15 One-Pan Dinners to Simplify Your Weeknight Meals

In our fast-paced lives, weeknight dinners can often feel like a chore. Between work, family commitments, and the myriad of responsibilities that come with everyday living, the thought of preparing an elaborate meal can be daunting. That’s where one-pan dinners come in! They are not only time-saving but also minimize clean-up, allowing you to enjoy delicious meals without the stress. Below, we present 15 one-pan dinner ideas that will make your weeknights easier and more enjoyable.

1. One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Asparagus

This flavorful dish combines tender chicken thighs with fresh asparagus, all tossed in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce. It’s a complete dinner that looks fancy, but comes together in just one pan.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs
• 1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear them until golden brown on both sides.
4. Add minced garlic and asparagus, followed by lemon juice and zest.
5. Transfer to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.

2. One-Pan Beef Stroganoff

This creamy beef stroganoff is made in one pan for easy preparation and clean-up. With tender beef and mushrooms in a rich sauce, serve it over your favorite pasta or rice.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef sirloin, sliced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, brown the beef slices over medium-high heat.
2. Add onions and mushrooms, and sauté until softened.
3. Stir in garlic, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce and let simmer.
4. Reduce heat and mix in sour cream, then season with salt and pepper.

3. One-Pan Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl

This healthy, vibrant quinoa bowl is packed with vegetables and protein, making it a nutritious choice for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• Olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for dressing

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, bring vegetable broth to a boil.
2. Add quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
3. Once cooked, fluff quinoa and combine with vegetables and chickpeas.
4. Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

4. One-Pan Shrimp Tacos

Quick and easy shrimp tacos made entirely in one pan! Top with fresh avocado and a squeeze of lime for a delightful meal ready in less than 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 8 small tortillas
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 cup cabbage, shredded
• Lime wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, season the shrimp with chili powder and cumin.
2. Sauté shrimp until they turn pink and are cooked through.
3. Warm tortillas in the skillet, then fill with shrimp, avocado, and cabbage.
4. Serve with lime wedges.

5. One-Pan Fajitas

These chicken fajitas are bursting with flavor and made all in one skillet. It’s the perfect way to bring Tex-Mex to your kitchen on a busy weekday.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning
• Tortillas and toppings (sour cream, salsa, cheese)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add chicken and fajita seasoning; cook until chicken is no longer pink.
3. Add bell pepper and onion; sauté until softened.
4. Serve with warm tortillas and desired toppings.

6. One-Pan Honey Garlic Salmon

This dish features salmon fillets cooked to perfection, coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze, and served alongside asparagus.

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1 lb asparagus, trimmed
• ¼ cup honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together honey, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Place salmon and asparagus on a baking sheet and brush with honey mixture.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily.

7. One-Pan Cheesy Vegetable and Rice Casserole

This comforting casserole is full of veggies and topped with gooey cheese, making it a family favorite for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, bring vegetable broth to a boil.
2. Add rice, reduce heat, and cover to cook for 15 minutes.
3. Stir in broccoli and bell pepper; cook for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Sprinkle cheese on top and cover until melted.

8. One-Pan Italian Sausage and Peppers

Juicy Italian sausage paired with vibrant bell peppers and onions is an easy, hearty dish everyone will love.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Italian sausage, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, cook sausage until browned.
2. Add onions, peppers, garlic, and Italian seasoning; sauté until tender.
3. Serve with crusty bread or over rice.

9. One-Pan Ratatouille

This classic French dish is a colorful medley of summer vegetables. Perfect for meal prep, it’s a nutritious side or main dish that’s light yet filling.

Ingredients:

• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 eggplant, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups diced tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add all vegetables and garlic; sauté until soft.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper; simmer for 30 minutes.

10. One-Pan Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry

This quick and easy stir-fry is rich in flavor and can be served over rice or noodles. Use whatever vegetables you have on hand!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, snap peas)
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken; cook until no longer pink.
3. Add vegetables and garlic; stir-fry for 5-7 minutes.
4. Pour in soy sauce and cook for another minute.

11. One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Chicken

This rich and creamy dish is infused with Italian flavors and is perfect over pasta or served with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 cup spinach
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat; cook chicken until golden.
2. Add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning; stir well.
3. Pour in heavy cream and simmer until the sauce thickens.

12. One-Pan Pork Chops and Apples

This sweet and savory dish combines juicy pork chops with tart apples and onions, perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients:

• 4 pork chops
• 2 apples, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; season pork chops with salt and pepper.
2. Cook pork chops until browned, then add apples and onions.
3. Cover and cook until pork is cooked through and apples are tender.

13. One-Pan Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells

An easy and comforting meal featuring pasta shells stuffed with a creamy spinach and cheese mixture, baked to perfection in one dish.

Ingredients:

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup spinach, cooked and chopped
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions; drain.
3. In a bowl, mix ricotta, spinach, and salt.
4. Stuff each shell with the mixture, place in a baking dish, and cover with marinara sauce and mozzarella.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.

14. One-Pan Coconut Curry Chicken

This creamy coconut curry is loaded with flavor and comes together quickly in one pan. Serve with rice for a delightful meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
• 1 can coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; add chicken and cook until browned.
2. Add curry powder and mix well.
3. Pour in coconut milk and add broccoli; simmer until chicken is cooked.

15. One-Pan Beef and Broccoli

This classic dish is a favorite take-out option that you can easily prepare at home. Fresh broccoli and tender beef cooked in a savory sauce make for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef flank steak, sliced thinly
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• ½ cup soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, heat a little oil and add the sliced beef. Cook until browned.
2. Add broccoli and sauté for 4-5 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, garlic, and cornstarch; pour over beef and broccoli.
4. Cook until sauce thickens and serve over rice.

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