When the sink is already full and your energy’s on empty, easy one-pan meals save the day. They cut cleanup in half and still get dinner done right. No juggling multiple burners, no long prep list, and definitely no piles of dishes. These are the kinds of recipes you can throw together and still feel like you’ve got things under control. Bonus: they’re great for lazy nights that still call for real food.
One Pot Turkey Rigatoni
This rigatoni recipe checks a lot of boxes: high in protein, low in calories, and all cooked in one pot. It works well for families or for meal prepping. With just a few ingredients, the flavor is still rich and satisfying. It’s one of those easy one-pan meals that saves both time and effort.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Turkey Rigatoni
One-Pot Chicken Taco Mac & Cheese
With chicken, cheese, and a little taco seasoning, this dish has a bold and cozy feel without the hassle. It only takes one pan, which means cleanup is fast. You can also throw in extra veggies if you want to make it more balanced. This one fits perfectly into the list of easy one-pan meals.
Get the Recipe: One-Pot Chicken Taco Mac & Cheese
One Pot Mexican Chicken & Rice
This chicken and rice dish is ready in just 30 minutes and uses only one pot. It’s packed with flavor and works great for leftovers too. Since everything cooks together, the rice soaks up all the seasoning. It’s one of the best easy one-pan meals for a busy week.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Mexican Chicken & Rice
Stove Top Chili
This chili is hearty, simple, and great for cold evenings or weekend meal prep. It includes ground beef, beans, and tomato sauce with a mild kick of spice. You can simmer it on the stove and let the flavors build while you do something else. It’s a classic dinner that always hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Stove Top Chili
One-Pan Chicken Fajita Pasta
This chicken fajita pasta is ready in 20 minutes and brings a little heat to your weeknight routine. It includes lean chicken, bell peppers, and pasta all cooked in one pan. That means fewer dishes and more time to relax after dinner. It’s a great option if you need easy one-pan meals that don’t cut corners.
Get the Recipe: One-Pan Chicken Fajita Pasta
Tuna Pasta With Pesto
This tuna pesto pasta is light, quick, and full of flavor. You only need one pot, which makes it a good choice when you’re short on time. It’s ideal for lunch or dinner, especially when you want something filling without being too heavy. It’s a great addition to your rotation of easy one-pan meals.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Pasta With Pesto
Chicken Sausage Pasta
Chicken sausage pasta is a simple recipe that comes together fast with just a few ingredients. The sausage adds flavor, and everything cooks together for an easy finish. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when time is tight. Serve it on its own or with a side of greens.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sausage Pasta
Chicken Thighs With Vegetables
You can roast chicken thighs and vegetables together on a single pan, which makes dinner prep super easy. The chicken stays juicy, and the vegetables get tender and flavorful. This dish is also easy to adjust based on what’s in your fridge. It’s a solid go-to for nights when you need a reliable dinner fast.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Thighs With Vegetables
One Pot Spicy Sausage Pasta
This spicy sausage pasta is both bold and simple, with a creamy tomato sauce that pulls everything together. It’s cooked all in one pot, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy. You can make it mild or hot depending on what your family likes. As far as easy one-pan meals go, this one stands out for its bold flavors.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Spicy Sausage Pasta
Pork Tenderloin With Potatoes
Everything goes on one pan, so there’s barely anything to clean up later. The pork comes out juicy, and the potatoes turn golden with just the right bite. It’s a no-fuss dinner that’s big on flavor and doesn’t need a bunch of extra steps. You’ll probably want to keep this one in the regular dinner lineup.
Get the Recipe: Pork Tenderloin With Potatoes
Salmon Stir Fry
This salmon stir fry takes less than 20 minutes, and the flavor hits fast. The veggies stay crisp, the salmon stays tender, and it all comes together in one pan. You can serve it with rice, noodles, or just eat it straight. Either way, it doesn’t stick around long.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Stir Fry
Monterey Chicken
The chicken cooks up juicy, and the BBQ sauce, bacon, and cheese all melt into something super bold. Everything happens in one skillet, so cleanup takes almost no time. It’s a weeknight dinner that doesn’t feel rushed. Serve it with whatever sides are easiest, no need to overthink it.
Get the Recipe: Monterey Chicken
One-Pan Caprese Pasta
This pasta gets everything done in under 20 minutes, but the flavor doesn’t feel rushed. You get fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and just enough balsamic to tie it all together. It’s easy enough for weeknights but still feels like you tried. No one needs to know how fast it came together.
Get the Recipe: One-Pan Caprese Pasta
Chicken Fajita Pasta
This one-pot meal pulls in the smoky flavor of fajitas and wraps it all up with creamy pasta. The chicken stays juicy, and the peppers keep some crunch. You don’t need much to get it on the table, and the cleanup won’t slow you down either. It checks all the boxes for an easy dinner win.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fajita Pasta
Ground Turkey Stroganoff
This version skips the beef but still brings that rich, creamy flavor everyone expects. The ground turkey and mushrooms cook up fast, and the sauce thickens just right. You can get it done in 25 minutes without breaking a sweat. It’s simple, cozy, and way easier than it looks.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Stroganoff
One-Pot Chicken Pilaf
This dish packs in warm spices, tender chicken, and fluffy rice, all in one pot. It hits the table in about 30 minutes, so it works for busy nights. The carrots and raisins add a sweet bite without going overboard. It feels like something special but doesn’t take much effort.
Get the Recipe: One-Pot Chicken Pilaf
Southwest Chicken Casserole
You get tender chicken, melty cheese, and bold spices all in one scoop. The salsa verde and black beans bring just the right mix of tang and heat. It’s a simple dinner that skips the boring stuff but still fills everyone up. Bonus: only one pan to wash.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Chicken Casserole
Burst Cherry Tomato and Ricotta Beans
The cherry tomatoes burst and mix right into the creamy ricotta for something light but filling. It’s a one-pot meal that works for lunch or dinner and doesn’t take much to prep. Everything cooks fast and holds up well even if you stash leftovers in the fridge. This one works especially well on warm days.
Get the Recipe: Burst Cherry Tomato and Ricotta Beans
