Night after night, coming up with something for dinner can feel overwhelming. Just looking at a long list of ingredients is asking for too much sometimes. But, simple ingredients doesn’t necessarily mean that you won’t be making a tasty meal that looks like it took a lot more effort than it really did (the best kind, right?) These 3 ingredient dinners are fabulous go-to’s that will help you get family dinner on the table without spending too much time getting everything together.

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We’ve rounded up dinner ideas that require just a few things. Some recipes use store bought shortcuts and others might be made even easier with some pre-prepped dicing and chopping, especially on those weeks when you know ahead of time that you’ll be running around everywhere. Of course, the usual spices, oils or other staples your kitchen is probably always stocked with are not counted. Enjoy these dinner ideas, perfect for the end of a busy day!

3 ingredient dinners that are tasty and effortless

1. Tortellini with tomato and basil

While you roast your cherry tomatoes—about 25 minutes on 425°F in an oven-safe baking dish with oil, salt and pepper, toss, then pop it back in for an additional 15 minutes on 200°F—cook the tortellini according to the package instructions, drain, then add the pasta to the tomatoes and top it all off with basil.

2. Sweet potato and Brussels sprouts hash with sausage

The sweet potatoes can be steamed in a microwave-safe bowl with a bit of water added and a tight plastic cover for a few minutes. Dice the sausage (any flavor will do) and cook it on a skillet with oil added. Then swap the sausage for the Brussels sprouts, add a bit more oil and cook until tender. Mix everything together with salt and pepper and enjoy!

3. Creamy rotisserie chicken

You can use celery, broccoli or, really, any kind of crunchy green your family favors. Dice it, mix with chopped chicken and fold in plain or flavored mayonnaise. Season however you like and put the spread on a tortilla, sandwich bread or devour it straight from the bowl. Either way, it’s tasty and a true 3 ingredient dinner winner.

4. Chicken salad shells

Rotisserie chicken can really be used for so many things. Shredded chicken and a bag of grocery store salad mix with your choice of tostada shells, soft taco shells or crunchy taco shells are all you need for this quick dinner recipe. Just assemble and serve. Plus, if you wanted to swap out the chicken for beans, you can make a vegetarian option also.

5. White bean and pesto risotto with pesto

Toss the canned white beans with oil, salt and pepper in an oven-safe pan. Roast for about 20 minutes, making sure to stir halfway. While that’s going, cook your risotto following the directions on the package. Plate the risotto and beans with a dollop of pesto.

6. Baked ravioli

In an oven-safe dish, layer your ingredients in this order: sauce, cheese, ravioli. Repeat, then cover with foil and cook on 400°F for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes. Refrigerated or frozen ravioli, your choice of cheese (or cheeses!), and whatever pasta sauce your family enjoys are all it takes for this easy peasy dish.

7. Baby bok choy with shrimp

What counts as a quick dinner recipe and a 3 ingredient dinners healthy option? This stir fry, of course! Heat up some oil in a cooking pan, a wok if you have one, stir in chopped garlic and slowly add in the shrimp. Once the shrimp is about halfway cooked, add salt and toss in the baby bok choy. Stir fry, then dish out.

8. Black bean soup

Combine canned black beans, diced tomatoes and chicken (or vegetable) broth in a large pot. Bring to a boil and let simmer for about 10 minutes. Then blend it all up and serve.

9. Tomato cheese toasts

On an oven-safe tray, arrange toast slices then top off with cheese and sliced tomatoes. Broil for just about 5 minutes then check to see if they’re ready or if they need an extra minute or two. Indulge in cheesy goodness!

10. Tomato soup with gnocchi and spinach

Sounds too good to be true but, yes, this just might become a new family favorite quick dinner recipe. In a large pot, heat up grocery store tomato soup then add in packaged gnocchi (even better if you can find the stuffed version) and cook thoroughly. Just a few minutes before it’s done, stir in the spinach, let it wilt, then serve.

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