35 Healthy One-Pan Meals That'll Solve All Your Dinnertime Woes
Healthy and minimal dishwashing? These dinners promise both.
When you're short on time and it's time to eat, you need a dinner that can do it all. Thankfully, these healthy one-pan meals are basically the ultimate BOGO deal, since they're both better-for-you and will save you from having to spend too much time after dinner washing those dishes. Yup, all you need is your favorite pan, skillet, or pot, and you'll be well on your way to the healthy dinner of your dreams (in our case, we're split between our pizza frittata and balsamic chicken with asparagus). With 35 recipes to choose from, healthy eating has never been easier.
Here at Delish, we know that the word "healthy" can mean a lot of things depending on who you ask. Of course, those on the keto diet, vegans, and gluten-free folks all need to steer clear of certain ingredients. But one thing they pretty much all agree about: Getting more vegetables. So why not make it exciting and easy and (most importantly) all in one pan? Once you try our recipes for coconut braised cabbage, cauliflower fried rice, and egg roll bowls, you'll never serve vegetables just on the side again.
A meal can be healthy as can be, but if we're hungry not long after, it's just not gonna fly for us. We love keeping plenty of lean proteins in the fridge so that that's never a reality, like salmon (especially in this one-pan salmon and orzo), ground chicken (like we did for our one-skillet creamy thai basil chicken), and yes, eggs (don't forget them! they're the stars of this green shakshuka).
Garlicky Lemon Mahi Mahi
Mahi mahi is firm, mild fish that is beautifully flaky and tender no matter the way you cook it. Our favorite way to prep it? Cook it on the stove with some fresh asparagus, and then smother it in a lemony butter sauce. Pair it with some extra lemon wedges, a savory roasted green like balsamic Parm roasted green beans and some ultra-creamy mashed cauliflower.
Get the Garlicky Lemon Mahi Mahi recipe.
Cauliflower Fried Rice
Fried rice is a classic and comforting recipe that everyone loves…except maybe those who are trying to eat less rice. So, we created this spin on the fave that subs cauliflower for rice, while still crushing the flavor game. Whether you’re skipping carbs, trying to eat more vegetables, or are just looking for a lighter side dish so you can eat more orange chicken (relatable!), this cauliflower fried rice is for you.
Get the Cauliflower Fried Rice recipe.
One-Pan Salmon and Orzo
This one-pot meal makes cleanup a breeze, but it's real victory is how simple everything is from start to finish. Simple ingredients come together to make a flavorful salmon dinner in less than an hour. A squeeze of lemon brightens the whole thing while the tangy feta keeps you going back in for more.
Get the One-Pan Salmon and Orzo recipe.
Vegetable Paella (Paella Verdura)
This veggie-packed paella comes together in under an hour, and, even better, most of the cooking happens in the oven. Briefly returning the skillet to the stovetop after baking is the key to achieving a crispy rice crust on the bottom, often referred to as socarrat (meaning “burnt” in Catalan).
Get the Vegetable Paella (Paella Verdura) recipe.
Coconut Braised Cabbage
Cabbage is ultra-nutritious, affordable, and with a little effort, can be incredibly delicious, like in this recipe. Big wedges of cabbage are seared, then simmered along with chickpeas, in a savory and slightly spicy coconut milk broth. You’ll be amazed how this humble vegetable is transformed into something to brag about.
Get the Coconut Braised Cabbage recipe.
Reuben Bowl
Skip the carbs and make this easy one-skillet recipe with cabbage, corned beef, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing. It has everything you love about the classic Reuben sandwich, without the bread.
Get the Reuben Bowl recipe.
Skillet Eggplant Parm
This dish has all the eggplant Parm flavors you love—including sliced rounds of tender eggplant, tangy marinara sauce, and plenty of cheese. Instead of breading each slice of eggplant, though, you'll top the entire skillet with panko bread crumbs, making it easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
Get the Skillet Eggplant Parm recipe.
Sweet Corn Shrimp & Rice Skillet
If you're looking for the ultimate sunny, bright dinner, then let us introduce you to your new weeknight go-to: our sweet corn shrimp & rice skillet. It starts with a vibrant sauce made with some of our favorite flavors: sweet bell pepper, nutty white miso, and earthy turmeric, along with plenty of garlic and ginger. Topped with garlicky sautéed shrimp, this meal comes complete with protein, carb, and plenty of veg.
