15 One-Skillet Dinner Recipes for Busy Cooks and Easy Cleanup

Looking for a delicious, hassle-free dinner option? One skillet meals are your new best friend! They make cooking and cleaning a breeze, and they’re perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something tasty but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Whether you’re craving hearty meat dishes, vibrant veggie medleys, or something in between, these one-skillet dinner ideas will become your go-to favorites.

Get ready to transform your dinner routine with our collection of one-skillet recipes. Let’s get cooking!

1. Creamy Lemon Chicken with Asparagus

This dish is a light and flavorful twist on classic chicken dinners. Tender chicken breasts are cooked in a creamy lemon sauce with asparagus for a vibrant and satisfying meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 lemons (zest and juice)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden brown, about 6 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter and add garlic. Cook until fragrant.
4. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, lemon zest, and juice. Bring to a simmer.
5. Add asparagus and return chicken to the skillet. Cook until asparagus is tender and chicken is cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Serve With:

• Mashed potatoes or rice
• Fresh green salad

Drink With:

• A crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc

2. Spanish Chorizo and Tortellini Skillet

This one-pan wonder combines the smoky flavor of chorizo with cheese tortellini and tender asparagus. A quick and easy recipe that’s bursting with Spanish flair.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chorizo, sliced
• 1 package cheese tortellini
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook tortellini according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a skillet, cook chorizo over medium heat until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté bell peppers, onion, and garlic until softened.
4. Add diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
5. Stir in cooked tortellini and chorizo. Cook until heated through.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Serve With:

• Crusty bread

Drink With:

• A robust Rioja or Tempranillo

3. One-Skillet Shrimp and Orzo Paella

Craving paella but short on time? This One-Skillet Shrimp and Orzo Paella delivers all the flavors of traditional paella in a fraction of the time. The combination of succulent shrimp, perfectly cooked orzo, and a medley of spices will transport your taste buds straight to Spain.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Saffron threads (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
2. Add red bell pepper and cook until softened.
3. Stir in orzo, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, smoked paprika, and saffron (if using). Bring to a simmer.
4. Add shrimp and frozen peas. Cook until shrimp are pink and orzo is tender, about 10 minutes.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Serve With:

• A simple green salad

Drink With:

• A chilled Albariño or Verdejo

4. Dijon Mustard Cream Chicken

The mustard adds a delightful zing to the tender chicken breasts, while the cream sauce brings everything together in a comforting, flavorful dish. It’s sophisticated enough for company but easy enough for a weeknight.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Fresh thyme for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden brown, about 6 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter and add garlic. Cook until fragrant.
4. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard. Bring to a simmer.
5. Return chicken to the skillet and cook until sauce thickens and chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes.
6. Garnish with fresh thyme and serve.

Serve With:

• Steamed rice or roasted potatoes

Drink With:

• A crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio

5. Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken

For a taste of comfort food, look no further than this creamy Parmesan garlic mushroom chicken skillet. It’s inspired by cream of mushroom soup, but made with fresh ingredients for a more satisfying flavor.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 pound mushrooms, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden brown, about 6 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter and add garlic. Cook until fragrant.
4. Add mushrooms and cook until softened.
5. Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Bring to a simmer.
6. Return chicken to the skillet and cook until sauce thickens and chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Serve With:

• Pasta or mashed potatoes

Drink With:

• A glass of Pinot Noir or Chianti

6. Salsa Verde Pork Chops

These juicy pork chops are smothered in a vibrant and zesty salsa verde, creating a meal that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Perfect for a quick dinner that’s packed with taste and easy to prepare.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in pork chops
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup salsa verde
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season pork chops with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook pork chops until browned, about 4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until softened.
4. Add salsa verde and chicken broth, bringing to a simmer.
5. Return pork chops to the skillet and cook until fully cooked and sauce thickens, about 10 minutes.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve.

Serve With:

• Mexican rice or quinoa

Drink With:

• A light beer or a Margarita

7. One-Skillet Sausage and Lasagna

Who says lasagna has to be complicated? This One-Skillet Sausage and Lasagna brings all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna in an easy, quick-to-make dish. With layers of sausage, pasta, and cheese, it’s a family-friendly meal that’s perfect for any night.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, cook Italian sausage until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
3. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in broken lasagna noodles and return sausage to the skillet. Cook until noodles are tender, about 15 minutes.
5. Drop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the top and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Cover and cook until cheese is melted.
6. Garnish with fresh basil and serve.

