Coming up with quick and easy dinner ideas for the workweek can be a challenge, especially when you don’t have the time or energy to spend hours in the kitchen.
But worry no more because we’ve got you covered!
Here are 41 easy few-ingredient dinner recipes that are perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something tasty but don’t want to spend too much time cooking. So, let’s dive in!
41 Easy Few Ingredient Dinners
1. Lemon-Garlic Shrimp
This delicious and refreshing dish is made with only 4 ingredients, which are garlic, lemon, shrimp, and olive oil. It’s perfect for summer nights or when you crave something light and tasty!
2. Sausage and Pepper Skillet
This savory dish is full of flavor and takes only 30 minutes to make. All you need is sausage, bell peppers, onions, and olive oil. Serve it on its own or on top of pasta for a more substantial meal.
3. Chicken Pasta Casserole
Chicken pasta casserole is a cozy and comforting dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal. It’s also incredibly versatile, so you can customize it to your liking with different ingredients and flavors.
4. Quinoa Fried Rice With Vegetables
Quinoa fried rice with vegetables is a fantastic choice for dinner!
It’s packed with protein and nutrients from the quinoa, plus the veggies add vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It’s also a quick and easy meal to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
5. Chicken Alfredo
This creamy and cheesy dish takes only 3 ingredients to make: chicken, pasta, and Alfredo sauce. It’s perfect for a busy night when you don’t have much time to cook.
6. Garlic Butter Shrimp
This dish is loaded with flavor, and you only need 5 ingredients: garlic, butter, shrimp, lemon juice, and parsley. Serve on rice or with a side salad for a complete meal.
7. Lemon Chicken with Asparagus
Lemon chicken with asparagus is a classic spring dish that’s bursting with bright flavors and light textures.
It features tender chicken breasts cooked in a zesty lemon sauce alongside vibrant, crisp asparagus spears.
8. Pesto Pasta
This pasta dish is perfect for when you crave something simple yet flavorful. All you need is pasta, pesto sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Add some cherry tomatoes and spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
9. Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
You know what’s a quick and tasty meal? Chicken and broccoli stir fry! It is a classic for good reason!
It’s quick, easy, healthy, and endlessly customizable. It’s my go-to when I need something delicious and healthy on the table fast!
10. Bacon Wrapped Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken
Bacon-wrapped cream cheese stuffed chicken is a dish that is both delicious and impressive. It’s perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight meal that feels fancy.
The savory bacon pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese filling, and the chicken cooks up moist and tender.
11. Sweet Chili Sesame Shrimp and Zoodles
Sweet Chili Sesame Shrimp and Zoodles is a quick and easy dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is made with zoodles, which are spiralized zucchini noodles, shrimp, sweet chili sauce, sesame oil, and soy sauce.
The dish is stir-fried until the shrimp is cooked through and the zoodles are tender. It is then garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
12. Pork Rib Marinade
A good pork rib marinade should be packed with flavor and moisture to tenderize the meat and infuse it with deliciousness. With a little time and effort, you can create a pork rib marinade that will make your next barbecue a surefire hit.
13. Easy Mushroom Garlic Spaghetti
This pasta packs a punch! Garlic’s sharp kiss dances with the earthy musk of mushrooms, creating a symphony of savory delight. Each bite is a celebration of simple flavors, elevated to new heights with every twirl.
14. Honey Garlic Chicken
Honey garlic chicken is a popular dish made with chicken pieces that are coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.
It’s a relatively simple dish to make, but it’s packed with flavor and sure to please everyone at the table.
15. Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
Cheesy hashbrown casserole – the very words conjure up images of gooey cheese, crispy breadcrumbs, and fluffy potato goodness.
16. Lazy Lasagna (with Just 3 Ingredients)
Craving lasagna but short on time and energy? Look no further than this lazy lasagna magic! Ditch the layers and lengthy prep, because this 3-ingredient wonder is your weeknight hero.
It’s comfort food on autopilot, ready to silence those lasagna whispers in minutes. So buckle up, grab your spoon, and prepare to be amazed by the power of simplicity!
17. Ground Beef Casserole
A ground beef casserole is a versatile and hearty dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients.
It’s typically a combination of ground beef, sauce, vegetables, and some kind of starch, all baked together in a casserole dish.
18. Mexican Shredded Chicken
Mexican shredded chicken is a versatile and flavorful dish that can be used in a variety of ways.
