25 One-Skillet Meals That Will Simplify Your Weeknight Cooking
Sometimes, one pan is all you need to create a meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to clean up after.
These 25 one-pan meal ideas are perfect for busy nights when you don’t want to juggle multiple pots and pans.
Whether you’re making a savory chicken bake, a hearty pasta dish, or a veggie-packed stir-fry, one-pan meals are the way to go.
Not only do they make cleanup a breeze, but they also allow the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a dish that’s both delicious and satisfying.
Ready to simplify your cooking routine?
These one-pan meals are just what you need.
One-Pan Wonders: Flavorful Meals in a Single Skillet
Say goodbye to kitchen chaos with these creative and delicious one-pan meals!
From savory stir-fries to hearty casseroles, these recipes bring bold flavors and easy cleanup to your dinner table.
Garlic Shrimp Scampi
Garlic shrimp scampi makes for an easy, flavorful dinner that's perfect for any weeknight.
Shrimp, cooked in a mix of butter, garlic, and lemon juice, absorb all the savory goodness.
The dish is completed with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a dash of lemon zest.
It’s a perfect pairing with pasta or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
The shrimp stay juicy and tender, with the garlic providing a wonderful depth of flavor.
This meal is a crowd-pleaser that takes minimal time to prepare yet delivers maximum taste.
Chicken Fajita Skillet
Chicken fajita skillet brings bold, Mexican-inspired flavors to the table in just one pan.
Seasoned chicken pieces cook alongside colorful bell peppers and onions, creating a savory, aromatic base.
The spices, such as cumin and chili powder, bring warmth to the dish, while the veggies remain tender and crisp.
Serve it with warm tortillas, sour cream, and a sprinkle of cheese for a complete meal.
This meal is quick and simple, making it a great choice for busy nights.
The combination of chicken and veggies ensures a satisfying, balanced dinner.
Beef Stroganoff
Beef stroganoff is a creamy, comforting dish that brings rich flavors to a one-skillet meal.
Ground beef or sliced steak are browned and simmered with onions and mushrooms, creating a savory base.
A touch of flour thickens the sauce, while beef broth and mustard add depth.
Stir in sour cream for a creamy texture, and serve over egg noodles or rice for a hearty meal.
The dish is easy to prepare yet feels indulgent.
It’s the perfect balance of savory and creamy, making it an excellent comfort food option.
Vegetarian Stir-Fry
Vegetarian stir-fry is a fresh, flavorful dish that you can easily customize.
Use any vegetables you have on hand to make this dish both versatile and nutritious.
Onions and mushrooms cook first, followed by crisp veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, and snow peas.
A simple soy sauce and sesame oil dressing ties everything together.
This meal is light yet satisfying, perfect for when you need something healthy and quick.
It’s a great way to enjoy a variety of veggies in one dish without much effort.
Pork Chops with Apples
Pork chops with apples is a delicious, savory dish with a touch of sweetness.
The pork chops are seared to a golden brown and served with caramelized apples and onions that add depth to the meal.
The apples provide a natural sweetness, while the pork remains juicy and tender.
A splash of chicken stock or apple cider infuses the dish with flavor, making it perfect for cooler evenings.
The simple skillet method makes cleanup easy.
This one-pan meal is an excellent balance of savory and sweet.
Lemon Herb Salmon
Lemon herb salmon is a quick and healthy dinner that’s packed with flavor.
Salmon fillets are seasoned with lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs like dill, oregano, and thyme.
They cook quickly in a hot skillet, forming a crispy golden crust while remaining moist inside.
The lemon herb mixture adds a refreshing contrast to the rich salmon.
It’s a perfect dish for a light dinner, paired with steamed vegetables or rice.
The combination of tangy lemon and aromatic herbs enhances the salmon’s natural flavors.
Turkey and Sweet Potato Hash
Turkey and sweet potato hash is a hearty, nutritious meal that combines lean turkey with sweet potatoes for a filling dinner.
The sweet potatoes are sautéed until tender, then mixed with browned turkey, onions, and bell peppers.
The vegetables add a bit of crunch, while the turkey provides lean protein.
The dish is seasoned simply with garlic powder and salt, allowing the natural flavors to shine.
This one-skillet meal is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
It’s a great way to fuel your day with healthy ingredients.
Zucchini Noodle Alfredo
Zucchini noodle Alfredo is a light, low-carb version of the classic pasta dish.
