Pan-demonium in the Kitchen: 17 One pan dinner recipes

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Hey there, busy folks looking for a delicious and hassle-free dinner solution! We get it; life can be a whirlwind, and sometimes, spending hours in the kitchen isn’t on the agenda. That’s where the magic of one-pan dinners comes into play. In this post, we’re here to show you how to whip up mouthwatering meals with minimal fuss and even less cleanup.

These one-pan dinners are easy to make and easy to clean up. You may need a bowl or two for mixing and a couple of utensils to make these dinners, but you won’t be left with piles and piles of dishes. So whether you’re a culinary novice or a seasoned pro, these recipes are designed to simplify your life without sacrificing flavor.

A cast iron skillet with chicken in a creamy sauce.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Oven BBQ Pork Chops

BBQ Pork Chops in a cast iron frying pan.
Oven BBQ Pork Chops. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

These Oven BBQ Pork Chops are a breeze to make with minimal cleanup. Season your pork chops, sear them, and quickly bake them in the oven. Finish them with a coat of your in your favorite BBQ sauce. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have tender, juicy pork chops with all the smoky BBQ flavor you crave.
Get the Recipe: Oven BBQ Pork Chops

Oven BBQ Chicken Thighs

Oven BBQ Chicken Thighs are the answer when you’re craving BBQ but want an easy cleanup. Season your chicken thighs, and quickly bake them in the oven. Finish with a swipe of your favorite bbq sauce. In no time, you’ll have delicious, sticky-sweet chicken without needing a grill or a mountain of dirty dishes.
Get the Recipe: Oven BBQ Chicken Thighs

Creamy Ranch Chicken

This Creamy Ranch Chicken dish is delicious and a one-pan wonder. Sauté chicken breasts in a creamy ranch sauce, all in a single skillet. It’s a simple, family-friendly meal that comes together quickly and leaves you with just one pan to wash – perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ranch Chicken

Chicken Fajita Casserole

A plate of chicken fajita casserole with a fork and limes on the side.
Chicken Fajita Casserole. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Chicken Fajita Casserole combines all the flavors of your favorite fajitas in one easy-to-clean dish. Toss chicken, bell peppers, onions, and fajita seasoning in a baking dish, bake, and enjoy. No need for individual skillet cooking, and cleanup is a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fajita Casserole

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

For a comforting meal with minimal cleanup, try Chicken Gnocchi Soup. This one-pot wonder combines tender chicken, gnocchi, and veggies in a creamy broth. A hearty, homemade soup that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Mississippi Pot Roast

Mississippi Pot Roast is a slow cooker classic that requires minimal effort. Just toss a roast, pepperoncini peppers, and a few seasonings into your slow cooker. When it’s done, you’ll have tender, flavorful pot roast with very little mess to clean up.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Pot Roast

Chicken Piccata

Easy chicken piccata in a cast iron skillet on a linen.
Easy Chicken Piccata. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Chicken Piccata is a quick and elegant dish that’s easy to make in one pan. Sauté chicken in a lemony, buttery sauce with capers, and you’re ready to serve. Fewer dishes to wash means more time to savor this Italian classic.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

Stuffing and Pork Chop Casserole

This Stuffing and Pork Chop Casserole is a comforting, all-in-one dish. Layer pork chops, stuffing, and gravy in a casserole dish, bake, and enjoy. It’s a cozy, fuss-free meal with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Stuffing and Pork Chop Casserole

Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers

For a fuss-free dinner, try Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers. Toss sausages and bell peppers into your slow cooker with some seasonings, set it and forget it. You’ll have a flavorful meal with minimal hands-on cooking and cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers

Bloody Mary Shrimp

Bloody Mary Shrimp is a zesty and quick one-pan dish. Sauté shrimp with a Bloody Mary-inspired sauce in a skillet for a bold and tangy flavor. It’s a spicy seafood delight with an easy cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Bloody Mary Shrimp

Enchilada Meatballs

Cheesy mexican meatballs in a skillet.
Enchilada Meatballs. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Dive into the fusion of flavors with enchilada meatballs, where the heartiness of meatballs meets the zesty allure of classic enchilada sauce.
Get the Recipe: Enchilada Meatballs

Chicken Marsala

Chicken Marsala is an Italian classic made simple in one pan. Sauté chicken with mushrooms in a Marsala wine sauce for a rich and savory dish. Easy to cook and even easier to clean up.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marsala

Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Cast Iron Chicken Thighs are perfect for those who love a good sear. Sear chicken thighs in a cast-iron skillet for crispy skin and juicy meat. Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Creamy Garlic Chicken

Creamy Garlic Chicken is a creamy, garlicky delight cooked in a single skillet. Sauté chicken in a luscious cream sauce for a satisfying meal that’s easy to clean up.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

A crock pot full of butternut apple soup.

Slow Cooker Butternut Soup

Slow Cooker Butternut Soup is a comforting and convenient choice. Toss butternut squash and ingredients into your slow cooker, and let it do the work. Creamy soup with minimal effort and cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Butternut Soup

Smothered Cabbage with Sausage

Smothered Cabbage with Sausage is a hearty, one-pan meal. Sauté cabbage and sausage together for a flavorful dish with minimal dirty dishes.
Get the Recipe: Smothered Cabbage with Sausage

Hearty Turkey Pumpkin Chili

A bowl of chili with avocado and sour cream.
Turkey Pumpkin Chili. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Hearty Turkey Pumpkin Chili is a satisfying fall favorite that’s easy to make and clean up. Simmer ground turkey, beans, and pumpkin in one pot for a delicious, warming meal. Perfect for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Turkey Pumpkin Chili

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