10 One-Pan Lunches for Minimal Cleanup

Lemon Herb Chicken and Asparagus

Elevate your lunch game with this zesty and refreshing Lemon Herb Chicken and Asparagus, perfect for a nutritious midday meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large ovenproof pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and thyme, then sear in the pan until golden brown on each side.
4. Add the asparagus and lemon slices to the pan.
5. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
6. Serve warm, garnished with extra thyme if desired.

Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli

This savory Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli dish is loaded with flavor and ready in just minutes!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Toss in the shrimp and broccoli, seasoning with salt and pepper.
4. Cook until the shrimp is pink and broccoli is tender, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Drizzle with lemon juice before serving.

Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry

Enjoy a quick and hearty lunch with this Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry, loaded with vibrant flavors and packed with nutrients.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup snap peas
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking method:

1. Heat sesame oil in a large pan over high heat.
2. Add the garlic and stir until fragrant.
3. Add the beef slices and cook until browned.
4. Toss in the vegetables and stir fry for 5 minutes.
5. Pour in the soy sauce and stir well before serving.

Spiced Chickpea and Spinach Skillet

This Spiced Chickpea and Spinach Skillet is a plant-based powerhouse of flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups spinach
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and sauté until translucent.
3. Stir in the chickpeas, cumin, paprika, and salt.
4. Cook for 5 minutes before adding the spinach.
5. Cook until the spinach is wilted, then serve hot.

Crispy Salmon and Green Beans

Crispy Salmon and Green Beans is a perfect combination of omega-rich salmon and crisp-tender green beans for a balanced lunch.

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lemon wedge

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Season salmon with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Sear the salmon skin-side down until crispy.
5. Add green beans to the pan and transfer to the oven.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes and serve with a lemon wedge.

Honey Glazed Chicken and Carrots

Sweet and savory Honey Glazed Chicken and Carrots make for an irresistibly delicious meal that’s simple to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken thighs
• 2 cups carrots, sliced
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Season chicken with salt and pepper and sear on both sides.
4. Add carrots to the pan.
5. Mix honey and soy sauce and pour over the chicken and carrots.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and glazed.

Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

Indulge in a vibrant plate of Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, a one-pan dish that bursts with fresh flavors.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup pesto sauce
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Parmesan cheese for garnish

Cooking method:

1. Boil pasta in a large pan as per package instructions.
2. In the same pan, heat olive oil and add cherry tomatoes.
3. Stir in the pesto sauce and drained pasta.
4. Toss everything together and season with salt.
5. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Sausage and Bell Pepper Skillet

A Sausage and Bell Pepper Skillet is a comforting and hearty one-pan meal perfect for a quick lunch.

Ingredients:

• 4 sausages, sliced
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onions and sauté until translucent.
3. Add sausage slices and cook until browned.
4. Toss in bell peppers and Italian seasoning.
5. Cook until the peppers are tender, then serve.

Mushroom and Spinach Risotto

This Mushroom and Spinach Risotto is creamy, earthy, and irresistibly delicious, requiring only one pan for minimal cleanup.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup arborio rice
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups spinach
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add onions and mushrooms, sauté until soft.
3. Stir in rice and cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Gradually add broth, stirring frequently, until the rice is cooked.
5. Stir in spinach until wilted and season as needed.

Teriyaki Tofu and Vegetables

Teriyaki Tofu and Vegetables is a delightful vegetarian dish featuring crispy tofu and colorful veggies in a savory glaze.

Ingredients:

• 1 block firm tofu, cubed
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas)
• 3 tbsp teriyaki sauce
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add tofu cubes and cook until golden and crispy.
3. Remove tofu and add vegetables to the same pan.
4. Stir fry until vegetables are tender, then return tofu to the pan.
5. Add teriyaki sauce and toss everything to combine before serving.