10 Simple One-Pan Dinners Perfect for Busy Weeknights

After a long day, the last thing most people want is a sink full of dirty dishes. This is where one-pan dinners shine. With just a single skillet, sheet pan, or casserole dish, you can cook a complete meal that is hearty, flavorful, and easy to clean up. These recipes are perfect for weeknights when time is short, energy is low, and you want to feed the whole family without stress. Here are ten simple one-pan dinners that make cooking and cleanup easier.

1. Lemon Garlic Chicken with Vegetables

This recipe combines bright citrus flavors with hearty comfort. Chicken thighs are marinated with lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, then roasted on a sheet pan with carrots, potatoes, and green beans. As the chicken roasts, its juices mingle with the vegetables, creating a savory pan sauce without extra effort. The result is a balanced dinner ready in under an hour. Served straight from the pan, it minimizes cleanup while still feeling like a special, home-cooked meal. It is a simple way to put a complete dinner on the table.

2. Sheet Pan Salmon with Asparagus

Salmon is perfect for weeknights because it cooks quickly and requires little preparation. Place fillets on a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and fresh dill or lemon slices. Surround the salmon with asparagus spears or other quick-cooking vegetables, and roast until the fish is tender and flaky. The vegetables absorb flavor from the salmon as they roast, creating a cohesive dish. In about 20 minutes, you have a protein-rich, heart-healthy meal with only one pan to wash, making it both practical and nutritious.

3. Sausage and Pepper Skillet

This dish delivers bold, comforting flavors in a single skillet. Slices of sausage are browned until crisp, then cooked with bell peppers, onions, and garlic until tender and caramelized. A splash of broth or tomatoes adds depth, creating a sauce that coats everything beautifully. This hearty skillet can be served on its own, spooned over rice or pasta, or piled onto crusty rolls for sandwiches. The Italian-American flavors are simple yet satisfying, and the entire dish comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.

4. Baked Ziti Casserole

Baked ziti is the definition of easy comfort food. Pasta is combined with marinara, ricotta, and mozzarella in one pan and baked until golden and bubbling. Some versions call for boiling the pasta first, but cooking it directly in the sauce keeps things simpler and deepens the flavor. The casserole is filling, feeds a crowd, and reheats beautifully for leftovers. You can customize it with ground beef, sausage, or vegetables, making it versatile for whatever you have on hand. It is a classic dinner that feels indulgent with minimal work.

5. Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry

Stir-fry is a lifesaver on nights when you need dinner fast. Bite-sized chicken pieces are browned in a skillet or wok, then cooked with vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas. Everything is coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce that brings the dish together. Serve it directly over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal that balances protein, vegetables, and flavor. Ready in under 30 minutes, this stir-fry proves that a wholesome dinner does not need to be complicated or time-consuming.

6. One-Pot Chili

Chili is a classic one-pot meal that is hearty enough to please the whole family. Ground beef or turkey is browned with onions and garlic, then simmered with beans, tomatoes, and spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika. The longer it cooks, the richer the flavors become. Chili is easy to customize with corn, peppers, or different levels of heat. It reheats well and often tastes even better the next day. Paired with cornbread or tortilla chips, chili makes a cozy, filling dinner with very little cleanup.

7. Sheet Pan Fajitas

This Tex-Mex favorite is quick, colorful, and interactive. Chicken or beef strips are tossed with olive oil, bell peppers, onions, and fajita seasoning, then roasted on a sheet pan until sizzling. The vegetables become tender and slightly charred while the meat stays juicy. Serve the mixture with warm tortillas, salsa, and toppings like guacamole or sour cream. Everyone can build their own plate, making it a fun family meal. Since everything cooks on one pan, cleanup is simple, and dinner is on the table in less than 30 minutes.

8. Skillet Lasagna

Traditional lasagna can be time-intensive, but skillet lasagna captures the same flavors in less time. Ground beef or sausage is cooked with onions, garlic, tomato sauce, and broken lasagna noodles all in one pan. As the noodles soften, ricotta and mozzarella are stirred in, creating a creamy, cheesy finish. The result is a hearty, comforting dish that tastes like classic lasagna but without multiple pans or lengthy prep. It is ideal for weeknights when you want indulgence without the extra effort.

9. Honey Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli

Shrimp cooks quickly, making it perfect for fast weeknight meals. In a skillet, shrimp are sautéed with honey, garlic, soy sauce, and ginger until caramelized. Vegetables like carrots and broccoli florets are added to the pan and cooked until tender-crisp, soaking up the flavorful sauce. The balance of sweet and savory notes makes this dish appealing to both adults and kids. Paired with rice or noodles, it becomes a complete dinner in under 20 minutes. This recipe is proof that quick meals can also be delicious and satisfying.

10. Chicken and Rice Bake

This casserole combines chicken, rice, vegetables, and broth into one pan for a filling and well-rounded dinner. As it bakes, the chicken stays juicy, the rice becomes tender, and the vegetables cook to perfection. Options like peas, carrots, or mushrooms add variety, and the flavors meld into a comforting meal. Seasonings can be adjusted to suit your taste, making it easy to adapt. This dish is family-friendly, reheats well, and minimizes cleanup. It is a reliable recipe that delivers comfort and convenience every time.