When you’re short on time but still crave a warm, homemade meal, nothing beats a one-pan dinner that’s ready in just 10 minutes.
Imagine preparing a delicious, satisfying dish without the dreaded post-cooking cleanup—no extra pots or pans to wash, and no mess to deal with.
In this guide, I’ve rounded up seven quick one-pan meal options that are not only super fast to prepare but also require absolutely no cleanup.
That means you get to enjoy your meal—and your free time—without worrying about washing dishes.
Each recipe is crafted with simplicity in mind, featuring minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques. The best part? They’re all ready in 10 minutes or less.
1. One-Pan Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry
This one-pan teriyaki chicken stir-fry is a go-to option for busy weeknights. In just 10 minutes, you can have succulent chicken, crisp vegetables, and a glossy teriyaki glaze all sizzling in one pan. The secret is to use thinly sliced chicken breasts and pre-chopped stir-fry vegetables, which cook rapidly at high heat.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 cup broccoli florets (small pieces)
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1/2 cup snap peas
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, freshly grated
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium teriyaki sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- A sprinkle of sesame seeds (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat a nonstick skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat.
- Add a dash of sesame oil to the pan and toss in the thinly sliced chicken. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Sauté the chicken for 3 minutes until it begins to brown, then add garlic and ginger. Stir constantly to avoid burning.
- Immediately add the pre-chopped vegetables. Drizzle in the teriyaki sauce and toss everything together. Continue cooking for another 4 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
Pro Tip:
For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze a little fresh lime juice over the dish right before serving. This stir-fry pairs perfectly with a side of steamed brown rice or cauliflower rice if you’re watching your carbs.
2. One-Pan Spicy Shrimp Tacos
If you love seafood and crave a little kick, these spicy shrimp tacos are an ideal option. With pre-cooked shrimp and vibrant toppings, this dish comes together in just 10 minutes. The one-pan method means you can toss everything in at once and let the natural heat and spices do the work.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail on for extra crunch, if desired)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- Juice of 1 lime
- 4 small low-carb tortillas or lettuce leaves (for wrapping)
- Optional: chopped cilantro and sliced avocado for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Drizzle olive oil over the shrimp and season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the shrimp to the pan and sauté for about 3–4 minutes until they turn pink and are just cooked through.
- Remove the shrimp from the heat and stir in the coleslaw mix, red onion, and lime juice directly in the pan.
- Divide the shrimp mixture evenly among tortillas or lettuce leaves, and garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced avocado if desired.
Pro Tip:
If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the chili powder slightly. These tacos are best enjoyed immediately while the shrimp is warm and the veggies are crisp.
3. One-Pan Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
For a light, nutrient-packed meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor, try this Mediterranean chickpea salad. It’s a vibrant blend of chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives, all tossed in a lemon-herb dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, it’s ready in 10 minutes and leaves your kitchen spotless.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: crumbled feta cheese (if dairy is acceptable)
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- If using, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top just before serving.
Pro Tip:
For an even more refreshing taste, let the salad sit in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before serving. This salad can be prepped ahead of time and is perfect for a quick, healthy meal on a busy day.
4. One-Pan Veggie-Packed Frittata
A frittata is a versatile dish that can be served hot or cold, making it an excellent option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. With a mix of eggs and your favorite vegetables, this one-pan frittata is low in calories and full of protein. Plus, minimal cleanup means you can enjoy more free time.
Ingredients:
- 6 large eggs (or egg whites for lower calories)
- 1/2 cup chopped spinach
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 small onion, diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven-safe nonstick skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Sauté the onions and mushrooms for about 2 minutes until softened.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, pepper, and dried basil. Stir in chopped spinach, bell peppers, and tomatoes.
- Pour the egg mixture over the sautéed vegetables in the skillet.
- Cook on the stovetop for 1–2 minutes, then transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 6–7 minutes until the eggs are set.
- Remove from the oven and slice into wedges.
Pro Tip:
For an extra burst of flavor, top with a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as parsley or chives after baking. This dish is perfect served with a side salad for a complete meal.
5. One-Pan Sweet Potato and Black Bean Bowl
This hearty bowl combines roasted sweet potatoes with protein-rich black beans for a filling, low-calorie meal. The natural sweetness of the potatoes contrasts with the savory black beans, while a tangy lime dressing brings everything together in a burst of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat a nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and toss in the cubed sweet potato. Sauté for 4 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add black beans, red onion, and bell pepper to the pan. Sprinkle in cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Continue cooking for an additional 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat, squeeze lime juice over the mixture, and toss well.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Pro Tip:
If you prefer a crispier texture, roast the sweet potato cubes in the microwave for 2 minutes before adding them to the pan. This bowl is a complete meal that’s both satisfying and balanced.
6. One-Pan Cauliflower Rice Stir-Fry
For a low-calorie alternative to traditional stir-fry, try this cauliflower rice dish. It’s packed with fresh vegetables, light protein options (such as tofu or shrimp), and a tangy soy-ginger sauce that gives it a burst of flavor—all in one pan with zero cleanup.
Ingredients:
- 1 head cauliflower, riced (or 4 cups pre-riced cauliflower)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, bell peppers)
- 1/2 cup snap peas, halved
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- Optional: 1/2 cup diced tofu or cooked shrimp
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add sesame oil, garlic, and ginger; sauté briefly until fragrant.
- Add the riced cauliflower and mixed vegetables, stirring well.
- Pour in the soy sauce and rice vinegar, and add tofu or shrimp if using.
- Stir-fry everything for about 5 minutes until the cauliflower is tender and the vegetables are crisp.
- Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
Pro Tip:
For a nutty finish, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the dish just before serving. This meal is ideal for a quick lunch that’s both low in calories and high in nutrients.
7. One-Pan Pesto Zoodles with Cherry Tomatoes
Zucchini noodles, or “zoodles,” are a fantastic, low-calorie alternative to pasta. Toss them with a light homemade pesto and fresh cherry tomatoes for a vibrant, one-pan meal that’s ready in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions:
- In a blender, combine basil, garlic, pine nuts, nutritional yeast, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make a light pesto.
- Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the zucchini noodles and cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle the homemade pesto over the vegetables and toss gently.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zoodles are slightly softened but still firm.
- Serve immediately for a fresh, low-calorie meal.
Pro Tip:
If you like your zoodles extra tender, cover the pan with a lid during the last minute of cooking. Top with extra cherry tomatoes or a sprinkle of additional nutritional yeast for a richer flavor.
Conclusion
In today’s busy world, quick and easy meals that require minimal cleanup are a blessing. These 10-minute one-pan meals prove that you can enjoy a delicious, nutritious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
Whether you’re in the mood for a protein-rich stir-fry, a zesty taco bowl, or a refreshing Mediterranean salad, each recipe is designed to deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
Embrace the convenience of one-pan cooking and reclaim your evenings from the dreaded chore of cleaning up multiple dishes.
Happy cooking, and here’s to more time enjoying your food—and life—without the hassle of endless dishes!
