10 Delicious One-Pan Dinners to Simplify Your Mealtime Routine

The eternal quest for a stress-free dinner solution: one-pan wonders to the rescue! Who hasn’t found themselves scrambling to get a meal on the table after a long day, only to be faced with a sink full of dirty dishes and a kitchen in disarray? Enter the one-pan dinner —a culinary savior that not only simplifies cooking but also yields a flavorful, satisfying meal with minimal cleanup.

With the right combination of ingredients and cooking techniques, a single pan can become your best friend in the kitchen, transforming humble components into a harmonious whole that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the most mouth-watering one-pan dinner ideas to add to your repertoire and make mealtime a breeze.

One-Pan Garlic Lemon Chicken

One-Pan Garlic Lemon Chicken is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that packs a punch of flavor in every bite. The chicken is marinated with zesty lemon and aromatic garlic, resulting in a juicy and tender texture. Paired with fresh vegetables, this one-pan meal not only simplifies cooking but also makes cleanup a breeze.

PIN IT

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). 2. In a bowl, mix together the juice of 2 lemons, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. 3. Marinate the chicken thighs in the lemon-garlic mixture for at least 30 minutes. 4. In a large oven-safe skillet, place the marinated chicken and add chopped vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli around it. 5. Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken and vegetables. 6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). 7. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving, garnished with fresh parsley.

Sheet Pan Veggie and Quinoa Bake

The Sheet Pan Veggie and Quinoa Bake is a colorful and nutritious dish that brings together an abundance of seasonal vegetables and protein-packed quinoa. This one-pan dinner is not only easy to prepare but also offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will please any palate. Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is a healthy option that requires minimal cleanup.

PIN IT

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). 2. On a large baking sheet, combine 2 cups of chopped seasonal vegetables (like bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli) with 1 cup of cooked quinoa. 3. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs (like thyme or oregano). 4. Toss everything together until the vegetables are well coated. 5. Spread the mixture evenly across the baking sheet. 6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized. 7. Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly, and serve warm.

One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Salmon

One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Salmon is a delightful dish that combines tender salmon fillets with a rich and creamy sauce, infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. This recipe not only bursts with flavor but also minimizes cleanup, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. Serve it over pasta or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

PIN IT

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet skin-side down. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy, then flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. 2. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing for about a minute until fragrant. 3. Pour in heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer, then stir in fresh spinach until wilted. Add grated Parmesan cheese and mix until smooth. 4. Return the salmon to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the fillets. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through. 5. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

One-Pan Southwest Chicken and Rice

One-Pan Southwest Chicken and Rice is a hearty and flavorful meal that brings together tender chicken, spicy seasonings, and fluffy rice, all cooked in one convenient dish. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, as it requires minimal cleanup while still delivering bold flavors that will delight the whole family. Enjoy the combination of vibrant bell peppers, black beans, and zesty lime that make each bite a fiesta for your taste buds.

PIN IT

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season 4 chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and southwest seasoning, and brown them on both sides. 2. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add 1 diced onion, 1 diced bell pepper, and 2 minced garlic cloves, cooking until softened. 3. Stir in 1 cup of uncooked rice, 2 cups of chicken broth, and 1 can of black beans (rinsed and drained). 4. Add the chicken back to the skillet, cover, and bring to a boil. 5. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the chicken is fully cooked through. 6. Fluff the rice and combine it with the chicken, then squeeze fresh lime juice over the top before serving.

Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas

Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas are a vibrant and quick one-pan dinner that captures the essence of Tex-Mex cuisine. Bursting with flavor from seasoned shrimp, bell peppers, and onions, this dish comes together effortlessly on a single sheet pan for easy cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights, these fajitas are sure to become a family favorite.

PIN IT

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine peeled and deveined shrimp with sliced bell peppers, onions, olive oil, and your choice of fajita seasoning. Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until the shrimp are cooked through and vegetables are tender. Serve with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings like avocado, cilantro, and lime.

One-Pan Mediterranean Chickpea Stew

One-Pan Mediterranean Chickpea Stew is a delightful and wholesome dish that brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. Packed with protein-rich chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices, this stew is both nourishing and satisfying. Ideal for busy weeknights, it requires minimal cleanup and can be served on its own or with crusty bread.

PIN IT

1. In a large skillet or pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant. 2. Add chopped bell peppers, diced carrots, and zucchini; sauté until the vegetables are tender. 3. Mix in canned chickpeas, diced tomatoes (with their juices), vegetable broth, and spices such as cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. 4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the stew thickens. 5. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley or basil.

One-Pan Sausage and Peppers

One-Pan Sausage and Peppers is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings together savory sausage, sweet bell peppers, and aromatic onions in one convenient skillet. This easy meal is perfect for busy weeknights, providing a delicious dinner without the hassle of multiple pots and pans. Savor the vibrant colors and robust flavors that make this dish a family favorite.

PIN IT

1. Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding a splash of olive oil. 2. Slice your choice of sausages (such as Italian or chicken) into bite-sized pieces and cook them in the skillet until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. 3. Remove the sausages and set aside, then add sliced bell peppers and onions to the same skillet, sautéing until softened and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes. 4. Return the sausages to the pan, season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs (like oregano and basil), and stir everything together. 5. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through and flavors meld. 6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

One-Pan Pesto Pasta Bake

One-Pan Pesto Pasta Bake is a delightful and easy meal that combines the vibrant flavors of basil pesto with tender pasta. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, as everything cooks together in one pan, infusing the pasta with rich, aromatic flavors. Topped with melted cheese, it’s a comforting dish that the whole family will love.

PIN IT

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). 2. In a large oven-safe skillet or pan, combine uncooked pasta, pesto, diced tomatoes, and vegetable or chicken broth. 3. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer over medium heat. 4. Once simmering, cover the pan with a lid or foil and transfer it to the oven. 5. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the pasta is cooked al dente. 6. Remove from the oven, uncover, and stir in shredded cheese. 7. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. 8. Let cool slightly before serving, and garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp

Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp is a quick and delicious seafood dish that brings together shrimp, garlic, and a rich buttery sauce for a satisfying meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, allowing you to enjoy a flavorful dinner without the fuss of multiple pots and pans. Simply toss the shrimp with garlic and seasonings on a sheet pan and roast until tender for a delightful one-pan dinner.

PIN IT

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). 2. In a bowl, toss shrimp with melted butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. 3. Spread the shrimp evenly on a sheet pan and bake for about 8-10 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and opaque. 4. Optional: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

One-Pan Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables

One-Pan Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables is a delicious and easy weeknight meal that combines savory chicken with vibrant vegetables. This dish is packed with flavor thanks to a homemade teriyaki sauce that glazes the chicken perfectly. It’s not only quick to prepare but also minimizes cleanup, making it a family favorite for busy nights.

PIN IT

1. Begin by marinating bite-sized chicken pieces in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger for at least 30 minutes. 2. In a large skillet or pan, heat oil over medium-high heat and cook the marinated chicken until browned and cooked through. 3. Add your choice of vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas to the pan, and stir-fry for a few minutes until they are tender-crisp. 4. Pour more teriyaki sauce over the chicken and vegetables, cooking for an additional couple of minutes. 5. Serve hot over rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.