Imagine rushing back home after a long day of work only to realize you still need to prepare lunch. Time is limited, energy is low and thinking about cooking a meal feels like an overwhelming task. What if there was an easy way out? Yes, a lavish home-cooked meal doesn’t take forever if you know how to put three simple ingredients to use. If you are a working professional, a busy parent, or even a student always on-the-go, anyone can enjoy these easy recipes that are bound to revolutionize the phrase “homemade cooking”.
These quick and delicious meals taste the best when paired with your favorite soups or salads. Enjoy!
Our favorite three-ingredient recipes:
- Creamy Tomato Pasta:
Whether you need something for your lunch break or for a dinner date with a special someone, this no prep comfort food is there for all your cravings.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups of marinara sauce
- 1 pound of pasta (spaghetti, penne, or any variety)
Directions:
- As with any other pasta, boil water, add a pinch of salt and get your pasta to the al dente phase. Drain it and keep it aside.
- While you are letting your pasta cool off, make sure to grab a separate bowl and combine the heavy cream with the marinara sauce. Stir and heat over medium flame until it is warmed through.
- Once ready, warm up your creamy sauce, throw in your pasta and mix until everything is coated, serve hot.
Pro Tip: Sprinkle parmesan or fresh basil if you have some to spare. It’s optional, but the dish will taste better.
- Avocado Toast with Egg:
When short on time for breakfast or lunch, this creamy and protein-packed savory toast always delivers.
Ingredients:
- 2 slices of bread (toasted to your liking)
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 eggs
Directions:
- If you like, add salt, pepper, or any other seasonings while smashing the avocado in a small bowl.
- Place the smashed avocado on the toasted bread and spread evenly.
- Now grab your eggs and cook them however you like – fried, scrambled, or poached. Top each slice of toast with an egg and you’re done. That was easy, right?
Quick Tip: Sourdough and multigrain bread can take flavor to the next level. Add chili flakes for even more exciting.
- Baked Chicken and Veggies:
This hearty, healthy meal takes little time to prep.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 pound of mixed vegetables (carrots, zucchini, broccoli, etc.)
- ½ cup of your favorite vinaigrette (Italian dressing works wonderfully)
Directions:
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking tray lined with parchment paper to simplify cleanup.
- Vinaigrette goes on last, after pouring it over the chicken and vegetables arranged on the tray.
- The chicken must be roasted for 25 to 30 minutes or until it is cooked through while the vegetables are tender.
Smart Swap: feel free to use other vegetables to replace the ones in the recipe. In case you have no zucchini, bell peppers or potatoes are just as great.
- Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie:
With great simplicity comes this creamy, quick snack and post work out treat for you.
Ingredients:
Bananas, 2 pieces (frozen for a creamier texture)
Peanut butter, 2 tablespoons
Cup of milk(dairy or non)- 1
Directions:
Blend all ingredients until you get a smooth mixture.
Pour into your glass and enjoy.
Extra Options: For added nutrition, feel free to add a handful of oats or honey.
- Cheesy Cauliflower Bites:
These bites are as cheesy and crunchy as they get and make for great snacks or side dishes.
Ingredients:
- One medium head of cauliflower (cut into bite sized florets)
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup of breadcrumbs
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking tray with parchment or a light greasing.
- Coat the cheese and breadcrumbs over the cauliflower florets as you mix them in a bowl.
- Bake at 400⁰F for 20-25 minutes after that spread cauliflower evenly on a baking tray and check after 20 minutes until golden and slightly crispy.
Serving Suggestion: They are great with your go-to sauce or anything else to dip them into.
Cooking Tips for A Busy Day
Having a three ingredient recipe is one thing, but here are a few tips to further streamline the process:
Stock Your Pantry Intelligently
Keep stocked items that can be staples like marinara sauce, pasta, bread, peanut butter or chicken. These are the foundation of numerous simple and delicious meals.
Plan For It
For those who tend to be time poor, try to make cooked chicken, roasted veggies, and prepped stone fruits as set and forget ingredients in advance.
Invest in a Multitasking Appliance
Slow cookers or air fryers, for instance, work wonders when you need a multi-tasking device for hectic days.
Moreover, you can enjoy all these nutritional recipes and tips that not only simplify cooking but also make it stress-free and tastefully delicious.
No matter how hectic your schedule becomes, these 3-ingredient recipes, in particular, ensure that you’re never feeling overwhelmed in the kitchen. Whether you’re whipping up smoothies, preparing quick dinners, or making snacks for the kids, these recipes consistently keep deliciousness at the heart of simple solutions. Furthermore, wonderful meals can still be prepared with just a few carefully selected ingredients which, in addition to delivering great flavor, also offer a significant boost in saving time and energy.
So, go ahead and put these recipes to the test to see how well they work for you. As a result, you might be pleasantly surprised by how often you reach for them during the busier periods of your life. Happy cooking!
