Chaos-busting dinners: 31 one-pan recipes for busy families

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Amid the chaos of daily life, preparing a wholesome family dinner can often seem like an insurmountable task. But fear not, as we have a solution that’s bound to simplify your evenings. Welcome to a collection of 31 one-pan recipes for busy families. These dishes are designed to streamline your dinner preparations without compromising on flavor, ensuring that even on the most hectic days, you can savor delicious, home-cooked meals that bring joy to the entire family.

Close up on ottolenghi chicken marbella on plate.
Chicken Marbella. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes

Roasted chicken with potatoes and parsley in a white bowl.
Buttermilk chicken and potatoes. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Crispy buttermilk chicken alongside tender, roasted potatoes – a winning combo for your family. This oven-baked dish keeps things simple without sacrificing taste, making it perfect for those hectic nights.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes

Moroccan Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner

Sheet pan salmon and cauliflower.
Moroccan Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Transport your taste buds with this Moroccan-inspired salmon sheet pan dinner. It’s a whirlwind of exotic spices and tender salmon fillets, all conveniently prepared on a single pan for a fuss-free family meal.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner

Pan-seared cod with fennel-tomato ragout

Pan-seared cod with fennel-tomato ragout
Pan-seared cod with fennel-tomato ragout. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean with this pan-seared cod and fennel-tomato ragout. It’s a quick and flavorful choice for busy evenings, offering the goodness of cod paired with the vibrant flavors of tomatoes and fennel.
Get the Recipe: Pan-seared cod with fennel-tomato ragout

Sheet pan paprika chicken and veggies

Hands holding paprika chicken and vegetables on a sheet pan.
Sheet pan paprika chicken and veggies. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Dive into a world of smoky paprika chicken and roasted veggies on a single sheet pan. The paprika adds a delightful kick to the tender chicken, while the veggies soak up the flavors. Perfect for a chaos-busting dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sheet pan paprika chicken and veggies

Chicken Marbella

overhead view of chicken marbella tray.
Ottolenghi’s Chicken Marbella With Dates And Olives. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Chicken Marbella, a classic dish, is perfect for busting chaos. The flavorful mix of chicken, olives, capers, and prunes brings a sweet and savory balance to your table, making it a reliable family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marbella

The perfect rice pilaf

Rice pilaf in copper saucepan.
The perfect rice pilaf. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Achieve rice pilaf perfection with ease. This side dish complements any main course on your busy family menu. It’s simplicity at its finest, letting you focus on the chaos-busting dinner ahead.
Get the Recipe: The perfect rice pilaf

Baked Feta Pasta

Side view of baked feta pasta on a plate.
Baked Feta Pasta. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Indulge in creamy baked feta pasta, a viral sensation. Its easy preparation and delicious taste make it a lifesaver on chaotic evenings. The baked feta creates a luscious sauce that’s sure to please the family palate.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta

Baked creamy salmon

Grilled salmon and potatoes on a baking sheet.
Baked creamy salmon. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Creamy baked salmon is a rich and comforting dish that requires minimal effort. A true chaos-buster, it’s the epitome of convenience while still delivering that beloved salmon goodness.
Get the Recipe: Baked creamy salmon

Mujadara

White casserole dish with middle eastern mujadara.
Mujadara. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Embrace the simplicity of mujadara, a hearty dish featuring lentils and rice. It’s both nutritious and satisfying, making it an excellent choice for busy families looking for a chaos-busting meal.
Get the Recipe: Mujadara

Zucchini Boat with Bacon

Stuffed zucchinis on a baking paper.
Zucchini Boat with Bacon. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Zucchini boats stuffed with bacon are a tasty and efficient dinner option. The combination of zucchini and crispy bacon is a crowd-pleaser, making it an ideal choice for busy family nights.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Boat with Bacon

Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

A classic favorite made easy with the Instant Pot. Spaghetti and meatballs is a go-to for chaotic evenings. The Instant Pot speeds up the process, ensuring a comforting meal in no time.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

Apple Puff Pancake

Image shows an overhead shot of an Apple Puff Pancake in a cast iron skillet.
Apple Puff Pancake. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Wake up to the sweet aroma of apple puff pancakes. This breakfast delight is as delightful as it sounds and can be part of a chaos-busting dinner when you need a break from savory dishes.
Get the Recipe: Apple Puff Pancake

Bloody Mary Shrimp

plate of bloody mary shrimp on peach tiles with a baguette.
Bloody Mary Shrimp. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Spice up your dinner with Bloody Mary shrimp. It’s a zesty and flavorful choice that brings a bit of excitement to the table. Easy preparation ensures a chaos-busting dinner with flair.
Get the Recipe: Bloody Mary Shrimp

Asparagus Quiche

A white casserole with asparagus quiche.
Asparagus Quiche. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

A simple yet elegant option for dinner, asparagus quiche is perfect for hectic nights. With a flaky crust and savory filling, it’s a delightful way to enjoy dinner without added chaos.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Quiche

Sheet Pan Pancakes

A plate of two flavors of sheet pan pancakes, cinnamon bun and lemon blueberry
Sheet Pan Pancakes. Photo credit: Sage Alpha Gal.

