One-Skillet Dinners: A Delicious Meal for Every Night of the Week
Tired of mountains of dishes after dinner? Craving easy, delicious, and satisfying meals that don’t require hours in the kitchen? Look no further than the magic of one-skillet dinners! These culinary champions are perfect for busy weeknights, offering a complete meal cooked entirely in one pan – minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. This blog post provides a week’s worth of incredible one-skillet recipes, complete with detailed instructions and helpful tips to make your weeknight dinners a breeze.
## Why One-Skillet Dinners are a Game-Changer
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s explore why one-skillet dinners are so fantastic:
* **Minimal Cleanup:** This is the biggest perk! One pan means less scrubbing and more time to relax after dinner.
* **Quick and Easy:** Most one-skillet recipes come together in under an hour, perfect for busy schedules.
* **Flavorful:** Cooking everything in one pan allows the flavors to meld and deepen, creating a delicious and cohesive dish.
* **Versatile:** You can adapt one-skillet recipes to use whatever ingredients you have on hand. Substitute proteins, vegetables, and grains to create your own unique variations.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Many one-skillet meals utilize affordable ingredients, making them a great option for budget-conscious cooks.
* **Nutritious:** Easily incorporate a variety of vegetables, proteins, and grains for a balanced and healthy meal.
## Essential Equipment
While the beauty of one-skillet dinners lies in their simplicity, having the right equipment can make the process even smoother. Here are a few essentials:
* **Large Skillet (Cast Iron or Non-Stick):** A large (12-inch or larger) skillet is essential. Cast iron skillets are fantastic for even heat distribution and searing, while non-stick skillets are great for delicate foods like eggs and fish. Oven-safe skillets are a bonus, as they allow you to easily transfer the skillet from stovetop to oven for baking or broiling.
* **Spatula or Wooden Spoon:** For stirring, scraping, and serving.
* **Cutting Board and Knife:** For prepping your ingredients.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate seasoning and ingredient measurements.
* **Tongs:** Helpful for flipping and moving ingredients around the skillet.
## A Week of Delicious One-Skillet Dinners
Here are seven delicious one-skillet recipes to get you started, one for each night of the week:
### Monday: One-Skillet Lemon Herb Chicken and Vegetables
This bright and flavorful dish is a perfect way to kick off the week. The lemon and herbs add a refreshing twist to tender chicken and roasted vegetables.
**Ingredients:**
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped
* 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
* 1 zucchini, chopped
* 1 lb baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
* 1/2 cup chicken broth
* 1/4 cup lemon juice
* 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, and parsley)
* 1 tsp dried oregano
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Sear the Chicken:** Heat the oil over medium-high heat in your skillet. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. **Sauté the Vegetables:** Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the bell peppers, zucchini, and potatoes and cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the potatoes are slightly tender.
3. **Add the Liquids and Herbs:** Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Stir in the dried oregano and fresh herbs.
4. **Combine and Simmer:** Return the chicken to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
5. **Season and Serve:** Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with extra fresh herbs, if desired. Serve immediately.
**Tips & Variations:**
* **Vegetable Swap:** Feel free to substitute other vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or carrots.
* **Herb Variations:** Experiment with different herb combinations. Italian seasoning, or a blend of basil, oregano, and marjoram, works well too.
* **Add Some Heat:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
* **Serve with a Side:** This dish is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of rice, quinoa, or couscous.
### Tuesday: One-Skillet Sausage and Peppers Pasta
This hearty and flavorful pasta dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, and a rich tomato sauce is simply irresistible.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 lb Italian sausage, sweet or hot, removed from casings
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped
* 1 green bell pepper, chopped
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 tsp dried oregano
* 1/2 tsp dried basil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 lb pasta (such as penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
* Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
**Instructions:**
1. **Brown the Sausage:** Heat the oil over medium heat in your skillet. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
2. **Sauté the Vegetables:** Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the bell peppers and cook for another 5 minutes, or until slightly tender.
