Easy One Pan Meals - Save time Eat Better
Let’s face it. Life gets busy. After a long day, the last thing you want to do is juggle multiple pots and pans in the kitchen. That’s where easy one pan meals come in. They’re quick, delicious, and best of all, leave you with just one dish to wash.
I’ve found these meals to be a total lifesaver on busy weeknights. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, feeding your family, or just don’t feel like making a mess, these recipes are exactly what you need. Below, I’m sharing five of my favorite one-pan recipes that are not only super simple but also full of flavor.
Cooking at home can lead to better health outcomes and healthier food choices Read More
1. Lemon Garlic Chicken with Roasted Veggies
This is one of my go-to dinners when I want something healthy but don’t have a lot of time. Everything roasts together on one tray easy peasy.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lay the chicken breasts in the center of a large sheet pan.
- Scatter the chopped veggies around the chicken.
- Drizzle everything with olive oil, lemon juice, and add your seasonings.
- Roast for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Finish with some fresh lemon zest and serve warm.
2. Sausage & Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash (Anytime of Day)
This is perfect for dinner too. It’s hearty, colorful, and all done in one pan on the stove.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 chicken sausages, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper
- 2 eggs (Optional)
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Toss in the sweet potatoes and let them soften for about 10 minutes.
- Add the sausage, bell pepper, and onion. Stir occasionally.
- Cook everything for another 10 minutes until browned and tender.
- Crack in a couple of eggs, cover, and let them cook until set. (Optional)
3. One-Pan Shrimp Fajitas
These fajitas are bold, smoky, and come together faster than takeout. Plus, fewer dishes? Count me in.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Tortillas (for serving)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, toss the shrimp and veggies with oil and spices.
- Spread everything out on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 12–15 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and the veggies are slightly charred.
- Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.
4. Creamy One-Pan Tuscan Pasta
Yes, you can make creamy, comforting pasta without using multiple pots. This recipe proves that easy one pan meals can still feel indulgent.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz penne or any short pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or use coconut cream for dairy-free)
- 1 cup baby spinach
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- In a deep skillet, heat olive oil and garlic over medium.
- Add pasta, broth, and cream. Bring to a low simmer.
- Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring now and then.
- Stir in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan.
- Let it thicken for a few minutes, then serve hot.
5. Baked Salmon with Green Beans and Honey Mustard Glaze
If you’re looking for a quick dinner that feels a little fancy, this one’s for you. It’s healthy, flavorful, and only takes 20 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets
- 2 cups fresh green beans, ends trimmed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lay the salmon on one half of a baking sheet, green beans on the other.
- Mix olive oil, mustard, honey, and garlic in a small bowl.
- Brush the glaze over the salmon and drizzle any leftover on the green beans.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes until the salmon is flaky.
Why I Love Easy One Pan Meals (and You Will Too)
Honestly, the biggest win is the cleanup. One pan and done. But there’s more to it. These meals help me save time, avoid food waste, and still cook something nourishing. Plus, they’re great for beginners, or anyone who wants to eat better without overcomplicating things.
Easy one pan meals also make portioning simple, and you can usually tweak the ingredients based on what’s in your fridge.
Craving something sweet but healthy after this meal? Check out our Simple Low Calorie Desserts Under 200 Calories.
A Few Extra Tips Before You Start
- Preheat your pan or oven for best results.
- Don’t crowd the pan, spread things out so they roast instead of steam.
- Use fresh herbs, lemon zest, or hot sauce to add flavor without extra effort.
- For more quick ideas, check out our Recipes to Make section.
If you haven’t added easy one pan meals to your weekly routine yet, now’s the perfect time to start. These dishes are simple, full of flavor, and leave you with more time to relax after dinner. Whether it’s baked salmon or creamy pasta, each recipe proves that less really can be more in the kitchen.
Go ahead—grab one pan and get cooking.