Breakfast for dinner? Why not! Sheet pan pancakes make it possible. These fluffy treats are easy to prepare and serve, offering a comforting and quick solution to your busy family’s needs.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pancakes

BBQ Sheet Pan Nachos

Sheet pan filled with chips and topped with bbq, veggies, cheese, and more.
BBQ Sheet Pan Nachos. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Crispy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor – that’s BBQ sheet pan nachos for you. It’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together effortlessly on one pan, making it a go-to choice for chaos-busting dinners.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Sheet Pan Nachos

Instant Pot Tortellini Soup

A bowl of tortellini soup sits on a rustic wooden cutting board with a yellow linen and a bunch of parsley.
Instant Pot Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Warm and hearty tortellini soup, made in an Instant Pot, is perfect for chaotic evenings. It’s a comforting bowl of goodness that requires minimal effort, leaving you more time to tame the chaos.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tortellini Soup

Oven Roasted Potatoes with Spinach and Garlic

This photo shows a cast iron skillet with oven roasted potatoes with spinach and garlic on a blue wooden background.
Oven Roasted Potatoes with Spinach and Garlic. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Keep it simple with oven-roasted potatoes, spinach, and garlic. This side dish is a reliable companion to any main course. The roasted flavors blend seamlessly, providing a chaos-busting dinner solution.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Potatoes with Spinach and Garlic

Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Image shows a closeup of a spoon holding some Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole with the full skillet behind it.
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Dive into a cheesy beef and rice casserole that’s easy to prepare and hearty in every bite. It’s a no-fuss dinner option for busy families, offering both comfort and convenience in one dish.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Instant Pot Chicken Stew

A white bowl of Instant Pot Chicken Stew sits on a rustic wooden cutting board with a red linen on a white marble counter.
Instant Pot Chicken Stew. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Warm up with a bowl of Instant Pot chicken stew. It’s a comforting and nutritious option for chaos-busting dinners. The Instant Pot speeds up the cooking process, ensuring a satisfying meal with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Stew

Taco Rice Skillet

Taco Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Taco Tuesday meets chaos-busting convenience with this taco rice skillet. It’s a one-pan wonder that combines all your favorite taco flavors into a quick and easy dinner solution for busy families.
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet

Brussel Sprouts Casserole

Brussel Sprouts Casserole piece on a white plate.
Brussel Sprouts Casserole. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Make Brussels sprouts the star of your meal with this casserole. It’s a flavorful side dish that’s perfect for chaos-busting dinners. The combination of ingredients creates a delightful dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Brussel Sprouts Casserole

Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup

A spoonful of soup is shown in the foreground over a bowl of Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup.
Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Navy bean soup, cooked in an Instant Pot, is a wholesome and fuss-free dinner choice. It’s packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a smart pick for busy families seeking chaos-busting solutions.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup

Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole

Cabbage beef casserole inside cast iron.
Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Cheesy cabbage beef casserole offers comfort and convenience on busy nights. It’s a hearty dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy the family’s hunger without adding chaos to your evening.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole

Lemon Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

Two crispy chicken thighs surrounded by lemon slices, mini sweet peppers, thyme, and cherry tomatoes.
Lemon Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Zesty and savory, lemon chicken sheet pan dinner is a no-fail choice for chaos-busting dinners. The citrusy flavors and juicy chicken come together beautifully on a single pan, simplifying your mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

Spinach Souffle

This photo shows and overhead shot of a spinach souffle in a round white casserole dish.
Spinach Souffle. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Elevate your dinner with a spinach souffle that’s both elegant and easy. It’s a no-fuss choice for chaotic nights, offering a taste of sophistication without the need for extensive preparation.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Souffle

Instant Pot Bangers and Mash

Instant Pot Bangers and Mash. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Instant Pot bangers and mash is comfort food made simple. This classic dish combines sausages and creamy mashed potatoes for a cozy dinner option that saves you time and effort during chaotic evenings.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Bangers and Mash

Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies

Closeup overhead shot of roasted salmon, asparagus, fingerling potatoes, and cherry tomatoes on a blue sheet tray.
Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Sheet pan salmon and veggies is a wholesome and easy-to-make dinner. The salmon’s rich flavor pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables, delivering a balanced and chaos-busting meal for your family.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Warm up with chicken gnocchi soup, a comforting option for chaotic evenings. It’s a creamy and flavorful soup that’s quick to prepare, ensuring your family stays satisfied without added stress.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Nicoise Omelet

Image shows a slice of a Nicoise Omelet on a white plate with the cast iron skillet behind it.
Nicoise Omelet. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Nicoise omelet is a simple yet sophisticated dinner option. With a blend of fresh ingredients and a French twist, it adds a touch of elegance to your chaos-busting evenings without complicating your meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Nicoise Omelet

Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole

Chicken casserole with baked cheese inside a white dish.
Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Cheesy crack chicken casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make. It’s perfect for busy families seeking a delicious and fuss-free dinner option, where cheesy goodness takes center stage.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole

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