Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen, only to have your meal plans foiled by a hectic schedule? Look no further! In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos and neglect our own well-being – including our taste buds. But what if I told you that there is a way to create delicious meals without sacrificing precious time? Enter: quick 7-ingredient recipes!
These clever concoctions require only seven ingredients or less, making them perfect for busy weeknights when you’re short on time and energy. From savory pasta dishes to sweet treats, our collection of 18 mouth-watering recipes will have you covered. Whether you’re a foodie, a busy professional, or just someone looking to simplify mealtime, this article is sure to inspire your inner chef. So grab your apron, sharpen those knives, and let’s get cooking!
7-Ingredient Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Elevate your pasta game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines succulent shrimp, garlic butter, and al dente noodles.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti or fettuccine)
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 2 cups mixed greens (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
4. Combine cooked pasta, garlic butter mixture, and reserved pasta water in a large serving bowl. Toss to combine.
5. Serve with mixed greens, Parmesan cheese (if using), and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Easy 7-Ingredient Chicken Stir-Fry
In just a few minutes, you can whip up a flavorful and satisfying chicken stir-fry with minimal ingredients. This quick recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need a tasty meal in a hurry.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 teaspoons 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 chicken and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent, about 2 minutes.
4. Add the bell peppers and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Return the chicken to the pan and stir in soy sauce.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
7-Ingredient One-Pot Tomato Basil Soup
This simple yet flavorful soup is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch. With just seven ingredients and one pot to clean, you can’t go wrong!
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes), diced
– 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, broth, and heavy cream. Stir to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 15-20 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Simple 7-Ingredient Beef Tacos
Get ready to serve up a flavorful and effortless meal with this simple recipe. With just 7 ingredients, you can’t go wrong!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 packet of taco seasoning
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack work well)
– 1/2 cup diced onion
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Once the beef is cooked, add the taco seasoning packet and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
3. Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
4. Assemble the tacos by spooning the beef mixture onto a tortilla, followed by shredded cheese, diced onion, and chopped cilantro.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
7-Ingredient Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken
Brighten up your dinner table with this zesty and aromatic roasted chicken recipe, infused with the flavors of lemon, garlic, and herbs. Perfect for a weeknight supper or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
– 2 lemons, sliced
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 lemon, juiced (about 2 tbsp)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
5. Place sliced lemons inside the cavity of the chicken.
6. Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until cooked through.
7. Remove from oven and squeeze lemon juice over the top.
Cooking Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes
Quick 7-Ingredient Veggie Fried Rice
A classic Chinese dish gets a speedy twist with this simple recipe. With just 7 ingredients, you can whip up a flavorful and filling meal in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 2 teaspoons 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 diced onion and cook until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
4. Stir in the mixed vegetables and cook until they’re tender-crisp, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Push the vegetable mixture to one side of the pan. Crack in a small egg (optional) and scramble it until cooked through.
6. Mix the egg with the vegetables, then add the cooked rice. Stir-fry everything together for about 2-3 minutes, breaking up any clumps.
7. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: About 10-12 minutes
7-Ingredient Creamy Avocado Pasta
Add some creaminess and freshness to your pasta dish with this easy recipe that combines the richness of avocado with the comfort of pasta. This 7-ingredient recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, combine diced avocado, minced garlic, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Stir in heavy cream and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat with the creamy avocado sauce. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Easy 7-Ingredient Honey Mustard Salmon
This simple recipe combines the sweetness of honey with the tanginess of mustard to create a flavorful and moist salmon dish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
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, mix together honey and Dijon mustard until well combined.
5. Brush the honey-mustard mixture evenly over each salmon fillet.
6. Drizzle olive oil over the salmon and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
7-Ingredient Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken
Elevate your chicken dinner with this flavorful and easy-to-make recipe that combines the savory goodness of spinach and feta cheese. Perfect for a weeknight meal or special occasion, this dish is sure to please!
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
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together spinach, feta cheese, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Lay chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket.
4. Stuff each breast with the spinach-feta mixture.
5. Close the incision and secure with toothpicks if necessary.
6. Place stuffed chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Simple 7-Ingredient Black Bean Quesadillas
Quickly elevate your mealtime with these flavorful and nutritious black bean quesadillas, packed with protein and fiber. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or lunchbox addition.
