When it comes to busy weeknights, finding a balance between convenience and deliciousness is key, especially for moms juggling multiple responsibilities. Preparing dinner doesn’t need to be a marathon of ingredients and steps; with just five ingredients, you can create simple, mouth-watering meals that the whole family will enjoy. These dinners focus on pantry staples and wholesome ingredients, so whether you’re feeding picky eaters or adventurous ones, these meals promise something for everyone. Each recipe serves a family of four, allowing you to serve tasty dishes without much prep work, mess, or stress.

1. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

This dish is both comforting and easy to make, perfect for an evening when you crave something warm and flavorful. You’ll need just five ingredients: pasta (penne or spaghetti works well), heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and butter. Begin by boiling water and cooking 12 ounces of pasta until it’s al dente. While the pasta cooks, melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add 4 cloves of minced garlic, letting it sauté until fragrant. Stir in 1 ½ cups of heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Once the sauce has thickened slightly, combine it with the drained pasta. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with extra cheese if desired. This creamy pasta is a hit with both kids and adults, offering rich flavors without a heavy workload.

2. Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Honey garlic chicken is an easy way to turn basic ingredients into a satisfying meal packed with sweet and savory flavors. For this, you’ll need four bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and olive oil. In a small bowl, mix ⅓ cup of honey, ¼ cup of soy sauce, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken thighs, cooking them for 6–7 minutes on each side until they’re golden and crispy. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken, reducing the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 10–12 minutes until it’s cooked through and infused with flavor. The result is juicy, tender chicken coated in a sticky glaze that pairs perfectly with rice or steamed vegetables.

3. Pesto Stuffed Peppers

This quick dish is vibrant, flavorful, and ideal for moms who want to sneak in some extra veggies. Gather four large bell peppers, cooked quinoa or rice, pesto, shredded mozzarella cheese, and olive oil. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and cutting the tops off the peppers, removing the seeds. Drizzle a little olive oil inside each pepper and roast them for about 10 minutes until they start to soften. Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine 2 cups of cooked quinoa or rice with ½ cup of pesto and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Spoon the mixture into each bell pepper and return them to the oven for another 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. These pesto stuffed peppers are a balanced meal all on their own, packed with protein, healthy fats, and vibrant veggies.

4. Taco-Seasoned Beef and Rice Skillet

This one-pan dish is quick, flavorful, and family-friendly, making it perfect for taco lovers. You’ll need ground beef, rice, taco seasoning, canned diced tomatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese. Start by browning 1 pound of ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, then stir in 1 packet of taco seasoning and a 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes, undrained. Add 1 cup of rice and 2 cups of water to the skillet, stirring everything together. Cover the skillet and simmer for about 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the flavors are well blended. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top, letting it melt over the mixture before serving. This skillet meal is a hearty and easy option for taco night, bringing all those beloved flavors together with minimal prep.

5. Lemon Herb Baked Salmon

For a light yet satisfying meal, this lemon herb baked salmon fits the bill perfectly, bringing together fresh and zesty flavors. The ingredients you’ll need are four salmon fillets, lemons, fresh herbs like parsley or dill, olive oil, and garlic powder. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then drizzle each piece with olive oil. Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the salmon. Slice one lemon into rounds and place the slices on top of the salmon fillets. Bake for about 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Once cooked, garnish with chopped fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor. Pair with a simple side salad or steamed veggies for a complete, nutrient-rich dinner.

6. Sausage and Potato Bake

This hearty meal is incredibly simple to put together and features ingredients that are usually already in the pantry. Gather smoked sausage (such as kielbasa), potatoes, bell peppers, olive oil, and Italian seasoning. Start by preheating the oven to 400°F and cutting 4 medium potatoes and 1 pound of sausage into bite-sized pieces. Place them on a baking sheet along with 2 diced bell peppers. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, tossing everything to coat. Roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the potatoes are tender and golden. This bake is rustic and satisfying, offering a balanced combination of protein, carbs, and vegetables that’s easy to customize based on your family’s preferences.

7. Caprese Chicken

Caprese chicken is a simple but flavorful dish that transforms basic ingredients into something special. For this recipe, you’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic vinegar. Start by seasoning four chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook them in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of olive oil, about 6–7 minutes per side. Once the chicken is cooked through, top each piece with a slice of fresh mozzarella and tomato. Cover the skillet for a couple of minutes until the cheese begins to melt. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. The combination of melty mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic basil makes this dish feel like a restaurant-quality meal, but it’s quick enough for any weeknight.

Each of these five-ingredient dinners offers simplicity and deliciousness without sacrificing nutrition or flavor. They’re designed to fit into the lives of busy moms who want to provide wholesome meals for their families without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep, you’ll have meals that please everyone at the table and make dinnertime a breeze. Whether you’re looking for comfort food, bold flavors, or something light, these recipes provide flexibility and variety to meet the diverse needs of families. So, take a break from overcomplicated recipes and embrace the ease and satisfaction of five-ingredient dinners that make your weeknights a little brighter and a lot easier.