One-skillet meals are a game-changer for busy cooks. These dishes let you make a full meal using just one pan, saving time and effort in the kitchen.

You can whip up tasty dinners for your family without spending hours cooking or cleaning up afterward.

There are many types of one-skillet meals to try. From pasta dishes to stir-fries, casseroles to pot pies, the options are endless.

These recipes often use common ingredients you may already have on hand. With a bit of prep and some simple cooking steps, you can have a hot, homemade meal on the table in no time.

1. Chili Lime Chicken with Rice

Chili lime chicken with rice is a tasty one-pan meal you can whip up quickly. You’ll need chicken, rice, lime juice, and spices like chili powder.

Start by cooking the chicken in a skillet until it’s browned. Then remove it and add rice, broth, and seasonings to the pan.

Place the chicken back on top of the rice mixture. Cover and let everything cook together for about 20 minutes.

The result is a flavorful dish with tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice. It’s an easy way to get dinner on the table fast on busy nights.

2. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Lemon garlic shrimp pasta is a quick and tasty one-skillet meal. You can make it in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

Start by cooking pasta in a large skillet. While it’s cooking, prepare the shrimp and sauce.

Sauté garlic in olive oil and butter, then add the shrimp.

Once the shrimp turns pink, add lemon juice and zest for a bright flavor.

Toss in the cooked pasta and some pasta water to create a silky sauce.

Finish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley. For extra richness, sprinkle on some grated Parmesan cheese.

You can easily adjust this dish to your taste by adding red pepper flakes for heat or using different pasta shapes.

3. One-Pot Chicken Alfredo

One-Pot Chicken Alfredo is a quick and tasty meal you can make in just one skillet. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without a lot of cleanup.

To make it, start by cooking cubed chicken breast in a large skillet. Once the chicken is golden, remove it and set it aside.

Next, melt butter in the same skillet and add garlic and onion. Cook until they’re soft and fragrant. Then add pasta, chicken broth, and cream to the pan.

Let everything simmer until the pasta is tender. Stir in Parmesan cheese and the cooked chicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve your One-Pot Chicken Alfredo hot, topped with fresh parsley if you like.

4. Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Beef and broccoli stir fry is a quick and tasty one-skillet meal you can make in about 20 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something filling and flavorful.

To make this dish, you’ll need beef strips, broccoli florets, and a simple sauce. The sauce usually contains soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.

Start by cooking the beef in a hot skillet with some oil. Once browned, remove it and set aside.

Next, cook the broccoli until tender-crisp.

Add the beef back to the pan along with the sauce. Stir everything together and let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.

Serve your beef and broccoli stir fry over rice for a complete meal. It’s an easy way to get protein and vegetables in one delicious dish.

5. Cheesy Taco Skillet

You can make a tasty Cheesy Taco Skillet in just 30 minutes. This one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights.

Start by browning ground beef in a large skillet. Add taco seasoning, rice, black beans, and corn.

Stir in some cheese and let it melt. Top with more cheese and broil until bubbly.

For extra flavor, try adding sliced mushrooms or fresh green chilies. This dish is easy to customize based on what you like.

Serve your Cheesy Taco Skillet right from the pan. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both simple and yummy.

6. Creamy Tomato Basil Gnocchi

You can make a tasty one-skillet meal in just 15 minutes with creamy tomato basil gnocchi.

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet and sautéing minced garlic until fragrant.

Add cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to burst. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.

Toss in uncooked gnocchi and let it cook in the sauce for 3-5 minutes until tender.

Finish the dish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. For extra richness, try adding a ball of burrata on top.

This quick and easy meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without much fuss.

7. Teriyaki Chicken with Vegetables

Teriyaki chicken with vegetables is a tasty and simple one-pan meal. You can make it on a sheet pan in the oven for easy cleanup.

Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces and place in the center of the pan. Toss veggies with olive oil and spread them around the chicken. Pour teriyaki sauce over everything.

Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F inside. The veggies should be tender.

This dish gives you protein and vegetables in one convenient meal. You can use store-bought teriyaki sauce to save time. Serve it over rice for a complete dinner.

8. One-Pan Lemon Herb Salmon

This tasty dish combines salmon, herbs, and veggies in one skillet. You’ll love how simple it is to make.

Start by heating your oven to 400°F. Mix garlic, rosemary, oregano, and basil with olive oil and lemon juice in a small bowl.

Place the salmon on a lined baking sheet. Brush it with the herb mixture. Add Brussels sprouts or other veggies around the fish.

Bake for about 15 minutes until the salmon is cooked through. The veggies should be tender and slightly crispy.

This meal is quick, healthy, and full of flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without much fuss.

9. Garlic Butter Sauteed Mushrooms

Garlic butter sauteed mushrooms are a tasty one-skillet dish you can make in just 15 minutes.

Start by cleaning and trimming your mushrooms.

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook until they’re brown on all sides.

Next, add minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.

