
5-ingredient summer dinner recipes that take 30 minutes or less
Discover delicious five-ingredient dinners you can whip up in under 30 minutes. Enjoy fuss-free, flavourful meals with minimal shopping and effort
If you're looking for quick, fuss-free dinners, five-ingredient meals are your answer. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create flavour-packed dishes in under 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to keep your shopping list short. Whether you're after speedy pasta recipes, healthy five-ingredient meals, or budget-friendly options, there's inspiration for every taste and occasion. Explore our full collection of five-ingredient dinners for even more ideas, or discover more five-ingredient pasta recipes, healthy five-ingredient recipes, and 5-ingredient budget meal ideas to help you save both time and money in the kitchen.
1. Butter bean & chorizo stew
Whip up a hearty family stew in just 20 minutes with a mere four ingredients. This quick-fix delight combines the robust flavours of spicy chorizo and vibrant, fresh pesto, delivering a feast that's as speedy as it is satisfying. Ideal for those busy weeknights when time is of the essence.
For more hearty recipes the whole family will enjoy, check out our family casserole recipes.
2. Prawn & coconut soup
This cheat's version of a laksa can be ready in under 5 minutes! Heat all your ingredients in one pan to avoid washing up as well – you'll be in and out of the kitchen in no time at all.
Try this speedy soup, then find further inspiration with our best budget-friendly soups to nourish the soul.
3. Creamy tomato courgetti
Use courgetti as a low-calorie and gluten-free alternative to spaghetti that won't leave you feeling heavy. It pairs perfectly with tomatoes and parma ham in this speedy summer dish.
If you enjoyed this, try more of our quick dinner ideas with courgetti.
4. Saucy bean baked eggs
Make these easy five-ingredient baked eggs with tomatoes and beans using classic storecupboard staples. Serve with your favourite crusty roll to soak up the rich, hearty sauce.
Discover more protein-packed baked eggs recipes.
5. Squash & coconut curry

Try our squash and coconut curry for a hearty vegetarian dish that's ideal for last-minute entertaining. Ready in just 30 minutes, it can be easily doubled and freezes well – perfect for feeding a crowd or saving leftovers for another day.
Explore more vegetarian curry recipes – from rich and creamy classics to bold, fiery favourites.
6. Prawn & leek frittata
Move over omelettes – this four-ingredient frittata is a quick and flavour-packed solution for busy weeknights. Delicious paired with a simple salad, such as our allotment salad, to provide some freshness that counters the frittata’s creaminess.
Discover more frittata recipes – perfect served hot or cold, whether for a quick lunch or easy supper.
7. Jerk prawn & coconut rice bowls
Using a ready-cooked pouch of coconut rice is a clever shortcut in this speedy recipe, helping you get dinner on the table in under 10 minutes. Bold in flavour and perfect for two.
From burrito bowls to poke bowls and bibimbap, try our favourite filling bowl recipes that you should consider for dinner tonight.
8. Blackened salmon fajitas
Don’t overlook a packet of fajita seasoning – it can be a real time-saver when you're short on minutes. Coat your salmon, pan-fry until blackened, then serve with mashed avocado, a squeeze of lime, and either a jarred salsa or, if time allows, our easy homemade tomato version.
Try our best fajitas recipes for a family meal full of Mexican-inspired spices.
9. Gnocchi cacio e pepe
Swap pasta for gnocchi in this speedy cacio e pepe for an even richer, more comforting twist. The pillowy potatoes make a satisfying base, and it’s ready in just seven minutes – perfect for those evenings when you need a warming bowl fast.
Gnocchi is incredibly versatile; find inspiration on ways to serve gnocchi, from quick midweek meals to comforting bakes.
10. Moules marinière
Serve up the French classic moules marinière for an effortlessly impressive supper. Made with just five ingredients, it’s a crowd-pleaser ideal for entertaining – the rich, buttery wine sauce feels luxurious, yet it comes together in under 30 minutes, taking the stress out of hosting.
Check out more French-inspired recipes, from classic soufflés and macarons to twists on crêpes.
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