5-Ingredient Dinners: Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor

5-Ingredient Dinners: Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor

5-Ingredient Dinners

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. spaghetti or pasta of choice
• 1 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)

Instructions:

1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.
5. Squeeze the lemon juice over the shrimp, add the lemon zest, and toss to combine.
6. Combine the cooked pasta with the shrimp mixture in the skillet, toss to coat, and serve immediately.

Tip: For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle some fresh parsley or grated Parmesan on top, though it’s totally optional.

Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 3 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp. honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp. olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, and minced garlic.
2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Pour the balsamic mixture over the chicken thighs and allow it to simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky.
5. Serve the glazed chicken thighs with your favorite side dish, such as roasted vegetables or a simple salad.

Tip: You can also prepare this recipe using chicken breasts, but adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken doesn’t dry out.

Caprese-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Ingredients:

• 4 large Portobello mushrooms, stems removed
• 2 ripe tomatoes, sliced
• 4 oz. fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 2 tbsp. balsamic glaze
• Fresh basil leaves

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange the Portobello mushrooms on a baking sheet, and place a slice of tomato and a slice of mozzarella inside each mushroom cap.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the mushrooms are tender.
4. Remove from the oven and drizzle each mushroom with balsamic glaze.
5. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.

Tip: For added texture, you can sprinkle some breadcrumbs or pine nuts on top before baking.

Sausage and Peppers Skillet

Ingredients:

• 4 Italian sausages (mild or spicy, depending on your preference)
• 2 bell peppers, sliced (any color)
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the sausages to the skillet and cook for about 7-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides.
3. Remove the sausages from the skillet and set aside. Add the sliced peppers and onions to the same skillet and sauté for 5-6 minutes, or until softened.
4. Add the sausages back into the skillet, along with the balsamic vinegar. Let everything cook together for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Serve the sausage and peppers on their own, or over a bed of rice or pasta for a heartier meal.

Tip: For a vegetarian version, replace the sausages with plant-based sausages or extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.

Creamy Pesto Chicken Bake

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup prepared pesto sauce
• 1/2 cup cream cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1 tbsp. olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix the pesto sauce and cream cheese until well combined.
3. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
4. Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish. Spread the pesto and cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken.
5. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella on top and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Tip: Pair this dish with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Conclusion

These five-ingredient dinners are proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to create something truly delicious. Whether you’re in the mood for a light pasta dish, a hearty skillet meal, or a cheesy chicken bake, these recipes are designed to keep your kitchen time short without sacrificing flavor. Keep your pantry stocked with these basic ingredients, and you’ll always be just a few steps away from a satisfying meal, no matter how hectic your day has been. Happy cooking!