End Your Takeout Habit With These 23 One-Pan Dinner Recipes

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End Your Takeout Habit With These 23 One-Pan Dinner Recipes

Starting with one-pan dinner recipes is a great way to kick your takeout habit. These 23 meals are all about making cooking easy and cleaning up even easier. They’re perfect for anyone looking to save money and eat better without spending hours in the kitchen. With these recipes, you’ll get to whip up something quick and delicious, turning dinner time into a no-stress zone. It’s all about keeping things simple, so you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying your food and relaxing after a long day.

A pan filled with a creamy sauce with chicken, bacon, and spinach.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. 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.

With shrimp, spinach, and tomatoes all simmering in a garlicky sauce, this meal proves that gourmet doesn’t mean complicated. It’s a 30-minute dinner you’ll want to make when you’re after something special but straightforward, showing that you really can’t mess it up.
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.

Warm yourself up with this comforting soup that’s ready in 30 minutes. It’s a straightforward mix of sausage, cream cheese, and tomatoes, creating a hearty meal that requires just one pot. This soup is a great pick for you if you’re looking for warmth and flavor without the hassle of complex preparation or cleanup.
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.

In less than 30 minutes, you can enjoy a hearty and filling meal that combines the simplicity of cabbage with the rich flavors of sausage. This dish is as easy as it gets. Everything is cooked in just one skillet with straightforward instructions and simple ingredients. Make this on busy evenings when you need a quick, flavorful dinner that’s practically foolproof and won’t require a ton of cleanup 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.

Ready in just 40 minutes, this dish features chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach cooked in a rich, creamy sauce. Serve it alone or with your favorite side for a simple and filling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Lemon Garlic Scallops

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

These scallops are easy to make and ready in about 30 minutes, all in one pan. The lemon and garlic sauce brings a ton of flavor, keeping the scallops juicy. It’s the perfect dish for those moments when you’re looking for something fancy but fast. This recipe shows that making a special dinner doesn’t have to be hard or time-consuming.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

Sausage Curry

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

For a dinner that mixes things up but still keeps dinner stress-free, this savory curry dinner is the way to go. It’s a flavorful, one-pan dish that combines sausage, veggies, and curry sauce for a hearty meal. Ready in about 45 minutes, it’s a great option for those busy evenings when you need something hearty but not overly complicated.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Creamy Dijon Chicken

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

This dish is a lifesaver for busy evenings. You’ll cook seasoned chicken thighs in a rich Dijon mustard sauce, with spinach and crispy bacon, all in just one skillet. It’s ready in 30 minutes and is practically foolproof. Perfect for those busy evenings when you’re too tired to deal with complicated recipes.
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.

This soup brings you the comfort of the classic chicken pot pie without the complicated steps. It takes about an hour to make and combines chicken, veggies, and a creamy broth in just one pot. It’s a great way to enjoy the flavors you love with minimal effort. Plus, this recipe is hard to mess up, making it a solid choice for a comforting meal that won’t leave you stressed in the kitchen.
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 soup is a hearty, comforting option that’s ready in just an hour and cooks in one pot. Using radishes instead of potatoes keeps it hearty without missing out on flavor. It’s filling, nutritious, and easy to make, making it an excellent choice for a warm, comforting meal. This version proves that a great dinner doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.
Get the Recipe: Zuppa Toscana

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

If you’ve got 20 minutes, this garlic chicken recipe is the way to go. Juicy chicken bites are cooked in a savory garlic butter sauce in just one skillet for convenience. It’s an easy dish that’s nearly impossible to mess up, making it a great choice for both beginners and those looking for a quick dinner recipe. Pair it with rice and veggies for a full dinner, or toss it over a salad for a lighter meal.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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.

You only need one pot, a few simple ingredients, and four steps to make this delicious soup. Ready in an hour, this recipe combines the creamy texture of sweet potatoes with the sweetness of red peppers. This hearty soup is a warm, filling option that’s easy to put together, especially on those chilly days when you crave something comforting.
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.

This Curry Salmon dish is a fantastic pick when you’re craving something a little different but still quick. In just 30 minutes, salmon and bok choy cook together in one pan, with coconut milk smoothing out the dish and homemade curry paste tying all the flavors together. It’s a flavorful, balanced meal that’s easy to make, showing off that great dinners don’t have to be complicated.
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 perfect for those colder evenings or whenever you’re in the mood for something warm and cozy. Ready in 45 minutes and made in just one pot, it combines mushrooms in a creamy broth for a savory and hearty meal you can enjoy on a busy weeknight. Serve it with bread, salad, or veggies for a complete and effortless dinner.
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.

If you’re looking for a complete meal that won’t take all night to make, this hearty soup is a great choice. It combines chicken, veggies, and broth in a creamy and savory broth. Cooked in one pot and ready in less than an hour, it’s a simple and delicious dinner option, perfect for any night of the week.
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.

This one-pan meal mixes ground beef, cauliflower rice, cheddar cheese, and mushrooms for a dish that’s both hearty and easy to make. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you don’t have the time to spend all night in the kitchen but need something simple and flavorful to enjoy. Make this in 30 minutes flat and serve a wholesome dinner that everyone will love.
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.

If you’re looking to add more vegetables to your meal, try this easy cabbage and bacon stir-fry. Ready in only 25 minutes from prep to cooking, this dish combines green cabbage, bacon, and onions in a single skillet. It’s a simple but hearty meal with the perfect balance of flavors and textures, perfect any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

Here’s a quick weeknight dinner you need to try ASAP. This one-skillet recipe combines chicken with mushrooms and bacon, simmered together in a creamy sauce made with ingredients like heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and dried thyme. Ready in 30 minutes and made in just one pan, it’s a practical choice for those busy nights when you want a delicious meal without a lot of cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

A skillet filled with chicken in a tomato sauce.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish is a lifesaver for those nights when you’re pressed for time but still want something delicious. It combines boneless chicken thighs and a delicious sun-dried tomato sauce, all cooked in one pan in 30 minutes. The sauce not only adds a rich flavor but also keeps the chicken juicy. It’s an uncomplicated yet impressive meal that proves you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen for a great result.
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.

When you’re looking for a quick and flavorful dinner option, this Creamy Garlic Chicken is a perfect choice. In just 30 minutes, you can cook this meal in one pan, featuring chicken in a creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce. This dish is great for those busy weeknights when you want something special yet easy-to-make dinner that’s guaranteed to be a hit.
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.

For an incredibly simple dinner, try this Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. It’s as easy as tossing sausage and a variety of vegetables on a sheet pan and letting the oven do the work. Ready in about 30 minutes, this meal is perfect for those hectic evenings.
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.

This dish is all about ease and flavor, ready in 30 minutes with just one pan. You mix tender chicken thighs and artichoke hearts in a creamy sauce that makes every bite worth it. It’s a meal that’s both easy to pull off and filling, making it perfect for those days when you’re short on time but still want something great to eat. You can’t mess this up, which is why it’s a hit for any night of the week.
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.

This recipe turns a classic dish into a quick, one-pan meal. In about 30 minutes, you get a creamy, flavorful dish with cauliflower and mushrooms, making it a great low-carb option that doesn’t skimp on taste. It’s perfect for those evenings when you need something hearty but don’t want to spend all night cooking. This meal proves that quick dishes can still be memorable and delicious.
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.

If you’ve got leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken, here’s a quick fix that’ll turn it into a new favorite. Mix it up with some green chile in a skillet for about 20 minutes, and you’ve got yourself a spicy and hearty meal. It’s simple, fast, and you can’t really mess it up, which is perfect for those days when you’re looking for a no-fuss dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken

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