10+ Few Ingredients Recipes for Quick and Easy Meals

In today’s busy world, many people seek ways to enjoy delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Recipes that use few ingredients can be a game-changer, making it easy to prepare tasty dishes with minimal effort.

Simple meals can still be satisfying, allowing you to save time and reduce stress while cooking.

These recipes are perfect for anyone, whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or just someone who wants to eat well without the fuss. By focusing on fewer ingredients, you can also enjoy cooking adventures that highlight the flavors of each item. This approach allows you to create quick and enjoyable meals that fit into your lifestyle.

1) Cacio e Pepe Ravioli

Cacio e Pepe Ravioli is a simple yet delicious dish. With just a few ingredients, you can create a meal that feels special. The main flavors come from Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper.

To start, make fresh pasta or use store-bought ravioli. It’s a great way to save time if you’re busy. Cook the ravioli in boiling water until tender.

In a skillet, melt some butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add cooked ravioli, reserved pasta water, and plenty of grated Pecorino Romano. Stir gently to combine.

The result is a creamy and cheesy dish with a peppery kick. Serve it hot, and enjoy!

Ingredients

• Fresh or store-bought ravioli
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
• Black pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook ravioli in boiling salted water until tender.
2. In a skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add cooked ravioli and some reserved pasta water.
4. Stir in grated cheese and black pepper.
5. Combine gently and serve hot.

2) Honey-Mustard Glazed Salmon

Honey-mustard glazed salmon is an easy and tasty dish to prepare. It only requires a few ingredients and is perfect for a quick dinner. The blend of honey and mustard gives the salmon a sweet and tangy flavor that is delightful.

To make this recipe, you’ll need one pound of salmon fillet, sea salt, black pepper, Dijon mustard, old-style mustard, and honey. You might also like to add a splash of lemon juice for extra zest.

Ingredients

• 1 lb salmon fillet
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp old-style mustard
• 1/4 cup raw unfiltered honey

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the salmon with salt and pepper.
3. In a bowl, mix the mustards and honey.
4. Spread the honey-mustard mix over the salmon.
5. Bake for about 12-15 minutes until cooked through. Enjoy!

3) Shrimp Alfredo

Shrimp Alfredo is a quick and easy dish that delivers creamy goodness with just a few ingredients. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.

You only need shrimp, fettuccine pasta, butter, cream, and parmesan cheese. Cook the pasta according to package instructions while you prepare the sauce. In a pan, melt butter and add the shrimp until they turn pink.

Pour in the cream and stir in grated parmesan until it melts into a smooth sauce. Toss the cooked pasta with the shrimp and sauce for a delightful meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fettuccine pasta
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook fettuccine pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Pour in heavy cream and add parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth.
5. Toss cooked pasta with the shrimp and sauce. Serve warm.

4) Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches are a tasty and simple meal. You only need three ingredients to make this dish. It’s great for family dinners or gatherings.

For this recipe, you will need a pork tenderloin, root beer, and barbecue sauce. The meat gets tender and flavorful as it cooks slowly.

To start, place the pork in a slow cooker. Pour the root beer over the meat. Set the cooker on low for about 4 to 6 hours. The pork should easily shred with a fork when it’s done.

Once it’s ready, mix in your favorite barbecue sauce. Serve the pulled pork on buns for a delicious sandwich.

Ingredients

• 1 (2 pound) pork tenderloin
• 1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle of root beer
• 1 (18 ounce) bottle of your favorite barbecue sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Place the pork tenderloin in a slow cooker.
2. Pour the root beer over the meat.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours.
4. Shred the pork using a fork.
5. Mix in barbecue sauce and serve on buns.

5) Grilled Flank Steak

Grilled flank steak is a tasty and easy recipe that requires just a few ingredients. This cut of meat is great for marinating and grilling, making it perfect for a quick meal.

To make it, you will need olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, red wine vinegar, brown sugar, and the flank steak itself. The combination of these flavors gives the steak a savory taste.

