9 Quick One-Pan Meals

Key Takeaways

• One-pan meals save time without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.

• Caraway’s cookware makes cooking and cleanup easier, faster, and healthier.

• From crispy tofu to cozy gnocchi, these recipes cover every craving and diet.

One-pan meals have a way of making dinner feel doable, even on the busiest nights.

At Caraway , we’re all about making real-life cooking simpler, healthier, and more satisfying. That means fewer steps, fewer dishes, and kitchen tools that actually work with the way you live. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just trying to make it to tomorrow’s leftovers, the right one-pan recipe can help you get something fresh and balanced on the table without overthinking it.

Here are nine of our favorite meals that come together fast, clean up easily, and don’t cut corners on flavor or nutrition.

1. Sheet Pan Salmon With Broccolini & Potatoes

This is the weeknight go-to that feels like something you'd order out. Roast wild salmon alongside halved baby potatoes and trimmed broccolini—all on one pan—for a balanced, nutrient-rich meal with healthy fats, fiber, and no fuss.

Toss everything in olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Roast at 425°F for about 20 to 25 minutes, starting with the potatoes first (they’ll need a head start), then adding broccolini and salmon halfway through.

Pro Tip: Use your Caraway Baking Sheet for even browning and easy cleanup—no foil or parchment needed.

2. One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs & Rice

This one does it all in one skillet: crisp, golden chicken with fluffy rice and loads of flavor. Start by searing bone-in chicken thighs until the skin is crisp, then remove and sauté garlic, shallots, and lemon slices in the same pan.

Add rinsed white rice, low-sodium broth, and nestle the chicken back in. Simmer covered on low heat until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through—about 20 minutes total.

3. Veggie-Packed Frittata

A frittata is the answer when you want something protein-rich, veggie-heavy, and ready in under 30 minutes. Whisk together eight eggs with a splash of milk, salt, and pepper. Stir in chopped cooked veggies (leftovers work great), fresh herbs, and a handful of your favorite cheese.

Cook over low heat in an oven-safe pan until the edges are set, then finish under the broiler for a golden top.

Pro Tip: Quick prep starts with a good cutting surface. Our FSC-certified Cutting Board is perfect for slicing, dicing, and whisking this one together.

4. Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry

Plant-based, protein-rich, and ready in under 20 minutes. Press and cube your tofu, then toss with tamari, cornstarch, and a pinch of garlic powder. Sear over medium-high heat until golden on all sides, then add chopped veggies and your favorite stir-fry sauce.

It’s fast, filling, and doesn’t need rice unless you want it.

Pro Tip: Tired of tofu sticking, tearing, or never quite crisping up? Our ceramic-coated Fry Pan gives you the golden edges you want—no shredding, no extra oil, no stress.

5. Shrimp & Orzo in a Spicy Tomato Broth

This one-pan dinner hits the sweet spot between comfort food and clean eating. Start by sautéing garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil. Stir in orzo, a splash of broth, and crushed tomatoes. Let everything simmer until the orzo is tender, then add peeled shrimp and cook for three to five minutes, just until they curl.

It’s hearty, balanced, and doesn’t need a single side.

6. One-Pot Chickpea Curry

This meal proves pantry staples can be satisfying. Sauté garlic, ginger, and onion in coconut oil. Stir in curry paste, canned chickpeas, coconut milk, and a bit of veggie broth. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes and finish with lime juice and cilantro.

Serve it straight from the pan over brown rice, quinoa, or whatever grain you’ve got on hand.

Pro Tip: The Caraway Stainless Steel Dutch Oven holds heat evenly and helps deepen flavor, without leaching any chemicals into your food.

7. Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry With Peanut Sauce

Zoodles don’t need to be sad or soggy. Just sauté briefly with shredded carrots and red cabbage until slightly softened. Then toss with a quick homemade sauce: peanut butter, lime juice, tamari, maple syrup, and a little sriracha. Done.

It’s light but filling , and it hits every craving in one bowl. Add tofu or grilled chicken if you want a protein boost.

8. Sausage, Kale & White Bean Skillet

This one’s hearty without being heavy. Brown sliced chicken sausage, then sauté shallots and garlic until fragrant. Add canned white beans and kale with a splash of broth, and simmer until everything melds.

Dinner’s ready in 20 minutes, and it’s packed with fiber and protein.

Pro Tip: Love a one-pan meal but hate when things cook unevenly or stick? Our Enamel-Coated Cast Iron Skillet holds heat like a pro, making it perfect for getting sausage browned and veggies tender without the fuss.

9. Baked Gnocchi With Spinach & Pesto

Toss shelf-stable gnocchi with a few handfuls of spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, pesto, and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, until everything’s hot and bubbly.

It feels cozy and carb-y, but still balanced and full of greens.

What’s the Best Way To Store One-Pan Leftovers?

So you’ve made a one-pan dinner that’s worth saving. But now comes the part most of us rush through: storing the leftovers. And here’s the thing: how you store them matters more than you think.

Sealing warm food into a plastic container with a so-so lid? That’s how you end up with soggy textures, strange smells, or food that somehow tastes different by morning. To keep things tasting how they should, let food cool slightly before sealing , avoid overpacking, and use containers that actually block out moisture and air.

Our Food Storage Set was made with all of this in mind. Each piece is crafted from ceramic-coated borosilicate glass (aka: non-toxic, non-porous, and super easy to clean), and features Air Release Technology to keep your food fresh and your fridge funk-free.

Plus, the modular organizers mean no more digging around for lids. Because putting dinner away shouldn’t feel like a second chore.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent overcrowding on a sheet pan?

Spread everything out so the heat can circulate evenly. When ingredients are too close, they steam instead of roast. Use a second pan if needed—crispy wins over crammed.

What’s the best way to preheat pans for one-pan meals?

Let your pan heat up in the oven before adding food for a better sear and faster cook time. It helps caramelize veggies and proteins right away. Just be careful handling it, because a hot pan means business.

Can I use any skillet in the oven for one-pan recipes?

Only use skillets that are fully oven-safe. Check for metal handles and avoid coatings that aren’t rated for high heat. If you’re unsure, play it safe and use cast iron or stainless steel. It’s worth it for that perfect finish.

Ready To Cook Smarter?

One-pan meals don’t need to be boring, bland, or buried in cleanup. With a few fresh ingredients and well-made tools, healthy cooking can feel less like a task and more like a habit that sticks.

At Caraway , we’re here for the busy nights, the last-minute ideas, and the moments when real food just needs to be simple. If you're stocking up on healthy dinner ideas, stock your kitchen with cookware that’s clean, functional, and designed to keep up. Trust us—you'll be glad you did.

Sources:

5 Must-Have Foods to Always Have in Your Pantry | American Heart Association

Zucchini noodles are a nutritious pasta alternative | Simply Nutritious, Quick and Delicious | Illinois Extension

Food Storage and Preservation: Why it Matters and How to Do it Properly | Food Revolution Network