If you’re an overwhelmed parent, you know the struggle of getting dinner on the table after a day packed with responsibilities. That’s where one-pan dinners come into play. They’re a great choice for those times when you’d rather spend the evening winding down than washing a pile of dishes. So, for anyone trying to juggle it all — homework, playdates, you name it — these 17 one-pan meals are here to make your evenings a bit more manageable.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
This casserole brings the taste of stuffed bell peppers to your table without the work of stuffing them. In just 45 minutes, exhausted parents can have a hearty meal ready, perfect for a busy weeknight. It’s a no-stress dish that makes dinner time easy and keeps everyone happy.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
For those nights when you’re too tired to do much but still want a great meal, this sheet pan dinner is your friend. Toss sausage and veggies on a pan, bake for 30 minutes, and you’re done. It’s the perfect solution for exhausted parents who need a good meal without a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Green Chile Chicken
Whether you use leftover or rotisserie chicken, you can whip up Green Chile Chicken in 20 minutes. It’s easy, fast, and the green chile gives it a nice kick, making it a great change of pace for those times when you need something quick yet fills you up.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken
Creamy Garlic Chicken
For those days when you’re just done and cooking feels like a no-go, Creamy Garlic Chicken is your hero. Whip it up in 30 minutes with just one pan. It’s chicken in a creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce, making dinner a breeze. Toss in some veggies or pasta, and dinner’s ready with almost no cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Cabbage and Sausage
For a quick, no-stress dinner, Cabbage and Sausage has got your back. It’s all done in one pan and ready in under 30 minutes. This meal is the straightforward, hassle-free answer to filling up your family and keeping your evening relaxed.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Chicken Tortellini Soup
For those evenings when time is scarce, and you’re juggling multiple tasks, this Chicken Tortellini Soup is a lifesaver. In just 40 minutes, you can have a nutrient-packed meal ready to go, all in a single pot. It’s an effortless way to serve up a hearty dinner that will keep the whole family content without having to spend the entire evening in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
For those nights when you’re too tired to even think about dinner, this skillet meal is a lifesaver. Ground beef, cauliflower rice, cheddar, and mushrooms all cook together in 30 minutes. It’s an effortless, one-pan dinner for when you’re running on empty.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
For those evenings crammed with activities, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are here to save your dinner plans. They’re quick, ready in 20 minutes, and full of flavor. This meal is perfect for when you’re short on time but still want to put something delicious on the table that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
This soup is all about comfort without the work. Throw sausage, cream cheese, and tomatoes into a pot, and in 30 minutes, you’ve got a comforting soup. It’s perfect for those nights when you need something hearty but easy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
If you’re wanting something cozy but want to skip the hassle, Chicken Pot Pie Soup is perfect. It takes an hour but is incredibly simple, with everything cooking in one pot. This soup delivers all the comforting flavors of a classic pot pie without the extra effort, making it an excellent choice for a hectic day’s end.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
When you’re wiped out but still need to feed everyone, Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is the way to go. Ready in about an hour with just one pot, it’s easy to make and hearty enough to feed the whole family. It’s a go-to for tired parents.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Creamy Dijon Chicken
Say goodbye to dinner stress with Creamy Dijon Chicken. This one-pan meal is done in 30 minutes and mixes chicken with a rich Dijon mustard sauce. It’s just the thing for those nights when you’re rushed but still want dinner to feel a bit special.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken
Chicken Corn Soup
For a straightforward, filling dinner, Chicken Corn Soup is perfect. It’s ready in less than an hour, made in one pot, and brings together chicken, veggies, and broth into a warming meal. It’s the easy answer for a delicious dinner without much work.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup
Sausage Curry
Shake things up with Sausage Curry. This one-pan meal is a breeze and combines sausage, veggies, and a bold curry flavor fast. It’s perfect for spicing up dinner time without hanging out in the kitchen all night.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
For a quick, hearty meal, look no further than Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish combines the savory taste of bacon with the hearty comfort of cabbage. It’s great for those moments when you need something filling but want to keep things easy.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is your go-to for a hassle-free, delicious dinner. In roughly 30 minutes, you can serve up chicken covered in a creamy mushroom sauce, all cooked in one pan. It’s the sort of meal that pleases everyone, exhausted cook included.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
White Bean Soup
On those nights when simplicity is key, this White Bean Soup is a go-to option. You only need one pot and 40 minutes to prepare a meal brimming with fiber and vegetables. It’s a straightforward dish that won’t add stress to your busy weeknights yet will provide a nourishing meal for everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup