5 Ingredient Recipes for the Whole Family

Every week I fill in the activities our family has going on along with some easy recipes for the whole family that fit into that days schedule. Our days are busy and on the go and often having the time to cook a nice meal doesn't factor into that.

Our family understands that time is precious. That's why I've put together a list of recipes that require only five simple ingredients. By keeping things simple, I aim to make meal preparation a breeze for you and your family.

At Burnt Apple, I believe that healthy eating shouldn't be complicated. That's why many of the recipes we share prioritize health and nutrition. I know the importance of feeding the whole family well-balanced meals, and these recipes are designed to do just that. Whether you have picky eaters or simply want to simplify your cooking routine, these 5-ingredient recipes will surely become your go-to favorites.

Before we dive into the recipes, let's take a moment to explore the benefits of cooking with just five ingredients:

Benefits of Five Ingredient Recipes

Time-saving

One of the biggest advantages of 5-ingredient recipes is their ability to save you time in the kitchen. With fewer ingredients to gather and prep, you can whip up a delicious meal in no time. You don't have to spend hours in the kitchen! You'll get more quality time with your loved ones! (Or for folding laundry!)

Cost-effective

Another benefit of these recipes is that they are cost-effective. By using only a handful of ingredients, you can minimize your grocery bill without compromising on taste and nutrition. This makes it easier to stick to your budget while still enjoying flavorful meals.

Healthy and nutritious

Contrary to popular belief, simple recipes can still be healthy and nutritious. In fact, our 5-ingredient recipes focus on using wholesome ingredients that provide essential nutrients for your family's well-being. We believe that healthy eating starts with making better choices in the kitchen, and these recipes are a step in the right direction.

Recipe 1: Quick and Easy 5-Ingredient Pasta

• Ingredients: 1 pound of pasta, 2 cups of marinara sauce, ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder.
• Instructions: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. In a separate saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat. Once heated through, add the cooked pasta and stir until well coated. Remove from heat and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, dried basil, and garlic powder.
• Tips and variations: Feel free to customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables or protein. You can also experiment with different types of pasta and sauces to create your own unique flavor combinations. We love a good cacio de pepe or even this kids pizza pasta.

Recipe 2: One-Pot 5-Ingredient Chicken Stir-Fry

• Ingredients: 1 pound of chicken breast, 2 cups of mixed vegetables, ¼ cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
• Instructions: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breast and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry until tender. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the soy sauce and honey. Stir until everything is well coated and heated through.
• Tips and variations: You can switch up the protein by using shrimp, beef, or tofu instead of chicken. Don't be afraid to experiment with different vegetables and seasonings to create your own unique stir-fry.

Recipe 3: 5-Ingredient Veggie Quinoa Salad

• Ingredients: 1 cup of cooked quinoa, 1 cup of cherry tomatoes (halved), 1 cucumber (diced), ¼ cup of feta cheese (crumbled), 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinaigrette.
• Instructions: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and feta cheese. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss until well mixed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
• Tips and variations: Get creative with your vegetable choices and add your favorite herbs for extra flavor. You can also substitute the feta cheese with goat cheese or omit it altogether for a vegan option. You can even try this incredible spanish rice and quinoa dinner.

More Recipes for the Whole Family

I know three meals? It doesn't seem like enough, right?? I've got more below! If you're looking for how I plan my meals then make sure you sign up for my month of meals plan! It's FREE and it includes a month of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert recipes with five ingredients or less!