If I could give you one thing back at the end of a busy day, it would be time – and if there’s one type of recipe that does exactly that, it’s a one-pan dinner. Everything goes in one pan, one pot or one tray, which means less prep, less washing up and more of your evening back. That’s the dream, isn’t it?

These five one-pan dinners are some of the most popular recipes on my website, and for good reason. One-pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Potatoes is the kind of hands-off dinner where you throw everything in and let the oven do the work. One-pot Creamy Bolognese means no draining, no multiple pots – just one pan from start to finish. The One-pan Beef Ramen Noodles are ready in under 20 minutes, One-pan Greek Chicken and Risoni (Orzo) is packed with flavour and practically cooks itself, and the One-pan Chicken and Broccoli Lasagne is pure comfort food without hours of layering.

Less time at the sink. Less mess on the bench. More time on the couch. One-pan dinners really are the holy grail of weeknight cooking – and these five are a great place to start.

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Detail of crispy chicken skin

One-pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Potatoes

5 from 30 votes
Prep this delicious and comforting One-pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Potatoes recipe in only 15 minutes for an easy, nourishing dinner that the whole family will enjoy!
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One-pot Creamy Bolognese recipe closeup

One-pot Creamy Bolognese

5 from 3 votes
A rich, flavour-packed One-pot Creamy Bolognese recipe made with simple ingredients and ready in around 40 minutes. The pasta cooks directly in the sauce for maximum flavour and minimal dishes, with an optional finish of cream and parmesan for a silky, restaurant-style result. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep and family dinners.
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Close-up shot of beef ramen noodles and a pair of chopsticks on top.

One-pan Beef Ramen Noodles

4.86 from 70 votes
One-pan Beef Ramen Noodles is an easy, flavoursome stir-fry featuring juicy beef, ramen noodles and fresh veggies in a hoisin-based sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights!
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Baked one pan Greek chicken thighs with golden crispy skin, served over risoni pasta with spinach, feta, and lemon slices in a white baking dish.

One-pan Greek Chicken and Risoni (Orzo)

5 from 31 votes
Golden, juicy chicken thighs with crispy skin, nestled into garlicky, lemony risoni – all cooked in one pan. No boiling pasta, no juggling pans. This One-pan Greek Chicken and Risoni (Orzo) recipe is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that looks impressive but couldn’t be easier!
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Top view of a pan filled with creamy Chicken and Broccoli Lasagne, topped with golden melted cheese.

One-pan Chicken and Broccoli Lasagne

4.91 from 77 votes
Tender lasagne sheets, shredded chicken, broccoli and a creamy, garlicky cheese sauce, all cooked in the one pan. One-pan Chicken and Broccoli Lasagne is freezer-friendly, too!
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Watch how to make it: