If you’ve ever stood at the threshold of your kitchen on a busy weeknight, with only half an hour to spare, and wanted to cry at the thought of making dinner… this list of one pan skillet recipes is for you.

One-pan skillet recipes are my secret weapon, my one-pot wonder, my go-to weeknight companion when the chips are down.

In my opinion, everyone should have a few of this recipes to fall back on as-needed. So, stick around with me and explore twenty-one one-pan skillet recipes for easy weeknight dinners!

1. Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo

Source: allnutritious.com

If creamy, tomatoey goodness is your love language, this one’s for you. Juicy chicken meets tender orzo, all infused with the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes.

Bonus? It’s all done in one pan for a fuss-free cleanup that makes it even more satisfying.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 618
• Fats: 27g
• Protein: 40g
• Carbs: 54g
• Fiber: 4.6g
• Sugar: 9.4g

2. Lemon Chicken Piccata

Source: allnutritious.com

Bright, zesty, and totally irresistible. This lemon chicken piccata feels fancy enough for guests but is so simple, you can whip it up on a Tuesday.

The light and tangy lemon sauce pairs perfectly with golden, pan-fried chicken. Pro tip: serve it over pasta or rice to soak up every last drop.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 433
• Fats: 35g
• Protein: 24g
• Carbs: 7.1g
• Fiber: 2.5g
• Sugar: 2.3g

3. Keto Zucchini Lasagna Skillet

Source: allnutritious.com

Craving lasagna without the carb overload? This genius skillet swaps out noodles for zucchini and delivers all the cheesy, saucy goodness you love.

Perfect for keto lovers or anyone needing a low-carb, high-flavor dinner.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 523
• Fats: 36g
• Protein: 36g
• Carbs: 13g
• Fiber: 2.8g
• Sugar: 6.4g

4. One Pan Cheesy Jalapeno Chicken

Source: allnutritious.com

Cheese, spice, and everything nice; this dish checks all the boxes. Juicy chicken smothered in gooey cheese with a jalapeño kick is the dinner you didn’t know you needed.

Comfort food? Meet your spicy soulmate, and one that doesn’t leave a mountain of dishes left behind once all is said and done.

Check out these other lazy high protein meals!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 521
• Fats: 31g
• Protein: 52g
• Carbs: 6.2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2.3g

5. One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Source: allnutritious.com

Tangy, savory, and sweet, this balsamic chicken brings bold flavors to the table. It’s paired with roasted veggies right in the skillet, so you get a whole meal without dirtying extra dishes.

Simple, flavorful perfection that’s so much easier and healthier than getting takeout (trust me).

Per Serving:

• Calories: 608
• Fats: 30g
• Protein: 63g
• Carbs: 19g
• Fiber: 1.5g
• Sugar: 14g

6. Pan-Fried Salmon

Source: allnutritious.com

If you can’t tell by now, I’m a big fan of these simple dishes that use high-quality ingredients. Say hello to your new favorite five-star dinner that’s surprisingly easy to make.

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, this pan-fried salmon is all about simple ingredients and amazing results. A squeeze of lemon on top? Chef’s kiss.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 269
• Fats: 18g
• Protein: 18g
• Carbs: 2.8g
• Fiber: 0.2g
• Sugar: 0.4g

7. Cheesy Baked Italian Sausage

Source: allnutritious.com

When it comes to one-pan meals, almost nothing tops a good Italian dish. It’s time to use your imagination.

Picture it: sizzling Italian sausage topped with melty cheese and surrounded by rich, flavorful marinara. Now, imagine it all coming out of one pan. It’s crazy good, and so simple to make.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 687
• Fats: 57.8g
• Protein: 30g
• Carbs: 7.8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3.6g

8. Buttered Cod

Source: allnutritious.com

If you’re dreaming of buttery, flaky perfection with minimal effort, this buttered cod skillet delivers in every way.

It’s light yet satisfying, with melt-in-your-mouth cod paired with savory garlic and herbs. Perfect for nights when you want fancy vibes without the fancy effort!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 297
• Fats: 19g
• Protein: 31g
• Carbs: 1.2g
• Fiber: 0.3g
• Sugar: 0.3g

9. Keto Sesame Pork and Green Beans

Source: allnutritious.com

Next up, something for the pork lovers. This skillet dish has that perfect balance of tender, savory pork and crispy green beans coated in a sesame glaze.

It’s ideal for busy weeknights or anyone craving those takeout flavors without breaking the keto streak.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 432
• Fats: 32g
• Protein: 28g
• Carbs: 10g
• Fiber: 3.6g
• Sugar: 3.2g

10. Sausage and Cabbage Skillet

Source: allnutritious.com

Who knew cabbage could taste this good? Juicy sausage mingles with hearty cabbage in a skillet bursting with smoky, spiced flavors.

It’s hearty comfort food with a side of veggies, all in one pan. In other words, no dishes to interrupt your well-earned relaxation time.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 356
• Fats: 30g
• Protein: 13g
• Carbs: 9.2g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4.1g

11. Creamy Pork Chops

Source: allnutritious.com

Who says you need to battle a wall of ingredients and dishes to enjoy something luxurious? This dish is blasting that idea out of the water.