Start by mixing the marinade ingredients in a bowl. Then, coat the flank steak with the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C). Once ready, grill the steak for about 4-6 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or until it reaches your desired doneness.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 lbs flank steak

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, red wine vinegar, and brown sugar in a bowl.
2. Coat the flank steak with the marinade.
3. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Preheat the grill to 400°F (200°C).
5. Grill the steak for 4-6 minutes on each side.
6. Serve and enjoy!

6) Caprese Salad

Caprese salad is a fresh and simple dish that highlights the flavors of its few ingredients. You only need ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil for a delicious meal. A drizzle of olive oil adds richness, while balsamic glaze gives a sweet touch.

To make it, slice the tomatoes and mozzarella into rounds. Layer them on a plate with basil leaves in between. Drizzle some olive oil and balsamic glaze over the top, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

This salad is perfect as an appetizer or side dish during warm weather months.

Ingredients

• Ripe tomatoes
• Fresh mozzarella
• Fresh basil leaves
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Balsamic glaze
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the tomatoes and fresh mozzarella into rounds.
2. Arrange them on a plate, alternating with basil leaves.
3. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze over the salad.
4. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

7) Eggs Florentine

Eggs Florentine is a simple yet delicious dish you can enjoy for breakfast or brunch. It features poached eggs served on a toasted English muffin with fresh spinach. It’s nutritious and satisfying.

To prepare this dish, you will need just a few ingredients. Start by cooking the spinach until it’s wilted. Poaching the eggs is the next step. You can easily do this by simmering water and adding a splash of vinegar.

Assemble the dish by placing the spinach on the muffin, then topping it with a poached egg. Feel free to add hollandaise sauce for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 lb spinach, washed
• 4 eggs
• 2 English muffins, split and toasted
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Hollandaise sauce (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook spinach in a pan until wilted.
2. Poach the eggs in simmering water for about 3-4 minutes.
3. Place spinach on the toasted muffins.
4. Top each muffin with a poached egg.
5. Drizzle with hollandaise sauce if desired.

8) Chicken & Biscuit Dinner Cobbler

Chicken & Biscuit Dinner Cobbler is a simple and tasty dish that the whole family will enjoy. It combines tender rotisserie chicken, mixed vegetables, and fluffy biscuits into one hearty meal. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something warm and comforting.

To make it, start with shredded rotisserie chicken. Then, mix in frozen veggies and creamy soup for flavor. The topping is made using Cheddar Bay biscuit mix, which adds a delicious twist.

This dish bakes up golden and bubbly, making it a great choice for dinner.

Ingredients

• 4 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 1 (15-ounce) bag frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 (11.36-ounce) package Cheddar Bay biscuit mix
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup milk

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large baking dish, combine chicken, mixed vegetables, chicken broth, and milk.
3. Prepare the biscuit mix according to the package instructions.
4. Spoon the biscuit batter over the chicken mixture.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Enjoy your meal!

9) Skillet Shrimp with Garlic

This skillet shrimp with garlic is a quick and tasty dish you can whip up in no time. It requires just a few simple ingredients and is perfect for a weeknight dinner.

You’ll need fresh shrimp, garlic, olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon for flavor. Cook the shrimp in a hot skillet until they’re pink and cooked through.

To make it even better, you can serve it over rice or pasta. Pair it with a side of vegetables to complete your meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
3. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink.
4. Squeeze lemon juice over the shrimp before serving.

10) Lazy Enchiladas with Taquitos

Lazy Enchiladas are a quick and tasty meal using frozen taquitos. You can have dinner ready in no time with just a few simple ingredients.

Start by layering your favorite frozen taquitos in a baking dish. Then, pour enchilada sauce over them and sprinkle with cheese. You can use red or green enchilada sauce based on your preference.

Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes. The cheese will melt, and the dish will be warm and delicious.

Top with sour cream or avocado for extra flavor. This meal is perfect for busy nights when you want something easy and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 18 frozen taquitos
• 1 (28 oz) can enchilada sauce (red or green)
• 2 cups shredded cheese (like cheddar or Monterrey jack)
• Optional toppings (sour cream, avocado)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Layer frozen taquitos in a baking dish.
3. Pour enchilada sauce over the taquitos.
4. Sprinkle cheese on top.
5. Bake for 25 minutes or until bubbly.
6. Add optional toppings before serving.