21 One-Pan Dinners You Really Can’t Mess Up

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21 One-Pan Dinners You Really Can’t Mess Up

One-pan dinners are great for when you’re busy or new to cooking. Everything goes in one pan, making cooking easy and hard to mess up. These 21 recipes use simple ingredients, are easy to follow, and are perfect for anyone who wants a quick, good meal without too much work. Whether you’re short on time or just starting out in the kitchen, these one-pan recipes are sure to be a hit.

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.

Prepare a flavorful meal in just 30 minutes with this one-pan Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. The combination of shrimp, spinach, and tomatoes, all brought together with a hint of garlic, makes for a surprisingly easy-to-make dinner. Plus, the simplicity of using one pan means cooking and cleanup are both a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

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

This Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is a comforting blend of sausage, cream cheese, and tomatoes, ready in just 30 minutes. It’s a perfect choice for those seeking a warm, hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The ease of a one-pot recipe not only simplifies the cooking process but also ensures quick cleanup, making your dinner routine more efficient.
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.

Enjoy this straightforward meal with Cabbage and Sausage, ready in less than 30 minutes. This one-pan dish combines the heartiness of sausage with the simplicity of cabbage, offering a quick and filling dinner option. The minimal cleanup required afterward adds to the appeal, making it an excellent choice for those evenings when time is of the essence.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Creamy Dijon Chicken

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

Get a delicious chicken dinner on the table in just 30 minutes with this Creamy Dijon Chicken. It’s really simple – chicken cooked in a velvety Dijon mustard sauce, all in one pan. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a busy weeknight. You’ll probably find yourself making it again and again because it’s just that easy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

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

When you’re wanting a warm, hearty meal for the family, this Chicken Pot Pie Soup has got you covered. It takes about an hour, but it’s worth it. It’s this creamy, cozy soup that everyone loves, and you only need one pot. Perfect for those nights when you want something comforting without too much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

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.

If you’ve got 20 minutes, you’ve got enough time to whip up these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. They’re cooked in a pan with this amazing garlic butter sauce that’s so good. It’s super simple, and the chicken turns out really juicy and flavorful. Definitely a go-to when you need something quick and deicious.
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.

For a soup that’s a bit different, try Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup. It’s this creamy, comforting soup you can make in an hour. It’s great for those days when you want something warm and filling, plus it’s really easy to put together.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Chicken Corn Soup

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

Here’s a great idea for a filling dinner when you’re short on time: Chicken Corn Soup. It’s a one-pot deal, ready in less than an hour, with chicken, veggies, and broth. It’s super easy, even if you’re not too confident in the kitchen, and it makes a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Sausage Curry

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

Ever tried making Sausage Curry? It’s this flavorful, one-pan meal that’s ready in no time. Just mix sausage, veggies, and a nice curry sauce. It’s a great pick for those busy weeknights when you want something a bit different but still quick and easy.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

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.

You’ll love how easy this Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is. It’s all done in one pan and ready in 30 minutes. It’s a mix of ground beef, cauliflower rice, cheddar cheese, and mushrooms. The cauliflower rice keeps it light, and the cheese adds a nice richness. It’s so straightforward that you’ll want to make it part of your regular dinner lineup.
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.

Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a quick, 30-minute dish that’s really flavorful. You cook the cabbage and bacon together in a skillet, and the bacon gives the cabbage a smoky kick. It’s simple but adds a lot to your meal. Perfect when you need something easy but a little different.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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

Have 40 minutes? That’s all you need for this Creamy Tuscan Chicken. It’s a one-pan meal with chicken thighs in a delicious Tuscan sauce. It’s a great balance of quick and flavorful – a dish you’ll find yourself coming back to often.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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 idea for a weeknight dinner: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. You can get it done in about 30 minutes, all in one pan. The mushroom sauce adds a great flavor to the chicken breasts. It’s easy to prepare and even easier to clean up, making it a practical choice for a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

A bowl of Hungarian mushroom soup with a spoon.
Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Hungarian Mushroom Soup is ready in 45 minutes and it’s really something special. It’s a one-pot soup, so it’s not a hassle to make or clean up. It’s great for anyone, no matter how good you are in the kitchen. Plus, it’s filling enough to be your whole meal. Great for a chilly evening or just when you want something a bit cozy.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

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

This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is a great option when you need a meal in a hurry. It’s a 30-minute, one-pan dish with boneless chicken thighs and a lovely sun-dried tomato sauce. The sauce keeps the chicken moist and adds a lot of flavor. It’s a meal that’s both easy and impressive.
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.

Try this Creamy Garlic Chicken when you need something quick. You can make it in about 30 minutes, and it’s all done in one pan. The chicken is cooked in a garlic and Parmesan sauce, which keeps it really moist. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for those busy weeknights but still feels a bit special.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

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.

If you’re in the mood for something a bit different, give this Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy a try. It takes just 30 minutes and everything cooks in one pan. The salmon and bok choy make a balanced meal, and the coconut milk adds a nice smoothness to the dish. The homemade curry paste really brings it all together. It’s a great choice for a quick, flavorful dinner.
Get the Recipe: Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy

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 a super easy dinner, you can’t go wrong with this Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Just toss sausage and vegetables on a sheet pan and bake. It takes about 30 minutes, and it’s perfect for those busy nights. The veggies add some color and nutrition, while the sausage makes it hearty. It’s the kind of meal that’s easy to throw together and always turns out great.
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 Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts dish is a winner. It’s ready in about 30 minutes and only uses one pan. The artichoke hearts add a unique texture, and they go so well with the creamy sauce. It’s filling enough to stand on its own, and it’s so easy to make that you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again.
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.

Try this Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms for a quick dinner idea. It’s ready in about 30 minutes and is really easy to make. The cauliflower is a great low-carb option, and the mushrooms add a nice earthy flavor. It’s all made in one pan, so there’s not much to clean up. This dish is a great go-to for a quick and memorable meal.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Zuppa Toscana

Keto zuppa Toscana with meat, kale and onions.
Keto Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

You’ll love this version of Zuppa Toscana, inspired by the popular restaurant dish. It’s ready in just 1 hour and is a one-pot wonder. Radishes are used here instead of potatoes, but you won’t miss a thing flavor-wise. It’s hearty enough to be a full meal and it’s both filling and nutritious. It’s a great recipe for when you want something warm and comforting, and it’s easy to make too.
Get the Recipe: Zuppa Toscana

Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs

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

Got some leftover chicken thighs? Turn them into this amazing Green Chile Chicken dish in just 20 minutes. You can even use rotisserie chicken as a shortcut. The green chile gives the dish a nice kick. It’s all done in one skillet, so it’s super easy to make and even easier to clean up. It’s a fantastic way to make a quick, flavorful meal out of leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs

Lemon Garlic Scallops

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

These Lemon Garlic Scallops are a real treat and surprisingly easy to make. In about 30 minutes, you can cook them up in just one pan. The lemon and garlic sauce adds so much flavor and keeps the scallops moist. This dish is perfect for those nights when you want to make something a bit fancy but don’t have a lot of time.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

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