If you’re looking for recipes that don’t need a mile-long grocery list, you’re in the right place.
These twelve simple ingredient dishes are perfect for any occasion.
Whether it’s a busy weeknight, a relaxed weekend, or a casual get-together.
With minimal prep and the greatest flavour, these recipes prove that less can be more.
12 Simple Ingredient Recipes For Any Occasion
Here are 12 easy recipes that keep things simple without sacrificing flavour.
Each uses five or fewer core ingredients, keeping things simple and delicious.
Here’s a handy table with each dish’s prep time, cook time, ingredients and servings.
| Dish Name | Prep Time | Cook Time | Serves | Total Ing |
| 1. Italian Pasta Salad | 10 min | 10 min | 4 | 5 |
| 2. Turkey Taco Bowls | 5 min | 10 min | 4 | 5 |
| 3. Lemony Zucchini Pasta | 10 min | 15 min | 3–4 | 5 |
| 4. Brown Butter and Sage Linguine | 10 min | 15 min | 2–3 | 5 |
| 5. Cheesy Corn Bake | 10 min | 20 min | 4–6 | 5 |
| 6. Gingery, Garlicky Ground Beef | 5 min | 10 min | 4 | 5 |
| 7. Chili Crisp Chicken Salad | 10 min | 0 min | 3–4 | 5 |
| 8. Easy Pasta Bake | 10 min | 25 min | 4–6 | 5 |
| 9. Cheesy Pepper Tortellini In A Pan With Cooked Greens | 10 min | 10 min | 3–4 | 5 |
| 10. Midnight Pasta | 5 min | 10 min | 2 | 5 |
| 11. Linguine With Tuna and Capers | 10 min | 10 min | 2–3 | 5 |
| 12. Easy Salsa Recipe | 10 min | 0 min | 4 (as dip) | 5 |
Recipe 1 – Italian Pasta Salad
A chilled, tangy dish that’s a crowd-pleaser at any gathering!
Ingredients
- Pasta
- Cherry tomatoes
- Mozzarella
- Basil
- Italian dressing
Instructions
Step 1: Boil pasta per package directions, then drain and cool.
Step 2: Mix in halved cherry tomatoes, cubed mozzarella, and torn basil leaves.
Step 3: Pour Italian dressing over everything and toss to coat.
Chef’s Tip: Toss in some olives if you’ve got them lying around.
Recipe 2 – Turkey Taco Bowls
Spicy, filling, and one of the best fast family dinner ideas!
Ingredients
- Ground turkey
- Taco seasoning
- Rice or lettuce
- Salsa
- Cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Brown ground turkey with taco seasoning in a skillet.
Step 2: Spoon it over cooked rice or fresh lettuce.
Step 3: Add a dollop of salsa and sprinkle with cheese.
Chef’s Tip: Got leftover turkey? Even better, this comes together in minutes.
Recipe 3 – Lemony Zucchini Pasta
Bright and zesty, this screams summer in every bite!
Ingredients
- Pasta
- Zucchini
- Lemon
- Parmesan
- Garlic
Instructions
Step 1: Cook pasta, saving a splash of the water before draining.
Step 2: Sauté sliced zucchini and minced garlic in oil.
Step 3: Mix pasta with zucchini, lemon zest, juice, and a handful of Parmesan. Add pasta water if it’s dry.
Chef’s Tip: Spiralize the zucchini if you’re feeling fancy.
Recipe 4 – Brown Butter And Sage Linguine
Cosy up with this warm, buttery pasta hug!
Ingredients
- Linguine
- Butter
- Sage
- Parmesan
- Lemon
Instructions
Step 1: Cook linguine, keeping some pasta water handy.
Step 2: Melt butter in a pan until golden, then fry sage leaves until crisp.
Step 3: Toss linguine with butter, sage, parmesan, and a lemon squeeze.
Chef’s Tip: Fresh sage is the secret here; dried just won’t cut it.
Recipe 5 – Cheesy Corn Bake
Gooey, golden, and a total comfort food win!
Ingredients
- Corn
- Cheese
- Butter
- Flour
- Milk
Instructions
Step 1: Melt butter, stir in flour, then whisk in milk to make a creamy base.
Step 2: Stir in the corn and a generous amount of cheese.
Step 3: Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until it’s bubbling.
Chef’s Tip: Frozen corn works like a charm if fresh isn’t around.
Recipe 6 – Gingery, Garlicky Ground Beef
A flavour-packed 5-Ingredient Meals staple you’ll use again and again!
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Soy sauce
- Green onions
Instructions
Step 1: Cook minced ginger and garlic until fragrant.
Step 2: Add ground beef and cook until browned.
Step 3: Stir in soy sauce and finish with chopped green onions.
Chef’s Tip: Make extra, it’s awesome in tacos or over rice later.
Recipe 7 – Chilli Crisp Chicken Salad
Crunchy, spicy, and oh-so-addictive!
Ingredients
- Chicken
- Chili crisp
- Cucumber
- Cilantro
- Lime
Instructions
Step 1: Shred cooked chicken (rotisserie works great).
Step 2: Mix with chilli crisp, sliced cucumber, and torn cilantro.
Step 3: Squeeze lime juice over it all and toss.
Chef’s Tip: Rotisserie chicken cuts prep time in half.
Recipe 8 – Easy Pasta Bake
A cheesy, hearty dish perfect for 5 Ingredient Meals!
Ingredients
- Pasta
- Marinara sauce
- Mozzarella
- Italian sausage
- Parmesan
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the pasta and drain it.
Step 2: Combine with cooked sausage and marinara sauce.
Step 3: Top with mozzarella and parmesan, then bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
Chef’s Tip: Prep it ahead and pop it in the oven when ready.
Recipe 9 – Cheesy Pepper Tortellini In A Pan With Cooked Greens
Creamy, peppery, and sneaks in some greens too!
Ingredients
- Tortellini
- Parmesan
- Black pepper
- Spinach
- Butter
Instructions
Step 1: Boil tortellini and drain.
Step 2: Melt butter in a skillet, add spinach, and cook until wilted.
Step 3: Toss tortellini with spinach, parmesan, and a good grind of black pepper.
Chef’s Tip: A pinch of red pepper flakes kicks it up.
Recipe 10 – Midnight Pasta
Late-night hunger? This 5-Ingredient recipe gem has you covered!
Ingredients
- Spaghetti
- Garlic
- Anchovies
- Red pepper flakes
- Parsley
Instructions
Step 1: Cook spaghetti, saving some water.
Step 2: Fry garlic, anchovies, and red pepper flakes until aromatic.
Step 3: Mix spaghetti with the sauce and sprinkle with parsley.
Chef’s Tip: Skip the anchovies for a veggie version.
Recipe 11 – Linguine With Tuna And Capers
Simple seafood vibes with a zingy twist!
Ingredients
- Linguine
- Canned tuna
- Capers
- Garlic
- Lemon
Instructions
Step 1: Cook linguine, reserving a bit of water.
Step 2: Fry garlic and capers, then flake in tuna.
Step 3: Toss with linguine and a splash of lemon juice.
Chef’s Tip: Oil-packed tuna adds a richer flavour.
Recipe 12 – Easy Salsa Recipe
Fresh, zippy, and the ultimate Easy Salsa Recipe for any occasion!
Ingredients
- Tomatoes
- Onion
- Cilantro
- Lime
- Jalapeño (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Chop tomatoes, onion, and cilantro into small bits.
Step 2: Stir in lime juice and minced jalapeño if you like heat.
Step 3: Let it sit for 10 minutes to get those flavours dancing.
Chef’s Tip: Ripe tomatoes make all the difference.