Smothered in a dreamy garlic mushroom sauce, it’s the skillet dinner you never knew your life was missing. Serve it with crusty bread or mashed potatoes to soak up all that goodness.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 507
• Fats: 41g
• Protein: 26g
• Carbs: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3.5g

12. Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Source: allnutritious.com

Sun-dried tomatoes and cream are the power couple you didn’t know you needed in your dinner lineup. It’s kind of an unbeatable duo, so it’s worth blending them in your next weeknight dinner.

This chicken skillet is rich, flavorful, and feels like it came straight out of a cozy Italian trattoria; but it’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 387
• Fats: 24g
• Protein: 33g
• Carbs: 11g
• Fiber: 1.7g
• Sugar: 1.9g

13. Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Source: allnutritious.com

This comfort casserole recipe transforms the classic stuffed peppers into a deconstructed skillet meal, minus all the work. No finnicky pepper stuffing, just all the flavors you love the simple way.

It’s packed with hearty ground meat, rice, and bell pepper goodness, delivering all the comfort with none of the hassle. Who doesn’t love that?

Per Serving:

• Calories: 386
• Fats: 17g
• Protein: 23g
• Carbs: 35g
• Fiber: 3.3g
• Sugar: 4.6g

14. Keto Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Source: allnutritious.com

Next up, one of my go-to weeknight lifesavers, this chicken and broccoli stir fry is keto-approved and full of flavor. The sauce is slightly tangy, a little garlicky, and totally addictive.

If you’ve been struggling with hours-long dishes every weeknight, then you’ll wonder how such a simple skillet meal can be so satisfying!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 318
• Fats: 12g
• Protein: 41g
• Carbs: 12g
• Fiber: 3.1g
• Sugar: 1.9g

15. Creamy Tomato Chicken Skillet

Source: allnutritious.com

Here comes one of my favorites; packed with tender chicken and a dreamy tomato-based cream sauce, this skillet is your answer to a cozy weeknight dinner.

It’s easy, decadent, and begging to be soaked up with some crusty bread; because who wants to waste a single drop of that sauce?

Per Serving:

• Calories: 478
• Fats: 22g
• Protein: 56g
• Carbs: 12g
• Fiber: 3.2g
• Sugar: 6.2g

16. Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Dinner

Source: mindyscookingobsession.com

Gnocchi fans, this one’s for you! Soft, pillowy gnocchi pairs perfectly with succulent chicken and a silky cream sauce.

It’s like the hearty Italian meal you didn’t know you were craving, that’s gentle on your dishwasher.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 679
• Fats: 38g
• Protein: 35g
• Carbs: 51g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 5g

17. Cajun Chicken Orzo

Source: therusticfoodie.com

This Cajun-inspired skillet is bringing the bold flavors! Juicy chicken, spicy seasonings, and tender orzo all mingle in one pan for a smoky, savory feast.

Honestly, to me Cajun flavors are absolutely never out of place, so this will align with anyone sitting down to dinner. Bonus: you’ll look like a total pro when serving up this crowd-pleaser.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 313
• Fats: 11g
• Protein: 38g
• Carbs: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g

18. Turkey Taco Quinoa Skillet

Source: reciperunner.com

Who says tacos need tortillas? This skillet mixes turkey, quinoa, and all the best taco flavors into a healthy, hearty dinner that tastes like a fiesta.

Less cleanup, more chill time; sounds like a win to me! Not to mention, you can be free with your substitutions to make sure you get plenty of vegetables in your dinner.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 342
• Fats: 10g
• Protein: 25g
• Carbs: 38g
• Fiber: 10g
• Sugar: 5g

19. Skillet Mexican Beef and Rice

Source: akitchenhoorsadventures.com

Need a family-friendly meal on a busy night? This skillet combines juicy beef, seasoned rice, and vibrant veggies into a hearty dish that’ll have everyone grabbing seconds.

It’s like taco night, but without all the different dishes that make that a headache. Sounds like a win, right? It’s also a great way to use up any leftovers you’ve got floating around.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 470
• Fats: 27g
• Protein: 38g
• Carbs: 17g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g

20. Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Skillet

Source: flavormosaic.com

Comfort food just hit a whole new level with this creative take on chicken pot pie. Swapping the crust for noodles, it’s creamy, cozy, and ridiculously simple.

This is everything you want for a lazy dinner night and then some, with a half-hour prep time that will make any exhausted home cook weep with joy.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 460
• Fats: 21g
• Protein: 20g
• Carbs: 49g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 6g

21. Potato Mushroom and Onion Skillet

Source: neilshealthymeals.com

Last – but certainly not least – this one’s for the veggie lovers. This is a humble little potato and onion skillet, with mushrooms to add a delicious earthiness.

Not to mention, the whole dish is customizable, so it’s perfect as either a main dish or a hearty side for wintertime.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 269
• Fats: 6.4g
• Protein: 9.9g
• Carbs: 45.8g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 8g