21 easy one-pan dinners you really can’t mess up

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Preparing a good meal quickly is more than possible with these easy one-pan dinners. Each of these 21 recipes is designed to be both foolproof and quick to make, often ready in less than half an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights, these dishes are as simple to cook as they are to clean up, giving you a stress-free dinner experience. With straightforward ingredients and clear instructions, these one-pan meals are almost impossible to mess up.

A pan of creamy dijon chicken with herbs and bacon.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Tuscan garlic shrimp and spinach with tomatoes in a pan.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This one-pan dish combines shrimp, spinach, and grape tomatoes and is ready in just 30 minutes. The garlic sauce gives the shrimp a strong flavor that pairs well with the veggies. It’s quick to cook, so you’ll have dinner on the table in no time. Plus, the one-pan method makes for an easy cleanup. It’s a practical dish that you’ll find yourself making often.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Italian sausage soup in a pot with a spoon and garnishes on the side.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In just 30 minutes, you can prepare this one-pot soup that blends Italian sausage, cream cheese, and tomatoes. It’s a comforting meal that’s easy to make. The single-pot method simplifies both the cooking and cleaning process. The soup is hearty enough to serve as a full meal. It’s so easy and quick that it’s likely to become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Cabbage and Sausage

A pan of cabbage and sausage garnished with fresh herbs.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This one-pan dish pairs cabbage and sausage for a meal that’s ready in less than 30 minutes. Cooking everything together makes the process easier and minimizes cleanup. It’s a filling meal that doesn’t require a lot of prep. This dish is perfect for busy days when you need something simple yet filling. Given its ease and speed, you’ll probably find yourself making it again soon.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Creamy Dijon Chicken

Pan of creamy dijon chicken with a spatula.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In 30 minutes, you can have this one-pan chicken dish with Dijon mustard sauce ready. The sauce gives the chicken a unique flavor that sets it apart. The cooking and cleaning are simplified by using a single pan. It’s a quick option for a weekday dinner. With its uncomplicated steps, it’s a meal you’ll likely cook frequently.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Chicken Corn Soup

Two bowls of chicken corn soup garnished with parsley.
Chicken Corn Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in less than an hour, this one-pot soup mixes chicken, vegetables, and broth for a flavorful meal. It’s a good choice when you want something quick but still hearty. The one-pot method streamlines both cooking and cleaning. The ingredients are simple, but the result is a flavorful soup that works as a full meal. Even beginner cooks will find this recipe straightforward to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Sausage Curry

Sausage curry in a skillet.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cook sausage, vegetables, and curry sauce together in one pan for a meal that’s ready in less than an hour. The single pan makes cleaning easier and keeps prep time low. The curry sauce adds a unique flavor to the dish. It’s a good option for a quick weeknight dinner. The dish offers both convenience and flavor, making it a likely regular in your meal planning.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Fried Cabbage With Bacon

Fried cabbage with bacon garnished with parsley in a pot.
Fried Cabbage With Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish takes 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a time-efficient choice. The cabbage and bacon are cooked together in one skillet, reducing cleanup time. The bacon adds a smoky flavor to the cabbage, making it more than just a simple vegetable side. The straightforward process makes it easy to add to your regular dinner rotation. Being both flavorful and quick to prepare, it’s a practical option for various meals.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage With Bacon

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Tuscan chicken in a skillet.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In 40 minutes, this one-pan meal is ready to serve, making it ideal for quick dinners. The chicken thighs are cooked in a Tuscan sauce that complements the meat well. With everything cooked in a single pan, both preparation and cleanup are simplified. This dish strikes a balance between speed and flavor. You’ll likely find it convenient enough to prepare on a regular basis.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce in a pan.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish is prepped and cooked in 30 minutes, making it suitable for busy weeknights. Chicken breasts are paired with a mushroom sauce and cooked in one pan. Cleanup is simple, thanks to the single cooking vessel. The mushroom sauce gives the chicken an extra layer of flavor. Its quick prep and easy cleanup make it a practical repeatable option.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

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

In 45 minutes, this warming soup is ready, offering a straightforward cooking process. It’s a one-pot dish, keeping your kitchen chores to a minimum. It suits cooks of all skill levels, thanks to its easy-to-follow steps. This soup can serve as a full meal by itself, saving you the effort of making side dishes. You’ll find this recipe useful for both hectic weekdays and relaxed weekends.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

