20 Minimal Cleanup Dinners for Lazy Cooks

Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon

This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for a quick dinner with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh dill for garnish (optional)

Cooking method:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place salmon fillets on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the salmon and season with salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
4. Arrange lemon slices on top of the salmon.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through.
6. Garnish with fresh dill if desired before serving.

One-Pot Creamy Pesto Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish that requires only one pot, making clean-up a breeze.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta of choice
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup pesto sauce
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Cooking method:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions and drain.
2. Return the pasta to the pot and add heavy cream and pesto sauce.
3. Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook over low heat until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Serve warm with fresh basil on top.

Skillet Chicken Fajitas

Savor the flavors of this Tex-Mex favorite cooked entirely in a single skillet.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Tortillas for serving

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chicken slices and cook until browned.
3. Add onion, bell pepper, and fajita seasoning to the skillet.
4. Cook until the vegetables are tender and chicken is fully cooked.
5. Serve in tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Baked Caprese Chicken

This dish combines the classic Caprese flavors into a one-pan meal that’s both tasty and easy to clean up.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 2 tomatoes, sliced
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
• Fresh basil for garnish

Cooking method:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place chicken breasts in a baking dish.
3. Top each breast with tomato slices and mozzarella cheese.
4. Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
6. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Vegan Stir-Fry with Tofu

A vibrant and nutritious meal full of fresh vegetables and protein-rich tofu.

Ingredients:

• 14 oz firm tofu, cubed
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell pepper, carrots)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced

Cooking method:

1. Heat sesame oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add tofu cubes and cook until golden brown; remove from pan.
3. Add vegetables, ginger, and garlic to the same pan.
4. Stir-fry until vegetables are just tender.
5. Return tofu to the pan, pour in soy sauce, and cook for another 2 minutes.
6. Serve hot.

Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus

A quick and elegant one-pan dish that’s both healthy and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon

Cooking method:

1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque.
4. Add asparagus and cook until tender-crisp.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice before serving.

Tomato Basil One-Pan Risotto

Enjoy the creamy texture of risotto without the fuss of constant stirring.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh basil for garnish

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add Arborio rice, stirring to lightly toast.
3. Pour in vegetable broth and canned tomatoes.
4. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook until the rice is tender.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese.
6. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

One-Pan Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli

This savory-sweet chicken and broccoli dish is a perfect no-fuss dinner option.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into pieces
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Cooking method:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned.
3. Add broccoli and teriyaki sauce to the pan.
4. Cover and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and broccoli is tender.
5. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

Minimalist Veggie Quesadillas

These cheesy, veggie-packed quesadillas are a quick fix for busy nights.

Ingredients:

• 4 large tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (like bell peppers and mushrooms)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle with cheese and vegetables.
3. Top with another tortilla and cook until the cheese melts.
4. Flip and cook the other side until golden brown.
5. Cut into slices and serve warm.

Quick Lentil Soup

A hearty, flavorful soup that can be made in one pot for a cozy, easy dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin

Cooking method:

1. In a large pot, sauté onion, carrots, and garlic until soft.
2. Add lentils, vegetable broth, and cumin.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until lentils are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.