One-Pan Dinner Recipes for Easy Cleanup

After a long day, the last thing you want to deal with is a sink full of dishes. Enter one-pan dinners: the ultimate solution for a delicious meal with minimal cleanup. These recipes not only save time but also ensure that your kitchen stays tidy. From hearty meats to vibrant veggies, these one-pan dinners are as diverse as they are convenient. Here are some of the best one-pan recipes to make your weeknight dinners a breeze.

1. One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Vegetables

This Lemon Herb Chicken and Vegetables dish is a flavor-packed, hassle-free dinner that’s perfect for busy evenings.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups baby potatoes, halved
• 1 cup baby carrots
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. On a large baking sheet, toss baby potatoes and carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken breasts on the baking sheet and season with rosemary, thyme, garlic, and lemon juice.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips:

• For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand, such as bell peppers or zucchini.

2. Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas

These Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas are vibrant and easy to make, bringing a taste of the Southwest to your table with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning
• Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Tortillas for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. On a large baking sheet, toss shrimp, bell peppers, and onion with olive oil and fajita seasoning.
3. Spread everything out in an even layer and bake for 10-12 minutes, until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
4. Squeeze lime juice over the top and garnish with fresh cilantro.
5. Serve with warm tortillas.

Tips:

• Use pre-cut veggies to save time.
• Top with avocado or salsa for added flavor.

3. One-Pan Baked Ziti

This One-Pan Baked Ziti is a comforting Italian dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups ziti or penne pasta
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large ovenproof skillet or baking dish, combine uncooked pasta and marinara sauce. Stir to coat pasta evenly.
3. Dot the mixture with spoonfuls of ricotta cheese and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
4. Season with basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips:

• Use a non-stick or well-greased pan to prevent sticking.
• Add cooked ground beef or sausage for extra protein.

4. One-Pan Sausage and Peppers

One-Pan Sausage and Peppers is a classic, easy meal that’s full of flavor and very simple to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Italian sausage links
• 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. On a large baking sheet, toss bell peppers and onion with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Nestle sausage links among the vegetables.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes, until sausage is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
5. Slice sausage before serving.

Tips:

• Serve with crusty bread or over pasta for a complete meal.
• For added flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine.

5. One-Pan Teriyaki Chicken and Rice

This One-Pan Teriyaki Chicken and Rice is a quick, flavorful meal that cooks everything in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
• Sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken thighs and cook until browned on both sides, about 4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add rice, chicken broth, and teriyaki sauce. Stir to combine.
4. Return chicken to the skillet and top with broccoli florets.
5. Cover and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
6. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.

Tips:

• Use pre-cut broccoli or other vegetables to save time.
• For a spicier version, add a splash of sriracha to the teriyaki sauce.

6. One-Pan Mediterranean Chickpeas and Vegetables

This One-Pan Mediterranean Chickpeas and Vegetables dish is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a great option for a quick, healthy meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Crumbled feta cheese for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and red onion with olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper on a large baking sheet.
3. Roast for 20-25 minutes, until vegetables are tender and chickpeas are crispy.
4. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese before serving.

Tips:

• Add a handful of olives for extra Mediterranean flavor.
• Serve with warm pita bread or over a bed of greens.

7. One-Pan Teriyaki Salmon and Asparagus

This One-Pan Teriyaki Salmon and Asparagus is a healthy and quick dinner that combines tender salmon with crisp asparagus.

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
• 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place salmon fillets and asparagus on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and teriyaki sauce, and sprinkle with garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until salmon is cooked through and asparagus is tender.
5. Serve with lemon wedges.

Tips:

• For added flavor, marinate the salmon in teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Add a side of rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

8. One-Pan Beef and Broccoli

This One-Pan Beef and Broccoli is a quick and easy take on the classic Chinese dish, perfect for busy nights.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Cooked rice for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove beef and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add broccoli and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender.
5. Return beef to the skillet and stir in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch mixture. Cook until the sauce thickens.
6. Serve over cooked rice.

Tips:

• Use pre-cut beef strips for faster prep.
• Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped scallions for garnish.

9. One-Pan Mediterranean Chicken Bake

This One-Pan Mediterranean Chicken Bake is full of fresh flavors and easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted
• 1/2 cup red onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Crumbled feta cheese for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. On a large baking sheet, toss cherry tomatoes, olives, and red onion with olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken thighs on top of the vegetables.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
5. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese before serving.

Tips:

• Serve with a side of couscous or quinoa for a complete meal.
• Use lemon zest for extra freshness.

10. One-Pan Chicken Parmesan

This One-Pan Chicken Parmesan is a comforting, classic dish that’s both easy to make and clean up.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Dredge chicken breasts in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs.
3. Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden, about 3 minutes per side.
4. Top each chicken breast with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella.
5. Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted.
6. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Tips:

For a lighter version, use whole wheat breadcrumbs and reduced-fat cheese.

Serve with spaghetti or a simple green salad for a complete meal.