You don't always want (or need) an extravagant dinner. With so many ingredients and meal options out there it can be tough to find a quick recipe that uses only a handful of ingredients and doesn't take too much effort to cook.
So in an effort to simplify your menu this week, we've rounded up our best five ingredient dinners to help you cut down on that food bill, save time and cook up some simple suppers this week.
Whether you fancy a pasta dish, roasted meat or even home made fish and chips, there is something here for you to try. And just because there are less ingredients, it doesn't mean there is any less flavour!
1. Oven Baked Fish and Chips
The ultimate comfort food, you can't go wrong with a delicious fish and chip dinner. But rather than being tempted to pop to the take away, why not make your own at home this week? This recipe takes just 40 minutes and it's all made in one pan, so it couldn't be more simple. Baking your fish rather than frying it makes it that much healthier too – so it's a winner all round!
Get the recipe:Oven Baked Fish and Chips
2. Fusilli with Pesto Peas and Rocket
A hearty pesto pasta is a winner when it comes to speedy week night meals. This recipe uses rocket and frozen peas, so you're getting some lovely green veg in your dinner too. Plus it's ready in just 10 minutes, so it's a really speedy fuss-free dish.
Get the recipe:Fusilli with Pesto Peas and Rocket
3. Smoked Salmon with Capers, Onion and Egg
Smoked salmon is a great fish to include in your diet as it's packed full of essential amino acids that help to keep your heart healthy. This dish also includes egg, which is a great source of protein and vitamin D. All this means that this speedy meal is quick, simple and really healthy. Did we mention it tastes great too?
Get the recipe:Smoked Salmon with Capers, Onion and Egg
4. Cajun Chicken Drumsticks
This delicious and spicy chicken meal can be cooked up on the barbecue, so it's a great go-to recipe to choose in the summer if you don't want to go to too much effort in the kitchen.
Get the recipe:Cajun Chicken Drumsticks
5. Griddled Steaks with Melted Stilton
Steak makes a quick and tasty meal that doesn't have to include too many ingredients thanks to the delicious natural flavours in the meat – we've served up this griddled version with a delicious melted stilton sauce to really maximise the flavour.
Get the recipe:Griddled Steaks with Melted Stilton Steak
6. Tagliatelle with Pesto and Courgettes
A simple and healthy week night dinner that is ready in just 10 minutes – try this delicious pasta dish this week and you'll have a new family favourite that couldn't be easier to whip up.
Get the recipe:Tagliatelle with Pesto and Courgettes
7. Steak with Porcini Butter
Another delicious and simple steak recipe that's served up with a Porcini butter and a simple green salad. This could quite easily be a week night meal or even served up as a dinner party main the next time you're entertaining.
Get the recipe:Steak with Porcini Butter
8. Aubergine, Parma Ham and Mozzarella Gratin
This dish is the ultimate comfort food, so the fact that it only uses five ingredients and is ready in just 15 minutes makes it that much more satisfying. Taste it once and you'll want to make it again and again.
Get the recipe:Aubergine, Parma Ham and Mozzarella Gratin
Anna Matheson is a senior celebrity and entertainment writer, currently working for Reach PLC, predominantly with OK!
Anna has a BA in English Literature which she studied in Queen Mary University. Following her degree, she gained an MA in Magazine Journalism from City University.
Her words have also featured in The Sun, The Scottish Sun, woman&home, Essentials Magazine, Good to know, Bella, and Closer.
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