Who doesn’t love a meal that’s both delicious and easy to clean up? One-pan meals are a game changer when you’re short on time and don’t want to deal with piles of dishes. Here are two fantastic one-pan recipes that deliver big flavors while keeping cleanup to a minimum.
1. One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Vegetables
This simple yet flavorful one-pan recipe combines juicy chicken, fresh vegetables, and a zesty lemon garlic sauce. The best part? Everything is cooked in one pan, so you get a complete meal with minimal mess.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup baby carrots
- 1 cup baby potatoes, halved
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken thighs, making sure they are well coated.
- Prepare the Vegetables: On the prepared sheet pan, arrange the carrots, potatoes, and green beans. Drizzle with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Bake Everything Together: Place the seasoned chicken thighs on the sheet pan, nestling them among the vegetables. Roast in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and the vegetables are tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the chicken alongside the roasted vegetables for a satisfying, one-pan meal.
This dish is the ultimate comfort food with bright, fresh flavors and minimal effort. Plus, the clean-up is a breeze because everything cooks on one pan.
2. One-Pan Baked Ziti
Who doesn’t love a hearty, cheesy pasta dish? This one-pan baked ziti is loaded with gooey cheese, savory marinara, and perfectly cooked pasta. Best of all, there’s no need to boil the pasta separately, saving both time and dishes.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ziti pasta (or penne)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Layer the Ingredients: In a large oven-safe skillet, add the dry ziti pasta. Pour in the marinara sauce and water, then stir in the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Make sure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Add the Cheese: Drop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese on top of the pasta mixture, then sprinkle over the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. The cheeses will melt and create a bubbly, golden topping.
- Bake: Cover the skillet with foil and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to let the cheese melt and bubble up.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the ziti is hot and bubbly, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
With the least amount of effort, this one-pan baked ziti recipe offers the traditional pasta dish. Without having to clean additional pots, you can still enjoy all the cheesy pleasure.