Zucchini noodles take the place of regular pasta, making the dish lighter but still satisfying.
The creamy Alfredo sauce, made with heavy cream and Parmesan, coats the zucchini noodles beautifully.
The dish comes together quickly, making it an ideal weeknight meal.
The zucchini adds a fresh, crunchy texture, balancing the richness of the sauce.
This healthier twist on Alfredo is perfect for those looking to enjoy a classic dish with fewer calories.
Cajun Chicken and Rice
Cajun chicken and rice is a flavorful, one-skillet meal that’s as hearty as it is delicious.
The chicken, seasoned with Cajun spices, is browned in the skillet before rice and vegetables are added.
The rice soaks up all the savory, spicy liquid, absorbing the flavors of the seasoned chicken.
The dish is filling and comforting, perfect for a busy weeknight.
With minimal cleanup and a complete meal in one pan, it’s both easy and satisfying.
The combination of spices adds a nice kick, making every bite a burst of flavor.
Ground Beef and Potato Skillet
Ground beef and potato skillet is a comforting, one-pan meal that’s simple yet filling.
The beef is browned with onions and garlic, providing a savory base.
Thinly sliced potatoes cook alongside, absorbing the flavor of the beef.
The seasoning, including cumin and salt, ties everything together.
This hearty dish is easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.
It’s a great way to use everyday ingredients to create a satisfying, flavorful meal.
Quinoa and Black Bean Skillet
Quinoa and black bean skillet is a nutritious, one-pan meal that’s perfect for any time of day.
The quinoa is cooked with black beans, bell peppers, and onions, creating a colorful, filling dish.
The spices, like chili powder and cumin, add a bit of warmth, while the fresh cilantro and avocado bring brightness.
This dish is high in protein and fiber, making it both satisfying and healthy.
It’s a great option for a meatless meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
This skillet meal is quick, easy, and full of nutrition.
Italian Sausage and Peppers
Italian sausage and peppers is a savory, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare.
The sausage is browned in a skillet, releasing its rich flavor, and then combined with tender bell peppers and onions.
The sweet peppers balance the savory sausage, making each bite irresistible.
A dash of Italian seasoning ties the dish together, making it taste like a comforting classic.
This one-skillet meal is perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty and satisfying.
It pairs perfectly with crusty bread or over pasta.
Spinach and Artichoke Pasta
Spinach and artichoke pasta brings the classic flavors of spinach and artichoke dip to a comforting pasta dish.
The pasta is coated in a creamy sauce made with cream cheese, milk, and Parmesan cheese.
Fresh spinach wilts into the sauce, adding color and flavor, while artichokes provide a bit of tang.
This dish is indulgent yet easy to prepare, making it ideal for weeknights.
It’s a simple, satisfying meal that combines the best elements of a classic dip with a hearty pasta.
Creamy Mushroom Risotto
Creamy mushroom risotto is a comforting, rich dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
The Arborio rice is cooked slowly with stock, gradually absorbing the liquid to create a creamy, velvety texture.
The mushrooms add an earthy depth of flavor, while the Parmesan cheese brings richness to the dish.
A bit of white wine and fresh herbs like thyme elevate the taste.
This risotto is a perfect side or main dish for those who love creamy, flavorful meals.
The slow-cooked rice and mushrooms make each bite indulgent and satisfying.
Barbecue Chicken Skillet
Barbecue chicken skillet is a quick and easy dinner that packs a ton of flavor.
The chicken is cooked in a skillet until golden brown, then coated in a tangy barbecue sauce.
The sauce, made with ketchup, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce, gives the chicken a sweet, smoky glaze.
Serve the chicken with rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
This dish is both comforting and simple, making it a great weeknight option.
The barbecue sauce provides a rich, tangy flavor that pairs well with the chicken.
Lamb and Orzo Skillet
Lamb and orzo skillet combines tender lamb with hearty orzo pasta for a delicious, one-pan meal.
The lamb is browned and cooked with onions and garlic, infusing the dish with savory flavors.
Orzo, a rice-shaped pasta, absorbs the juices from the lamb and creates a satisfying texture.
The addition of tomatoes and broth brings a richness to the dish, while a squeeze of lemon adds brightness.
This meal is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.
It’s a savory, Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s both comforting and flavorful.
Shrimp and Grits
Shrimp and grits is a Southern comfort dish that combines creamy, cheesy grits with tender shrimp.