3. **Add the Sauce and Seasonings:** Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in the oregano and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
4. **Cook the Pasta:** Add the uncooked pasta to the skillet. Add enough water to cover the pasta (about 4-6 cups). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more water.
5. **Combine and Serve:** Return the sausage to the skillet. Stir to combine. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
**Tips & Variations:**
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for extra heat.
* **Add Vegetables:** Mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach would be delicious additions.
* **Cheese Please:** Stir in some shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese at the end for an extra cheesy dish.
* **Use Different Sausage:** Try using chorizo, andouille sausage, or even plant-based sausage for a different flavor profile.
### Wednesday: One-Skillet Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
This classic stir-fry is a quick and easy weeknight meal. Tender beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and a savory sauce come together in minutes.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
* 2 tbsp soy sauce
* 1 tbsp cornstarch
* 1 tbsp sesame oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 inch ginger, grated
* 4 cups broccoli florets
* 1/4 cup beef broth
* 2 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
* 1 tbsp brown sugar
* 1 tsp sesame seeds, for garnish
* Cooked rice, for serving
**Instructions:**
1. **Marinate the Beef:** In a bowl, combine the sliced beef, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and cornstarch. Toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes.
2. **Sear the Beef:** Heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat in your skillet. Add the beef and cook, stirring constantly, until browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
3. **Sauté the Aromatics:** Add the garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4. **Add the Broccoli and Sauce:** Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until crisp-tender. In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, remaining 1 tbsp soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and brown sugar. Pour the sauce over the broccoli and cook until thickened, about 1-2 minutes.
5. **Combine and Serve:** Return the beef to the skillet. Stir to combine. Garnish with sesame seeds. Serve immediately over cooked rice.
**Tips & Variations:**
* **Vegetable Variations:** Add other vegetables like carrots, snow peas, or bell peppers.
* **Add Heat:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for a spicy kick.
* **Use Different Protein:** Chicken, shrimp, or tofu would be great alternatives to beef.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
### Thursday: One-Skillet Jambalaya
Bring the flavors of Louisiana to your kitchen with this flavorful and satisfying jambalaya. This recipe combines chicken, sausage, rice, and a medley of vegetables in a spicy tomato-based sauce.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1/2 lb andouille sausage, sliced
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 1 green bell pepper, chopped
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed
* 2 cups chicken broth
* 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
* 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
* 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Chopped green onions, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. **Brown the Chicken and Sausage:** Heat the oil over medium-high heat in your skillet. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Add the sausage to the skillet and cook until browned. Remove the sausage and set aside.
2. **Sauté the Vegetables:** Add the onion and bell peppers to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. **Add the Tomatoes, Rice, and Broth:** Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, rice, and chicken broth. Add the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. **Simmer and Cook:** Return the chicken and sausage to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the jambalaya becomes too dry, add a little more chicken broth.
5. **Serve:** Garnish with chopped green onions. Serve immediately.
**Tips & Variations:**
* **Add Shrimp:** Add 1/2 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
* **Use Different Sausage:** Kielbasa or chorizo can be substituted for andouille sausage.
* **Adjust the Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking.
* **Add Some Vegetables:** Celery and okra are common additions to jambalaya.
### Friday: One-Skillet Pizza Pasta
Celebrate the end of the week with this fun and family-friendly pizza pasta. All the flavors of your favorite pizza, cooked in one skillet!
**Ingredients:**
* 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 tsp dried oregano
* 1/2 tsp dried basil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 lb pasta (such as penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
* 1 cup sliced pepperoni
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
**Instructions:**
1. **Brown the Meat:** Heat the oil over medium heat in your skillet. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
2. **Sauté the Vegetables:** Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. **Add the Sauce and Seasonings:** Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in the oregano and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
4. **Cook the Pasta:** Add the uncooked pasta to the skillet. Add enough water to cover the pasta (about 4-6 cups). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more water.
5. **Add Toppings and Cheese:** Stir in the pepperoni. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
6. **Serve:** Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
**Tips & Variations:**
* **Customize Your Toppings:** Add your favorite pizza toppings, such as mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, or onions.