Get the Sweet Corn Shrimp & Rice Skillet recipe.
Salmon & Potato Skillet
A large cast-iron skillet is the perfect cooking vessel for this recipe, as you're going to want to make sure to heat your skillet in the oven while it preheats to create a searing hot surface to crisp the potatoes before adding the salmon. While the potatoes cook, the salmon takes a quick bath in an easy marinade of garlic, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, coriander, cumin, paprika, oil, and salt that'll make for a legendary one-pan dinner.
Get the Salmon & Potato Skillet recipe.
Lentil Soup
While it may not be known as the sexiest of soups, our lentil soup recipe is anything but boring. Another reason why we love it? The ingredients tend to be on the cheaper side, and it comes together in one pot, plus this recipe calls for using the entire cans and broth—no messy measuring required, and no awkward leftover ingredients.
Get the Lentil Soup recipe.
Pork Chops With Apples
Delicious pork chops that aren't dry are very much within reach this fall. These easy pork chops get cooked with apples and onions that provide tons of flavor, then simmered in apple cider for a little sweetness that helps keep them from drying out.
Get the Pork Chops With Apples recipe.
Philly Cheesesteak Lettuce Wraps
You won't miss the hoagie roll in these low-carb Philly cheesesteak lettuce wraps. Yes, they're made with provolone—NOT Cheez Whiz. Craving an actual Philly cheesesteak? Our classic recipe is on-point.
Get the Philly Cheesesteak Lettuce Wraps recipe.
One-Pan Balsamic Chicken and Asparagus
When we're craving something light and easy, this one-pan meal is one we turn to again and again. Chicken, asparagus and cherry tomatoes are all cooked alongside a sharp, acidic, yet sweet homemade balsamic glaze in this recipe, so you can enjoy a dinner with maximum flavor and minimum cleanup.
Get the One-Pan Balsamic Chicken and Asparagus recipe.
Pizza Frittata
While there's no shame in devouring slices of leftover pizza, if you're craving pizza for breakfast but want a substantial meal, turn to this pizza frittata. We load this frittata up with marinara, shredded mozzarella, and sliced pepperoni for savory pizza flavor, with double the protein and a lot less effort.
Get the Pizza Frittata recipe.
One-Pot Shawarma Chicken and Orzo Skillet
This easy one-pot chicken dinner has got it all: protein, carbs, and fresh veggies all in one skillet for a complete dinner. The flavors in this recipe take their cues from shawarma, the popular Levantine dish that features thin cuts of seasoned meat. Each bite of flavorful chicken is nicely balanced by the tomato-cucumber-feta salad and chewy orzo.
Get the One-Pot Shawarma Chicken and Orzo Skillet recipe.
Chicken Stir-Fry
A stir fry is our go-to weeknight dinner when we just don’t have the energy to spend a long time in the kitchen or hit the grocery store—this chicken recipe is no exception. Make it as is, then use it as a jumping-off point to create your own perfect version.
Get the Chicken Stir-Fry recipe.
Stuffed Pepper Casserole
This casserole begins with the ingredients you love from classic stuffed peppers: ground beef, large chunks of peppers and onion, and a tomato-heavy broth. A cup of rice dives into that pool of liquid gold, the whole thing slides in the oven, and within minutes, you have a warm, hearty, healthy meal ready to feed a crowd.
Get the Stuffed Pepper Casserole recipe.
One-Pan Chicken And Quinoa
Here’s a quick and easy dinner that’s high in protein and takes very little effort. We love the Tex-Mex spices here; the chili powder and cayenne add a nice kick that the avocado and sour cream perfectly offset.
Get the One-Pan Chicken And Quinoa recipe.
Bacon Harvest Chicken Skillet
This easy chicken thigh recipe with bacon and Brussels sprouts comes together in one skillet. It's the perfect cozy dinner to make during fall and winter. Don't forget to toast a few slices of good bread to sop up all the delicious juices!
Get the Bacon Harvest Chicken Skillet recipe.
Cheesy Chorizo, Chickpea & Crispy Rice Skillet
Crisping rice in a little olive oil adds a beautiful textural contrast and additional flavor to steamed rice, especially when it turns into a crust that cradles a really delicious cheesy chorizo and chickpea filling in this gluten-free dinner. Once you've got the technique down, use it for anything and everything you can imagine!
Get the Cheesy Chorizo, Chickpea & Crispy Rice Skillet recipe.
