Are you a cooking newbie looking to whip up some delicious meals without breaking out the recipe book or making a trip to the grocery store? Look no further! We’ve got you covered with our collection of 18 easy 7-ingredient recipes that are perfect for beginners. From comforting pasta dishes to flavorful salads and savory main courses, these recipes require minimal ingredients and effort, yet pack plenty of flavor and excitement.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the simplest and most satisfying recipes you can make with just 7 ingredients or fewer. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic and comforting like our 7-Ingredient Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta or looking to spice things up with our 7-Ingredient Spicy Black Bean Tacos, we’ve got a recipe that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
7-Ingredient Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
This recipe is a flavorful and satisfying combination of succulent shrimp, garlic butter, and al dente pasta, all ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine work well)
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 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-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
4. If using white wine, add to the skillet and simmer for an additional minute.
5. Combine cooked pasta, shrimp mixture, and reserved pasta water. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
7-Ingredient One-Pot Chicken and Rice
This recipe is a hearty and flavorful one-pot dish that combines chicken, rice, and spices for a quick and easy meal. With only 7 ingredients, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 cups uncooked white or brown rice
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot.
3. Add rice to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add chicken broth, thyme, paprika, and salt. Stir to combine.
5. Return the chicken to the pot and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until rice is cooked and liquid has been absorbed.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
7-Ingredient Slow Cooker Beef Stew
A hearty and comforting slow cooker recipe that’s perfect for a chilly evening or a busy day when you need a warm meal to come home to. This stew is made with tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and a rich broth that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef chuck roast
– 1 onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup carrots, peeled and sliced
– 1 cup potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions:
1. Add the beef roast to the slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the onion, garlic, carrots, and potatoes. Spread over the beef in the slow cooker.
3. Pour in the diced tomatoes and sprinkle with thyme.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
7-Ingredient Baked Lemon Butter Salmon
A bright and citrusy twist on traditional salmon recipes, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With only seven ingredients, you’ll be amazed at how much flavor comes together in just 20 minutes!
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 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.
3. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
4. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, lemon juice, garlic, and thyme until well combined.
5. Spread the lemon butter mixture evenly over each salmon fillet.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
7-Ingredient Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
A classic comfort food recipe that’s easy to make and packed with flavor! This creamy tomato basil soup is perfect for a cozy night in or a quick lunch option.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add chopped tomatoes, heavy cream, basil, and oregano. Stir well.
4. Bring mixture to a simmer and let cook for 15-20 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
7-Ingredient Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
This recipe is a flavorful twist on classic chicken thighs, featuring the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors from honey and garlic. With just 7 ingredients and minimal prep work, you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table in no time.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, garlic, olive oil, and Dijon mustard.
3. Place chicken thighs in a large bowl and pour the honey-garlic mixture over them. Toss until coated.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange chicken thighs in a single layer.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway through.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
7-Ingredient Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
A comforting and flavorful casserole perfect for a weeknight dinner or potluck gathering. This easy-to-make dish combines the creaminess of cheese with the crunch of broccoli and rice.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, broccoli florets, and shredded cheese.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the rice mixture; stir until well combined.
4. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is hot and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
7-Ingredient Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken
Elevate your dinner game with this flavorful and simple recipe that combines the brightness of spinach, the tanginess of feta, and the juiciness of chicken.
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 zest
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together spinach, feta cheese, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
3. Lay chicken breasts flat and divide the spinach-feta mixture among them, placing it in the center of each breast.
4. Fold chicken over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
5. Place stuffed chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
7-Ingredient Avocado Tuna Salad Wraps
Savor the flavors of the ocean with this refreshing and healthy recipe that combines the creaminess of avocado with the richness of tuna. Perfect for a quick lunch or snack, these wraps are a delight to eat.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna (drained)
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1/2 cup of mixed greens
– 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 whole wheat tortilla wraps
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the tuna, avocado, mixed greens, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard.
2. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Lay out the tortilla wraps on a flat surface.
