Quick and Easy 5-Ingredient Comfort Food Dinners

Say goodbye to bland dinners. Here are some easy dinner ideas that are all done in 30 minutes or less and consist of only five ingredients, making them simple yet delicious.

Red Curry Chicken

Boneless chicken in a curry-coconut cream sauce paired with rice noodles is surprisingly easy to make. You can toss in some broccoli for a pop of color, too.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 (16 oz) package of skinless, boneless chicken breast halves cut into small cubes
• 1 (14 oz) can cream of coconut
• 1 (11 oz) bottle of red Thai curry sauce
• ½ (16 oz) package of dried rice stick vermicelli noodles

Instructions:

1. Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet on high heat. Then add chicken cubes; cook until browned, about two minutes per side. Reduce the heat to medium-high and add curry sauce and coconut cream. Cook until chicken is white in the center and the juices run clear. Use a thermometer to make sure the chicken cooks fully.
2. Fill up a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Stir in pasta. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about four to five minutes. Drain.
3. Reduce skillet heat to simmer. Add the noodles and let everything simmer until the flavors are fully absorbed. Divide chicken and noodles among individual serving bowls.

Spaghetti alla Carbonara

This old-school Italian masterpiece has roots in Rome, and there’s no need to add cream or anything extra. Just stick to the classic ingredients.

Ingredients:

• Olive oil
• Guanciale (or substitute with unsmoked bacon or pancetta)
• Spaghetti (or bucatini)
• 3 large eggs
• Pecorino Romano cheese (substitute or mix 50/50 with Parmigiano if preferred)

Instructions:

1. Cook guanciale in olive oil until browned and crispy and drain on paper towels.
2. Boil spaghetti in salted water, drain, and return to the pot. Let it cool.
3. In a bowl, whisk eggs, half of the cheese, and some pepper until smooth.
4. Pour the eggs over the pasta and stir the mixture quickly until creamy.
5. Stir in the guanciale, then top with the remaining cheese and salt and pepper.

Roasted Salmon With Sauce

This salmon recipe is a quick taste of fancy. A sweet, fruity vino makes the magic sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 (1 1/2 lb) salmon fillet, skin removed
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup dry white vino
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Place the salmon fillet on a rimmed baking sheet and season with salt.
2. Bake until the fish flakes easily with a fork, about 15 minutes.
3. For the sauce, melt butter in a small saucepan. Whisk in flour, cook for one minute, then stir in vino. Make it boil, then reduce heat to low.
4. Simmer until the liquid is evaporated by half, 8 to 10 minutes.
5. Stir in the chives and season with salt and pepper. You can add fresh dill and/or capers for an extra zing.
6. Break the salmon into large chunks, and serve topped with the sauce.