Life can get hectic. Between work, school activities, and keeping up with family needs, finding time for a home-cooked meal is hard. That’s where one-pan dinners come in, offering convenience without compromising taste. These recipes are lifesavers for working parents who want to minimize cleanup but still serve delicious, nutritious meals. With everything prepared in one pan, dinner becomes quicker and easier, giving you more time to unwind. Featuring a variety of proteins and flavors, these recipes are flexible, appealing, and perfect for busy weeknights. Here are 10 simple, flavorful one-pan meals your family will love and easy-to-follow instructions to make cooking stress-free.

1. Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Veggies

This zesty chicken recipe is packed with bright flavors and roasts perfectly alongside fresh veggies.

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups of vegetables (e.g., broccoli, carrots, or green beans)
  • ¼ cup olive oil (plus extra for tossing veggies)
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • A pinch of paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
  2. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  3. Chop 2 cups of veggies (like broccoli, carrots, or green beans) and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on the pan and roast for 20 minutes.
  4. While the veggies roast, mix ¼ cup olive oil, juice of 1 lemon, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon oregano, and a pinch of paprika in a bowl. Coat 4 boneless chicken breasts in this marinade.
  5. After 20 minutes, remove the pan. Add the chicken to the veggies, pouring any leftover marinade over the top.
  6. Roast for another 20–25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
  7. Serve hot and enjoy minimal cleanup!

2. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

This takeout favorite has a healthy, homemade alternative that’s ready in no time.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound flank steak, sliced into small strips
  • 5 tablespoons soy sauce split
  • 2 teaspoon cornstarch split
  • 2 teaspoon ginger split
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (plus 1 teaspoon for sautéing)
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)

Instructions:

  1. Slice 1 pound of flank steak into small strips. Marinate for 30 minutes in a mix of 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon ginger.
  2. While the steak marinates, blanch 2 cups of broccoli florets in boiling water for 3–4 minutes, then transfer them to an ice bath.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a skillet. Add the steak and cook for 3–4 minutes, then remove and set aside.
  4. Add 1 teaspoon oil to the skillet. Sauté 1 small, sliced onion for 2 minutes, then toss in the broccoli.
  5. Mix 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ginger, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch in a bowl and pour it into the skillet. Stir until it thickens, about 2 minutes.
  6. Return steak to the skillet, toss, and serve over rice or noodles.

3. Vegetarian Sweet Potato and Black Bean Hash

This smoky, hearty hash makes a quick, affordable dinner packed with plant-based nutrients.

Ingredients:

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • A pinch of chili powder
  • 1 can black beans, drained
  • Optional toppings: avocado slices or a fried egg

Instructions:

  1. Dice 2 medium sweet potatoes into small cubes (about 1 inch) for even cooking.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sweet potatoes and sauté for 10–12 minutes, stirring frequently. Cover with a lid for 3–5 minutes if needed to soften them further.
  3. Add ½ diced onion, 1 diced bell pepper, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  4. Stir in 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon cumin, and a pinch of chili powder. Mix to coat.
  5. Add 1 drained can of black beans and cook for 3 minutes to warm through.
  6. Top with avocado slices or a fried egg, and serve hot.

4. One-Pan Sausage and Peppers Pasta

This Italian-inspired dish is a crowd-pleaser with minimal mess.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound Italian sausage, sliced into rounds
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 bell peppers, sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups uncooked pasta
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Shredded parmesan (for topping)

Instructions:

  1. Slice 1 pound of Italian sausage into rounds. Brown in a large skillet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil for 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  2. Add 1 sliced onion, 2 sliced bell peppers, and 3 minced garlic cloves to the same skillet. Sauté for 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in 3 cups chicken broth, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 2 cups uncooked pasta, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Return sausage to the skillet and cook until the sausage is fully cooked. Top with shredded parmesan.

5. Honey Garlic Shrimp and Veggies Skillet

Perfect for seafood lovers, shrimp, and veggies cook up fast in a sweet garlic glaze.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cups snap peas and bell peppers
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 2 teaspoons soy sauce
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Optional: rice or quinoa (for serving)

Instructions:

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of peeled shrimp and cook for 3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  2. Sauté 2 cups of snap peas and bell peppers in the same pan for 4 minutes.
  3. Mix ¼ cup honey, 2 teaspoons soy sauce, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Add this to the pan with the veggies.
  4. Return the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2 more minutes, letting everything glaze evenly. Serve over rice or quinoa.

6. Baked Salmon and Vegetables

This one-pan wonder feels fancy but is perfect for busy nights.

Ingredients:

  • 4 salmon fillets
  • 2 cups vegetables (e.g., asparagus, cherry tomatoes)
  • Olive oil (for drizzling)
  • Lemon juice (for drizzling)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with foil.
  2. Place 4 salmon fillets on one side of the sheet. Arrange 2 cups of vegetables (like asparagus and cherry tomatoes) on the other side.
  3. Drizzle olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper over everything.
  4. Bake for 20 minutes, until the salmon is flaky and the veggies are tender.

7. Skillet Chicken Fajitas

Take taco night up a notch with these fajitas made in one skillet.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound chicken breast, sliced into strips
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 bell peppers, sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • Tortillas (for serving)
  • Optional: salsa and guacamole (for serving)

Instructions:

  1. Slice 1 pound of chicken breast into strips.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet. Sauté the chicken with 1 teaspoon each of cumin, paprika, and garlic powder for 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. Add 2 sliced bell peppers and 1 sliced onion to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss everything together.
  5. Serve with tortillas, salsa, and guacamole.

8. Crispy Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Vegetables

This crunchy, colorful dish is surprisingly easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

  • 1 package store-bought gnocchi
  • Olive oil (for tossing)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 2 cups vegetables (e.g., zucchini, cherry tomatoes)
  • Parmesan (for sprinkling)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
  2. Toss 1 package of store-bought gnocchi with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add 2 cups of vegetables, such as zucchini or cherry tomatoes.
  3. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
  4. Sprinkle with parmesan and serve.

One-pan dinners simplify your evenings without skimping on flavor. With fewer dishes to wash and easy prep, you can enjoy a delicious meal with your family without stress. Whether you prefer vegetarian options, seafood, or hearty meat dishes, these recipes will become staples in your weekly rotation!