One Pan Dinner Recipes

This is our complete collection of easy one pan dinner recipes! Whether you're using an electric skillet, sheet pan, or pot, this post offers a wealth of simple meal ideas, from chicken to pasta and beyond! Plus we answer common questions and share our best tips to make sure your one-pot wonder gets rave reviews.

At Borrowed Bites, we've been perfecting and serving dishes like these for over 20 years, specifically crafted to provide you solutions for busy weeknights so that you can serve tasty meals the whole family will love. We're confident you will find something to love here!

A collage of six photos showcasing different bowtie pasta, chicken breasts, fajitas, and stir fry dishes.

Your search for easy dinner ideas has come to an end! When you know you're limited on time to cook, a full meal that can be made with just a single cooking dish is a lifesaver.

These recipes are quick to make, involve minimum cleanup, and have an extra emphasis on YUMMINESS. There are recipes for the stovetop, oven and more to fit every kitchen situation.

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One pan chicken recipes

A one pan chicken dish is one of the most affordable ways to feed a large family. We have made these specific meals on repeat for years.

One pan electric skillet meals

You can easily make a one pan dinner with chicken, pork, or beef in an electric skillet. If you don't own one of these, I simply can't recommend it enough. It's large enough to fit a recipe that will serve 6-8 people.

One pan pasta recipes

Pasta is hearty and filling, not to mention totally delicious! These noodles in these recipes cook right in the sauce, so no need to boil them separately or clean extra dishes.

Sheet pan dinners

You can cook a whole meal on a baking sheet, meat and veggies included! I highly recommend using an extra large baking sheet (about 21x15 inches) so that your ingredients have enough space to roast, instead of the common problem of steaming.

Easy crockpot dinners

Slow cookers are a fantastic way to use only one pan to get dinner on the table! Our favorite Crockpot has a timer on it so that you can truly set it and forget it.

One pan dinner ideas

Dinner ideas that can be made in just one skillet or pan are worth their weight in gold. Minimal fuss with less clean-up is ideal for busy weeknights!

Collage of five photos showing mac and cheese, alfredo, stir fry, apricot chicken, and fajitas.

Pro tips for one-pot dinners

Prep all your ingredients before you start: Most of these recipes move fast, so it will go smoother if the chopping and measuring is already done.
Use a quality appliance/baking dish: Whether using a cookie sheet, Instant Pot, skillet or roasting dish, it's important that it is a quality one so that it will heat and cook your food evenly.
Use a large pan: Whether a pot, sheet, or skillet, choose the largest size possible. The food will be too crowded in a smaller size, which causes it to steam and definitely changes the results.
Don't overcrowd the pan: If yours isn't extra large, try splitting the food up between two pans or cook it in rounds.
Cut your ingredients evenly: Chop whatever meat and veggies your using in equal size pieces so that everything cooks the same.

FAQ

Are one pot meals healthy?

This completely depends on the recipe. A lot of them are full of healthy protein and lots of veggies. Be sure to read through the ingredients carefully. Check the sauce especially, as it is often where most of the sugars and oils sneak in.

Can one pot meals be made ahead?

Most can be prepped ahead by cutting the meat and any veggies 1-2 days before, then storing them in airtight containers in the fridge until you're ready to cook. If the recipe has a sauce, you can also make that ahead and store it. Besides that, it is best to make most of these recipes right before serving.

How long does it take to make a one-pot dinner?

It depends on the recipe, but most of these meals can be done start to finish in 30 minutes or less. They are designed to be quick and easy so that your life is easier!

How should I prepare my pan for a one-pan recipe?

To cleanup extra easy, I suggest lining sheet pans or baking dishes with foil or parchment (unless the recipe directs otherwise). You can also use slow cooker liners for the Crockpot.

Collage of three photos of herb chicken, chicken fajitas, and chicken piccatta dishes.

Helpful appliances and tools

The following affiliate links are some of our go-to kitchen equipment that we use when making these recipes. Just click the photo to view the product.

Slow Cooker Liners All-Clad Stainless Steel Roaster Tray Glass Food Storage Containers 6 Quart Crock-Pot Lodge 6 Quart Dutch Oven 12 Inch All-Clad Nonstick Pan