The butter, garlic, and mushrooms create a simple but delicious flavor combination.

This versatile dish works well with different types of mushrooms. You can serve it as a side or use it to top steaks or pasta.

10. Spinach Artichoke Orzo

Spinach artichoke orzo is a tasty one-skillet meal you can make in about 25 minutes.

Start by cooking garlic and green onions in butter. Add orzo and cook until it’s lightly toasted.

Pour in chicken broth and let the orzo simmer until tender. Stir in spinach, artichokes, and cheese to create a creamy sauce.

For extra protein, add some cooked chicken breast.

This dish combines the flavors of spinach artichoke dip with pasta. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights. You can customize it with different veggies or cheeses to suit your taste.

11. Tuscan Chicken with Spinach

Tuscan chicken with spinach is a tasty one-skillet meal you can make in about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a quick but delicious dinner.

To make this dish, you’ll sear chicken cutlets seasoned with Italian spices. Then you’ll create a creamy sauce in the same pan.

The sauce combines garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. Some recipes use dairy-free options to keep it lighter.

You can serve this flavorful chicken over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. It’s a crowd-pleasing meal that feels special without requiring much effort.

12. Sausage and White Bean Skillet

This tasty one-pan meal brings comfort to your dinner table. You’ll love how quickly it comes together on busy evenings.

Start by browning sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat. Kielbasa works great, adding a smoky flavor. Set the sausage aside once browned.

Add white beans like cannellini or Great Northern to the skillet. Don’t drain them – the liquid helps create a creamy texture. Toss in some tomatoes and chicken broth.

Simmer everything together until the tomatoes burst and the sausage is fully cooked. For extra nutrition, stir in some spinach at the end.

This hearty skillet meal is ready in about 30 minutes. Serve it on its own or with crusty bread for a filling dinner.

13. Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skillet

This tasty one-skillet meal brings Cajun flavors to your table. You’ll love the mix of shrimp and sausage with colorful veggies.

The dish is quick to make, usually taking less than 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something filling and flavorful.

You can use andouille sausage for an authentic Cajun taste. The recipe often includes bell peppers, onions, and zucchini. Cajun spices give it a nice kick.

Serve this skillet meal on its own or with a simple salad. It’s a protein-packed dish that’s sure to satisfy your hunger.

14. Southwest Quinoa Skillet

You can make a tasty Southwest Quinoa Skillet in one pan. Start by heating oil in a large skillet. Add onions, peppers, and garlic, cooking until soft.

Stir in quinoa, beans, diced tomatoes, and spices like chili powder and cumin. Pour in water or broth and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes until the quinoa is cooked. You’ll have a nutritious meal packed with protein and fiber.

This dish is versatile. Try adding corn, cilantro, or cheese for extra flavor. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.

15. One-Pot Thai Coconut Curry

You’ll love this easy one-pot Thai coconut curry chicken. It’s quick to make and packed with flavor.

Start by browning chicken thighs in a large pot or Dutch oven. Then add curry powder, coconut milk, and your choice of vegetables.

Let everything simmer together until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. The coconut milk gives the dish a rich, creamy texture.

This meal is perfect for busy weeknights. You can have a tasty dinner on the table in about 30 minutes.

Serve your Thai coconut curry over rice or noodles for a complete meal. It’s sure to become a family favorite.

16. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

Zucchini noodles with pesto make a quick and tasty one-skillet meal. You can prepare this dish in about 15 minutes.

Start by spiralizing zucchini to create noodle-like strands. Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the zucchini noodles and cook for 3-5 minutes until tender. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy.

Stir in prepared pesto sauce and toss to coat the noodles evenly. You can use store-bought or homemade pesto.

For extra protein, add cooked chicken or sautéed shrimp. Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

17. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Hash

This tasty one-skillet meal combines sweet potatoes and black beans for a filling and nutritious dish. You can make it in about 30 minutes.

Start by sautéing onions in oil until they brown. Add diced sweet potatoes and cook until they start to soften.

Toss in garlic, spices like cumin and chili powder, and salt. Let the flavors meld for about 30 seconds. Then add black beans and cook until the potatoes are tender.

For extra flavor, try adding bell peppers, corn, or zucchini. Top with avocado, sour cream, or salsa to make it even more delicious.

This versatile recipe works great for meal prep too. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand.

18. Mushroom Parmesan Risotto

Mushroom Parmesan Risotto is a tasty one-skillet meal that combines creamy rice with savory mushrooms and cheese. You’ll need Arborio rice, mushrooms, broth, Parmesan cheese, and butter.

Start by toasting the rice in oil until it’s slightly translucent. Add hot broth gradually, stirring often. This process takes about 20 minutes.

While the rice cooks, sauté mushrooms in a separate pan. Once the rice is tender, mix in the cooked mushrooms, Parmesan cheese, and butter.

The result is a rich, comforting dish with a creamy texture and deep mushroom flavor. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

19. Mediterranean Chickpea Skillet

This tasty one-pan meal brings the flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. You can whip it up in under 30 minutes for a quick and healthy dinner.