A skillet of creamy sun dried tomato chicken with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cooked in 30 minutes, this one-pan dish is a quick dinner solution. Boneless chicken thighs are cooked in a sun-dried tomato sauce that also helps to keep the meat moist. The one-pan method makes both cooking and cleaning easier. The sauce adds a nice flavor to the chicken without complicating the recipe. The efficiency and straightforwardness of this dish make it one you’ll want to revisit.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy

Curry salmon with coconut milk and bok choy in a bowl with a fork.
Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This meal is ready in just 30 minutes, fitting perfectly into a busy schedule. The one-pan method simplifies both cooking and the subsequent cleanup. Salmon and bok choy provide a balanced meal, while the coconut milk adds a smooth texture to the dish. The homemade curry paste lends a flavorful touch without complicating the recipe. Its efficiency and ease make it a natural choice for a weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner with a spoon.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish combines sausage and vegetables, cooked together on a single sheet pan, saving you time and dishes. With a 30-minute cooking time, it’s well-suited for hectic evenings. The vegetables bring color and nutritional value, while the sausage adds a hearty component. Cleanup is simplified due to the one-pan design. Given its balance of flavor and practicality, this one is sure to become a regular meal.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Creamy chicken thighs with artichoke hearts in a pan.
Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs With Artichoke Hearts. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This one-pan chicken dish is ready in around 30 minutes, making it efficient for a weeknight. Artichoke hearts add a unique texture and pair well with the creamy sauce. Cooking everything in one pan makes both preparation and cleanup easier. It’s filling enough to serve as a stand-alone meal. The ease and speed of this dish make it a strong candidate for frequent meal planning.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Cauliflower risotto in a pan.
Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Sara Nelson.

The dish is ready in about 30 minutes, fitting nicely into a busy lifestyle. The cauliflower serves as a low-carb alternative to traditional risotto rice. Mushrooms add an earthy touch, complementing the cauliflower. The one-pan approach means less cleaning afterward. Quick and simple, this dish is likely to become a recurring favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Zuppa Toscana

A bowl of keto zuppa Toscana with a spoon in it.
Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Inspired by Olive Garden’s popular restaurant dish, this one-pot soup is made in just 1 hour. Radishes replace potatoes for a lower-carb version without sacrificing flavor. The one-pot design simplifies cooking and makes cleanup easier. Hearty enough to be a full meal, it’s both filling and nutritious. Given its quick preparation time and minimal cleanup, it’s a go-to recipe for many.
Get the Recipe: Zuppa Toscana

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice garnished with fresh herbs with a fork.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This one-pan meal blends ground beef, cauliflower rice, cheddar cheese, and mushrooms, making it easy to prepare and clean up. Ready in just 30 minutes, it offers a convenient option for those with packed schedules. The cauliflower rice serves as a light base, complemented by the richness of cheddar cheese. You can add this dish to your regular rotation due to its straightforward preparation and simple cleanup process.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with fresh herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken breasts are cooked in a garlic and Parmesan sauce, all within a single pan. This makes it a good choice for easy one-pan dinners you can’t mess up. The meal is ready in about 30 minutes, suiting busy weeknights well. The garlic and Parmesan sauce ensures that the chicken remains moist. The one-pan method aids in both easy cooking and minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs

Green chile chicken in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This one-skillet dish is perfect for turning leftover chicken thighs into a quick meal, ready in 20 minutes. Rotisserie chicken can be used as an easy alternative. The green chile lends the dish a distinct kick. The single-skillet approach ensures an uncomplicated cooking and cleanup experience. This straightforward and efficient option is a great addition to any meal plan.
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.

This dish features scallops cooked in a lemon and garlic sauce, all accomplished in a single pan. You can prepare this meal in approximately 30 minutes, making it suitable for busy evenings. The lemon and garlic sauce adds flavor while retaining the scallops’ moisture. Due to being cooked in just one pan, the recipe is easy to prep and to clean up. This dish is sure to become a recurring option for impressive, memorable dinners.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

Sticky Sauce Chicken

Sticky sauce chicken, broccoli, and sesame seeds in a pot.
Sticky Sauce Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This one-pan chicken dish comes together quickly, with a completion time of roughly 30 minutes, making it a reliable option for weeknights. Coating the chicken in a sticky sauce imparts deep flavor and keeps the meat moist. The one-pan method is efficient and user-friendly, making this a practical choice for those looking for easy-to-execute dinners.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Sauce Chicken

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