Preparation of home-cooked hearty meals can occur in a short amount of time and generate minimal post-cooking mess. Single-pan cooking methods provide working individuals the advantage of preparing healthy meals which require minimal clean-up time. These five one-pan recipes provide a quick solution for creating delicious meals that serve different needs such as single-serving and family dinners as well as weekly meal preparation.

1. Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies

Why You’ll Love It:

This simple yet flavorful dish combines juicy chicken breasts with a mix of roasted vegetables, all coated in a delicious garlic butter sauce. It’s protein-packed, nutritious, and ready in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place chicken breasts in the center of a large baking sheet.
3. Arrange broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and zucchini around the chicken.
4. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Drizzle the garlic butter mixture over the chicken and vegetables.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp of 165°F).
7. Serve hot and enjoy with a side of rice or crusty bread!

2. One-Pan Lemon Herb Salmon with Asparagus and Potatoes

Why You’ll Love It:

This healthy and elegant dish is packed with fresh flavors and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a perfect weeknight dinner with almost no cleanup required.

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets
• 1 cup baby potatoes, halved
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss potatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then spread them on a baking sheet.
3. Roast potatoes for 15 minutes.
4. Remove the pan, add asparagus, and place salmon fillets in the center.
5. Drizzle salmon and asparagus with remaining olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and salt.
6. Return to the oven and bake for another 12-15 minutes until salmon flakes easily.
7. Serve with fresh lemon slices and enjoy!

3. One-Pan Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Why You’ll Love It:

This quick and flavorful stir-fry is better than takeout and requires only one pan to cook! Perfect for a high-protein, low-carb meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp ginger, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water for thickening)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add sliced steak and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until browned, then remove from the pan.
3. In the same pan, add broccoli and bell pepper, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until tender.
4. Mix soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
5. Return beef to the pan and pour in the sauce, stirring to coat.
6. Add cornstarch slurry, stir until thickened, and remove from heat.
7. Serve over rice or noodles and enjoy!

4. One-Pan Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya

Why You’ll Love It:

This Cajun-inspired dish is bursting with bold flavors and only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s hearty, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 lb smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 cup white rice
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned.
3. Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic, sautéing until softened.
4. Stir in rice, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until rice is tender.
6. Add shrimp and cook for another 3-4 minutes until pink.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!

5. One-Pan Pesto Gnocchi with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach

Why You’ll Love It:

This vegetarian-friendly meal is packed with flavor, thanks to basil pesto and roasted cherry tomatoes. Plus, the soft pillowy gnocchi make it extra comforting!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb potato gnocchi
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup basil pesto
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add gnocchi and cook for 3-4 minutes until lightly golden.
3. Add cherry tomatoes and sauté until they start to soften.
4. Toss in spinach and cook until wilted.
5. Stir in pesto and mix until everything is well-coated.
6. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and serve immediately.

Final Thoughts

One-pan meals make cooking at home easier and more enjoyable by reducing mess and maximizing flavor. Whether you’re in the mood for chicken, seafood, beef, or a vegetarian dish, these five recipes offer something delicious for everyone. Try them out, experiment with different ingredients, and make dinnertime a stress-free experience!