28 Easy One-Pan Dinners You'll Make Again & Again (& Again)

Felicia Lim
·7 min read
28

Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies

When the start of the week rolls around again, and work begins to pile up, weeknights inevitably feel too short and tiring to be spending too much time in the kitchen. The only thing can come through to save the night is an easy, satisfying dinner that all comes together on just one pan. The beauty of one-pan and one-skillet dinners, made in a Dutch oven or on a sheet pan, is how you get to prepare and cook a main dish and a side in one fell swoop. That means we all get more time to sit around the dinner table to actually eat the meal, enjoy our family's company, and recharge after a long day, rather than being workhorse in the kitchen all night cooking and cleaning up. Here are 28 easy one-pan and skillet dinners to get you armed and ready for busy nights. Once you've tried them and gotten a feel for how easy one pan meals are, take that inspiration to simplify all of your dinners.

Related: 12 Easy One Pan Chicken Meals For Nights You Need Simple, Yet Totally Satisfying

One-Pan Dinner Ideas

Looking for something to feed the kiddos and the kids at heart or add some excitement to dinner on a regular Tuesday? Straightforward one-pan dinners can be the life of the weeknight party, take for instance our Sheet-Pan Macaroni and Cheese, Caprese Sheet Pan Pasta, or Sheet Pan Pork Chops.

Why One-Pan Dinners Rule

One pan, minimal prep, minimal mess, minimal cleanup, but still big on flavor and nutrition—now are our kind of meals!

Want even more easy recipes that will have you saying, "holy sheet"? Sheet-pan meals come in all shapes and flavors—check out our favorite fish sheet-pan dinners, the iconic vegan sheet-pan ideas for those looking to up their veggie intake, one-pan brunch inspiration for lazy weekends.