Serve With:

• Garlic bread

Drink With:

• A bold red wine like Chianti or Merlot

8. Skillet Chicken Pot Pie

This recipe delivers all the comforting flavors of a classic chicken pot pie, but in a fraction of the time. Chicken, vegetables, and a creamy gravy are simmered in a skillet and topped with a flaky puff pastry crust for a delicious and hearty meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pie crust
• Fresh thyme for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onion and garlic until softened.
3. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually add chicken broth and milk, stirring until thickened.
5. Add cooked chicken, peas and carrots, and corn. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Top with pie crust, trimming to fit. Cut a few slits in the crust for steam to escape.
7. Bake in preheated oven until crust is golden brown, about 25-30 minutes.
8. Garnish with fresh thyme and serve.

Serve With:

• A side salad

Drink With:

• A glass of Chardonnay or a light ale

9. Cheesy Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet

This hearty skillet dish is perfect for a cozy night in. Kielbasa sausage is cooked with cabbage, onions, and apples for a sweet and savory combination. Finish it off with a sprinkle of cheese for a truly satisfying meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound kielbasa, sliced
• 1 head of cabbage, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook kielbasa until browned.
2. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
3. Stir in chopped cabbage and chicken broth. Cover and cook until cabbage is tender, about 10 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.

Serve With:

• Mashed potatoes

Drink With:

• A cold beer or Riesling

10. One-Pan Honey Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli

This recipe is a quick and easy way to get a healthy and flavorful dinner on the table. Shrimp are coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce and tossed with tender broccoli florets for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, and cornstarch mixed with water.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook shrimp until pink, about 2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add broccoli and 1/4 cup water. Cover and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Return shrimp to the skillet and pour sauce over. Cook until sauce thickens and everything is well coated.
5. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve.

Serve With:

• Steamed rice

Drink With:

• A light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a green tea

11. Spicy Southwest Black Bean Skillet

This vegetarian skillet is packed with flavor. Black beans, corn, and bell peppers are seasoned with a blend of southwest spices for a Tex-Mex inspired dish. Serve it with your favorite toppings like avocado, sour cream, and salsa.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened.
2. Add black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, cumin, and chili powder. Cook until heated through, about 10 minutes.
3. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve.

Serve With:

• Tortilla chips or over rice

Drink With:

• A cold beer or a limeade

12. One-Skillet Steak Fajitas

Sizzle up a fiesta with these One-Skillet Steak Fajitas. Tender strips of steak, bell peppers, and onions come together in a sizzling skillet, creating a vibrant and flavorful meal that’s sure to please. It’s a fun and interactive dish perfect for a family dinner.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound steak (such as flank or skirt), thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning
• Tortillas for serving
• Fresh lime for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook steak until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, sauté bell peppers, onion, and garlic until softened.
3. Return steak to the skillet and sprinkle with fajita seasoning. Cook until everything is well combined and heated through.
4. Serve with warm tortillas and a squeeze of fresh lime.

Serve With:

• Guacamole and salsa

Drink With:

• A cold beer or a Margarita

13. Lemon Garlic Salmon with Asparagus

This dish is a healthy and elegant option for a weeknight meal. Salmon fillets are pan-seared and finished with a light and flavorful lemon garlic sauce. Asparagus is cooked alongside the salmon for a perfectly balanced and nutritious dish.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
• 1 lemon (zest and juice)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook salmon until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Add asparagus, chicken broth, lemon zest, and juice. Cook until asparagus is tender.
5. Return salmon to the skillet and heat through.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Serve With:

• Quinoa or wild rice

Drink With:

• A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio

14. One-Pan Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles

This One-Pan Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles is a light and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The tender shrimp, garlic, and lemon sauce pair beautifully with the fresh zucchini noodles, making for a healthy and delicious meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 zucchini, spiralized
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 lemon (zest and juice)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook shrimp until pink, about 2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Add chicken broth, lemon zest, and juice. Bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in zucchini noodles and cook until tender, about 3 minutes.
5. Return shrimp to the skillet and heat through.
6. Garnish with red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, and serve.

Serve With:

• Crusty bread

Drink With:

• A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc

15. One-Skillet Chicken and Rice with Fiesta Corn

This One-Skillet Chicken and Rice with Fiesta Corn is a vibrant and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. The juicy chicken, flavorful rice, and colorful fiesta corn come together in a delicious, one-pan meal that the whole family will love.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté bell pepper until softened.
4. Add rice, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, corn, cumin, and chili powder. Stir to combine.
5. Return chicken to the skillet, cover, and cook until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through, about 20 minutes.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve.

Serve With:

• Tortilla chips and salsa

Drink With:

• A cold beer or a limeade