Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen perfecting a complex recipe? Look no further! With these 18 easy 6-ingredient recipes, you can create delicious meals without sacrificing flavor or quality. From quick weeknight dinners to sweet treats and satisfying snacks, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll share a variety of mouthwatering dishes that require only six ingredients or less. Whether you’re a busy professional looking for a fast and flavorful meal solution or a home cook seeking inspiration for your next dinner party, these recipes are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
From classic comfort foods to international flavors and creative twists on old favorites, our 6-ingredient recipes offer endless possibilities for delicious meals without the fuss. So go ahead, get cooking, and enjoy the ease and simplicity of these incredible dishes!
6-Ingredient Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
This mouthwatering pasta dish is a perfect blend of succulent shrimp, savory garlic butter, and perfectly cooked noodles. With just six ingredients, you can’t go wrong!
Ingredients:
– 8 oz linguine pasta
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in reserved pasta water and lemon zest. Combine well.
5. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing with garlic butter sauce until coated.
6. Return shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Simple 6-Ingredient Banana Pancakes
Start your day with a delicious and healthy breakfast that’s ready in no time! This recipe uses just 6 ingredients to make fluffy banana pancakes that are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking powder.
2. Add the mashed bananas, milk, and egg to the dry ingredients. Whisk until smooth.
3. Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat.
4. Drop 1/4 cup of batter onto the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on the surface.
5. Flip the pancake and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
6. Serve warm with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup or fresh fruit.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes (4-5 pancakes)
Quick 6-Ingredient Chicken Quesadillas
Quick 6-Ingredient Chicken Quesadillas: A flavorful and satisfying meal that’s ready in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded
– 2 cups mixed cheese (cheddar and Monterey Jack work well)
– 4 large tortillas
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, combine the cooked chicken, mixed cheese, and chopped cilantro. Mix well.
3. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle about half of the chicken mixture onto half of the tortilla.
4. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
5. Flip the quesadilla and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the other side is also crispy.
6. Repeat with remaining ingredients to make three more quesadillas.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Serve hot and enjoy!
Easy 6-Ingredient Tomato Basil Soup
Savor the flavors of summer with this light and refreshing tomato basil soup. With just six ingredients, you can have a delicious and healthy meal on the table in no time.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of diced tomatoes)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the chopped tomatoes (or canned diced tomatoes), chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
5. Stir in the chopped basil leaves.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
6-Ingredient Honey Mustard Baked Chicken
This simple recipe yields a deliciously moist and flavorful chicken dish with a tangy honey mustard glaze. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this 6-ingredient recipe is quick to prepare and easy to cook.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey and Dijon mustard until well combined.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Place chicken breasts on the sheet.
4. Brush the honey-mustard glaze evenly over both sides of the chicken.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
One-Pot 6-Ingredient Beef Stroganoff
Elevate your comfort food game with this easy and flavorful recipe that requires minimal effort and attention. This classic beef stroganoff dish is now simplified to a one-pot wonder, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
– 1 onion, sliced
– 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
– 1 can (10.5 oz) of beef broth
– 1 tbsp tomato paste
– 8 oz egg noodles
Instructions:
1. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a large Dutch oven or pot, cook the beef strips over medium-high heat until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
3. Add the sliced onion and mushrooms to the pot; cook until they release their moisture and start browning, about 5 minutes.
4. Pour in the beef broth, tomato paste, and cooked beef back into the pot. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let it cook for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Serve over cooked egg noodles and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
6-Ingredient Lemon Garlic Roasted Salmon
Brighten up your dinner plate with this vibrant and flavorful salmon dish, perfectly seasoned with lemon, garlic, and herbs. This simple yet impressive recipe is sure to become a new favorite!
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
3. Place salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and thyme.
5. Brush the mixture evenly over the salmon fillets.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Simple 6-Ingredient Avocado Toast Variations
Elevate your breakfast or snack game with this simple recipe that yields four delicious avocado toast variations using just six ingredients. With a few simple swaps and additions, you can create unique flavor profiles to suit your taste.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe avocados
– 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (for variation 1)
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (for variation 3)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for variation 4)
Instructions:
1. Toast the baguette slices until lightly browned.
2. Mash one avocado half and spread on each toasted slice.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Variations:
1. Lemon-Herb: Add a squeeze of lemon juice on top of the mashed avocado.
2. Garlic-Parmesan: Sprinkle minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the mashed avocado.
3. Feta-Crunch: Top the mashed avocado with crumbled feta cheese.
4. Cilantro-Lime: Mix chopped cilantro into the mashed avocado and squeeze a sliver of lime juice on top.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
6-Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
These soft-baked cookies combine the richness of peanut butter with the sweetness of chocolate chips, all in just 6 ingredients. Perfect for a quick snack or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter and butter until smooth.