Start by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil. Add colorful veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots.

Toss in chickpeas, diced tomatoes, and warm spices. Finish the dish with a handful of greens and a sprinkle of feta cheese.

For extra flavor, try adding olives or roasted red peppers. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

This versatile skillet works well as a vegetarian main course or a hearty side dish. You can also add fish or eggs for extra protein if desired.

20. One-Pot Jambalaya

One-pot jambalaya is a tasty Southern dish that’s easy to make. You’ll combine meat, rice, and veggies with Cajun spices in a single pan.

Start by cooking sausage and chicken in oil. Then add onions, peppers, and celery until soft.

Stir in garlic, tomatoes, and spices like paprika, oregano, and thyme.

Pour in chicken broth and rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Cook for about 20 minutes until the rice is done.

For extra flavor, you can add shrimp near the end of cooking. This hearty meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick and filling.

21. Italian Sausage and Peppers

Italian sausage and peppers is a tasty one-skillet meal you can whip up quickly. Start by browning Italian sausages in a large skillet over medium heat.

Once browned, remove the sausages and set them aside. In the same pan, sauté sliced bell peppers and onions until soft.

Add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Return the sausages to the pan and season with dried basil and oregano.

Pour in some white wine or broth to deglaze the pan. Let everything simmer together until the sausages are fully cooked and the flavors meld.

Serve this colorful and aromatic dish on its own or over rice or pasta for a filling meal.

22. Honey Garlic Chicken and Asparagus

This tasty one-skillet meal combines juicy chicken with crisp asparagus in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. You’ll love how quick and easy it is to make.

Start by heating olive oil in a skillet. Brush the chicken with the honey garlic sauce and cook it for 3-5 minutes per side until browned.

Remove the chicken and set it aside. Add the asparagus to the same pan and cook until tender-crisp. You can also use broccoli or green beans if you prefer.

Return the chicken to the skillet and let everything simmer together in the flavorful sauce. The dish is ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

23. Veggie Pad Thai

Veggie Pad Thai is a tasty one-skillet meal you can whip up in under 30 minutes. This Thai favorite uses flat rice noodles as its base.

Start by stir-frying your choice of veggies in a large skillet. Carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli work great. Add scrambled eggs for protein.

Mix in cooked rice noodles and a flavorful sauce. The sauce often includes tamarind, soy sauce, and a touch of sugar.

Sprinkle crushed peanuts and green onions on top for crunch.

This dish is easy to customize. Try adding tofu for extra protein. You can also swap in different veggies based on what’s in your fridge.

24. Spicy Mexican Quinoa Skillet

This tasty one-pan meal brings Mexican flavors to your table in a snap. You’ll need quinoa, black beans, diced tomatoes, and your favorite Mexican spices.

Start by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil. Add quinoa, vegetable broth, and spices like cumin and chili powder.

Stir in black beans and diced tomatoes. Let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes until the quinoa is tender.

For extra heat, toss in some chopped jalapeños.

Top your spicy Mexican quinoa skillet with fresh cilantro, lime juice, and avocado slices. You can also add cheese if you like. This nutritious and flavorful meal is perfect for busy weeknights.

25. Butternut Squash and Spinach Frittata

This tasty one-skillet meal combines sweet butternut squash with savory spinach in a protein-packed egg frittata. Start by roasting cubed butternut squash in your oven-safe skillet until tender and lightly caramelized.

Add fresh spinach to the pan and cook until wilted.

Pour beaten eggs seasoned with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg over the vegetables. Top with dollops of creamy ricotta cheese for extra richness.

Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake until the frittata is set and golden on top. This versatile dish works well for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner. Serve it straight from the skillet for easy cleanup.

26. BBQ Chicken Pizza Skillet

BBQ chicken pizza skillet is a tasty one-pan meal you can make at home. You’ll need pizza dough, cooked chicken, BBQ sauce, cheese, and red onions.

Start by cooking chicken pieces in the skillet. Once done, set them aside.

Stretch the pizza dough to fit your skillet. Spread BBQ sauce on the dough.

Add the cooked chicken, sliced red onions, and shredded cheese on top.

Cook the pizza in the skillet on medium heat for about 10 minutes. Finish it under the broiler for a crispy top.

This easy meal combines the flavors of BBQ and pizza in one dish. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or game night snack.

Flavor Enhancers

Stock your pantry with items that add big flavor to one-skillet meals. Garlic, ginger, and dried herbs are essential.

They punch up the taste of any dish. Keep a variety of spices on hand.

Cumin, paprika, and chili powder are great for Mexican-inspired skillets. Italian seasoning works well in pasta dishes.

Canned tomatoes and broth are key for saucy skillets. They form the base for many quick meals.

Don’t forget acidic ingredients like lemon juice and vinegar. They brighten up flavors.

Soy sauce, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce add depth to dishes. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup can balance out savory flavors.