Related: 75 Vintage Recipes and Retro Suppers

Best One-Pan Dinner Recipes

<p>Alison Ashton</p><p>This easy sheet-pan pasta toss is full of bright color, big flavor and heart-healthy ingredients.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/966968/jonashton/roasted-tomato-caprese-sheet-pan-pasta/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Caprese Sheet-Pan Pasta;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Caprese Sheet-Pan Pasta</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://parade.com/1157310/kristamarshall/easy-pasta-bakes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:60 Best Pasta Bake Recipes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">60 Best Pasta Bake Recipes</a></strong></p>
<p>Everyone will devour this sheet pan take on a fast food favorite, the Taco Bell Crunchwrap. Use taco night staples like <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/15-low-carb-ground-beef-145803698.html" data-ylk="slk:ground beef;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">ground beef</a>, taco seasoning, shredded cheese and tortillas, and add tostadas for a simple, delicious appetizer or snack<em>—</em>no drive-thru necessary.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><strong><a href="https://parade.com/1014143/parade/this-crowd-size-taco-is-inspired-by-one-of-taco-bells-most-popular-menu-items/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Crowd-Size Taco;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Crowd-Size Taco</a></strong></p>
<p>Mark Boughton Photography</p><p>This dinner is filled with no-fuss frozen ingredients: <a href="https://parade.com/848796/felicialim/the-12-best-butternut-squash-recipes-youll-ever-make/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:butternut squash;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">butternut squash</a>, <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/green-bean-casserole-green-beans-141937705.html" data-ylk="slk:green beans;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">green beans</a>, onion and chicken sausage seasoned with maple syrup and Dijon mustard. Mix and match with whatever you have in your fridge. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/998284/jocelynruggiero/sheet-pan-sausage-and-veggies-recipe/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies</a></strong></p>
<p>Krista Marshall</p><p>If you're feeding a <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/50-air-fryer-breakfast-recipes-110000630.html" data-ylk="slk:crowd;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">crowd</a> on a weeknight, this cheesy classic made on a sheet pan is the way to go! A homemade cheese sauce plus a crunchy topping baked to golden-brown perfection—it's the best of both worlds!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/recipes/sheet-pan-macaroni-and-cheese" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Sheet-Pan Macaroni and Cheese;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Sheet-Pan Macaroni and Cheese</a></strong></p>
<p>Alex Guarnaschelli</p><p>“This is the kind of weeknight dinner that I often cook up with my daughter,” says Food Network Start Alex Guarnaschelli of her gorgeous Sheet Pan Pork Chops recipe. “A simple 20-minute one-pan meal that will save you from the yawning jaws of takeout or prepared foods.”</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><strong><a href="https://parade.com/1083277/parade/alex-guarnaschelli-sheet-pan-pork-chops-recipe/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Alex Guarnaschelli's Sheet Pan Pork Chops;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Alex Guarnaschelli's Sheet Pan Pork Chops</a></strong></p>
<p>Krista Marshall</p><p>This one-pan meal basically cooks itself. It's also incredibly versatile; swap the potatoes and carrots for your favorite veggies.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/842780/kristamarshall/sausage-potato-sheet-pan-dinner/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Sausage & Potato Sheet-Pan Dinner;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Sausage & Potato Sheet-Pan Dinner</a></strong></p>
<p>Jennifer Davick</p><p>Cajun seasoning, chicken sausage and a few frozen veggies make this spectacular one-pan shrimp bake come together in just minutes. You'll have dinner on the table in no time!</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/873460/parade/sheet-pan-shrimp-bake/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Easy Sheet-Pan Shrimp Bake Recipe;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Easy Sheet-Pan Shrimp Bake Recipe</a></strong></p>
<p>Mark Boughton Photography</p><p>Spread store-bought hummus on fish and roast with broccoli, olives and tomatoes for an easy and flavorful sheet-pan dinner.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/959327/parade/hummus-fast-and-flavorful-sheet-pan-dinner/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Crunchy Hummus-Crusted Fish and Olives;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Crunchy Hummus-Crusted Fish and Olives</a></strong></p>
<p>Feel Good Foodie</p><p>This TikTok sensation only needs one baking dish to serve up big flavor.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/1158998/aliceknisleymatthias-2/tiktok-baked-feta-pasta/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Baked Feta Pasta;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Baked Feta Pasta</a></strong></p>
<p>Mark Boughton Photography</p><p>Meatloaf can be a weeknight meal when you divide it into fast-cooking individual portions. Switch out the cauliflower with potatoes or other vegetables, if you'd like.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/842705/communitytable/sheet-pan-meatloaf-with-roasted-cauliflower/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Sheet-Pan Turkey Meatloaf;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Sheet-Pan Turkey Meatloaf </a></strong></p>
<p>Momofuku</p><p>This sheet-pan dinner from Momofuku founder David Chang is made with steak, potatoes and a handful of fridge and pantry staples.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/1170655/kelli_acciardo/momofuku-soy-marinated-flank-steak-with-savory-smashed-potatoes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Momofuku's Soy-Marinated Flank Steak with Savory Smashed Potatoes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Momofuku's Soy-Marinated Flank Steak with Savory Smashed Potatoes</a></strong></p>
<p>Chad A Elick</p><p>Chicken pot pies are a favorite comfort food dish for many—but who has time for that on a busy night? This quick 30-minute one-skillet chicken pot pie is a lot easier than a traditional pot pie and clean-up is a breeze!</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/169831/donnaelick/one-skillet-chicken-pot-pie-in-just-30-minutes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:One-Skillet Chicken Pot Pie Recipe;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">One-Skillet Chicken Pot Pie Recipe</a></strong></p>
<p>Chelsea's Messy Apron</p><p>A quick and delicious take on fish and chips—all baked in just one pan. This version is healthier because it isn’t baked, but it certainly isn’t lacking in flavor! The fries are ultra crispy and flavorful, the fish has a secret hack to make it seem fried, and all prep is done in under 30 minutes.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.chelseasmessyapron.com/one-pan-baked-fish-chips/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:One-Pan Baked Fish and Chips;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">One-Pan Baked Fish and Chips</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/50-lent-worthy-baked-fish-222143318.html" data-ylk="slk:40 Best Baked Fish Recipes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">40 Best Baked Fish Recipes</a></strong></p>
