5 Ingredient Vegetarian Recipes BuzzFeed Loves to Try

Updated On: October 4, 2025

Are you looking to whip up delicious, satisfying vegetarian meals without the hassle of a long grocery list or complicated cooking steps? You’re in the right place!

Today, we’re diving into the world of 5 ingredient vegetarian recipes inspired by the simplicity and creativity you often find on BuzzFeed. These recipes are perfect for busy weeknights, beginner cooks, or anyone wanting to enjoy fresh, wholesome meals without spending hours in the kitchen.

These dishes use everyday pantry staples combined with fresh produce to create vibrant flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re craving something hearty, light, or packed with nutrients, these recipes prove that less really is more in the kitchen.

Plus, with only five ingredients, clean-up is a breeze!

Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What makes these 5 ingredient vegetarian recipes so irresistible? First, they save you precious time and reduce food waste by focusing on simple, versatile ingredients.

Each recipe is designed to bring out the natural flavors of the components without relying on heavy sauces or complicated techniques.

Additionally, these meals are budget-friendly and perfect for meal prepping. Whether you want to impress guests or just enjoy a quick solo dinner, these recipes are adaptable and satisfying.

Plus, they offer a wonderful way to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet effortlessly.

Ingredients

Below, you’ll find a selection of ingredients used across these five different recipes. Each recipe sticks to just five key ingredients, keeping shopping easy and cooking fun.

Recipe Ingredients
1. Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
  • 8 oz pasta (penne or spaghetti)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
  • 2 cloves garlic
2. Chickpea Spinach Curry
  • 1 can chickpeas (15 oz)
  • 3 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 small onion
  • 1 cup canned coconut milk
  • 2 tbsp curry powder
3. Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
  • 4 large portobello mushrooms
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
4. Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes
  • 1 can black beans (15 oz)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • 1/2 cup salsa verde
5. Avocado Chickpea Salad
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 1 can chickpeas (15 oz)
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta or roasting vegetables
  • Skillet or frying pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Colander
  • Baking sheet (for mushrooms or sweet potatoes)

Instructions

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté garlic in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of olive oil until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until they begin to soften and release juices, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in the cream and fresh basil leaves. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
  5. Toss pasta into the sauce, mixing well. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately.

Chickpea Spinach Curry

  1. Dice onion and sauté in a pan with a splash of oil until translucent.
  2. Add curry powder and cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  3. Drain and rinse chickpeas, add to the pan along with coconut milk.
  4. Simmer gently for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  5. Stir in fresh spinach until wilted. Season with salt and pepper, then serve with rice or flatbread.

Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Remove stems and clean portobello mushrooms.
  3. Fill each mushroom cap with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves.
  4. Bake on a lined baking sheet for 15-20 minutes until mushrooms are tender and cheese is melted.
  5. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the top before serving.

Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Peel and dice sweet potatoes, toss with smoked paprika and a drizzle of oil.
  3. Roast sweet potatoes on a baking sheet for 25-30 minutes until tender.
  4. Warm black beans in a small pot.
  5. Assemble tacos by layering sweet potatoes, black beans, and salsa verde on corn tortillas.

Avocado Chickpea Salad

  1. Drain and rinse chickpeas, then mash roughly in a bowl.
  2. Dice avocado and add to chickpeas.
  3. Mix in finely chopped red onion and lemon juice.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Serve as a sandwich filling, on toast, or as a salad topping.

Tips & Variations

“Don’t be afraid to swap in your favorite herbs or spices to customize these dishes to your liking. For example, add chili flakes to the pasta for some heat, or swap basil for cilantro in the chickpea curry.”

For the pasta, try using gluten-free noodles or spiralized zucchini to lighten it up. When making the curry, you can add chopped tomatoes or a splash of lemon juice for extra zing.

The stuffed mushrooms are perfect with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast if you want a cheesy flavor without dairy. For the tacos, experiment with different beans like pinto or kidney beans, and add a squeeze of lime for freshness.

If you want to bulk up the avocado chickpea salad, toss in some chopped cucumber or bell peppers. It’s also delicious with a dash of cumin or smoked paprika.

Nutrition Facts

Recipe Calories (per serving) Protein Carbohydrates Fat Fiber
Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta 350 10g 50g 12g 3g
Chickpea Spinach Curry 400 15g 45g 18g 8g
Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms 280 12g 15g 18g 2g
Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos 320 10g 50g 5g 7g
Avocado Chickpea Salad 350 12g 30g 18g 9g

Serving Suggestions

These recipes shine on their own but can also be paired with some simple sides to round out your meal. Add a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to complement the flavors.

For the pasta, a side of garlic bread or a fresh cucumber salad works beautifully. The curry pairs well with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread.

Serve the stuffed mushrooms with a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The sweet potato tacos are perfect alongside some guacamole or pickled red onions.

The avocado chickpea salad can be served on toasted sourdough or stuffed in pita pockets for a quick lunch option.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out our Breakfast Wellington Recipe for an elegant start to your day, or try the Bread And Gravy Recipe for comforting flavors.

If you’re curious about unique protein options, explore Bluebill Duck Recipes for gourmet inspiration.

Conclusion

Embracing simple, delicious vegetarian meals doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor or spending hours in the kitchen. These 5 ingredient vegetarian recipes are proof that wholesome, satisfying dishes can be made quickly and easily with just a few fresh ingredients.

Each recipe offers a balance of nutrition, vibrant flavors, and ease of preparation, making them perfect for busy lifestyles or anyone looking to add more plant-based meals to their repertoire. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned pro, these recipes are flexible and welcoming to your own creativity.

So next time you need a quick, tasty vegetarian meal, remember these easy ideas and enjoy the art of simple cooking!

📖 Recipe Card: 5 Ingredient Vegetarian Pasta

Description: A quick and easy vegetarian pasta dish with minimal ingredients. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions and drain.
  2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  3. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
  5. Toss cooked pasta with tomato mixture and fresh basil.
  6. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top and serve warm.

Nutrition: Calories: 380 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 14 g | Carbs: 52 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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