23 One-Pan Dinners To Help You End Your Takeout Habit

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23 One-Pan Dinners To Help You End Your Takeout Habit

Ready to break up with takeout? One-pan dinners are your new best friend. These 23 recipes are perfect for anyone looking to streamline their kitchen time and ditch the extra expense without skimping on taste. With the promise of minimal cleanup and straightforward prep, they’re a no-brainer for busy weeknights.

Chicken bites with garlic butter sauce and herbs on a plate.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

A pan with shrimp, tomatoes and spinach in it.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This 30-minute meal is all about keeping it simple and good. You’ve got shrimp, spinach, and tomatoes all cooking together in a garlic sauce that’s just right. It’s the kind of dinner you make when you want something a bit special without too much trouble. Great for showing you can whip up something awesome at home, making it easier to skip the takeout.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

A pot of soup with parmesan cheese and parsley.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Here’s a soup that gets you through the door with flavor and warmth in just 30 minutes, using just one pot. It mixes up Italian sausage, cream cheese, and tomatoes into something really great. If you’re looking for a good, filling meal that’s easy to make and clean up, this one’s for you. It’s perfect for those colder nights when you’re tempted by takeout but want something better at home.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Cabbage and Sausage

Cabbage and sausage in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish proves that a great dinner doesn’t need to be complicated. In less than 30 minutes, you get a hearty mix of cabbage and sausage that hits the spot. It’s super easy, with everything cooked in one skillet and the kind of instructions that are hard to mess up. Perfect for busy nights when you need a quick meal that’s way better than anything you’d order in, and with hardly any cleaning up to do afterward.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Chicken with spinach and cream sauce in a skillet.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In just 40 minutes, whip up this awesome dinner with chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach, all in a creamy sauce. It’s straightforward and filling, perfect with any side you like. This recipe is your go-to for a great meal at home that feels like a treat without all the work.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Lemon Garlic Scallops

Scallops with parsley and garlic in a skillet.
Lemon Garlic Scallops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in 30 minutes, these scallops are a breeze to make in just one pan. The lemon and garlic keep them super flavorful and moist. It’s the go-to dish for those times you want something a bit fancy without spending forever in the kitchen. This recipe proves you can make a standout dinner quickly and easily.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

Sausage Curry

A bowl of rice and sausage curry on a table.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Shake things up with this easy, savory curry. It’s a one-pan meal with sausage, veggies, and curry sauce that’s all kinds of hearty. Ready in about 45 minutes, it’s fantastic for busy nights when you want a filling dinner without a lot of work. Great for anyone looking to ditch the takeout for something hearty and homemade.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A person is holding a wooden spoon full of chicken bites in a garlic butter sauce.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In just 20 minutes, you can whip up these garlic butter chicken bites in one skillet. Cooked in one skillet, these juicy chicken bites smothered in a savory garlic butter sauce make for an incredibly easy yet delicious dinner. It’s foolproof, fast, and a fantastic way to show you can make something awesome without calling for takeout. Serve it up with some rice and veggies, or over a salad for a quicker, lighter option.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Creamy Dijon Chicken

A pan with chicken, spinach and bacon in it.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This 30-minute meal is a game-changer for busy nights. Cook chicken thighs in a flavorful Dijon mustard sauce with spinach and bacon, all in one skillet. It’s super easy and perfect for when you’re short on time but still want a meal that’s seriously good.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken pot pie soup with peas and carrots in a bowl.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Get all the comfort of chicken pot pie without the work. This one-pot soup is ready in about an hour, combining chicken, veggies, and a creamy broth. It’s a fantastic pick for a cozy meal that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy, making it a solid choice for ditching the takeout and relaxing at home.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Zuppa Toscana

Two bowls of soup with bacon and kale.
Keto Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

This one-pot wonder is all about making your dinner routine simpler and tastier. Ready in just an hour, Zuppa Toscana brings you a hearty and comforting soup in minutes. Swapping potatoes for radishes keeps it light yet still packed with flavor. It’s the perfect pick for a cozy night in, proving you don’t need takeout for a great, warming meal at home.
Get the Recipe: Zuppa Toscana

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

A pot of sweet potato and red pepper soup with sour cream and parsley.
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This one-pot soup is as easy as it gets, combining sweet potatoes and red peppers for a creamy, sweet soup ready in an hour. It’s a simple and filling choice for those cold days when you need warmth from the inside out. This recipe is a great excuse to skip the takeout and whip up something comforting and homemade instead.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy

