One-Pan Dinners

May 4, 2015

There are a few inconveniences most millenials will face in their lives. Living in an area with shoddy cell reception, or putting up with a micro-managing boss come to mind. One of the more trying hindrances? Rental kitchens and their lack of dishwashers.

Even if you have the time to prepare an elaborate meal, you certainly don’t have the time to tidy up after said feast. Next thing you know, you have a nasty habit of automatically speed-dialing your preferred pizzeria or heading to the corner pub when 6:00 p.m. rolls around.

While ordering in and dining out certainly have their time and place, it is a real shame to neglect your kitchen. Not only does eating at home allow you greater control over the calories and nutrients you consume, it’s a surefire way to save a ton of money. (Think of it as savings for your next Euro trip!)

Make it easy on yourself by perfecting a few staple one-pan recipes. That way, on evenings you’re short on time, energy, or simply the will to get off the couch, dinner preparation doesn’t have to automatically commit you also to extensive clean-up. With less post-supper work ahead of you, you’ll be less likely to reach for the take-out menu when your hunger hits.

Keep reading for mouth-watering chicken, beef, pork, seafood, and vegetarian dinner ideas that require just one pan to create!

Chicken

Spring Chicken Soup

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A veggie-filled soup you’ll be reaching for on rainy, spring days or when your annual allergies come knocking.

Parmesan Chicken with Caesar Roasted Romaine

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A deconstructed chicken Caesar salad.

Beef

Beef Stroganoff Stir Fry

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A slightly lighter take on the classic dish, omitting sour cream in the preparation and saving it for a garnish. Leaving the cream on the side means individuals can take as much or as little as they like, keeping their plates healthy and calorie-conscious.

Steak and Potato Chimichurri with Fresh Vegetables

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A steak recipe with an abundance of fresh vegetables, so you can satisfy your beef craving while still keeping your dinner well-rounded.

Pork

Cuban Sandwich

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This dinner takes cooking minimalism to new levels. Stick the pork in the slow-cooker and forget about it for 6 hours. When it’s ready, all you have to do is assemble the bread, slather the mustard, and layer with cheese for a Cuban favorite.

Crispy Sage Pork Cutlets with Couscous, Peas, Figs, and Pistachios

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Use this one-pan wonder to impress next time you have your parents for dinner. With little to no clean-up required, you still have time to sneak in some Netflix after the leave. (This recipe comes from my go-to one-pan guide, One Pan, Two Plates: More Than 70 Complete Weeknight Meals for Two by Carla Snyder.)

Seafood

Mussels with White Wine

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Make yourself a light meal of mussels with a kick, thanks to the addition of a red chili, and round it out with a couple thick slices of crusty bread.

Lemon Orzo Shrimp

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Not all seafood dishes have to be light… This stick-to-your-ribs shrimp dinner will leave you full for hours, and give you the energy you need for your evening workouts.

Veggie

Pad Thai