15 One-Pan Dinner Recipes for Exhausted Parents

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15 One-Pan Dinner Recipes for Exhausted Parents

For all the exhausted parents out there, one-pan dinner recipes are a game changer. They’re the secret to whipping up a great meal with minimal cleanup, saving you precious time and energy. These 15 dishes are designed to be straightforward and quick, making them perfect for those nights when you’re too tired to even think about cooking.

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

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Stuffed bell pepper casserole in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This casserole takes the essence of stuffed bell peppers and turns it into an easy, 45-minute dish without the hassle of stuffing. It’s an uncomplicated, flavorful meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, especially when you’re looking for something filling but easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Green Chile Chicken

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

Green Chile Chicken is the quick solution you need for a flavorful dinner without the effort. With leftover or store-bought rotisserie chicken, this dish can be on your table in 20 minutes. It’s simple, fast, and the kick of green chile makes it a refreshing change from the usual, perfect for whipping up a last-minute meal.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile 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 is a no-nonsense meal that’s perfect for when you’re too tired to deal with dinner but still want something great on the table. Just throw your sausage and veggies on a sheet pan, bake for 30 minutes, and you’ve got a meal that hits the spot without draining your last bit of energy. It’s a solid choice for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

On those days when you’re running on empty and the thought of cooking is daunting, Creamy Garlic Chicken is a lifesaver. Ready in 30 minutes and cooked in just one pan, this chicken covered in creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce makes dinner easy. Throw in some veggies or pasta, and you’re all set—minimal cleanup required.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Cabbage and Sausage

A plate of cabbage and sausages with a fork.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When you need dinner fast and you’re not up for a challenge, Cabbage and Sausage is the way to go. It’s straightforward and quick, ready in less than 30 minutes, all in one pan. This dish is a hassle-free way to fill everyone up and keep your evening as simple as possible.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

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.

For exhausted parents, this meal is a game-changer. Mix ground beef, cauliflower rice, cheddar cheese, and mushrooms in a single skillet and in 30 minutes, you’ll have a hearty dinner that didn’t take all your energy to make. It’s a straightforward, one-pan solution for those nights when even thinking about dinner is too much.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

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.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites come to the rescue on busy nights. They’re ready in just 20 minutes and pack a flavorful punch, making them a great pick for when time is tight, but you still want a meal that’s filling and everyone will love. It’s quick, easy, and sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

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

This soup is your go-to for comfort with ease. In just 30 minutes and one pot, combine sausage, cream cheese, and tomatoes to create a heartwarming meal. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you need something filling but don’t have the time or energy for complicated recipes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

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

When you crave cozy but can’t deal with the hassle, Chicken Pot Pie Soup is there for you. Although it takes an hour, it’s extremely simple and cooks in one pot. This means you get all the comforting flavors of a classic pot pie without the extra work, making it a great end to a hectic day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

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.

If you’re beat and need a solid meal without a ton of effort, Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is your hero. Knock it out in about an hour with just one pot. It’s super simple to throw together and packs enough punch to fill up the whole crew, making it a top pick for tired parents everywhere.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Creamy Dijon Chicken

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

Creamy Dijon Chicken makes your weeknight dinner hassle a thing of the past. This 30-minute, one-pan meal features chicken in a rich Dijon mustard sauce, blending quick convenience with flavor. It’s the perfect choice for nights when you’re short on time but still want a meal that feels special.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Chicken Corn Soup

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

Chicken Corn Soup is a fantastic option for a no-fuss, hearty dinner. Ready in less than an hour and made in one pot, it combines chicken, veggies, and broth into a comforting meal. This simple recipe is exactly what you need for a fulfilling meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Sausage Curry

A skillet filled with carrots and sausages.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Break out of the dinner rut with this easy Sausage Curry. It’s a one-pan wonder that brings sausage, veggies, and a bold curry sauce together in no time. Perfect for when you want to spice things up without spending the whole evening in the kitchen. It’s quick, simple, and packs a punch.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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

Fried Cabbage with Bacon is your quick fix for a hearty meal. Whip this up in 30 minutes for a dish that combines the savory taste of bacon with the comfort of cabbage. It’s easy, fast, and hits the spot every time. Great for when you need a filling meal but want to keep it simple.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

This Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce recipe is all about getting a delicious meal on the table without a fuss. In about 30 minutes, you’ll serve chicken smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce, all from one pan. It’s the kind of dinner that makes everyone happy, especially the cook.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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