After a long day, the last thing anyone wants is a pile of dishes to clean. One-pan dinner recipes are the perfect solution for busy weeknights, offering flavorful meals with minimal prep and cleanup. These recipes simplify cooking without compromising on taste, making them ideal for families or anyone looking for easy, delicious meals.
Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Vegetables
This healthy and flavorful dish combines juicy chicken with roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Toss chicken and vegetables with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano.
- Spread evenly on a sheet pan and roast for 25–30 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
This comforting pasta dish is rich, creamy, and ready in no time.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a large pan.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked and sauce is creamy.
Skillet Sausage and Peppers
A quick and hearty dinner packed with bold flavors.
Ingredients:
- 4 Italian sausages, sliced
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet, then cook sausages until browned.
- Add peppers, onions, and seasoning, cooking until vegetables are tender.
One-Pan Salmon and Asparagus
This elegant yet simple dish is loaded with omega-3s and ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Arrange salmon and asparagus on a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until the salmon is flaky.
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
This quick one-pan stir-fry delivers takeout-style flavor with wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef strips
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch
Instructions:
- Heat sesame oil in a skillet, cook beef strips, and set aside.
- Add broccoli and soy sauce, cooking until tender. Mix in cornstarch to thicken the sauce, then return beef to the skillet.
One-Pan Mexican Rice and Beans
A vegetarian-friendly dish bursting with spices and bold flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rice
- 1 can black beans, rinsed
- 1 cup corn
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a large pan with 2 cups of water.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until rice is tender.
Sheet Pan Teriyaki Chicken and Veggies
Sweet and savory teriyaki sauce makes this dish a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., broccoli, carrots, snap peas)
- ½ cup teriyaki sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Toss chicken and vegetables with olive oil and teriyaki sauce.
- Spread on a sheet pan and bake at 400°F for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
One-Pot Turkey Chili
A hearty and nutritious dish perfect for cooler evenings.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can kidney beans
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
Instructions:
- Brown turkey in a pot, then add onion, tomatoes, beans, and spices.
- Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice
A quick and flavorful seafood dish that’s easy to whip up.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a skillet, add garlic and shrimp, and cook until pink.
- Stir in cooked rice and paprika, heating through before serving.
One-Pan Roasted Veggie and Chickpea Bowl
A colorful and nutrient-packed meal that’s vegan-friendly.
Ingredients:
- 1 can chickpeas, drained
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., zucchini, bell peppers, sweet potatoes)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions:
- Toss chickpeas and vegetables with olive oil and paprika.
- Roast on a sheet pan at 400°F for 20 minutes. Serve with a dollop of hummus or tahini sauce.
These one-pan dinner recipes are the ultimate lifesavers for busy weeknights. With minimal effort and cleanup, you can enjoy wholesome, flavorful meals without the stress. Try these recipes and make your weeknights deliciously simple!