Life
Make 9 Spectacular Dinners with 5 Ingredients or Less, Because No One Has to Know
There are some nights when you just can’t. When you would rather set fire to the kitchen than spend hours over a simmering pot of bolognese. We get it. But since friends don’t let friends eat popcorn for dinner, we’re letting you in on our little secret — nine mouthwatering recipes that call for just five ingredients.
Because we know you’re such a kitchen diva already, we’re assuming you have olive oil, salt, and pepper. If not, throw those in the basket too. Either way, your wallet — and your belly — will thank you. If you’ve got someone to impress, there’s a decadent miso salmon that will have them begging for seconds. And if you just need a weekday treat for one, there’s a creamy carbonara for that, too. Because it’s been a long day, and you deserve it.
Image: Wild Greens and Sardines
Creamy Tomato Soup
This good-for-your-soul tomato soup from Averie Cooks calls for just four main ingredients and five minutes of your time. Grab a spoon — or, better yet, some grilled cheese.
Image: Averie Cooks
Spaghetti Carbonara
Spaghetti carbonara is the mother of weeknight cooking. Toss together spaghetti, cheese, bacon, and eggs and pretend you’re kicking back in Rome. Thanks, Damn Delicious!
Image: Damn Delicious
Tortilla Espanola
Potato. Eggs. They might be the power couple of breakfast, but they make a killer dinner, too. This Spanish Tortilla from Crepes of Wrath is one skillet full of eggy, carby goodness.
Image: Crepes of Wrath
Salmon en Papillote with Miso Butter
Just saying it will make you feel fancy — but there’s nothing complicated about this baked salmon. Smear it with miso butter à la Wild Greens and Sardines, and you have an elegant weeknight meal.
Image: Wild Greens and Sardines
Mushroom and Bacon and Skillet
When in doubt, throw your leftovers in a skillet and put an egg on it. Joy the Baker adds mushroom and bacon, but this dish plays well with potatoes, too.
Image: Joy the Baker
White Chicken Chili
Chili usually means a thousand ingredients simmering in a pot for hours on end, but Damn Delicious serves up a streamlined recipe, starring shredded chicken and Great Northern beans.
Image: Damn Delicious
Parmesan Pesto Tilapia
We know two things to be true: pesto makes everything delicious. Parmesan makes it even better. Put both together and serve it on fresh tilapia, and you have a crave-worthy dinner in minutes. Thanks, Pinch of Yum!
Image: Pinch of Yum
Baked Shells with Tomato and Mozzarella
Can you go wrong with pasta, cheese, and tomato sauce? Hint: no. Big Girls Small Kitchen whips up these baked shells with homemade sauce, but feel free to sub in a high-quality, store-bought version. We won’t tell.
Image: Big Girls Small Kitchen
Honey Mustard Chicken Thigh
In this weeknight recipe from I Am a Food Blog, honey and mustard are your one-way ticket to Flavor Town.
Image: I Am a Food Blog
