Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen every night, only to be left with a mediocre meal that doesn’t impress? Look no further! In today’s fast-paced world, cooking shouldn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With just three ingredients, you can create delicious and satisfying dinner ideas that will please even the pickiest eaters. From seafood to chicken, pasta to vegetables, we’ve rounded up 18 effortless easy 3-ingredient recipes that are sure to become staples in your kitchen.
In this article, we’ll be exploring a variety of mouth-watering dishes that require minimal effort and maximum flavor. Say goodbye to tedious meal prep and hello to quick, easy, and tasty meals that will leave you feeling like a culinary mastermind.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
A classic Italian-inspired dish gets a seafood twist with succulent shrimp cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, served over al dente pasta.
Ingredients:
– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 8 oz pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti or linguine)
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (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 large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 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. If using white wine, add it to the skillet and cook for an additional minute.
5. Toss cooked pasta with garlic butter sauce, adding some reserved pasta water if needed to achieve a creamy consistency.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemon Herb Chicken Skillet
This recipe combines the brightness of lemon with the savory flavors of herbs, all in one convenient skillet dish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tbsp)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, and parsley)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until the onion is translucent.
5. Stir in the lemon juice and mixed herbs.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
This classic casserole is a staple for any meal, and with its creamy sauce, tender broccoli, and fluffy rice, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Perfect as a side dish or main course, this recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, broccoli, and cheddar cheese.
3. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in milk and thyme until smooth.
4. Pour the creamy sauce over the rice mixture and stir until combined.
5. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Teriyaki Salmon with Rice
Savor the sweet and savory flavors of Japan with this easy-to-make Teriyaki Salmon with Rice recipe. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 green onion, thinly sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
3. Place salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Drizzle teriyaki sauce over the salmon, making sure each piece is coated.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Cook white rice according to package instructions.
7. Heat vegetable oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add thinly sliced green onion and cook until wilted.
8. Serve Teriyaki Salmon with Rice, garnished with the green onion mixture.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Black Bean Tacos
A flavorful and spicy twist on traditional tacos, this recipe combines the richness of black beans with a kick of heat from diced jalapeños. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1/2 cup diced red onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Optional toppings: diced avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and jalapeño; cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the cumin and smoked paprika; cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the black beans to the skillet; stir to combine with the spice mixture.
5. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
6. Assemble tacos by spooning the bean mixture onto a warmed tortilla, and adding desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Caprese Stuffed Chicken
Caprese Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Transform your chicken breasts into a flavorful and visually stunning dish with this Caprese stuffed recipe, featuring the classic Italian combination of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 2 large tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Butterfly each chicken breast by cutting along the center lengthwise.
3. Place a slice of mozzarella cheese in the center of each chicken breast, leaving a 1-inch border around it.
4. Top the cheese with diced tomatoes and sprinkle with chopped basil.
5. Fold the chicken breasts over the filling, ensuring the edges are sealed tightly.
6. Brush the tops with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Place the stuffed chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Pesto Tortellini Bake
This creamy pasta bake combines the flavors of pesto, mozzarella, and parmesan for a satisfying and easy meal.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. tortellini
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 1/4 cup pesto
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked tortellini, cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, and pesto. Toss to combine.
4. Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish and top with mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the top.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Honey Mustard Pork Chops
A sweet and tangy twist on classic pork chops, this recipe combines the flavors of honey and mustard for a deliciously savory dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless pork chops (1-inch thick)
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, mustard, and garlic powder.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the pork chops.
4. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork chops for 1-2 minutes per side.
5. Transfer skillet to preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until pork reaches internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
6. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese
This classic comfort food combination is a match made in heaven. Fresh tomatoes and basil come together in a rich and creamy soup, perfectly paired with a crispy grilled cheese sandwich.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– Cheese for grilled cheese (such as cheddar, American, or mozzarella)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
2. Add chopped tomatoes, broth, heavy cream, and basil. Bring to a simmer.
3. Reduce heat to low and let soup cook for 15-20 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
4. Meanwhile, grill cheese sandwiches in a pan until crispy and golden.
5. Serve soup with grilled cheese on the side. Enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
Elevate your potato game with this flavorful and aromatic roasted potato recipe, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch wedges
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss potatoes with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil until well coated.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and arrange potato wedges in a single layer.