A pan with curry salmon and bok choy in a sauce.
Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In just 30 minutes, this curry salmon dish brings something new and exciting to your dinner table, all with minimal cleanup. The coconut milk and homemade curry paste create a flavorful, creamy sauce that perfectly complements the salmon and bok choy. It’s proof that making a special dinner at home doesn’t have to be a big deal, helping you get one step closer to saying goodbye to take out for good.
Get the Recipe: Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

A spoon is serving Hungarian mushroom soup into a bowl.
Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This soup is your go-to for a cozy meal that’s ready in 45 minutes and requires just one pot. It’s a hearty mushroom soup that’s both rich and savory, perfect for those chilly nights or anytime you’re craving comfort food. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, it’s a great homemade alternative to takeout, complete with all the cozy vibes you’re looking for.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Chicken Corn Soup

A bowl of chicken corn soup with carrots and parsley.
Chicken Corn Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Chicken Corn Soup is the answer to your dinner dilemmas. It packs chicken, veggies, and a savory broth into a creamy mix that’s both filling and easy on the cleanup. Ready in less than an hour with just one pot, it’s a straightforward choice for any night when time is tight but you still want something good to eat. Skip the takeout and dive into this comforting soup instead.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

A skillet full of meat and rice with a spoon.
Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Dinner in 30 minutes is a breeze with this ground beef and cauliflower rice skillet. Toss in some cheddar cheese and mushrooms, and you’ve got a meal that’s hearty and easy to make. It’s perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time but still want a dinner that’s filling and delicious. Say goodbye to takeout with this easy, flavor-packed meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A pan with bacon and cabbage in it.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This fried cabbage with bacon dish is your quick fix for adding more veggies to your meals. In just 25 minutes, you’ll have a skillet full of green cabbage, bacon, and onions ready to go. It’s easy, fast, and the right mix of hearty and flavorful for any day of the week. Great for making a simple meal feel special without the need for takeout.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

A skillet of chicken with creamy mushroom sauce with a wooden spoon.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If you need a quick dinner win, this chicken in a creamy mushroom sauce is your go-to. It mixes chicken, mushrooms, and bacon in a lush sauce, all in one skillet. With a 30-minute cook time, it’s the perfect pick for busy nights when you’re after something delicious but don’t want the hassle of a big cleanup. This dish shows you can have a great meal at home, fast and effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Chicken in a skillet with cheese and tomatoes.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For those nights when you’re running against the clock but craving something awesome, this creamy sun-dried tomato chicken is a game-changer. Boneless chicken thighs cooked in a tangy sun-dried tomato sauce make for a dinner that’s ready in 30 minutes and sure to impress. It’s simple, quick, and keeps the chicken moist and flavorful. A great way to enjoy a homemade meal that beats takeout any day.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white dish with chicken breasts in a creamy garlic sauce.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In just 30 minutes, you can whip up Creamy Garlic Chicken. Just one pan and you’re set to cook chicken in a creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce. It’s the kind of meal that’s perfect for busy nights when you’re looking for something good but don’t want any inconvenience. Easy to make and always a hit, it’s a solid pick for any weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

A baking sheet filled with vegetables and sausages.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This meal is a no-brainer. Just throw some sausage and veggies on a sheet pan, pop it in the oven, and in about 30 minutes, dinner’s ready. It’s great for those nights when you’re running around and need something simple and filling. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

A pan filled with chicken in a creamy sauce with artichoke hearts.
Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish combines chicken thighs and artichoke hearts in a creamy sauce, making for a meal that’s both simple and delicious. It’s exactly what you need on those days when time is tight but you’re craving something filling instead of takeout. And the best part is that it’s really hard to mess up, making it a great go-to for any night.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Cauliflower mushroom risotto in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Here’s a new spin on a classic that’s ready in about 30 minutes. This one-pan cauliflower risotto with mushrooms is creamy and delicious with minimal carbs. It’s perfect for those nights when you’re looking for something hearty but don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen all evening. Quick, easy, and definitely nourishing, it’s proof that you don’t need to order takeout or spend hours cooking to enjoy something great.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Green Chile Chicken

A pan full of chicken in a sauce with a wooden spoon.
Green Chile Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Turn leftover chicken into something special with green chile in just 20 minutes. It’s easy, quick, and pretty much foolproof, making it perfect for those days when you want an appetizing meal cooked with minimal effort. This dish is all about making dinner simple and delicious for a stress-free evening. No need to order something. 
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken

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