10+ Simple Ingredient Recipes for Quick and Delicious Meals

In today’s busy world, cooking can often feel overwhelming, especially if you are short on time. Simple ingredient recipes offer a quick and easy way to create delicious meals without needing a long list of items. These recipes can help you save time and effort in the kitchen while still enjoying tasty dishes.

Using fewer ingredients doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor. In fact, many simple recipes highlight the natural tastes of fresh ingredients. This makes them perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks looking for efficient ways to prepare food.

1) 3-Ingredient Pancakes

Making pancakes can be quick and easy. With just three simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious breakfast any day.

You will need flour, eggs, and milk. You can also add a pinch of salt for extra flavor. Mix these together until smooth, and you’re ready to cook.

Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C). Pour in some batter and cook until bubbles form on the surface. Then flip and cook until golden brown.

These pancakes are great on their own or topped with fruit or syrup. Enjoy your tasty, easy pancakes!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• Optional: a pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions:

1. Mix flour, eggs, and milk in a bowl.
2. Heat a pan over medium heat.
3. Pour batter into the pan.
4. Cook until bubbles appear, then flip.
5. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

2) Peanut Butter Cookies

Peanut butter cookies are simple and delicious. You only need a few ingredients to make a batch. These cookies are perfect for when you want a quick treat.

To make them, start by mixing peanut butter, sugar, and an egg in a bowl. You can use an electric mixer for a smooth texture. Once mixed, roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until they are golden brown. It usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes. Let them cool before enjoying your tasty cookies!

Ingredients

• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix peanut butter, sugar, and egg until smooth.
3. Roll the mixture into small balls.
4. Place the balls on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
6. Let cool before serving.

3) Caprese Salad

Caprese salad is a fresh and simple dish that’s full of flavor. It features ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. This salad is perfect as a side or light meal.

To make a Caprese salad, start by slicing fresh tomatoes and mozzarella into thick slices. Layer them on a plate, alternating the tomato and cheese.

Next, add fresh basil leaves on top. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar to enhance the taste. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper for extra flavor.

Now your delicious Caprese salad is ready to enjoy!

Ingredients

• 3 ripe tomatoes, sliced
• 12 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves
• ¼ cup olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice tomatoes and mozzarella cheese.
2. Arrange them on a plate, alternating each slice.
3. Add fresh basil leaves on top.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!

4) Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a quick and simple dish. It uses just a few ingredients, making it perfect for a busy night. With pasta, garlic, olive oil, and chili flakes, you can create a flavorful meal in about 20 minutes.

Start by cooking your spaghetti according to the package instructions. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan. Add sliced garlic and let it cook until golden.

Once your spaghetti is ready, toss it into the pan with the garlic oil. Add chili flakes for a spicy kick. Mix everything well and serve hot.

Ingredients

• 1 pound uncooked spaghetti
• ½ cup olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
3. Add sliced garlic and cook until golden brown.
4. Toss in red pepper flakes and stir.
5. Drain spaghetti and mix it in the pan.
6. Season with salt and serve hot.

5) Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey Garlic Chicken is a tasty and quick dish you can make with just a few ingredients. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and is packed with flavor.

To make this dish, you’ll need chicken breasts, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a little vinegar. These simple ingredients create a sweet and tangy sauce that really enhances the chicken.

Cooking is straightforward. Just sauté the chicken until it’s golden, then add the sauce and let it simmer until everything is juicy and delicious.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon vinegar

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown.
3. In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, and vinegar.
4. Pour the sauce over the chicken.
5. Simmer for about 5-10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
6. Serve and enjoy!

6) Shrimp Fried Rice

Shrimp fried rice is a quick and tasty meal you can make at home. It uses simple ingredients and is perfect for using up leftover rice. You can customize it with your favorite veggies.

Start by cooking some eggs in a pan. Remove them once they’re set, then stir-fry shrimp, garlic, and frozen peas and carrots.

Add your cooked rice to the pan, mixing everything well. Finally, toss in the eggs and season with soy sauce for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked rice
• 8 ounces shrimp, shelled and deveined
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Soy sauce to taste
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
2. Scramble the eggs in the pan, then set aside.
3. Stir-fry shrimp and garlic until shrimp turns pink.
4. Add frozen peas and carrots, cooking until warm.
5. Mix in cooked rice.
6. Add eggs and soy sauce, stirring well to combine.

7) Grilled Cheese Sandwich

A grilled cheese sandwich is a classic, simple meal that’s easy to make and delicious. You only need a few ingredients to get started.

You can use any bread you like, but sourdough or white sandwich bread works great. Choose your favorite cheese, like cheddar or American, for that gooey goodness.

Butter the outside of the bread to help it crisp up nicely while cooking. Heat a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 180°C) and place the sandwich in the pan.

Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese melts.

Ingredients

• 2 slices of bread
• 2 slices of cheese
• 1 tablespoon of butter

Cooking Instructions

1. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
2. Place one slice, butter side down, in a skillet.
3. Add cheese on top and cover with the second slice of bread, butter side up.
4. Cook for 3-4 minutes, then flip and cook until golden brown.

8) Chicken and Vegetables

Chicken and vegetables make a tasty and healthy meal. You can easily cook them together with a few simple ingredients.

For a quick dish, try roasting chicken with your favorite veggies. Just toss them in olive oil and seasonings, then bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes.

You can also sauté chicken and veggies in a skillet. Cook tender pieces with bell peppers, broccoli, and zucchini for a colorful plate.

This meal is not only quick but also packed with nutrients. Serve it with rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• Chicken breast
• Bell peppers
• Broccoli
• Zucchini
• Olive oil
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss chicken and vegetables with olive oil and seasonings.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes.
4. For skillet method, sauté chicken and vegetables until cooked through.

9) Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers are a colorful and tasty meal. You can fill them with a variety of ingredients based on your preferences. They are easy to make and perfect for families.

Start with fresh bell peppers in your favorite colors. Use ground beef or sausage mixed with rice, onions, and spices. This combination creates a satisfying and nutritious dish.

Bake the stuffed peppers at 375°F (190°C) until they are tender and full of flavor. Serve them hot for a delightful dinner.

Ingredients

• 3 bell peppers
• 1 lb ground beef or sausage
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds.
3. In a pan, cook the meat with onions and garlic until browned.
4. Mix in the rice and tomatoes.
5. Stuff the peppers with the mixture.
6. Place them in a baking dish and cover with foil.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes.
8. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

10) Baked Salmon with Lemon

Baked salmon with lemon is a simple and delicious dish. The flavors of lemon and garlic make the salmon really tasty. It’s perfect for a quick meal.

To make this dish, start by gathering your ingredients. You will need fresh salmon fillets, lemon, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. These simple ingredients create a flavorful meal.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 lemon, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet.

3. Brush the fillets with olive oil.

4. Sprinkle the fillets with salt, pepper, and minced garlic.

5. Top the fillets with lemon slices.

6. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the salmon is flaky.