Conquer Weeknight Dinners with 5 Easy One-Pan Wonders!

Feeling like a short-order cook amidst the weekday chaos? We’ve all been there! Don’t despair! These dishes are not only delicious and healthy but also ready in 30 minutes or less, making them perfect for busy weeknights. So, put down the takeout menus and grab your favorite pan – it’s time to get cooking!

1. Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Rice: This light and flavorful dish is packed with protein and healthy carbs. Shrimp cooks quickly, making it ideal for a speedy meal.

Recipe: One Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Rice – Budget Bytes

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Add shrimp to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until opaque. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
2. Add garlic and onion to the pan and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant. Stir in rice and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until rice is cooked through.
4. Stir in cooked shrimp and parsley. Serve immediately.

2. Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies: This colorful and vibrant dish is a breeze to prepare and perfect for customizing with your favorite vegetables.

Recipe: Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies – The Girl Who Ate Everything (the-girl-who-ate-everything.com)

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage links, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 broccoli floret, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 red onion, sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Toss sausage, bell peppers, broccoli, and red onion with olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and sausage is cooked through.

3. One-Pan Baked Chicken Fajitas: These fajitas are a fun and flavorful twist on the classic Mexican dish. Leftovers make for a great lunch the next day!

Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas – Damn Delicious

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow onion, sliced
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Toss chicken, bell peppers, and onion with olive oil and taco seasoning.
3. Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
5. Serve with your favorite fajita toppings, such as tortillas, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.

4. Spicy Black Bean and Sweet Potato Skillet: This vegetarian dish is packed with protein, fiber, and flavor. It’s a hearty and satisfying option for meatless Mondays.

Recipe:Southwest Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Rice Skillet – Recipe Runner

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium sweet potato, diced
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sweet potato, red onion, and garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened.
2. Stir in black beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

5. Honey Garlic Salmon with Asparagus: This dish is a healthy and elegant option for a quick weeknight meal. The salmon cooks quickly, and the asparagus roasts alongside for a complete and balanced meal.

Recipe: Honey Garlic Salmon with Asparagus • The Cook Report

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger powder, and black pepper.
3. Place salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the salmon with half of the sauce mixture.
4. Toss asparagus with the remaining sauce mixture. Arrange the asparagus around the salmon on the baking sheet.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through and flaky and asparagus is tender-crisp.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. With a little creativity, you can easily adapt these recipes to your own preferences and dietary needs. So, next time you’re feeling overwhelmed by the dinner rush, remember these one-pan wonders and enjoy a delicious and stress-free meal with your family!

Disclosures (themodernparentzone.com)