Simple Dinner Ideas With Few Ingredients

When it comes to dinner, many of us want a meal that is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. In today’s busy world, finding a recipe that fits this bill can be a challenge. However, there are many simple dinner ideas that require fewer ingredients, which can save time and reduce stress in the kitchen.

One of the main benefits of simple meals is that they allow for maximum flavor with minimal effort. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that is both tasty and satisfying. This is especially true when you use high-quality ingredients and a bit of creativity in the kitchen. In this article, we’ll explore 10 simple dinner ideas that fit the bill.

5-Ingredient Baked Chicken

The 5-Ingredient Baked Chicken is a straightforward and mouth-watering recipe that requires just a few ingredients. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend meal.

Ingredients

– 4 boneless chicken breasts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instruction

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and brush the herb mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Serve hot and enjoy!

Sausage and Potatoes

Sausage and Potatoes is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. This simple recipe requires just a few ingredients and is ready in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

– 1 pound Italian sausage
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instruction

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, mix together the sausage, potatoes, onion, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place the mixture in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the sausage is lightly browned.

Creamy Chicken and Rice

Creamy Chicken and Rice is a comforting and indulgent dish that is easy to make and requires just a few ingredients. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend meal.

Ingredients

– 1 pound boneless chicken breasts
– 2 cups cooked rice
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Instruction

In a large skillet, sauté the chicken breasts until cooked through. In a separate saucepan, combine the cooked rice, chicken broth, heavy cream, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is creamy. Serve the chicken on top of the creamy rice and enjoy!

Garlic Butter Shrimp

Garlic Butter Shrimp is a decadent and flavorful dish that is easy to make and requires just a few ingredients. This recipe is perfect for a fancy dinner or a weekend meal.

Ingredients

– 1 pound large shrimp
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instruction

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant. Add the shrimp and sauté for 2-3 minutes per side or until pink and cooked through. Serve with lemon wedges and enjoy!

Ground Beef and Rice

Ground Beef and Rice is a comforting and simple dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. This recipe requires just a few ingredients and is ready in about 20 minutes.

Ingredients

– 1 pound ground beef
– 2 cups cooked rice
– 1 onion, chopped
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instruction

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess fat and add the cooked rice, onion, and soy sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the rice is heated through and the flavors are combined. Serve hot and enjoy!

Pesto Pasta

Pesto Pasta is a delicious and flavorful dish that is easy to make and requires just a few ingredients. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend meal.

Ingredients

– 1 cup spaghetti
– 2 tablespoons pesto
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instruction

Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. In a large skillet, heat the pesto over medium heat. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes or until softened. Toss the cooked spaghetti with the pesto and tomato mixture. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs

Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs is a simple and delicious recipe that requires just a few ingredients. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend meal.

Ingredients

– 4 bone-in chicken thighs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 lemon, sliced
– 1 onion, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instruction

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, mix together the chicken thighs, olive oil, lemon slices, and onion. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Place the mixture on a sheet pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the onion is tender.

Eggs and Rice

Eggs and Rice is a simple and comforting dish that is easy to make and requires just a few ingredients. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend meal.

Ingredients

– 4 eggs
– 2 cups cooked rice
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instruction

In a large skillet, scramble the eggs over medium heat. Add the cooked rice, soy sauce, and olive oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the flavors are combined and the rice is heated through. Serve hot and enjoy!

Baked Chicken Parmesan

Baked Chicken Parmesan is a delicious and indulgent dish that is easy to make and requires just a few ingredients. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend meal.

Ingredients

– 4 boneless chicken breasts
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instruction

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a shallow dish, mix together the breadcrumbs and olive oil. Dip each chicken breast in the breadcrumb mixture and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tomato Basil Pasta

Tomato Basil Pasta is a delicious and flavorful dish that is easy to make and requires just a few ingredients. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend meal.

Ingredients

– 1 cup spaghetti
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instruction

Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes or until softened. Toss the cooked spaghetti with the tomato mixture and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.