The shrimp are cooked with garlic, butter, and spices, creating a savory and flavorful topping.
The grits are creamy and rich, providing a perfect base for the shrimp.
A touch of bell peppers and onions adds sweetness and texture, making this dish a complete, satisfying meal.
This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
The creamy grits and juicy shrimp are a perfect combination of flavors.
Tomato Basil Chicken
Tomato basil chicken is a one-skillet meal that combines tender chicken with a savory, fresh sauce.
The chicken breasts are cooked until golden brown, then simmered in a sauce made with tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil.
The sauce, with its mix of herbs and spices, enhances the chicken, creating a flavorful dish.
Spinach or other vegetables can be added for extra nutrition.
This dish is quick to prepare and full of fresh, summery flavors.
Serve it over pasta or rice for a complete meal that’s simple yet satisfying.
Chorizo and Egg Breakfast Skillet
Chorizo and egg breakfast skillet is a hearty, flavorful meal that’s perfect for starting your day.
The chorizo is browned and cooked with diced potatoes, onions, and bell peppers.
The eggs are cracked into the skillet, cooked to your preference, and served with the spicy chorizo and vegetables.
A sprinkle of cheese adds richness and flavor, making this a filling breakfast.
This dish is quick, easy, and perfect for breakfast or brunch.
The spicy chorizo adds a nice kick, making it a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Korean Beef and Kimchi
Korean beef and kimchi is a flavorful one-pan meal that combines savory beef with the tangy crunch of kimchi.
The beef is browned with garlic and ginger, creating a savory base.
Soy sauce, brown sugar, and gochujang (Korean chili paste) add a touch of sweetness and heat.
Kimchi, added at the end, brings a unique flavor and crunch to the dish.
Serve it over rice and top with a fried egg for a complete meal.
This dish is quick and packed with bold flavors, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Thai Peanut Noodles
Thai peanut noodles bring a creamy, nutty flavor to a simple noodle dish.
The noodles are tossed in a rich peanut sauce made with peanut butter, soy sauce, and coconut milk.
Chicken and vegetables like cabbage or carrots are added to the pan, absorbing all the delicious sauce.
The dish is finished with a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for crunch.
This meal is flavorful, filling, and easy to prepare in just one skillet.
It’s a great choice when you want something hearty and savory with minimal effort.
Turkey and Brussels Sprouts Skillet
Turkey and Brussels sprouts skillet is a quick and healthy dinner that’s packed with flavor.
The ground turkey is browned and cooked with sliced Brussels sprouts, soaking up all the savory goodness.
Onions and garlic add extra flavor, while the Brussels sprouts provide a slight bitterness that balances the turkey’s richness.
The dish is simple, nutritious, and perfect for busy nights.
It’s a great option for a low-carb meal that’s filling and satisfying.
The turkey and Brussels sprouts make a great pairing, both in flavor and texture.
Maple Glazed Salmon
Maple glazed salmon is a sweet and savory dish that’s easy to make in just one skillet.
The salmon is cooked in a hot skillet, then glazed with a mixture of maple syrup, soy sauce, and garlic.
The glaze caramelizes on the fish, creating a rich, flavorful finish.
This meal is perfect for a quick dinner that’s both healthy and delicious.
The sweetness of the maple syrup pairs perfectly with the tender, flaky salmon.
The dish is simple yet indulgent, making it ideal for weeknights or special occasions.
Lemon Chicken with Asparagus
Lemon chicken with asparagus is a refreshing, light dish that’s perfect for a healthy dinner.
The chicken breasts are seasoned with lemon pepper, then cooked in a skillet until golden brown.
The asparagus is added to the same pan, where it cooks until tender-crisp, soaking up the flavors of the chicken.
A splash of cream and grated Parmesan finishes the dish, adding richness and depth.
This meal is quick and easy, yet feels like a gourmet dish.
The bright flavors of lemon complement the savory chicken and asparagus perfectly.
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili
Sweet potato and black bean chili is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
The sweet potatoes are diced and simmered with black beans, tomatoes, and a variety of spices.
The chili thickens as it cooks, becoming rich and satisfying.
A touch of cumin and chili powder adds warmth, while the sweet potatoes provide a natural sweetness.
This dish is perfect for meal prepping, and it’s a great way to get a comforting, healthy meal.
It’s simple, filling, and full of flavor.