There are times when we want to cook healthy and delicious meals, but we’re just too busy or tired to spend hours in the kitchen.
The good news is that with a few simple ingredients and a recipe, you can prepare a scrumptious meal in no time. Here are 37 easy few-ingredient meals perfect for busy weeknights.
37 Easy Few Ingredient Meals
1. 3-Ingredient One Pot Pasta
This is a simple and foolproof meal that you can make in just one pot. All you need is pasta, marinara sauce, and your favorite vegetables. You can also add protein, such as sausage or chicken, if you like.
2. One-Pot Mac and Cheese
Marinate chicken breasts in olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Grill them for 6 minutes on each side. Bake sweet potato fries in the oven for 20 minutes.
3. Salmon with Green Beans
Roast salmon fillets in the oven for 10 minutes. Blanch green beans, then toss them with a little bit of olive oil and lemon juice.
4. Tomato and Basil Pasta
Cook pasta according to package directions. Mix diced tomatoes, basil leaves, and olive oil in a bowl. Mix the tomato mixture with the pasta, and season with salt and pepper.
5. Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Sauté shrimp in a pan with olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice.
6. Caprese Salad
Toss mozzarella cheese cubes, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves together with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
7. Tuna and Avocado Salad
Mash avocados in a bowl and mix them with canned tuna, salt, and pepper for a quick protein-packed salad.
8. Pita Bread Pizza
Spread tomato sauce and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of pita bread. Add your favorite toppings and bake it in the oven for 10 minutes.
9. Grilled Pork Chops
Juicy pork chops, kissed by fire, boast smoky stripes and sizzling charm. Tender inside, with a hint of caramel from the sear, each bite’s a symphony of summer on a plate.
10. Tuna Melts
Tuna melts are a classic comfort food that is also very quick and easy to make. Just toast some bread, spread mayonnaise on it, then add tuna, cheese, and tomato. Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Spinach Omelet
Whisk eggs in a bowl and season with salt and pepper. Cook them in a pan with butter until they’re set. Add fresh spinach and fold the omelet in half.
12. Chicken and Vegetable Skewers
Thread marinated chicken cubes, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms onto skewers. Broil them in the oven for 10-12 minutes on each side.
13. Baked Salmon with Asparagus
Roast salmon fillets in the oven for 10 minutes. Drizzle asparagus with olive oil and bake them for 15 minutes.
14. 5-Ingredient Pesto Ravioli
Sun-kissed cherry tomatoes and vibrant basil pesto dance atop delicate cheese ravioli, drizzled with a touch of olive oil. Every bite is a burst of fresh summer flavor, ready in under 15 minutes!
15. Taco Salad
Cook ground beef with taco seasoning and mix it with lettuce, tomatoes, and shredded cheese. Add salsa and sour cream on top.
16. Baked Chicken with Sweetcorn
Marinate chicken breasts in olive oil, paprika, and cumin. Bake them in the oven for 25 minutes. Mix canned sweetcorn with mayonnaise and season with salt and pepper.
17. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Cut the top off a bell pepper and remove the seeds. Mix brown rice, cooked ground beef, and canned diced tomatoes in a bowl. Stuff the mixture in the pepper and bake it in the oven for 30 minutes.
18. Greek Salad
Toss cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese in a bowl. Mix it with olive oil and red wine vinegar.
19. Roasted Chicken & Sweet Potatoes
Roasted chicken and sweet potatoes is a classic comfort food combination that’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. It’s simple to prepare, requires minimal fuss, and delivers maximum flavor.
20. Black Bean Quesadillas
Black bean quesadillas are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They’re also incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal cooking time.
21. Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Make a simple Alfredo sauce with butter, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream, then toss it with cooked pasta and your favorite protein.
22. Lemon Butter Shrimp Pasta
Sauté shrimp in butter and garlic, then toss with cooked pasta, lemon juice, and fresh parsley.
23. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast
Slice a pocket into a chicken breast, stuff with spinach and feta cheese, and bake until the chicken is cooked through.
24. Tofu and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Sauté tofu cubes with broccoli in a pan with soy sauce and garlic. Serve it over rice or noodles.
25. Balsamic Glazed Chicken
Bake chicken breasts in the oven and drizzle with a balsamic glaze made from balsamic vinegar, honey, and garlic.
26. Mushroom Risotto
Sauté mushrooms and onions in a pot, then add Arborio rice and simmer with chicken or vegetable broth until creamy.
27. Shrimp Tacos
Sauté shrimp with taco seasoning and serve in tortillas with your choice of toppings.
28. Garlic Butter Steak
Sear steaks in a hot skillet with garlic and butter, then finish them in the oven.
29. Quinoa Salad
Cook quinoa and toss it with chopped vegetables, olive oil, and your favorite dressing.
30. Honey Glazed Carrots
Roast carrots in the oven with a honey glaze made from honey, butter, and thyme.
31. Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken Thighs
Season chicken thighs with lemon, garlic, salt, and pepper, then roast in the oven.
32. Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
Marinate portobello mushrooms in balsamic vinaigrette and grill for a meaty and satisfying dish.
33. Egg Fried Rice
Scramble eggs, add cooked rice, and season with soy sauce and vegetables for a quick and tasty fried rice.
34. Tomato and Mozzarella Skewers
Thread cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella balls onto skewers, drizzle with olive oil, and season with basil and balsamic vinegar.
35. Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Sauté shrimp in garlic butter and toss with cooked pasta, fresh parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese.
36. Balsamic Chicken with Roasted Vegetables
Marinate chicken in balsamic vinaigrette, then roast it with a variety of your favorite vegetables.
37. Sausage and Peppers
Sauté sliced sausage with bell peppers and onions in a pan with garlic for a hearty and flavorful dish.
Final Thoughts,
Eating healthy doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With these 37 easy few-ingredient meals, you can prepare delicious and nutritious meals in no time without breaking the bank.
Try them out and let us know which recipe is your favorite. Happy cooking!