15+ Simple Ingredient Recipes for Quick and Delicious Meals

Cooking can feel overwhelming at times, especially with complex recipes and long ingredient lists. Simple ingredient recipes help you create delicious meals without the fuss. They focus on easy-to-find items and quick preparation, making cooking accessible for everyone.

These recipes are perfect for busy days or when you’re just starting out in the kitchen. You’ll find that with fewer ingredients, the flavors can really shine through. Embracing simplicity in cooking can lead to enjoyable meals that fill you up without stressing you out.

1) Pasta with Tomato Sauce

Pasta with tomato sauce is a quick and tasty dish. You can make it with just a few simple ingredients. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

To start, you will need pasta, canned tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. You can also add salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking pasta is easy. Boil water and add salt. Once it’s boiling, add your pasta and cook until tender.

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan. Add minced garlic and cook for a minute. Then add canned tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer.

Once the pasta is ready, drain it and mix it with the sauce. Serve it warm with cheese if you like!

Ingredients

• Pasta (spaghetti or your choice)
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) of diced tomatoes
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil water in a large pot and add salt.
2. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions.
3. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
4. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5. Stir in canned tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-10 minutes.
6. Drain pasta and mix with the sauce.
7. Serve warm with cheese if desired.

2) Peanut Butter Banana Toast

Peanut butter banana toast is a quick and tasty snack. It’s perfect for breakfast or a snack any time of day. You can make it in just a few minutes.

Start with a slice of your favorite bread. Toast it until it’s golden brown. Then, spread a layer of peanut butter on top.

Next, slice a ripe banana and place the slices over the peanut butter. You can add a sprinkle of cinnamon if you like. This adds a nice touch of flavor.

Peanut butter banana toast is healthy and delicious. It gives you energy and keeps you full.

Ingredients

• 1 slice of bread
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 banana
• Optional: cinnamon

Cooking Instructions

1. Toast the slice of bread until golden brown.
2. Spread peanut butter on the toasted bread.
3. Slice the banana and place the slices on top.
4. Sprinkle with cinnamon if desired. Enjoy!

3) Avocado and Egg Sandwich

An avocado and egg sandwich is a tasty and easy meal you can enjoy anytime. The creamy avocado pairs perfectly with a soft-cooked egg. You can make this sandwich quickly for breakfast, lunch, or a snack.

Start by toasting your bread until it’s golden brown. While the bread is toasting, boil or poach an egg to your liking. A runny yolk adds great flavor.

Next, mash half an avocado in a bowl. You can add salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon for more taste. Spread the mashed avocado on the toast, then place the egg on top. Enjoy your delicious sandwich!

Ingredients

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 egg
• 2 slices of your favorite bread
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: lemon juice

Cooking Instructions

1. Toast the bread until golden brown.
2. Boil or poach the egg until cooked to your preference.
3. Mash the avocado and season with salt and pepper.
4. Spread the avocado on toast.
5. Place the egg on top and serve.

4) Oatmeal with Honey

Oatmeal with honey is a warm, comforting breakfast. It’s easy to make and very tasty. You can enjoy it any day of the week.

To prepare this meal, you need just a few simple ingredients. First, cook your oats according to the package instructions. Usually, this means boiling water or milk first.

Once the oats are ready, mix in a tablespoon of honey. Stir well to make sure the honey spreads throughout. You can add toppings like nuts or fruits if you like.

This dish is nutritious and will keep you full. It’s perfect for a busy morning or a cozy weekend.

Ingredients

• 1 cup oats
• 2 cups water or milk
• 1 tablespoon honey

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil 2 cups of water or milk in a pot.
2. Add 1 cup of oats and stir.
3. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove from heat and add 1 tablespoon of honey.
5. Stir well and enjoy!

5) Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato basil soup is a classic dish that’s easy to make. It’s warm, flavorful, and perfect for any season.

To make this soup, you’ll need some ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, onion, garlic, and vegetable broth. This simple mix creates a delicious taste.

Ingredients

• 6 ripe tomatoes
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for sautéing

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until soft.
3. Chop the tomatoes and add them to the pot.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
5. Cook for about 20 minutes.
6. Add basil and blend until smooth if desired.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!

6) Grilled Cheese Sandwich

A grilled cheese sandwich is a classic favorite. It’s easy to make and requires just a few ingredients. You can enjoy it for lunch or as a quick snack.

To get started, you’ll need bread and cheese. You can pick any type of bread and your favorite cheese. Cheddar, American, or mozzarella work well.

Ingredients

• 2 slices of bread
• 2 slices of cheese
• Butter

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a pan on medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Spread butter on one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one slice, butter-side down, in the pan.
4. Add cheese on top, then the other slice of bread, butter-side up.
5. Cook for 2-4 minutes until golden brown.
6. Flip the sandwich and cook until the other side is golden brown and the cheese melts.

7) Fruit and Yogurt Parfait

A fruit and yogurt parfait is a simple and tasty treat. It’s easy to make and perfect for breakfast or a snack. You can use any fruit you like, such as berries, bananas, or peaches.

Start with a layer of yogurt in your cup or bowl. Then, add a layer of your favorite fruit. Repeat these layers until you reach the top. For extra flavor, you can add some granola or honey on top.

This treat looks beautiful and is good for you too. It combines protein from the yogurt with vitamins from the fruit. Plus, it tastes great!

