When you’re a tired parent, quick and easy one-pan dinner ideas can be a lifesaver at the end of a long day. These meals are great because they’re simple to make, and cleanup is a breeze, giving you more time to relax or catch up with your kids. Whether you’ve been chasing toddlers all day or juggling work and homework, these 15 perfect dinner solutions help you get a hearty meal on the table without too much extra hassle.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
For a dinner that’s fast but still a total crowd-pleaser, try these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. You only need chicken, garlic, butter, and 20 minutes to get this dish from the kitchen to the table. It’s the perfect pick for when you’re short on time but still want to put out something great. Plus, the quick cleanup means more time to unwind.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Creamy Garlic Chicken is here to save your evening. Just one pan and 30 minutes are all you need to whip up this creamy, garlic-y dish. It’s easy to make and even easier to clean up, so you can enjoy a great meal without the long prep or cleanup time. Throw in some pasta, rice, or veggies on the side, and dinner is served.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Cabbage and Sausage
When energy’s low and you need dinner quickly, this Cabbage and Sausage recipe is your best friend. This one-pan meal gets savory sausage and hearty cabbage on your table in less than 30 minutes. It’s easy and filling, making it a top pick for those nights when you want a good meal with minimal kitchen time.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
For a hearty meal without the stress of stuffing, the Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is ready in about 45 minutes. It combines all the flavors you love in a casserole that’s simple to assemble. It’s a favorite for a laid-back family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Chicken Corn Soup
Choose Chicken Corn Soup for a quick, filling option. It’s ready in under an hour using just one pot, combining chicken, veggies, and broth for a cozy dish. Simple and complete, this soup is a great easy meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup
Green Chile Chicken
Green Chile Chicken is your speedy solution to a flavorful dinner, ready in 20 minutes. Whether you’re using leftover chicken thighs or a store-bought rotisserie chicken, this dish adds a spicy kick with green chile for a hassle-free meal.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Get the taste of chicken pot pie in a soup form with just an hour of cooking. Simmer chicken, vegetables, and broth in one pot, then thicken with flour and milk to create a creamy base. This Chicken Pot Pie Soup serves all the comforting flavors of the traditional pie, but in an easier, soup-based format, perfect for a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Busy parents, meet your new favorite dinner: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Toss sausages and veggies on a pan, bake for 30 minutes, and boom—dinner’s ready. It’s quick, it’s easy, and you’ll have almost no mess to clean up. Perfect for those nights when you just can’t deal with a complicated meal.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
On a hectic night, the Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is a lifesaver. Mix ground beef, cauliflower rice, cheddar, and mushrooms in a skillet. In 30 minutes, you’re eating dinner. It’s a no-brainer for busy or tired parents.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is your go-to for an easy, one-pot meal on cold nights. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a comforting mix of sausage, cream cheese, and tomatoes. It’s perfect for when you need something hearty with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Create a comforting Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup in about an hour with just one pot. Cook sweet potatoes and red peppers until soft, blend until smooth, and season to taste. This easy-to-make soup is a great way to serve a nutritious and comforting meal on busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Creamy Dijon Chicken
Creamy Dijon Chicken turns weeknight dinners into something special. This one-pan, 30-minute meal features chicken in a rich Dijon mustard sauce. It’s quick, flavorful, and just right for nights when time is tight, but you still want to get a great meal on the table.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken
Sausage Curry
Spice up your dinner routine with Sausage Curry. Quick and made in one pan, it combines sausage with veggies in a savory curry sauce. It’s a simple way to add some excitement to your weeknight meals, especially when you’re short on time.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
For a quick and hearty meal, try Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Ready in less than 30 minutes, this skillet dish brings together the richness of cabbage and bacon for those evenings when you’re looking for something filling yet easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
For a flavorful dinner that’s easy to pull off, Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is ready in 30 minutes. Just one pan gives you chicken smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce, perfect for a busy weeknight meal that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce