy sauce, fresh ginger, and brown sugar to form a sweet and savory glaze. Then, bake the mixture in a preheated oven until the salmon is cooked through and the glaze has caramelized, resulting in a tender and flavorful final product.
Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas
To create a mouthwatering dish, combine chicken breasts, enchilada sauce, and shredded cheese in your slow cooker. For tender results, cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Once cooked, fill tortillas with the delectable mixture, roll them up, and top with an additional layer of enchilada sauce and melted cheese. Finish by baking until the dish is heated through, ready to be devoured.
Honey Balsamic Pork Chops
To add a sweet and tangy twist to your pork chops, season them with your favorite spices and sear them in a hot skillet. Next, drizzle the chops with a mixture of honey and balsamic vinegar, then transfer the skillet to the oven to bake until the pork is cooked through and the glaze has thickened. This easy and flavorful recipe is just one of many that you’ll find in our collection of 41 quick and delicious dinner recipes.
With these simple yet impressive recipes, you can create a variety of tasty and healthy meals that your family will love. Whether you’re short on time or looking for a break from the usual routine, these recipes are perfect for busy weeknights when you need to get a meal on the table quickly. So go ahead, cook up a storm, and enjoy the satisfaction of serving a home-cooked meal that everyone will love.