21 Five Ingredient (Or Less) Recipes For Lazy Nights – Easy Dinner Recipes

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Life gets busy, and sometimes the thought of cooking a complicated meal after a long day feels like another chore. But eating delicious, homemade food doesn’t have to be a monumental task! This collection of 21 recipes, each requiring only five main ingredients (or even fewer!), is designed for those “lazy nights” when you crave comfort and flavor without the fuss.
We’re all about making your life easier in the kitchen. That means focusing on simple, accessible ingredients that you likely already have on hand or can easily pick up. And don’t worry, we’re keeping things wholesome and delicious, with no alcohol, pork, or lard in sight. These recipes are perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute gatherings, or simply when you want to treat yourself to something tasty without a lengthy prep time.
Let’s dive into a world of minimal ingredients and maximum flavor!

The Beauty of Simplicity: Why Fewer Ingredients Are Better

In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is king. When it comes to cooking, fewer ingredients often translate to less shopping, less chopping, and less cleanup. It also means you’re more likely to actually cook at home, saving money and often eating healthier than opting for takeout.
Simple recipes also allow the core flavors of each ingredient to shine. You’ll be surprised at the incredible meals you can create with just a handful of items, proving that gourmet doesn’t have to mean complex. These recipes are a testament to that philosophy, offering hearty, satisfying, and utterly delicious options for every palate.

Your Go-To Guide for Effortless Weeknight Meals

Here are 21 fantastic recipes that embrace simplicity without sacrificing taste. Get ready to add some new favorites to your rotation!

1. Cheesy Baked Rigatoni (5 Ingredients)

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb rigatoni pasta
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
  3. In a large bowl, combine cooked rigatoni with marinara sauce and ricotta cheese.
  4. Pour half of the pasta mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  5. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese.
  6. Add the remaining pasta mixture, then top with the remaining mozzarella.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

2. Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Chicken & Veggies (5 Ingredients)

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon herb seasoning (store-bought blend)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, toss chicken, broccoli, and red bell pepper with olive oil and lemon herb seasoning until everything is evenly coated.
  3. Spread the mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender-crisp.

3. Creamy Tomato Soup (4 Ingredients)

Ingredients:

  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, combine crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  2. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  3. Stir in the heavy cream. Heat through for a few more minutes, but do not boil.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

4. Quick Black Bean Burgers (5 Ingredients)

Ingredients:

  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 egg (or flax egg for vegan)
  • 1 tsp cumin powder

Instructions:

  1. In a medium bowl, mash black beans with a fork until mostly smooth but still a bit chunky.
  2. Add breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, and cumin. Mix well until combined.
  3. Form the mixture into four patties.
  4. Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and heated through.
  5. Serve on buns with your favorite toppings.

5. Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi (5 Ingredients)

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced

Instructions:

  1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
  4. Stir in fresh parsley and lemon juice.
  5. Serve immediately, perhaps over pasta or with crusty bread.

6. Speedy Chicken & Rice Skillet (5 Ingredients)

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup uncooked white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet with a lid over medium-high heat.
  2. Add chicken and cook until lightly browned on all sides.
  3. Stir in uncooked rice, chicken broth, and frozen mixed vegetables.
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
  5. Fluff with a fork and serve.

7. Caprese Salad (4 Ingredients)

Ingredients:

  • 2 large ripe tomatoes, sliced
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
  • Balsamic glaze, for drizzling

Instructions:

  1. Arrange alternating slices of tomato and mozzarella on a platter.
  2. Tuck fresh basil leaves between the slices.
  3. Drizzle generously with balsamic glaze just before serving.

8. Pesto Pasta (4 Ingredients)

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb pasta (penne, spaghetti, or fusilli work well)
  • 1/2 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional, for color and freshness)

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water.
  2. Return hot pasta to the pot. Add pesto and toss to coat. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
  3. Stir in Parmesan cheese and cherry tomatoes if using.
  4. Serve warm.

9. Frozen Berry Smoothie (3 Ingredients)

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup frozen mixed berries
  • 1/2 banana
  • 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a blender.
  2. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add more milk if a thinner consistency is desired.
  3. Serve immediately.

10. Crispy Roasted Chickpeas (3 Ingredients)

Ingredients:

  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed, drained, and thoroughly patted dry
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (or your favorite seasoning blend)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a bowl, toss dried chickpeas with olive oil and smoked paprika.
  3. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet.
  4. Roast for 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
  5. Enjoy as a snack or salad topping.

11. Simple Lentil Soup (5 Ingredients)

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
  • 4 cups vegetable broth

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Add diced tomatoes, rinsed lentils, and vegetable broth.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until lentils are tender. Season with salt and pepper if desired.

