Easy one-pan meals are perfect for those times you simply don’t have the energy or the time to spend hours cooking. And you can still have wholesome and healthy dishes.
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When life gets busy, the last you want to do is get home and still figure out what to cook. The answer might be to combine protein, veggies and grains in a single dish. This is why one-pan meals are ideal because you end up spending less time planning meals, coking and washing up – and you don’t have to sacrifice flavour or nutrition.
Whether you’re cooking for one or family, these one-pan meals are easy and perfect for hectic weeknights.
One-pan salmon with greens
The nice thing about salmon is that it cooks quickly, making it ideal for busy evenings. Add salmon fillets to a baking tray filled with asparagus, broccoli or some green beans. Then add lemon slices, dill and garlic. Roast everything together for 20 minutes and you’ll have a heart-healthy dinner full of omega-3 fatty acids.
Sheet-pan chicken and roasted vegetables
This is a classic for a reason – it requires minimal preparation. Place chicken thighs or breasts with veggies like sweet potatoes, broccoli, red onion and peppers. Drizzle with olive oil, season to your taste, the roast until golden and tender. Serve with crusty bread or as is.
Chickpeas and vegetable tray bake
If you want to go meat-free, mix chickpeas with baby marrow, brinjal, cherry tomatoes and red onion. Add paprika, cumin and olive oil, and roast until caramelised. For some extra flavour, finish with fresh herbs and crumbled feta.
Creamy mushroom and spinach orzo
Cooking orzo is much like cooking risotto but in a fraction of the time. Simmer it in vegetable stock with garlic, mushrooms and onions; stir through spinach and a little grated Parmesan. This makes for a very comforting meal.
One-pan sausage and Mediterranean vegetables
Get some quality sausages, arrange it with peppers, baby marrows, red onions and tomatoes. Add rosemary, garlic and some balsamic vinegar, then roast. The sausages will get a crispy golden exterior and the veggies will become jammy and sweet.
Make one-pan cooking even easier
The trick is to have food handy that you can build meals around. Keep your kitchen stocked up with frozen vegetables, canned beans, and staples like pasta, rice and spices. Also make sure you have baking paper to line out trays.
One-pan meals just take some planning and a handful of fresh ingredients, and they don’t have to be complicated. On your busiest weeks, you can still enjoy nutritious and wholesome dinners that save time.
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