* **Use Different Cheese:** Provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses would all be delicious.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Omit the meat and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
* **Add Some Heat:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.
### Saturday: One-Skillet Shrimp Scampi with Linguine
This elegant and flavorful dish is perfect for a weekend dinner. The combination of succulent shrimp, garlic, butter, and white wine is simply divine.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 lb linguine
* 1.5 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 4 tbsp butter
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup dry white wine
* 1/4 cup chicken broth
* 2 tbsp lemon juice
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Red pepper flakes (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the Pasta:** Cook the linguine according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
2. **Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic:** Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. **Add Shrimp:** Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-5 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
4. **Deglaze the Pan:** Pour in the white wine and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
5. **Add Lemon Juice and Parsley:** Stir in the lemon juice and parsley. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
6. **Combine and Serve:** Add the cooked linguine and shrimp to the skillet. Toss to combine. Serve immediately.
**Tips & Variations:**
* **Add Vegetables:** Asparagus, zucchini, or spinach would be delicious additions.
* **Use Different Pasta:** Spaghetti or fettuccine can be substituted for linguine.
* **Add Some Heat:** Increase the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking.
* **Serve with Crusty Bread:** Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
### Sunday: One-Skillet Chicken Pot Pie
End the week with this comforting and classic chicken pot pie. This one-skillet version is easy to make and packed with flavor.
**Ingredients:**
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 1 cup frozen peas
* 1 cup frozen corn
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 cups chicken broth
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1 tsp dried thyme
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 sheet (14.1 ounce) refrigerated pie crust
**Instructions:**
1. **Sear the Chicken:** Heat the oil over medium-high heat in your skillet. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. **Sauté the Vegetables:** Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the peas and corn and cook for another 2 minutes.
3. **Make the Sauce:** Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. **Combine and Top with Pie Crust:** Return the chicken to the skillet. Cut the pie crust into strips or shapes. Arrange the pie crust over the top of the chicken and vegetables.
5. **Bake:** Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pie crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
6. **Cool and Serve:** Let the pot pie cool for a few minutes before serving.
**Tips & Variations:**
* **Use Leftover Chicken:** This is a great way to use leftover cooked chicken.
* **Add Potatoes:** Cubed potatoes would be a great addition to the filling.
* **Use Puff Pastry:** Puff pastry can be used instead of pie crust.
* **Add Mushrooms:** Sautéed mushrooms would add a delicious earthy flavor.
## Tips for One-Skillet Success
To ensure your one-skillet dinners are a resounding success, keep these tips in mind:
* **Use a Large Skillet:** A 12-inch skillet or larger is essential to prevent overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Overcrowding can lower the temperature of the skillet and lead to steamed, rather than browned, food. Cook ingredients in batches if necessary.
* **Preheat Your Skillet:** A hot skillet is essential for searing and browning.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Deglaze:** Deglazing the pan with wine, broth, or lemon juice after cooking meat or vegetables adds incredible flavor to the sauce. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
* **Season Generously:** Don’t be shy with the salt, pepper, and other seasonings. Seasoning is key to flavorful food.
* **Adjust Cooking Times:** Cooking times may vary depending on your skillet, stove, and the size of your ingredients. Keep an eye on the food and adjust cooking times as needed.
* **Stir Occasionally:** Stirring occasionally helps to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
* **Use Fresh Herbs:** Fresh herbs add a burst of flavor and freshness to your dishes.
* **Let It Rest:** Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
* **Experiment and Have Fun!** One-skillet cooking is all about versatility and convenience. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique dishes.
## Conclusion
One-skillet dinners are a fantastic solution for busy weeknights, offering delicious, easy, and satisfying meals with minimal cleanup. With these seven recipes and helpful tips, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a week of flavorful and stress-free dinners. So, ditch the multiple pots and pans, embrace the simplicity of one-skillet cooking, and enjoy more quality time with your family!