Ingredients

• 2 cups of yogurt (plain or flavored)
• 2 cups of mixed fruit (berries, bananas, or peaches)
• 1/2 cup of granola (optional)
• Honey (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Take a cup or bowl.
2. Add a layer of yogurt.
3. Add a layer of fruit.
4. Repeat layers until the cup is full.
5. Top with granola or honey if desired.

8) Caprese Salad

Caprese salad is a fresh and simple dish. It is perfect for a light meal or as an appetizer. You can enjoy the bright flavors of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.

To make it, start with ripe tomatoes. Slice them up and layer them with fresh mozzarella cheese. Use slices or balls for this.

Next, add fresh basil leaves on top. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for extra flavor. A sprinkle of salt and pepper can enhance the taste.

This salad not only looks nice but also tastes delicious. It’s a great way to enjoy fresh ingredients.

Ingredients

• Ripe tomatoes
• Fresh mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the ripe tomatoes.
2. Slice or ball the mozzarella cheese.
3. Layer the tomatoes and mozzarella on a plate.
4. Add fresh basil leaves on top.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
6. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

9) Garlic Butter Shrimp

Garlic butter shrimp is a quick and tasty dish. It uses simple ingredients and cooks in less than 15 minutes. This meal is perfect for busy nights.

Start by melting butter in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until it’s fragrant. Then, add shrimp and cook until they turn pink.

You can serve this shrimp with rice, pasta, or even a fresh salad. It’s great for any meal of the day. You can also sprinkle some parsley on top for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons (57 grams) butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp and season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink.
5. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.

10) Chicken Stir Fry

Chicken stir fry is a quick and tasty meal you can make at home. It is perfect for busy weeknights. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables.

Start by cutting chicken breasts into small pieces. Cook them in a hot pan with a little oil until they turn golden brown. Then, add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas.

Stir everything together for a few minutes. Finally, add soy sauce and serve it hot over rice or noodles. Enjoy your homemade stir fry!

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 grams) chicken breasts
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• Cooked rice or noodles for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut chicken into small pieces.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
3. Cook chicken until golden brown.
4. Add mixed vegetables and stir for 3-4 minutes.
5. Pour in soy sauce and mix well.
6. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

11) Salsa and Chips

Salsa and chips are a fun and tasty snack. They are easy to make and perfect for sharing with friends or family. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a delicious dip ready in no time.

For a basic salsa, chop fresh tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. Then, add lime juice and salt for flavor. You can adjust the ingredients based on your taste preferences. Serve with your favorite tortilla chips for a crunchy bite.

Ingredients

• 3 medium tomatoes
• 1 small onion
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
• 1 lime
• Salt to taste
• Tortilla chips

Cooking Instructions

1. Dice the tomatoes and onion.
2. Chop the cilantro.
3. Squeeze the lime to extract the juice.
4. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
5. Add salt to taste and stir.
6. Serve with tortilla chips.

12) Roasted Veggie Bowl

You can make a tasty roasted veggie bowl with just a few simple ingredients. This dish is healthy and colorful. You can use any veggies you like.

First, chop up your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots. Then, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the veggies on a baking sheet.

Roast them in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 25 minutes. Stir halfway through to get them evenly cooked. When they are soft and slightly browned, take them out.

You can serve the veggies over rice or quinoa. Add some herbs or a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• Bell peppers
• Zucchini
• Carrots
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Rice or quinoa (optional)
• Lemon (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Chop vegetables.
3. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread on a baking sheet.
5. Roast for 25 minutes, stirring halfway.
6. Serve over rice or quinoa. Add lemon if desired.

13) Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a quick and tasty dish from Italy. It uses just a few ingredients, making it simple to prepare. You can whip it up in about 20 minutes.

To make this dish, you need spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and parsley. The flavors blend perfectly, giving you a delightful meal.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup (15 grams) fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente.
2. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until garlic is golden.
4. Drain pasta and add to the pan.
5. Toss spaghetti in the oil and garlic mixture.
6. Stir in parsley and season with salt before serving.

14) Hummus and Veggies

Hummus is a tasty dip made from chickpeas. It’s creamy and pairs well with many vegetables. Carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers are great choices for dipping.

You can find store-bought hummus, but making your own is easy. Just blend chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and salt until smooth. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Serve your hummus with a colorful veggie platter. This snack is not only delicious but also healthy. It’s a great option for parties or a quick snack at home.

Ingredients

• 1 can of chickpeas (15 oz or 425 g)
• ¼ cup tahini
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 clove garlic
• Salt to taste
• Assorted veggies (carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers)

Cooking Instructions

1. Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
2. In a food processor, combine chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and salt.
3. Blend until smooth. If needed, add a bit of water for creaminess.
4. Serve with your choice of fresh veggies.

15) Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken

Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken is a tasty and easy dish. You can make it with just a few simple ingredients. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner.

Start with a whole chicken. Rub it with olive oil, lemon juice, and your favorite herbs. Use rosemary, thyme, or parsley for great flavor.

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the chicken in a roasting pan and season it well. Roast for about 1 hour or until the meat reaches 165°F (74°C).

Let the chicken rest before carving. Serve it with fresh veggies or rice for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 lemons (juiced)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or parsley)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rub the chicken with olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Season it with salt, pepper, and herbs.
4. Then, place it in a roasting pan.
5. Roast it for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Finally, let it rest before carving.