It is typically made by cooking chicken in a flavorful sauce or marinade, then shredding it with two forks. The chicken can be used in tacos, burritos, enchiladas, salads, or simply served on its own.
19. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Oh, you’ve gotta try stuffed bell peppers! They’re like these colorful edible bowls filled with a yummy mix of goodness.
You hollow out the peppers and stuff them with a mix of cooked rice, ground meat, onions, tomatoes, and whatever spices you like
20. Balsamic Chicken
Balsamic chicken is a classic dish loved for its sweet and tangy glaze.
Succulent chicken pieces are bathed in a rich marinade or sauce starring balsamic vinegar, often alongside herbs, garlic, and sometimes honey or Dijon mustard. The result is a burst of flavor in every bite, perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
21. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a classic Italian pasta dish known for its simplicity and bold flavors.
The dish’s magic lies in the way the garlic-infused oil coats the pasta, creating a flavorful and aromatic experience that’s both satisfying and incredibly easy to prepare.
22. Chicken Fajitas
Mix chicken breasts, sliced bell peppers, and onions with fajita seasoning in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Serve with tortillas and your favorite toppings.
23. Pork Carnitas
Place pork shoulder in the slow cooker with orange juice, garlic, cumin, and chili powder. Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. Shred the pork and serve in tacos or burritos.
24. Vegetable Stir-Fry
Combine your favorite stir-fry vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas, with stir-fry sauce and tofu or chicken in a skillet. Cook for a quick and healthy meal.
25. Chicken Teriyaki
Mix together chicken thighs, teriyaki sauce, and sliced pineapple in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Serve over rice.
26. Sesame Noodles
Toss cooked noodles with sesame oil, soy sauce, and sesame seeds for a simple and flavorful dish. Add some green onions or sliced cucumber for extra freshness.
27. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Fill bell peppers with a mixture of ground beef, rice, diced tomatoes, and spices. Bake in the oven until the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through.
28. BBQ Ribs
Season ribs with your favorite BBQ rub and slow cook them in the oven or on the grill until tender. Brush with BBQ sauce and finish on the grill for a smoky flavor.
29. Creamy Garlic Pasta
Cook your choice of pasta and toss it with a creamy garlic sauce made from heavy cream, butter, garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese.
30. Shrimp Scampi
Sauté shrimp with minced garlic, white wine, lemon juice, and butter in a skillet. Serve over cooked pasta or with a side of crusty bread.
31. Stuffed Mushrooms
Fill mushroom caps with a mixture of cream cheese, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs. Bake until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden brown.
32. Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken
Season a whole chicken with lemon juice, herbs, and olive oil. Roast in the oven until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
33. Honey Glazed Salmon
Brush salmon fillets with a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Bake in the oven until the salmon is flaky and glazed.
34. Cilantro Lime Rice
Cook white rice and toss it with fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt for a vibrant and zesty side dish.
35. Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes
Toss baby potatoes with minced garlic, olive oil, and your choice of herbs. Roast in the oven until the potatoes are crispy and flavorful.
36. Honey Mustard Chicken
Mix together honey, Dijon mustard, and a dash of curry powder. Coat chicken thighs with the sauce and bake until the chicken is cooked through.
37. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Cook spaghetti and toss it with sautéed garlic, red pepper flakes, olive oil, and fresh parsley for a simple and spicy pasta dish.
38. Crockpot Tacos
Place ground beef, taco seasoning, and diced tomatoes in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Serve in taco shells with your favorite toppings.
39. Soy Ginger Glazed Salmon
Mix soy sauce, ginger, and brown sugar to create a glaze for salmon fillets. Bake in the oven until the salmon is flaky and caramelized.
40. Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas
Combine chicken breasts, enchilada sauce, and shredded cheese in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. Fill tortillas with the chicken mixture, roll them up, and top with more sauce and cheese. Bake until the enchiladas are heated through.
41. Honey Balsamic Pork Chops
Season pork chops and sear them in a skillet. Drizzle with a mixture of honey and balsamic vinegar and bake in the oven until the chops are cooked and the glaze is thickened.
Final Thoughts,
Now that you have 41 easy few-ingredient dinner recipes, you’re sure to have many delicious and quick dinner options for busy weeknights.
These recipes are perfect for those who don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen but still crave a home-cooked meal.
With these recipes, you can easily create delicious and healthy meals that your family will love. So cook up a storm and enjoy!