5. Divide the tuna salad mixture evenly among the wraps.
6. Roll up each wrap tightly and serve.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
7-Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Whip up a batch of these 7-Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Cookies for a tasty snack that’s perfect for any time of day. With the natural sweetness of bananas and the richness of peanut butter, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, peanut butter, and oats. Mix until smooth.
3. Add sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until a dough forms.
4. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
6. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
7-Ingredient Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
These savory bites combine the freshness of a classic Caprese salad with the earthy goodness of Portobello mushrooms. Perfect for a quick and impressive appetizer or snack.
Ingredients:
– 4 large Portobello mushrooms, stems removed and caps cleaned
– 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together mozzarella cheese, cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves.
3. Stuff each mushroom cap with the Caprese mixture, dividing it evenly among the four mushrooms.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed mushrooms and season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is heated through.
6. If desired, drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
7-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
Looking for a flavorful and crowd-pleasing snack? These 7-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders are the perfect solution! Slow-cooked pork shoulder is tenderized in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, then piled high onto soft buns.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 4 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together BBQ sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and salt.
3. Place pork shoulder in a large Dutch oven or slow cooker. Pour BBQ mixture over the top.
4. Cook for 8-10 hours or until pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
5. Shred pork with two forks and stir to combine with remaining BBQ sauce.
6. Split hamburger buns in half and toast lightly.
7. Assemble sliders by spooning shredded pork onto buns, followed by coleslaw (if using).
Cook Time: 8-10 hours
7-Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls
Get a boost of energy with these no-bake bites, perfect for a quick snack or post-workout treat!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet)
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, peanut butter, and honey. Mix until well combined.
2. Add the softened butter, chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Use your hands to shape the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. You should end up with around 12-15 energy balls.
4. Place the energy balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until firm.
Cooking Time: None! These no-bake bites are ready to eat as soon as they’re chilled.
Enjoy your delicious and nutritious 7-Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls!
7-Ingredient Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
This 7-ingredient salad combines the creaminess of chickpeas with the bright flavors of the Mediterranean. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, this recipe is easy to make and packed with nutrients.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas (15 oz)
– 1/2 cup chopped red onion
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, red onion, feta cheese, and parsley.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and squeeze in the lemon juice.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
7-Ingredient Cilantro Lime Quinoa Bowls
Elevate your meal game with this refreshing quinoa bowl recipe that combines the brightness of lime and cilantro with the comfort of fluffy quinoa.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions using water or broth.
2. In a large skillet, heat the lime juice over medium-high heat.
3. Add the cilantro, bell pepper, and black beans to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
4. Fluff cooked quinoa with a fork and divide it among bowls.
5. Top each bowl with the vegetable mixture, season with salt, and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
7-Ingredient Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries
Transform zucchinis into crispy, cheesy, and deliciously addictive fries with this simple recipe! With only a few ingredients, you can create a tasty snack that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice zucchinis into fry shapes.
3. In a bowl, mix together panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
4. Toss zucchini fries with olive oil, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and garlic until evenly coated.
5. Dip each zucchini fry into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
6. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the coated zucchini fries in a single layer.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
7-Ingredient Spicy Black Bean Tacos
Elevate your taco game with this quick and flavorful recipe that combines the spicy kick of chipotle peppers with the comfort of black beans. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
Ingredients:
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped
• 8-10 corn tortillas
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
2. Add the jalapeño, garlic, and chipotle pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Stir in the black beans and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
4. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
5. Assemble tacos by spooning the bean mixture onto a tortilla and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
7-Ingredient Coconut Curry Lentil Soup
Warm up with this flavorful and nutritious soup that combines the comfort of lentils with the exotic spices of coconut curry.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup red or green lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons curry powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until lentils are tender.
2. Stir in coconut milk, curry powder, and cumin. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Summary
Discover the simplicity of cooking with these 18 easy-to-make recipes, all requiring just 7 ingredients or less! From seafood to meat, and from comfort food to healthy bowls, this collection has something for everyone. Try making 7-Ingredient Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, One-Pot Chicken and Rice, or Slow Cooker Beef Stew. Or, go for something sweet like Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Cookies or Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls. Whatever your craving, these recipes are sure to impress with their ease and flavor. Start cooking today!
Leave a Reply