13 One-Pan Dinners Professional Chefs Make at Home
Discover these 13 simple, flavorful one-pan dinners that save time on cooking and cleanup, perfect for busy nights.
- Daisy Montero
- 5 min read
These one-pan dinners make cooking easy and cleanup even easier. Each recipe uses simple ingredients and comes together in one pan, saving you time and effort. Perfect for busy days, these meals are full of flavor and quick to make. You’ll love how simple yet delicious they are, making dinner stress-free and satisfying.
1. Crispy Baked Chicken and Veggies
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This dish features crispy chicken paired with tender roasted vegetables. It’s perfectly seasoned with herbs that add depth and flavor to the chicken and vegetables. The best part? It’s all made in one pan, saving time and effort. You can add your favorite vegetables, like carrots or potatoes, for a filling meal. It’s a wholesome, easy-to-make dinner that’s sure to please everyone.
2. One-Pan Seafood Paella
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This dish is packed with shrimp, mussels, and rice, all cooked in one pan to create a rich, flavorful meal. The rice absorbs all the savory juices, making each bite delicious. You don’t need multiple pans or ingredients, just a few simple ones for a gourmet meal. The combination of seafood and rice is comforting and impressive, perfect for any dinner occasion. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, and cleanup is a breeze.
3. Vegetarian Stir-Fry Rice
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This one-pan stir-fry combines fluffy rice with fresh vegetables, making it a quick and healthy meal. You can add tofu or your favorite protein for an extra boost. The key to this dish is the sauce, which is so flavorful and light that it ties everything together. You can easily swap out vegetables depending on what’s in season or what you have in your kitchen. It’s a fast, satisfying dish that can be customized to your taste.
4. Beef and Mushroom Skillet
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This hearty dish pairs tender beef with earthy mushrooms, creating a rich, savory meal. The beef is seared to perfection, while the mushrooms soak up all the flavor. It’s an easy way to enjoy steak-like flavors without needing a grill. You can add a splash of red wine or broth for extra depth. This one-pan dish is great for a cozy dinner or meal prep for the week.
5. Grilled Chicken and Couscous
DocteurCosmos on Wikimedia Commons
Tender grilled chicken served over fluffy couscous makes for a quick, satisfying dinner. The couscous soaks up the flavors of the chicken, making each bite delicious. Add some vegetables for extra nutrition, or toss in herbs for more flavor. This dish is simple yet flavorful and comes together in no time. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a meal prep option.
6. Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Skillet
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This dish is packed with nutrients from roasted sweet potatoes and protein-rich chickpeas. The veggies become tender and flavorful while roasting in the same pan, making cleanup easy. It’s vegan-friendly yet filling and satisfying. The chickpeas add a nice crunch, and the sweet potatoes bring a natural sweetness to the dish. It’s an easy, healthy meal that’s perfect for any day of the week.
7. One-Pan Ratatouille
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A simple and colorful dish, ratatouille combines a variety of roasted vegetables. The pan method lets all the flavors meld together, creating a savory, comforting meal. You can use whatever vegetables are in season, making this dish flexible and delicious. Serve it with crusty bread for dipping or enjoy it as a side dish to a main. It’s a great way to eat more vegetables and enjoy Mediterranean flavors.
8. Chicken Fajita Skillet
Missvain on Wikimedia Commons
This dish combines seasoned chicken, peppers, and onions for a flavorful, easy meal. The best part? It’s made in one pan, so there’s less cleanup. You can serve it with tortillas as a lighter option. The smoky, zesty flavor of the chicken makes this dish irresistible. It’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for a casual dinner.
9. One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Pasta
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Creamy garlic Parmesan pasta is a comforting dish that comes together in a single pan. The pasta absorbs the sauce, making it rich and flavorful. Toss in some spinach or chicken to add extra flavor and texture. It’s a quick meal that doesn’t sacrifice taste. Perfect for when you want a simple, indulgent dinner without the mess.
10. Egg and Vegetable Skillet
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This easy dish combines eggs and sauteed vegetables for a quick, healthy meal. The eggs cook just right while the vegetables soak up all the delicious seasonings. You can add your favorite veggies, like spinach or mushrooms, to make it even better. This meal is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It’s a simple, nutritious dish that’s ready in minutes.
11. One-Pan Sausage and Peppers
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Juicy sausages and sweet bell peppers come together to create a savory, satisfying meal. The sausages brown beautifully, while the peppers become soft and caramelized. It’s simple yet full of flavor and pairs well with rice, pasta, or crusty bread. This dish is easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner. It’s a delicious, comforting meal that everyone will enjoy.
12. One-Pan Burger Patties and Fries
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This meal brings together juicy burger patties and crispy fries, all cooked in one pan. You can season the patties to your liking while the fries become golden and crunchy. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that feels like comfort food. You don’t need a grill to make this dish’ it’s all done on the stovetop. It’s a perfect option for an easy, tasty dinner.
13. One-Pan Pizza
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This one-pan pizza is a fun and easy way to enjoy pizza without the mess. You can use store-bought dough, sauce, cheese, and toppings of your choice. It all cooks in one pan, making cleanup quick and easy. You can add your favorite toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, or vegetables for a personalized meal. It’s a great way to bring pizza night into your home without much effort.