Even though you want to make a tasty and filling dinner, there are occasions when you simply don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen. For lazy evenings when you want to eat delicious meals without putting in a lot of work, one-pan dinners are the ideal answer. These recipes optimize flavor and reduce cleanup, allowing you to enjoy your meal and return to your leisure activities. These five easy, filling, and flavorful one-pan dinners are sure to please.

1. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Your new best buddy is this sheet pan chicken fajita dish if you’re craving Mexican food but don’t want to deal with a complicated setup.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts (sliced into strips)
• 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
• 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced)
• 1 onion (sliced)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tortillas (for serving)
• Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the chicken strips, bell peppers, and onion on a large sheet pan.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss everything to coat.
4. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
5. Serve with warm tortillas, lime wedges, and your favorite toppings (like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole).

Why it works: This dish is a simple, healthy, and flavorful take on fajitas with minimal effort. The chicken and veggies roast together on the same pan, and all the spices add tons of flavor without any extra steps. Perfect for busy weeknights!

2. One-Pan Baked Ziti

When you’re craving Italian comfort food, this one-pan baked ziti is an absolute winner. It’s rich, cheesy, and everything you love about baked pasta – without the need for multiple pots and pans.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large oven-safe pan or skillet, combine the uncooked ziti pasta, marinara sauce, water, oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
3. Cover the pan with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
4. Remove the foil, sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Why it works: Baked ziti typically requires boiling pasta separately, but this one-pan version lets everything cook together, making it a super easy, one-pot wonder. The result is cheesy, flavorful pasta without all the fuss of multiple dishes.

3. One-Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon and Veggies

This lemon garlic salmon with roasted vegetables is a tasty and nutritious choice if you’re craving something lighter and healthier. It’s rich in fiber from the vegetables and omega-3s from the salmon.

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets
• 1 zucchini (sliced)
• 1 bell pepper (sliced)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange the salmon fillets on a baking sheet and surround with the zucchini, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the salmon and vegetables.
4. Roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Why it works: This dish combines lean protein from the salmon and nutrient-dense veggies, all cooked together in one pan. The lemon and garlic add a fresh and zesty flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the salmon.

4. One-Pan Honey Mustard Chicken and Veggies

A simple and delicious dinner with a sweet and tangy twist is this honey mustard chicken and vegetable recipe. The sauce adds flavor to everything by covering the chicken and vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 cup baby carrots
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken breasts on a sheet pan and surround them with carrots and broccoli. Pour the honey mustard mixture over everything, making sure to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
5. Serve with a side of rice or crusty bread to complete the meal.

Why it works: This dish is a great balance of protein and vegetables, with a flavorful honey mustard sauce that adds a touch of sweetness and tang. It’s a filling meal that’s quick to prepare and easy to clean up.

5. One-Pan Shrimp and Asparagus

This one-pan shrimp and asparagus dish is the perfect simple supper for anyone who enjoys seafood. You may quickly have a tasty, light lunch with no preparation or cooking time.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 bunch asparagus (trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 lemon (sliced)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the shrimp and asparagus on a sheet pan and drizzle with olive oil. Add the minced garlic, lemon slices, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat everything evenly.
3. Roast for 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through and the asparagus is tender.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Why it works: This meal is ideal for a quick dinner because shrimp cook rapidly. The tastes of the seafood and vegetables are bright and fresh thanks to the lemon and garlic. Additionally, there is less cleanup because everything is prepared on a single pan.