3. Add sugar and mix until combined.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
5. Stir in chocolate chips.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Easy 6-Ingredient Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken
A delicious and flavorful twist on traditional stuffed chicken, this recipe combines the tanginess of feta cheese with the earthy taste of spinach. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix together spinach, feta cheese, and garlic.
3. Lay chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket.
4. Stuff each chicken breast with the spinach-feta mixture.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
6-Ingredient Creamy Mushroom Pasta
Elevate your pasta game with this simple yet satisfying recipe that combines the earthiness of mushrooms with the richness of cream.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (such as pappardelle or fettuccine)
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, sauté mushrooms and garlic over medium heat until the mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown (about 5 minutes).
3. Pour in heavy cream, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, then bring mixture to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
5. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat with the creamy mushroom sauce. If necessary, add some reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Quick 6-Ingredient Tuna Salad Wraps
Get ready for a satisfying lunch or snack with this easy and flavorful tuna salad wrap recipe!
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna (drained)
– 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup of chopped celery
– 1/4 cup of chopped onion
– 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
– 6 large tortilla wraps
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine tuna, mayonnaise, celery, and onion.
2. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Add the Dijon mustard and mix again until combined.
4. Lay a tortilla wrap on a flat surface.
5. Spoon about 1/2 cup of the tuna salad mixture onto the center of the wrap.
6. Fold the bottom half of the wrap up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up the wrap to form a neat package.
7. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: None needed! Assemble and serve immediately.
6-Ingredient Cheddar Bacon Ranch Potatoes
Elevate your potato game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the richness of cheddar, the smokiness of bacon, and the creaminess of ranch. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering!
Ingredients:
– 4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup ranch seasoning
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced potatoes and crumbled bacon.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together cheddar cheese and ranch seasoning.
4. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
5. Add potato-bacon mixture to the prepared dish.
6. Top with cheese-ranch mixture.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until potatoes are tender and top is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Simple 6-Ingredient Caprese Stuffed Avocados
Elevate your snack game with this creamy and flavorful twist on the classic Caprese salad. Fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil come together in a nutritious and delicious treat that’s perfect for a quick lunch or healthy snack.
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe avocados
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Cut the avocados in half and remove the pit.
2. Arrange a few cherry tomato halves on each avocado half.
3. Place a slice of mozzarella cheese on top of the tomatoes.
4. Sprinkle chopped basil leaves over the cheese.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes.
6-Ingredient Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork
Get ready to fall in love with the tender and flavorful pulled pork, perfect for sandwiches or as a main course.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Season the pork shoulder with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker and add the BBQ sauce and brown sugar. Stir to combine.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. When cooked, use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
5. Serve hot on a bun, topped with your favorite toppings, or as a main course with sides.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Easy 6-Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
These no-bake bars are a perfect treat for any peanut butter and chocolate lover. With just 6 ingredients, they’re quick to prepare and irresistible to devour.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until well combined.
3. Stir in the graham cracker crumbs until they’re evenly distributed.
4. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
5. Fold the melted chocolate into the peanut butter mixture until fully incorporated.
6. Press the mixture into a lined or greased 8×8-inch baking dish.
7. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: None! These no-bake bars are ready to enjoy in just a few minutes.
6-Ingredient Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries
Transform zucchinis into crispy fries with this easy recipe, perfect for a healthy snack or side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the zucchinis into fry shapes, about 1/4 inch thick.
3. In a bowl, mix together Parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the sliced zucchinis to the bowl and toss until they’re evenly coated with the cheese mixture.
5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the zucchini fries in a single layer. If using breadcrumbs, sprinkle them over the fries.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Quick 6-Ingredient Veggie Stir-Fry with Tofu
Quick 6-Ingredient Veggie Stir-Fry with Tofu
Get a flavorful and nutritious meal on the table in no time with this easy veggie stir-fry recipe, featuring crispy tofu and a medley of colorful vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 block firm tofu, cut into small cubes
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, mushrooms)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the tofu and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Add the mixed vegetables and garlic to the pan. Cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Return the tofu to the pan and stir in soy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot over rice or noodles, garnished with green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Summary
Discover the ease and simplicity of cooking with just 6 ingredients! This collection of quick and delicious recipes are perfect for busy weeknights. From creamy pasta dishes to sweet treats, these easy-to-make meals require minimal effort but deliver maximum flavor. Try making garlic butter shrimp pasta, banana pancakes, or chicken quesadillas in no time. Or, if you’re in the mood for something savory, whip up a tomato basil soup or roasted salmon with just 6 ingredients. Whatever your taste buds desire, this article has got you covered!
