28 Healthy One Pan Dinners
Healthy one pan dinners are a convenient way to prep and prepare meals for the family without all the stress. These meals will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
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If you’re anything like me, figuring out what’s for dinner every night can feel like an endless chore. Between the planning, prepping, and cleaning, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But what if dinner could be quick, delicious, and leave you with barely any dishes? That’s where these healthy one pan meals come in—they’re the ultimate time-saving solution for busy nights.
With just one pan, you can create balanced, flavorful meals that are packed with protein, veggies, and all the good stuff your body needs. Whether you’re craving something hearty like a taco skillet or a light and fresh salmon dish, these recipes have got you covered.
Looking for just more easy meals? Don't miss these 17 Healthy Sheet Pan Dinners, 50 Quick and Easy Ground Turkey Recipes, or Quick and Easy Rice Bowls.
Quick & Easy One Pan Meals
Perfect for busy weeknights, these one pan meals come together in 30 minutes or less with minimal cleanup.
One Pan Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccolini
Easy Orange Chicken
Turkey Taco and Cauliflower Rice Skillet
Roasted Italian Sausages with Potatoes, Peppers, and Onions
One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Asparagus
This twenty-minute Lemon Garlic Chicken and Asparagus is a simple, healthy meal with crispy chicken and asparagus served in a light lemon sauce. It's quick, easy to make, and packed with flavor.
Ground Turkey and Butternut Squash Skillet
Chicken and Pineapple Fried Rice
Chicken and Pineapple Fried Rice is a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors with fresh pineapple, veggies, and aromatics. It’s healthy, easy to make, and makes the perfect lunch or dinner for any occasion!
Sheet Pan Thai Cashew Chicken and Vegetables
Thai Cashew Chicken and Vegetables made all on one sheet pan for a healthy, easy dinner that tastes just like your favorite takeout. This dish is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, full of protein from the chicken and cashews, and packed with veggies.
Pesto Ground Turkey with Zucchini
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp and Broccoli
Hearty & Comforting One Pan Dinners
These meals are packed with protein, veggies, and bold flavors to keep you full and satisfied.
Skillet Mexican Brown Rice Casserole
One Pan Sausage, Potato, and Vegetable Bake
Healthy Taco Casserole
Lemon Orzo with Broccoli and Chicken Sausage
Unstuffed Pepper Skillet
Italian Chicken and Vegetable Skillet
Pollo Ranchero
Roasted Balsamic Chicken Thighs and Vegetables
One Pan Teriyaki Chicken Thighs and Vegetables
Balsamic Flank Steak with Roasted Tomatoes
Sheet Pan & Oven-Baked One Pan Meals
Let your oven do the work with these easy sheet pan meals that are big on flavor and low on effort.
One Pan Roasted Salmon, Sweet Potatoes, and Asparagus
Sheet Pan Asian Tofu and Vegetable Stir Fry
Roasted Chicken and Potatoes with Broccoli
Sheet Pan Sausage, Sweet Potatoes, and Green Beans
Blackened Cod with Sweet Potatoes and Zucchini
One Pan Soy Chicken and Vegetables
One Pan Sausage and Acorn Squash
Sheet Pan Healthy Chicken Parm
Healthy Sheet Pan Chicken Parmesan is a quick weeknight meal that is ready in less than 30 minutes and full of all the classic flavors, just healthier! Crispy chicken, marinara sauce, melted cheese - is there really anything better?
Ways to Prep Dinner Ahead of Time
- Portion ingredients: Pre-chop proteins, measure out dry ingredients, and portion vegetables into containers or resealable bags. This way, when it’s time to cook, all you have to do is toss everything into the pan.
- Cook once, eat all week: Make a large batch of a one pan meal and store it in individual microwave-safe containers. This makes for quick and easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
- Marinate proteins in advance: Enhance flavor by marinating chicken, beef, or tofu ahead of time. Store them in the fridge (or freezer for longer storage) so they’re ready to cook.
