After a long day, the last thing you want is a complicated dinner with a pile of dishes waiting afterward. That’s why one-pan meals are a lifesaver! They’re quick, easy, and packed with flavor—perfect for busy weeknights. These five recipes require minimal prep and use simple ingredients you can grab on your way home.

Whether you’re in the mood for savory chicken, hearty pasta, or fresh seafood, there’s something here for everyone. Follow the steps from purchase to preparation to cooking, and enjoy a hassle-free dinner every night of the week!

This comforting dish features juicy, golden-brown chicken paired with crispy potatoes and tender vegetables, all coated in a rich, buttery garlic sauce. It’s packed with flavor and comes together effortlessly in one pan for a stress-free, delicious dinner.

What to buy:
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2)
• Cherry tomatoes (1 cup)
• Green beans (1 cup)
• Baby potatoes (1 lb)
• Garlic (3 cloves)
• Butter (2 tbsp)
• Olive oil, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning

Prepare:
1. Halve the baby potatoes.
2. Mince garlic and toss with melted butter.
3. Trim green beans and season everything with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Cook:
1. Heat oil in a large pan. Sear chicken breasts for 4 minutes per side.
2. Push chicken to the side, add potatoes, and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Add green beans and cherry tomatoes. Pour garlic butter over everything.
4. Cover and cook on low for another 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.

A light yet satisfying meal with succulent shrimp, delicate orzo pasta, and a bright lemon-garlic sauce. This Mediterranean-inspired dish is fresh, flavorful, and perfect for busy nights when you want something quick, healthy, and full of zest.

What to buy:
• Large shrimp (1 lb)
• Orzo pasta (1 cup)
• Cherry tomatoes (1 cup)
• Spinach (1 cup)
• Garlic (3 cloves)
• Lemon (1)
• Olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper

Prepare:
1. Mince garlic and zest the lemon.
2. Season shrimp with olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
3. Slice cherry tomatoes in half.

Cook:
1. Heat oil in a pan, sauté garlic for 1 minute.
2. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from pan.
3. In the same pan, add orzo and 2 cups of water. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Stir in cherry tomatoes, spinach, and cooked shrimp. Finish with lemon zest and juice.

A homemade take on a takeout classic! Tender beef strips and crisp broccoli are tossed in a savory-sweet soy glaze with hints of garlic and ginger. This one-pan stir-fry is quick, satisfying, and pairs perfectly with a side of rice or noodles.

What to buy:
• Flank steak (1 lb)
• Broccoli florets (2 cups)
• Soy sauce (1/4 cup)
• Brown sugar (1 tbsp)
• Garlic (2 cloves)
• Ginger (1 tsp, grated)
• Cornstarch (1 tbsp)
• Sesame oil, salt, pepper

Prepare:
1. Slice flank steak into thin strips and toss with cornstarch.
2. Mince garlic and ginger.
3. Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil for sauce.

Cook:
1. Heat oil in a pan, sear steak for 3 minutes per side. Remove.
2. Add broccoli and stir-fry for 3 minutes.
3. Pour in sauce, return beef to pan, and cook for 2 more minutes.

This creamy and cheesy pasta dish is a dream for pasta lovers. Fresh tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and a luscious cream sauce create a comforting, restaurant-quality meal—all cooked in a single pan for easy cleanup. Add some fresh basil or parmesan for the perfect finishing touch.

What to buy:
• Penne pasta (2 cups)
• Cherry tomatoes (1 cup)
• Heavy cream (1/2 cup)
• Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup)
• Garlic (2 cloves)
• Olive oil, salt, pepper, basil

Prepare:
1. Mince garlic and slice cherry tomatoes.
2. Grate Parmesan cheese.

Cook:
1. Heat oil in a pan, sauté garlic for 1 minute.
2. Add pasta, 2 cups of water, and bring to a simmer.
3. Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook until pasta is tender.
4. Mix in heavy cream, Parmesan, and basil. Stir until creamy.

A sweet and savory masterpiece! This one-pan dish features flaky, caramelized salmon and crisp asparagus bathed in a sticky honey garlic sauce. It’s an elegant yet effortless meal that’s packed with nutrition and perfect for a healthy, delicious dinner.

What to buy:
• Salmon fillets (2)
• Asparagus (1 bunch)
• Honey (2 tbsp)
• Soy sauce (2 tbsp)
• Garlic (2 cloves)
• Olive oil, salt, pepper

Prepare:
1. Mince garlic and mix with honey and soy sauce.
2. Trim the asparagus.

Cook:
1. Heat oil in a pan, sear salmon fillets for 3 minutes per side. Remove.
2. Add asparagus, sauté for 3 minutes.
3. Return salmon to the pan, pour sauce over, and cook for another 2 minutes.