12. Tuna Melts (4 Ingredients)

Ingredients:

  • 1 can (5 oz) tuna in water, drained
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
  • 4 slices of bread
  • 2 slices cheddar or provolone cheese

Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl, combine drained tuna with mayonnaise.
  2. Toast bread lightly.
  3. Spread tuna mixture evenly onto two slices of bread.
  4. Top each with a slice of cheese and the remaining bread.
  5. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side, until cheese is melted and bread is golden.

13. Sweet Potato Fries (3 Ingredients)

Ingredients:

  • 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, toss sweet potato fries with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Spread fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Do not overcrowd.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.

14. Quick Hummus & Veggie Wraps (4 Ingredients)

Ingredients:

  • 4 large flour tortillas or flatbreads
  • 1/2 cup hummus
  • 1 cup mixed greens
  • 1 large carrot, shredded

Instructions:

  1. Lay out the tortillas.
  2. Spread about 2 tablespoons of hummus evenly over each tortilla.
  3. Layer with mixed greens and shredded carrot.
  4. Roll up tightly and slice in half if desired.

15. Banana “Nice” Cream (2 Ingredients)

Ingredients:

  • 3-4 ripe bananas, sliced and frozen
  • 1-2 tbsp milk (dairy or plant-based, optional, for blending)

Instructions:

  1. Place frozen banana slices into a food processor or high-speed blender.
  2. Process until it resembles soft-serve ice cream. Add milk only if necessary to help it blend.
  3. Serve immediately.

16. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad (5 Ingredients)

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cooked quinoa, cooled
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup olive oil & lemon dressing (store-bought or simple homemade)

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, diced cucumber, and halved cherry tomatoes.
  2. Add crumbled feta cheese.
  3. Pour in the dressing and toss gently to combine.
  4. Serve chilled.

17. Eggs in Purgatory (Shakshuka-style) (5 Ingredients)

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 4 large eggs
  • Fresh bread for dipping (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet with a lid over medium heat.
  2. Pour in crushed tomatoes and stir in oregano. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. Using a spoon, make four small wells in the tomato sauce. Crack an egg into each well.
  4. Cover the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the egg whites are set and the yolks are still runny (or cooked to your preference).
  5. Serve hot with fresh bread for dipping.

18. Creamy Mushroom Pasta (5 Ingredients)

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb pasta (fettuccine or linguine are great)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 8 oz sliced mushrooms
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or plant-based cream alternative)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving some pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until softened and browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Reduce heat to low. Pour in heavy cream and stir. Let it gently simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, along with Parmesan cheese. Toss to coat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to create a creamy sauce.
  6. Serve immediately.

19. Simple Chicken Fajita Bowls (5 Ingredients)

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into strips
  • 1 large bell pepper (any color), sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 tbsp fajita seasoning
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Cooked rice for serving (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, toss chicken strips, bell pepper, and onion slices with olive oil and fajita seasoning until evenly coated.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the chicken and vegetable mixture to the hot skillet. Cook for 8-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Serve immediately, perhaps over cooked rice or in lettuce wraps.

20. Microwave Baked Potato with Toppings (3-4 Ingredients)

Ingredients:

  • 1 large Russet potato
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • Sour cream or plain yogurt, for topping (optional)
  • Chives, chopped, for topping (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Scrub the potato clean and pat dry. Pierce it several times with a fork.
  2. Rub with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  3. Place potato on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway, or until tender when squeezed.
  4. Carefully cut the potato open, fluff the inside with a fork, and top with sour cream/yogurt and chives if desired.

21. Apple Slices with Nut Butter (2 Ingredients)

Ingredients:

  • 1-2 apples (any variety), sliced
  • 2-4 tbsp peanut butter, almond butter, or your favorite nut/seed butter

Instructions:

  1. Slice apples into wedges or rounds.
  2. Serve with a side of nut butter for dipping. Simple, nutritious, and satisfying!

Conclusion: Delicious Doesn’t Have to Be Difficult

There you have it – 21 incredible recipes that prove you don’t need a pantry full of exotic ingredients or hours in the kitchen to create fantastic meals. These five-ingredient (or less!) wonders are your secret weapon for conquering those lazy nights, ensuring you always have a delicious, homemade option at your fingertips.
From comforting pasta dishes to vibrant salads, hearty soups, and quick snacks, this collection is designed to inspire and simplify your cooking routine. So next time you’re facing a busy evening, remember this guide and enjoy the ease and flavor of minimalist cooking. Happy cooking, and remember to visit naiyarecipe.com for more simple and delicious ideas!

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