Delicious Recipes Using Only 5 Ingredients (Not Including Salt, Pepper, and Water)
Simplicity doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor. These five-ingredient recipes (excluding basics like salt, pepper, and water) prove that delicious meals can be quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. Each recipe provides detailed instructions and tips for achieving optimal results.
1. Creamy Tomato & Basil Pasta:
- Ingredients: 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 1 pound pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite), 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- Instructions: Cook pasta according to package directions. While pasta cooks, combine crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and chopped basil in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drain pasta and add it to the sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese and serve immediately. For a richer flavor, use fresh, high-quality basil and good quality Parmesan. Consider adding a clove of minced garlic to the sauce for extra depth.
2. One-Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Veggies:
- Ingredients: 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), 1 lemon (sliced), 1 pound baby potatoes, 1 pound carrots (chopped), 2 sprigs fresh rosemary.
- Instructions: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place potatoes and carrots in a large roasting pan. Place the chicken on top of the vegetables. Stuff the cavity of the chicken with lemon slices and rosemary sprigs. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork. Let rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving. For extra crispy skin, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) for the last 15 minutes of cooking.
3. Garlic Shrimp Scampi with Linguine:
- Ingredients: 1 pound linguine, 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined), 4 cloves garlic (minced), 1/4 cup butter, 1/4 cup dry white wine.
- Instructions: Cook linguine according to package directions. While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Pour in white wine and cook for another minute, allowing the sauce to slightly reduce. Drain pasta and add it to the skillet with the shrimp. Toss to coat and serve immediately. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens the flavor.
4. Simple Sheet Pan Salmon with Asparagus:
- Ingredients: 1 pound salmon fillet (skin on or off), 1 pound asparagus, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 lemon (sliced), 1 teaspoon dried dill.
- Instructions: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place asparagus on one side of the baking sheet and salmon fillet on the other. Drizzle both with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and dill. Top salmon with lemon slices. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through and asparagus is tender-crisp. For extra flavor, use fresh dill instead of dried.
5. Black Bean Burgers:
- Ingredients: 1 (15 ounce) can black beans (rinsed and drained), 1/2 cup cooked quinoa, 1/4 cup chopped red onion, 1 egg, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs.
- Instructions: Mash black beans with a fork until mostly smooth but still slightly chunky. In a large bowl, combine mashed beans, cooked quinoa, red onion, egg, and breadcrumbs. Mix well to combine. Form mixture into 4 patties. Cook patties in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side, or until heated through and slightly browned. Serve on buns with your favorite toppings. Adding a pinch of cumin and chili powder enhances the flavor profile.
6. Spicy Peanut Noodles:
- Ingredients: 8 ounces noodles (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your choice), 1/2 cup peanut butter, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sriracha (or more, to taste).
- Instructions: Cook noodles according to package directions. While noodles cook, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha in a small bowl until smooth. Drain noodles and add them to the peanut sauce. Toss to coat and serve immediately. Garnish with chopped peanuts or green onions for added texture and flavor. For a sweeter sauce, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup.
7. Caprese Salad:
- Ingredients: 2 large tomatoes (sliced), 8 ounces fresh mozzarella (sliced), 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze, 2 tablespoons olive oil.
- Instructions: Arrange tomato and mozzarella slices alternately on a plate. Tuck basil leaves between the slices. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This classic salad is best served immediately to prevent the tomatoes from releasing too much liquid.
8. Creamy Avocado Toast:
- Ingredients: 2 slices bread (toasted), 1 ripe avocado (mashed), 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes.
- Instructions: Toast bread slices. Spread mashed avocado evenly over each slice. Top with feta cheese, halved cherry tomatoes, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This simple yet satisfying breakfast or snack is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to your taste preferences. Consider adding a fried egg for extra protein.
These recipes highlight the versatility of simple ingredients. Remember to adjust seasonings to suit your personal preferences. Enjoy your delicious and easy five-ingredient meals!