5. Roast for 45-50 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and golden brown, flipping halfway through.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
These BBQ chicken quesadillas bring together the flavors of the American South and Mexican cuisine, resulting in a deliciously unique snack or meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 large tortillas
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together chicken breasts and BBQ sauce until coated.
3. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
4. Add cooked chicken on half of the tortilla, then fold the other half to enclose.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until tortilla is crispy and cheese is melted.
6. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
7. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
8. Serve hot and garnish with cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes per batch
Avocado Tuna Salad Wraps
A refreshing twist on traditional tuna salad, these wraps combine the creaminess of avocado with the savory taste of tuna. Perfect for a quick and easy lunch or snack!
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna (drained and flaked)
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 whole wheat tortilla wraps
– Lettuce leaves and cherry tomatoes for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine tuna, avocado, red onion, and lemon juice. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Lay a tortilla wrap flat on a surface. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the tuna-avocado mixture onto the center of the wrap.
4. Fold the bottom half of the wrap up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up the wrap to form a tight cylinder.
5. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
6. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: None required! This recipe is ready to go straight away.
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken
Elevate your chicken game with this flavorful and savory recipe that combines the creaminess of feta cheese with the nutrients of spinach.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together spinach, feta cheese, and garlic.
3. Lay the chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket.
4. Stuff each breast with the spinach-feta mixture, dividing it evenly among the four breasts.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed chicken and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Place the stuffed chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
One-Pan Sausage and Veggies
A hearty and flavorful one-pot meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. This recipe combines juicy sausage, colorful vegetables, and savory seasonings in just one pan.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, sliced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 medium zucchini, sliced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
3. Add the sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
4. Add the onion, garlic, bell peppers, and zucchini to the pan. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 10-12 minutes.
5. Add the diced tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir to combine.
6. Return the sausage to the pan and stir to coat with the vegetable mixture.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the sausage is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas
A classic Mexican-inspired dish that combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, and flavorful spices wrapped in soft tortillas.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, combine chicken, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until heated through.
3. In a separate pan, warm tortillas over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side. This will make them more pliable.
4. Dip each tortilla in enchilada sauce, coating both sides evenly.
5. Assemble the enchiladas by placing chicken mixture onto a tortilla, then rolling and placing seam-side down in a baking dish.
6. Top with remaining cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish with cilantro before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cilantro Lime Shrimp Bowls
This recipe combines the brightness of lime juice with the pungency of cilantro, all wrapped up in a delicious shrimp bowl. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch, this dish is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked white or brown rice (for serving)
– Optional toppings: diced avocado, sliced red bell peppers, pickled ginger
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink and just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Stir in chopped cilantro and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve shrimp mixture over cooked rice, garnished with desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Peanut Butter Noodles with Veggies
A comforting and nutritious twist on classic noodles, this recipe combines the richness of peanut butter with a medley of colorful vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. whole wheat noodles
– 2 tbsp. creamy peanut butter
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 cup broccoli florets
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until translucent (3-4 minutes).
3. Add garlic and bell pepper; cook for an additional 2 minutes or until tender.
4. Stir in peanut butter until smooth and well combined with the vegetables.
5. Add cooked noodles to the skillet and toss with the peanut butter-vegetable mixture.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, topped with broccoli florets if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries
Elevate your snack game with this simple recipe that transforms zucchinis into crispy, cheesy fries! Perfect for a quick and healthy treat or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt, to taste
– Optional: garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning for extra flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice zucchinis into fry shapes.
3. In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
4. Dip each zucchini fry into the breadcrumb mixture, coating evenly.
5. Place fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt (and optional seasonings).
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to impress your family and friends with these effortless easy 3-ingredient recipes! From classic comfort food to international-inspired dishes, we’ve got you covered. Try Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, Lemon Herb Chicken Skillet, or Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole for a quick and delicious dinner. Or, go for something new like Teriyaki Salmon with Rice, Spicy Black Bean Tacos, or Cilantro Lime Shrimp Bowls. With only three ingredients per recipe, you can’t go wrong! Whether you’re short on time or just looking for some inspiration, these recipes are sure to please.
