Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to taste amazing.
These eight, limited-ingredient recipes prove that less can be more.
With a handful of basics, you can whip up real, satisfying meals.
Perfect for busy days or when your pantry’s running low!
8 Must-Try Recipes With Limited Ingredients
These eight recipes are quick, easy, and made with everyday staples.
Whether you’re low on groceries or time, they’ve got you covered.
No stress, no fuss; just good food made easy!
Here’s a handy table showing the preparation time, cooking time, and serving size for each dish.
| Dish Name | Prep Time | Cook Time | Serves |
| 1. Garlic Sticky Noodles | 10 mins | 15 mins | 2 |
| 2. One Pan Chicken And Veggies | 15 mins | 30 mins | 4 |
| 3. Colourful Pasta Salad | 15 mins | 10 mins | 4 |
| 4. Slow Cooker Lemon-Garlic Chicken | 10 mins | 4–6 hrs | 4 |
| 5. Thai Pumpkin Soup | 10 mins | 20 mins | 3 |
| 6. Easy Kedgeree | 10 mins | 25 mins | 3 |
| 7. Saucy Bean Baked Eggs | 10 mins | 20 mins | 2 |
| 8. Sheet Pan Salmon With Asparagus | 10 mins | 20 mins | 2 |
Recipe 1 – Garlic Sticky Noodles
Sticky, garlicky, and oh-so-satisfying, this one’s a quick win for noodle lovers!
Ingredients
- Noodles
- Garlic
- Soy sauce
- Honey
- Sesame oil
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the noodles according to the package instructions.
Step 2: Heat sesame oil in a pan and sauté minced garlic until it smells amazing.
Step 3: Stir in soy sauce and honey to make a sticky sauce.
Step 4: Toss the noodles in the sauce until they’re fully coated.
Step 5: Serve hot, and consider sprinkling some sesame seeds on top.
Chef’s Tip: Add a dash of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat with your Garlic Sticky Noodles.
Recipe 2 – One Pan Chicken And Veggies
Juicy chicken and fresh veggies, all cooked together for an easy cleanup!
Ingredients
- Chicken (thighs or breasts)
- Mixed veggies (like carrots, broccoli, or zucchini)
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Thyme
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Place chicken and chopped veggies on a baking sheet.
Step 3: Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle minced garlic and thyme over everything.
Step 4: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Step 5: Dig in straight from the pan!
Chef’s Tip: Swap thyme for rosemary if you’re feeling fancy with this One Pan Chicken And Veggies.
Recipe 3 – Colourful Pasta Salad
Bright, fresh, and ready in minutes, a perfect light bite!
Ingredients
- Pasta
- Arugula
- Mozzarella
- Red peppers
- Pesto
Instructions
Step 1: Boil the pasta according to the package instructions.
Step 2: Mix cooked pasta with arugula, diced mozzarella, and chopped red peppers in a big bowl.
Step 3: Stir in a dollop of pesto until everything’s coated.
Step 4: Serve it chilled or at room temperature, that’s your choice!
Chef’s Tip: Toss in some yellow peppers for extra colour in this low-calorie dinner recipe.
Recipe 4 – Slow Cooker Lemon-Garlic Chicken
Tender chicken that practically cooks itself, ideal for busy days!
Ingredients
- Chicken
- Lemon
- Garlic
- Rosemary
Instructions
Step 1: Pop the chicken into your slow cooker.
Step 2: Top with lemon slices, minced garlic, and a few rosemary sprigs.
Step 3: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Step 4: Serve with your favourite sides.
Chef’s Tip: A squeeze of fresh lemon at the end brightens up this Healthy Cholesterol Recipes option.
Recipe 5 – Thai Pumpkin Soup
Warm, creamy, and just spicy enough to keep things interesting!
Ingredients
- Chicken broth
- Canned pumpkin
- Chili pepper
- Coconut milk
- Red curry paste
Instructions
Step 1: In a pot, mix chicken broth, pumpkin, and red curry paste.
Step 2: Bring it to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in coconut milk and chopped chilli pepper.
Step 4: Mix for an extra 5 minutes, then serve hot.
Chef’s Tip: Dial down the chilli if you want this as a gentler meal. Easy on the stomach.
Recipe 6 – Easy Kedgeree
A cosy mix of rice and fish that hits all the right spots!
Ingredients
- Rice
- Smoked fish
- Eggs
- Butter
- Parsley
Instructions
Step 1: Cook rice as directed.
Step 2: Boil the eggs until they are hard, then chop them into small pieces.
Step 3: Flake the smoked fish into chunks.
Step 4: Melt the butter in a pan, then add the rice, fish, and eggs.
Step 5: Sprinkle with parsley and serve warm.
Chef’s Tip: Try a bit of unsmoked fish too for a flavour twist in this meal, which is easy on the stomach.
Recipe 7 – Saucy Bean Baked Eggs
Rich, comforting, and perfect for a lazy brunch!
Ingredients
- Beans (canned, any kind)
- Eggs
- Tomatoes
- Spinach
- Cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°f (190°c).
Step 2: In an oven-safe skillet, mix beans, diced tomatoes, and spinach.
Step 3: Make little wells and crack eggs into them.
Step 4: Sprinkle the cheese on top and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the eggs are set.
Step 5: Serve with bread if you’re hungry!
Chef’s Tip: A pinch of paprika adds a smoky vibe to this low-calorie dinner recipe.
Recipe 8 – Sheet Pan Salmon With Asparagus
Simple, healthy, and ready in a flash, dinner doesn’t get better than this!
Ingredients
- Salmon
- Asparagus
- Olive oil
- Lemon
- Garlic
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°f (200°c).
Step 2: Lay salmon and asparagus on a sheet pan.
Step 3: Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle minced garlic over the entire mixture.
Step 4: Squeeze lemon juice on top, season with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily when tested with a fork.
Chef’s Tip: Add cherry tomatoes for a pop of flavour in this Healthy Cholesterol Recipes meal.
