03 of the Best One-Pan Dinner Recipes for Stress-Free Cooking

By /

One-pan dinners are a lifesaver on busy nights. With minimal prep, easy cleanup, and maximum flavor, these meals make cooking stress-free. Whether you’re looking for a healthy, hearty, or protein-packed option, these one-pan dinner recipes deliver delicious results with just one skillet or sheet pan.

Here are three of the best one-pan dinner recipes that will help you get a wholesome meal on the table in no time.

Quick Reference Table

Recipe NameCooking TimeType
One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken & Vegetables30 minHigh-Protein
Sheet Pan Honey Garlic Salmon & Vegetables25 minSeafood
One-Skillet Cajun Shrimp & Sausage20 minLow-Carb

One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken & Vegetables

This flavor-packed sheet pan meal features juicy garlic butter chicken and perfectly roasted vegetables. It’s high in protein, full of flavor, and ready in 30 minutes.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Chicken:
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Vegetables:
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken
  1. In a bowl, mix the olive oil, melted butter, garlic, paprika, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Add the chicken strips and coat evenly.
2. Prepare the Vegetables
  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Spread the zucchini, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and broccoli evenly on the sheet.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Bake Everything Together
  1. Place the marinated chicken strips on top of the vegetables.
  2. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
4. Serve & Enjoy
  1. Remove from the oven and drizzle with extra garlic butter for added flavor.
  2. Serve warm with a side of quinoa, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Tips & Variations

  • Swap chicken for salmon or shrimp for a seafood version.
  • Use different vegetables like asparagus, carrots, or Brussels sprouts.
  • Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Sheet Pan Honey Garlic Salmon & Vegetables

This sweet and savory salmon is coated in a garlic honey glaze and baked alongside crispy vegetables for an easy and nutritious 25-minute meal.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Salmon:
  • 4 salmon fillets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Honey Garlic Glaze:
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
For the Vegetables:
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup asparagus, trimmed
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Honey Garlic Glaze
  1. In a small saucepan, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
  2. Simmer for 2 minutes, then add the cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened.
2. Prepare the Sheet Pan
  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Arrange the salmon fillets on one side and vegetables on the other.
  3. Drizzle olive oil, salt, and black pepper over the vegetables.
3. Bake Everything Together
  1. Brush the honey garlic glaze over the salmon.
  2. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes.
  3. Broil for 2 minutes for a caramelized finish.
4. Serve & Enjoy
  1. Remove from the oven and drizzle extra glaze over the salmon.
  2. Serve with rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

  • Swap salmon for chicken breasts (adjust baking time to 25 minutes).
  • Use maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper flavor.
  • Add sesame seeds and scallions for extra texture.

One-Skillet Cajun Shrimp & Sausage

This spicy and flavorful skillet meal combines shrimp, smoked sausage, and colorful vegetables in a Cajun-seasoned butter sauce. It’s low-carb, keto-friendly, and ready in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Shrimp & Sausage:
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 smoked sausage, sliced (such as andouille or turkey sausage)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
For the Vegetables:
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Cook the Sausage
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes, until browned.
  3. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables
  1. In the same skillet, add zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes.
  2. Season with salt and black pepper and sauté for 4-5 minutes until tender.
  3. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the Shrimp
  1. Add butter, garlic, Cajun seasoning, and paprika to the skillet.
  2. Stir in the shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
4. Combine & Serve
  1. Return the sausage and vegetables to the skillet.
  2. Toss everything together until heated through.
  3. Serve immediately with cauliflower rice or a fresh salad.

Tips & Variations

  • Adjust spice levels by adding extra Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes.
  • Swap shrimp for chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
  • Add mushrooms or asparagus for extra veggies.

Final Thoughts

These one-pan dinner recipes make cooking easier, healthier, and more enjoyable. Whether you’re in the mood for garlic butter chicken, sweet & savory salmon, or a Cajun-inspired shrimp skillet, these meals deliver big flavors with minimal effort.

Try one of these recipes tonight for a stress-free, delicious dinner with zero hassle and easy cleanup.