Ingredients:
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or your preferred blend)
– 4 large tortillas
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together black beans, olive oil, garlic, and cumin. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle 1/4 cup of cheese on half of the tortilla.
4. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the black bean mixture onto the cheese.
5. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the tortilla is lightly browned and the cheese starts to melt.
7. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes, until the other side is also lightly browned.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
7-Ingredient Mushroom and Thyme Risotto
This creamy risotto dish is a perfect blend of earthy mushrooms and herbaceous thyme, making it a great accompaniment to your favorite main course. With just 7 ingredients, this recipe is quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 8 oz mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme, chopped
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until lightly toasted.
3. Add the warmed vegetable broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring continuously and allowing each portion to absorb before adding the next.
4. After 20-25 minutes of cooking, stir in the sliced mushrooms and chopped thyme. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Quick 7-Ingredient Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these soft-baked cookies that combine the richness of peanut butter with the heartiness of oatmeal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together oats, peanut butter, and sugar until well combined.
3. Add softened butter, egg, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
7-Ingredient Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Elevate your dinner party with this impressive yet effortless recipe for 7-Ingredient Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms.
Easy 7-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
Get ready for a mouthwatering twist on traditional pulled pork with these easy-to-make sliders. This recipe requires just seven ingredients and minimal effort, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 4 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. Place the pork in a large Dutch oven or slow cooker and pour in the BBQ sauce.
5. Cover the dish and cook for 6-8 hours or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
6. Shred the pork with two forks and serve on hamburger buns. Top with coleslaw, if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
7-Ingredient Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
Elevate your potato game with this simple recipe that combines the richness of garlic and parmesan cheese with the natural sweetness of roasted potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch wedges
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss potatoes with olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Spread potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until potatoes are tender and golden brown, flipping halfway through.
5. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the potatoes during the last 5 minutes of roasting.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Simple 7-Ingredient Chocolate Banana Smoothie
This smoothie is a perfect blend of creamy banana and rich chocolate, requiring only 7 ingredients and no cooking time at all! It’s the perfect treat for a hot day or a quick breakfast on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Ice cubes (as needed)
– Chocolate chips or shavings (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine the bananas, Greek yogurt, cocoa powder, and honey.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Add the vanilla extract and blend until well combined.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness or chocolate flavor as desired.
5. Add ice cubes if you want a thicker, colder smoothie.
6. Pour into a glass and top with chocolate chips or shavings, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! Just blend and enjoy!
7-Ingredient Spicy Sriracha Tofu Bowls
Get ready for a flavor explosion with this 7-Ingredient Spicy Sriracha Tofu Bowl recipe! This quick and easy meal is perfect for a busy weeknight or a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 block of firm tofu, drained and cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp of sriracha sauce
– 1 tsp of soy sauce
– 1 tsp of honey
– 1/4 cup of chopped scallions (green onions)
– 1 cup of cooked brown rice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together sriracha sauce, soy sauce, and honey.
3. Place the tofu pieces in a shallow dish and pour the sriracha mixture over them. Toss gently to coat.
4. Spread the tofu on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. Cook the brown rice according to package instructions.
6. Assemble the bowls by placing the baked tofu, cooked rice, and chopped scallions in each bowl. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Quick 7-Ingredient Mediterranean Hummus Wrap
Quick 7-Ingredient Mediterranean Hummus Wrap
Satisfy your cravings with this simple and flavorful wrap, packed with the creamy goodness of hummus, fresh veggies, and savory cheese. This recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked chickpeas
– 1/4 cup hummus
– 1 large flour tortilla
– 1/2 cup mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, and parsley)
– 1/2 cup sliced cucumber
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Spread the hummus evenly over the center of the tortilla, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
2. Top with mixed greens, cucumber slices, and crumbled feta cheese.
3. Roll up the wrap tightly but gently to avoid breaking the filling.
4. Slice in half and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes.
Summary
Discover the secret to quick and delicious meals with these 18 mouth-watering recipes that require only 7 ingredients! From seafood-inspired dishes like Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta and Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken, to hearty options like One-Pot Tomato Basil Soup and Creamy Avocado Pasta, there’s something for everyone. Plus, find sweet treats like Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies and Chocolate Banana Smoothie. And don’t forget the international flair with Mediterranean Hummus Wrap and Spicy Sriracha Tofu Bowls. Get cooking and enjoy a stress-free weeknight dinner routine!
