10 One Pan Dinners That Leave You With Almost No Dishes

The worst part of cooking dinner is not the cooking. It is the mountain of pots and pans waiting in the sink afterward. These one pan dinners fix that. Everything cooks together in a single skillet, pot or sheet pan, so you get a full meal and a nearly empty sink. Every slide has easy steps. For dessert, browse our dessert galleries..

One Pan Dinners Start With Lemon Rosemary Skillet Chicken

If you only learn one of these one pan dinners, make it this one. Chicken thighs roast right on top of potatoes, so the juices soak into every bite and the skin turns golden and crisp. Lemon and rosemary make the whole kitchen smell amazing. It feels like a Sunday dinner, but you only wash one pan..

You will need: 6 bone in chicken thighs, 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes, 1 lemon, 4 cloves garlic, 3 sprigs rosemary, 3 tablespoons olive oil and salt and pepper.

How to make it: Halve the potatoes and toss them in a large oven safe skillet with oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Season the chicken and place it skin side up on top. Add lemon slices and rosemary. Roast at 425°F for 40 to 45 minutes until the skin is crisp and the chicken reaches 175°F.

Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus

Salmon and asparagus cook in the same amount of time, which makes them perfect partners for a sheet pan dinner. A simple lemon garlic butter brushed on top keeps the fish juicy. Dinner is ready in about 15 minutes, and the cleanup is just one pan. It feels fancy enough for date night at home.

You will need: 4 salmon fillets, 1 bunch asparagus, 3 tablespoons melted butter, 2 cloves garlic, 1 lemon and salt and pepper.

How to make it: Arrange the salmon and trimmed asparagus on a lined sheet pan. Mix the butter, garlic and lemon juice and brush it over everything. Season with salt and pepper and add lemon slices. Bake at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes until the salmon flakes easily.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes

Steak and potatoes is a classic for a reason, and this version uses just one skillet. Crispy potato cubes cook first, then tender steak bites sear in the same pan with lots of garlic butter. It tastes like a steakhouse dinner without the steakhouse bill. Serve it straight from the pan.

You will need: 1 1/2 pounds sirloin steak, 1 pound baby potatoes, 3 tablespoons butter, 4 cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon olive oil, fresh parsley and salt and pepper.

How to make it: Cube the potatoes and cook in oil in a large skillet for 12 to 15 minutes until golden and tender. Push them aside, add the steak cubes and sear for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the butter and garlic, toss everything together and finish with parsley.

Sheet Pan Chicken and Peppers

This colorful sheet pan dinner is as easy as chopping, tossing and roasting. Chicken and sweet peppers caramelize together with smoky spices. It is perfect for busy weeknights and makes great leftovers for wraps and bowls. Kids love it because it tastes a lot like fajitas.

You will need: 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast, 3 bell peppers, 1 red onion, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder and salt.

How to make it: Cut the chicken and vegetables into strips. Toss everything with oil and spices on a large sheet pan. Spread into a single layer so it roasts instead of steams. Bake at 425°F for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring once, until the chicken is cooked through.

One Pot Tomato Basil Pasta

In this magic recipe, dry pasta, tomatoes, garlic and broth all cook together in one pot. The starch from the pasta thickens the sauce into something silky and rich. No draining, no extra pans. It is ready in 20 minutes, which makes it one of the fastest one pan dinners you will ever make.

You will need: 12 ounces spaghetti, 1 pint cherry tomatoes, 1 onion, 4 cloves garlic, 4 1/2 cups broth, fresh basil, 2 tablespoons olive oil and Parmesan.

How to make it: Add the pasta, halved tomatoes, sliced onion, garlic, broth and olive oil to a large pot. Bring to a boil and cook for 9 to 11 minutes, stirring often, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir in basil and top with Parmesan.

One Pot Chicken Curry

A cozy chicken curry simmered in one pot fills the house with warm spices and tastes even better the next day. Tender chicken cooks right in a rich tomato and coconut sauce. Serve it with rice or warm naan to scoop up every drop. It is comfort food that feels like a hug on a cold night.

You will need: 1 1/2 pounds chicken thighs, 1 onion, 3 cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon ginger, 2 tablespoons curry powder, 1 can crushed tomatoes and 1 can coconut milk.

How to make it: Brown the chicken pieces in a large pot and set aside. Cook the onion, garlic and ginger until soft, then stir in the curry powder. Add the tomatoes and coconut milk and return the chicken. Simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until tender and thick.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skillet

Shrimp cooks in minutes, so this skillet dinner is perfect for nights when you are starving and tired. Garlic, butter, lemon and a pinch of chili flakes turn plain shrimp into something special. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce, or spoon it over rice. Dinner in 10 minutes flat.

You will need: 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, 3 tablespoons butter, 5 cloves garlic, 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes, 1 lemon and fresh parsley.

How to make it: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the garlic and chili flakes for 30 seconds. Add the shrimp in one layer and cook 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink. Squeeze in lemon juice, toss with parsley and serve right away.

Better Than Takeout Fried Rice

Fried rice is the best way to turn leftover rice into a whole new dinner. Day old rice fries up crispy in a hot pan with eggs, vegetables and soy sauce. Toss in leftover chicken or shrimp for extra protein. It is faster than ordering takeout and tastes just as good, maybe better.

You will need: 3 cups cold cooked rice, 2 eggs, 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, 3 green onions, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil and 1 cup cooked chicken (optional).

How to make it: Heat oil in a large skillet or wok. Scramble the eggs and push them to the side. Add the vegetables and cook two minutes, then add the rice and chicken. Stir fry until the rice is hot and crispy, then add soy sauce, sesame oil and green onions.

One Pot Jambalaya

Jambalaya is a Louisiana classic packed with rice, smoky sausage, chicken and bold Cajun spice. Everything simmers together in one pot until the rice soaks up all that flavor. It is hearty enough to feed a crowd and perfect for game day or a cold weekend. Leftovers are even better.

You will need: 1 pound smoked sausage, 1 pound chicken thighs, 1 onion, 1 bell pepper, 2 stalks celery, 1 1/2 cups long grain rice, 1 can diced tomatoes, 3 cups chicken broth and 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning.

How to make it: Brown the sliced sausage and chicken pieces in a large pot. Add the onion, pepper and celery and cook until soft. Stir in the rice, Cajun seasoning, tomatoes and broth. Cover and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until the rice is tender.

Cheesy Baked Pan Supper

This cheesy baked pan supper is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table without being called twice. Pasta, sauce, vegetables and a thick layer of melted cheese bake together in one dish. It is easy to prep ahead and pop in the oven after a long day. These one pan dinners are all about comfort.

You will need: 12 ounces short pasta, 24 ounces marinara sauce, 1 cup chopped spinach, 1 cup cooked sausage or chicken, 2 cups shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup Parmesan.

How to make it: Cook the pasta until just tender and drain. Toss it with the marinara, spinach and meat in a baking dish. Cover with mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.