- Use pre-cut or frozen vegetables: Save time by using store-bought pre-cut vegetables or frozen options that cook just as well in one pan meals.
- Prep spice blends and sauces: Mix seasonings, spice blends, or homemade sauces ahead of time for faster meal prep. Store them in small jars or containers for easy use.
Tips for Easy Dinner Clean-Up
- Lay down foil: Add a layer to your baking sheet so all you have to do after cooking is toss about the trash.
- Use parchment paper: If you don’t love using foil, parchment paper is also an option for easy cleanup.
Ways to Customize Your Easy One Pan Dinners
- Spice it up: Add spices like paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or oregano to your chicken and vegetables until you achieve the flavors you enjoy. Fresh herbs are a great way to add extra flavor to any meal.
- Add veggies: Adding chopped vegetables like onions, peppers, and mushrooms can boost the nutrients in a meal.
- Adjust for diets: Customize for low-carb, gluten-free, or vegan needs with simple ingredient swaps.
How to Build Your Own One Pan Meal
Step 1: Choose Your Protein
Pick a lean protein that cooks well in the oven. Here are some great options:
- Chicken: Boneless skinless chicken breasts and chicken thighs work great since they cook quickly.
- Seafood: Salmon, shrimp, or white fish (like cod or tilapia).
- Beef: Steak strips, flank steak, skirt steak, sirloin, meatballs, or thinly sliced cuts.
- Turkey: Meatballs, sausages, or patties.
- Plant-Based: Tofu, (cubed and pressed), tempeh, chickpeas, or vegetarian meatballs and sausages.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
Choose a mix of vegetables that roast well together. Balance sturdier veggies (like potatoes or squash) with faster-cooking options (like green beans or broccoli).
- Starchier Veggies: Sweet potatoes, potatoes, carrots, or winter squash.
- Quick-Cooking Veggies: Green beans, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, snap peas, cabbage, bok choy, or asparagus.
Important: Sturdier veggies take longer to cook, so start roasting them first. After 10-15 minutes, add your quick-cooking veggies to the pan to ensure everything finishes at the same time. Usually you will want to add your quick cooking veggies and quick cooking proteins at the same time.
Tip: Cut sturdier veggies smaller so they cook faster and match the timing of quicker options.
Step 3: Season Everything
Toss your protein and vegetables in olive oil and your favorite seasoning, spices, or sauce.
- Go-To Flavors: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pre-Made Blends: Taco seasoning, Cajun spice, or Italian seasoning.
- Liquid Add-Ons: Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, teriyaki, miso, barbecue sauce, or any other homemade or store-bought sauce you like.
Step 4: Arrange on the Sheet Pan
Spread everything out in a single layer on your sheet pan or oven-safe skillet.
- Keep proteins on one side and vegetables on the other for easy serving. This is especially important if you have picky eaters.
- Avoid overcrowding or everything will steam instead of roast. Use two pans if needed to ensure even cooking.
Tip: Line your pan with parchment paper or foil for quick cleanup.
Step 5: Roast to Perfection
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-35 minutes depending on protein and thickness.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer for protein (e.g., 165°F for chicken) and fork-test vegetables for tenderness.
- For seafood or shrimp, roast for a shorter time (10-15 minutes).
Tip: If needed, broil for the last 2-3 minutes for crispy edges!
More Easy Dinner Ideas
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I ensure that all components of a one-pan meal cook evenly?
To achieve even cooking in a one-pan meal:
- Select Ingredients with Similar Cooking Times: Choose proteins and vegetables that cook at similar rates.
- Cut Ingredients Uniformly: Ensure pieces are of similar size to promote even cooking.
- Stagger Addition of Ingredients: Add ingredients with longer cooking times first, then incorporate quicker-cooking items later.
Are one-pan meals suitable for meal prep and reheating?
Yes, many one-pan meals are ideal for meal prep. Dishes like casseroles, stir-fries, and roasted combinations can be prepared in advance, stored in airtight containers, and reheated as needed.