<p>Cafe Delites</p><p>Crispy chicken bakes over a bed of tomato basil rice in this one-pan tomato basil chicken and rice. Dinner is ready in 45 minutes!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://cafedelites.com/one-pan-tomato-basil-chicken-rice-recipe/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:One-Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>One-Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice</strong></a></p>
<p>Dessert Now Dinner Later</p><p>This one-pan chicken dinner has the most delicious honey garlic glazed chicken alongside tenderly roasted potatoes and green beans. Plus, it's so easy and flavorful, you'll make it again and again!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.dessertnowdinnerlater.com/one-pan-honey-garlic-chicken-vegetables/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:One-Pan Honey Garlic Chicken and Vegetables;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>One-Pan Honey Garlic Chicken and Vegetables</strong></a></p>
<p>Eat Well 101</p><p>One-pan Cajun chicken with potatoes is a simple and delicious dinner idea the whole family will love. Just toss everything in the baking dish with seasoning and roast to absolute crisp perfection!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.eatwell101.com/one-pan-cajun-chicken-recipe" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:One-Pan Cajun Chicken;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">One-Pan Cajun Chicken</a></strong></p>
<p>Chelsea's Messy Apron</p><p>Lightly breaded garlicky lemon Parmesan chicken and asparagus all cooked in one pan.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.chelseasmessyapron.com/one-pan-lemon-parmesan-chicken-and-asparagus-video/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:One-Pan Lemon Parmesan Chicken and Asparagus;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">One-Pan Lemon Parmesan Chicken and Asparagus</a></strong></p>
<p>Chelsea's Messy Apron</p><p>Sweet balsamic chicken and veggies made in one pan. With a little bit of marinating time and then ten-minute prep and twenty-minute cooking time this meal is efficient, healthy and simple to make!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.chelseasmessyapron.com/one-pan-balsamic-chicken-veggies/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:One-Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">One-Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies</a></strong></p>
<p>Well Plated</p><p>One-pan paleo harvest chicken dinner with apples, sweet potatoes and brussels sprouts. An easy and healthy sheet-pan recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.wellplated.com/sheet-pan-chicken-sweet-potatoes-apples-brussels-sprouts/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:One-Pan Chicken with Sweet Potatoes Apples and Brussels Sprouts;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>One-Pan Chicken with Sweet Potatoes Apples and Brussels Sprouts</strong></a></p>
<p>Eat Well 101</p><p>This well-balanced, sheet-pan chicken dinner cuts down kitchen time without compromising on taste and nutrition.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.eatwell101.com/baked-chicken-breasts-recipe-spaghetti-squash" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:One-Pan Salsa Chicken with Spaghetti Squash;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>One-Pan Salsa Chicken with Spaghetti Squash</strong></a></p>
<p>Lexi's Clean Kitchen</p><p>This easy one-pan eggplant chicken dinner is packed with delicious Italian flavors, and seasonal veggies, and is customizable! Vegan? Replace the chicken with zucchini. Looking for seafood? Throw in shrimp!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://lexiscleankitchen.com/easy-one-pan-eggplant-chicken-dinner/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:One-Pan Eggplant Chicken Dinner;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">One-Pan Eggplant Chicken Dinner</a></strong></p>
<p>Life Made Sweeter</p><p>This recipe is made entirely on one sheet pan with tender chicken, crispy vegetables and a delicious sweet and tangy Asian sauce.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://lifemadesweeter.com/one-pan-teriyaki-chicken/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:One-Pan Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>One-Pan Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables</strong></a></p>
<p>Cafe Delites</p><p>Honey mustard chicken and potatoes are all made in one pan! Juicy, succulent chicken pieces are cooked in the best honey mustard sauce, surrounded by green beans and potatoes for a complete meal!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://cafedelites.com/honey-mustard-chicken-potatoes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:One-Pan Honey Mustard Chicken and Potatoes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">One-Pan Honey Mustard Chicken and Potatoes</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://parade.com/1388138/kristamarshall/leftover-chicken-recipes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:55 Best Leftover Chicken Recipes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">55 Best Leftover Chicken Recipes</a></strong></p>
<p>Delightful Plate</p><p>This easy recipe showcases the natural sweetness of shrimp and zucchini. The addition of garlic and lemon juice makes the dish flavorful and delicious. It is a quick and easy one-pan meal for busy days.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://delightfulplate.com/freaking-fast-sauteed-shrimp-zucchini/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:One-Pan Sauteed Shrimp and Zucchini;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">One-Pan Sauteed Shrimp and Zucchini</a></strong></p>
<p>Chelsea's Messy Apron</p><p>Roasted garlic-Parmesan veggies with sausage and herbs all made and cooked on one pan. 10 minutes prep, easy clean-up!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.chelseasmessyapron.com/one-pan-healthy-sausage-and-veggies/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:One-Pan Healthy Sausage and Veggies;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">One-Pan Healthy Sausage and Veggies</a></strong></p>
<p>Foraged Dish</p><p>Hearty, delicious and paleo-friendly, this chicken cacciatore is a one-pan meal to impress.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.forageddish.com/blog/2015/3/14/one-pan-paleo-chicken-cacciatore/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:One-Pan Chicken Cacciatore;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">One-Pan Chicken Cacciatore</a></strong></p>
<p>Eat Well 101</p><p>Juicy steak and crisp-golden potatoes are pan-seared and cooked to perfection with a luscious garlic, herbs and butter sauce.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.eatwell101.com/garlic-butter-steak-and-potatoes-recipe" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:One-Pan Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">One-Pan Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes</a></strong></p>
<p>Love and Olive Oil</p><p>Tender boneless chicken thighs and flavorful orzo braised with fragrant Moroccan spices and topped with olives, lemon and fresh parsley. All you need is one pan and 30 minutes and you’ve got yourself one flavorful family dinner.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.loveandoliveoil.com/2018/04/one-pan-moroccan-lemon-chicken-with-orzo.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:One-Pan Moroccan Lemon Chicken with Orzo;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>One-Pan Moroccan Lemon Chicken with Orzo</strong></a></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://parade.com/1387549/kristamarshall/lemon-chicken-recipes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:60 Best Lemon Chicken Recipes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">60 Best Lemon Chicken Recipes</a> </strong></p>

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