One-pan dinner ideas are a lifesaver for busy parents, making weeknight meals easy, quick, and (hopefully?!) less messy. They’re great because you can whip up a great meal without spending much time or energy and still keep cleanup to a minimum. Perfect for those nights when you’re low on both, these 15 recipes become the go-to for keeping dinner plans simple.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
For parents who are totally exhausted and need a quick dinner, this Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner hits the spot. Throw sausage and your choice of veggies on a pan, bake for 30 minutes, and you’re all set. This dish is a no-brainer for those nights when time is tight, but you still want a great meal. Plus, it’s easy to make and even easier to clean up, leaving you more time to relax.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are ready in 20 minutes for that quick and delicious dinner. Juicy chicken in a delicious garlic butter sauce. It’s the go-to for parents who are short on time but still want a meal that’s a hit.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Creamy Garlic Chicken
After a long day, Creamy Garlic Chicken is here to save dinner. You can have this dish on the table in 30 minutes with just one pan. The chicken comes out covered in a creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce that everyone will love. Just add some veggies, pasta, or rice on the side, and you’ve got a complete meal. It’s a real time-saver with minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy parents.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Cabbage and Sausage
When you’re low on energy and need dinner fast, Cabbage and Sausage is a great choice. Ready in less than 30 minutes, this one-pan meal mixes savory sausage with hearty cabbage for a filling dinner that’s simple to make. It’s the perfect option for those nights when you want a good meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole takes about 45 minutes to make and skips the stuffing step. Perfect for when you crave something hearty but not into a lot of prep. You get a delicious casserole that’s easy to put together and great for a casual family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Green Chile Chicken
Green Chile Chicken is the fast solution for a flavorful dinner. Use leftover chicken thighs or a store-bought rotisserie chicken to have this dish ready in 20 minutes. It’s simple and quick, with green chile adding a spicy kick, making it a great option for a hassle-free meal.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Fried Cabbage with Bacon is the go-to for a fast and hearty dish. In less than 30 minutes, you can whip up this skillet meal that pairs the rich taste of cabbage and bacon. It’s the best option for a quick dinner for those evenings when you’re too tired or too busy to cook but still want something filling.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
This Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is your quick fix if you’re busy or tired and can’t think about dinner. Throw ground beef, cauliflower rice, cheddar cheese, and mushrooms into a skillet and in 30 minutes, dinner’s ready. It’s easy, fast, and just what busy parents need on a hectic night.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Chicken Corn Soup
Chicken Corn Soup is a solid choice when you’re looking for a quick and filling dinner option. Ready in under an hour with just one pot, this soup combines chicken, veggies, and broth for a comforting dish. It’s an uncomplicated recipe that provides a complete meal with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
When you want a mess-free meal for chilly nights, Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is the answer. It takes 30 minutes, one pot, and you get a comforting soup with sausage, cream cheese, and tomatoes. It’s the kind of meal that’s perfect for when you need something hearty but easy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Chicken Pot Pie Soup gives you comfort without the hassle. Yes, it’s an hour of cooking time, but it’s super simple and only one pot to clean. You get all the cozy flavors of chicken pot pie, but easier and just as good. Great for winding down after a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
When you need something filling, Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup delivers. It’s ready in about an hour with just one pot. Easy to make, this soup brings a comforting and hearty meal to your table, perfect for family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Creamy Dijon Chicken
Creamy Dijon Chicken makes weeknight dinners a breeze. This one-pan meal is ready in 30 minutes and features chicken in a creamy Dijon mustard sauce. It’s fast, simple, and packed with flavor, perfect for those nights when you need a good meal but don’t want to spend too much time cooking.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken
Sausage Curry
Shake up your dinner game with Sausage Curry. This one-pan meal is quick to make, mixing sausage with veggies and a savory curry sauce. It’s a speedy, simple way to add some flavor to your weeknight dinners. It’s a great recipe for when you’re looking to try something new without a lot of work.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is an easy-to-make dinner that’s on the table in about 30 minutes. With just one pan, you get chicken breasts smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce. It’s perfect for any weeknight, serving up a meal that’s full of flavor without requiring a lot of time or effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce