There’s something magical about dinner that doesn’t leave a mountain of dishes behind. These one-pan dinners do exactly that, minimal cleanup, maximum reward. Each dish comes together fast and keeps weeknights running smoothly. They’re simple, comforting, and always hit the mark without much effort. Once you try one-pan dinners, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with anything else.
Pizzaiola Chicken
Pizzaiola Chicken brings together tender chicken, marinara sauce, and mozzarella in one easy pan. The ingredients cook down into a simple, flavorful meal that doesn’t require much effort. Pair it with pasta, rice, or a salad for a balanced dinner. Among the best one-pan dinners, this one stands out for being both quick and versatile.
Get the Recipe: Pizzaiola Chicken
Turkey Rigatoni
Turkey Rigatoni uses lean ground turkey and hearty pasta to create a meal that’s filling without being heavy. Everything cooks together, saving both time and dishes. The flavors blend nicely as it simmers, so it’s just as good the next day. It’s one of those dependable one-pan dinners you’ll keep coming back to.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Rigatoni
Mac and Cheese
This stovetop Mac and Cheese is ready in about 20 minutes and uses a single pot from start to finish. The sauce turns smooth and creamy without needing any fancy steps. You can toss in broccoli, ham, or peas to make it more complete. It’s a go-to meal for nights when you want comfort food with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese
Chicken Creole
Chicken Creole mixes bold spices, tomatoes, and tender chicken into a flavorful one-pot meal. It’s quick to put together, and everything simmers into a rich sauce that’s great with rice or bread. The recipe works well for weeknights since it doesn’t need constant attention. Add it to your list of one-pan dinners that deliver big flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Creole
Chicken Broccoli Fettuccini Alfredo
Creamy Alfredo sauce, chicken, and broccoli come together in a single pan for this easy pasta dinner. It’s rich without feeling too heavy and comes together in less than 30 minutes. The sauce clings perfectly to the noodles and keeps well for leftovers. It’s one of the best one-pan dinners for busy nights when you still want something comforting.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Broccoli Fettuccini Alfredo
Pesto Ricotta Pasta
This Pesto Ricotta Pasta combines creamy cheese and herby pesto for a quick, balanced dish. It cooks entirely in one pot, so you don’t have to deal with multiple pans or long prep. The texture stays silky, and the flavors are fresh but mild. It’s great for weeknights when you want something that feels a bit special.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Ricotta Pasta
Cranberry Chicken
Cranberry Chicken blends sweet and savory in a dish that comes together with almost no effort. The sauce thickens naturally as it cooks, coating the chicken beautifully. It’s a smart option for holiday meals or weeknights when you need something simple but flavorful. Leftovers hold up well and taste even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Chicken
Chicken and Chorizo Orzo
Chicken and Chorizo Orzo brings smoky, rich flavor to a simple one-pan dinner. The orzo absorbs everything as it cooks, turning into a creamy base that pairs perfectly with the meat. It’s ready fast and doesn’t leave a pile of dishes behind. This meal is perfect for nights when you want something hearty but low-effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Chorizo Orzo
Asian Rice and Fish
This Asian Rice and Fish recipe cooks the fish right on top of the rice for an efficient, no-fuss meal. The soy and garlic blend into the grains, giving everything a deep, savory taste. It’s ready in under 30 minutes and looks great right from the pan. It’s a reliable option when you’re short on time but still want something fresh.
Get the Recipe: Asian Rice and Fish
Mushroom Chicken Stroganoff Instant Pot
This stroganoff brings together tender chicken, mushrooms, and noodles in a creamy sauce that feels like comfort in a bowl. The Instant Pot cuts down cooking time, so dinner comes together fast. Everything turns out rich and flavorful without being heavy. It’s a great pick when you want something cozy but still quick.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Chicken Stroganoff Instant Pot
One Pot Chicken Quinoa
Chicken, quinoa, and veggies all cook together for a meal that’s balanced and full of flavor. The spices blend nicely while the quinoa stays fluffy. You get protein, greens, and grains all in one go with minimal cleanup. It’s perfect for busy nights or easy meal prep.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Chicken Quinoa
Short Ribs
These short ribs cook low and slow until they’re fork-tender and full of deep flavor. A quick sear up front locks in everything you want, and the sauce gets richer as it simmers. Serve them with mashed potatoes or rice for a full, no-stress dinner. It’s the kind of meal that tastes like you worked all day, but you didn’t.
Get the Recipe: Short Ribs
Cheesy Beef Taco Rice Skillet
This skillet packs ground beef, rice, and melted cheese for a quick, filling dinner. The taco seasoning adds bold flavor, and you can toss in beans or peppers for extra texture. Everything cooks together, saving time and dishes. It’s a go-to when you want something hearty without fuss.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Taco Rice Skillet
Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken
This slow cooker chicken recipe couldn’t get easier, just throw everything in and let it cook until tender. The flavor builds all day, and the result works great with rice, in tacos, or even on salads. It’s one of those meals that feels effortless but tastes planned. Cleanup stays just as simple, too.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken
Marry Me Shrimp Orzo
Shrimp and orzo simmer together in a creamy sauce that’s rich without being heavy. It’s ready in under 30 minutes and needs just one pot. The flavors stay bright, and the cleanup is quick. It’s one of those meals that feels fancy but fits any weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Shrimp Orzo
One Pot Sausage Pasta
This pasta brings smoky sausage, green chiles, and a creamy sauce together for a bold one-pot dinner. Everything cooks in the same pan, which keeps things simple. You can turn up or tone down the heat depending on your crowd. It’s a dependable pick for nights when you want something fast but full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Sausage Pasta
Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin
This pork loin stays juicy and flavorful thanks to a slow cook in pineapple juice and simple spices. The sweetness pairs nicely with the savory sauce, and it’s great over rice or with roasted vegetables. You can set it and walk away until dinner. It’s minimal work for a meal that tastes put-together.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin
