If you need an easy meal tonight for dinner, look no further than these four- and five-star meals. These one-pot and one-pan recipes make cleanup a breeze and deliver plenty of nutritious veggies and satisfying protein to keep the whole family feeling nourished. Recipes like our French Onion Skillet Beans or our Chicken Fajita Rice Bake are tried-and-true favorites.
Chicken Fajita Rice Bake
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser.
This cheesy Chicken Fajita Rice Bake checks every box: bold flavor, hearty protein, plenty of veggies and minimal cleanup. Juicy chicken thighs mingle with a pantry-friendly mix of beans, tomatoes with green chiles and quick-cooking brown rice. A generous layer of melty cheese ties it all together. It’s a weeknight-friendly recipe that also doubles as a crowd-pleaser—you’ll want to keep this one on repeat.
French Onion Skillet Beans
Photographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Prissy Lee.
Inspired by classic French onion soup, this comforting skillet bake turns caramelized onions and creamy butter beans into a weeknight-friendly dish. Topped with a gooey blanket of Gruyère and fontina and a crisp layer of panko, it delivers all the flavors of a slow-simmered favorite in under an hour. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want something hearty, cheesy and satisfying.
Creamy Spaghetti with Brussels Sprouts
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser.
This Brussels sprouts spaghetti is comfort food at its finest. The pasta simmers directly in broth for a starchy, full-bodied base that gets coated in a creamy Asiago sauce with a subtle kick of red pepper. Brussels sprouts and shallots add caramelized sweetness and earthy depth, while fresh basil brightens the final dish. It’s a one-pan dinner that’s perfect for a weeknight meal when the cozy vibes are calling.
Easy White Bean Skillet
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser.
This easy white bean skillet brings together pantry staples and fresh greens for a comforting plant-based meal. Sweet onion, tomatoes and garlic form a rich, savory base for creamy white beans. A handful of spinach adds freshness and color, and a sprinkle of Parmesan ties everything together with salty richness. Served alongside toasted whole-wheat baguette slices for dipping, it’s a fast, satisfying dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a simple weekend supper.
Lemon-Turmeric Cabbage & White Bean Soup
Photographer: Ali Redmond.
This cozy soup turns humble ingredients into a bowl of golden comfort. Tender cabbage and creamy cannellini beans simmer together with aromatic spices for warmth and depth, while a splash of lemon juice at the end brightens every spoonful. It’s light yet satisfying, full of fiber and antioxidants, and easy enough for a weeknight.
High-Protein Balsamic Chicken Orzo
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.
This High-Protein Balsamic Chicken Orzo is a creamy, flavor-packed one-skillet meal that balances protein with tender veggies and pasta. A finishing drizzle of balsamic and a sprinkle of chives add brightness, making each bite delicious. With minimal cleanup, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners.
Loaded Broccoli & Chicken Soup
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.
This Loaded Broccoli & Chicken Soup is a cozy, one-pot meal that brings together all the flavors of a classic baked potato with a fresh, hearty twist. Tender potatoes and broccoli simmer into a creamy base, while rotisserie chicken adds plenty of protein. Sharp Cheddar and sour cream give it that signature “loaded” flavor, and a finishing touch of crispy bacon and scallions completes the dish. Balanced yet comforting, it’s a weeknight-friendly recipe that tastes like a hug in a bowl.
One-Pan Chicken Florentine
Photographer: Kelsey Hansen, Prop Stylist Natalie Ghazali, Food Stylist: Shannon Goforth.
Classic chicken Florentine—creamy spinach served alongside sautéed chicken—is a fast and easy meal. This recipe uses cornstarch to thicken the cream instead of cheese. This chicken recipe is simple enough for weekdays but also elegant enough for a dinner party.
20-Minute Chickpea Soup
Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Craig Huff, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.
When dinner needs to happen fast, turn to this creamy chickpea soup that’s pulled together in just 20 minutes. Cream cheese melts right into this zesty soup for a velvety texture that feels cozy and comforting. Garnished with cilantro and crunchy tortilla strips, it’s a one-pot meal that’s weeknight-friendly and crowd-pleasing.
High-Protein Lemon Chicken & Rice Skillet
Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Craig Huff, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.
This one-pan chicken and rice skillet packs in protein, greens and flavor for a complete meal that comes together with minimal fuss. It’s a weeknight dinner that’s satisfying and delicious. And the best part? Everything cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
Marry Me Tortellini
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Pheobe Hausser, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf.
This Marry Me Tortellini is a quick and creamy pasta dish inspired by the viral “Marry Me” chicken recipe known for its sun-dried tomato sauce. Cheese tortellini are simmered right in the skillet in a brothy mix of tomatoes, shallots and garlic finished with cream. It’s a one-pan dinner that comes together fast—perfect for weeknights or date night.
Broccoli-Cheddar Butter Beans
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.
These broccoli-Cheddar butter beans are a cozy dish that will remind you of broccoli-Cheddar soup, but in a convenient skillet. Tender butter beans add creaminess and plant-based protein, making the dish filling enough for a main course. Broccoli florets bring color, while sharp Cheddar cheese melts in for that classic flavor. Everything comes together in one pan, creating a thick texture that’s perfect for scooping up with crusty bread.
Fall Vegetable Stew
Food: Sammy Mila, Photos: Jason Donnelly, Props: Breanna Ghazali.
This vegetable stew is a cozy dish for two that highlights the best of late-summer, early-fall produce. Simmered with warm spices and a savory broth, the vegetables become tender and absorb the flavors of the broth. It’s delicious served with warm naan on the side for dipping .
Chicken & Sweet Potato Enchilada Skillet
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood
This sweet potato–chicken enchilada skillet is a hearty, one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chunks of sweet potato and shredded chicken combine with store-bought enchilada sauce for a flavorful shortcut. Corn tortilla wedges are stirred in, soaking up the sauce and giving the dish a comforting, casserole-like texture.
Chicken Alfredo Bake
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless.
This chicken Alfredo bake is a comforting, creamy casserole that combines tender chicken breast, whole-wheat pasta and a silky homemade Alfredo sauce, all baked together until golden and bubbly. The sauce coats every bite with ooey-gooey goodness, making it a hit with both kids and adults. This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers the next day. Serve it with a simple green salad or roasted veggies for an easy, satisfying meal.
Baked Feta, Tomato & White Bean Skillet
Photographer: Brittney Cottrell, Food stylist: Marianne Williams, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
This Baked Feta, Tomato & White Bean Skillet is the perfect dish for scooping up with your favorite toasted whole-grain bread. Juicy cherry tomatoes burst as they roast, mingling with creamy white beans to create a flavorful base. Chunky pieces of feta cheese are nestled into the skillet and baked until warm and soft. The result is a savory, creamy mix with tangy bites of feta in every bite.
One-Skillet Garlicky Salmon & Green Beans
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen.
This one-pan salmon and green beans dinner is a quick and healthy meal that comes together fast. Salmon pieces are marinated and cooked to tender, flaky perfection. Fresh green beans are cooked in the same pan, soaking up the sweet and savory pan sauce. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Spanakopita-Inspired Skillet Beans
Photographer: Brittney Cottrell, Food stylist: Isabelle Easter, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee
Creamy, herbaceous and comforting, these skillet beans draw inspiration from spanakopita, the Greek spinach pie. Cannellini beans add plant-based protein and fiber to make this dinner filling while fresh dill, parsley and a squeeze of lemon provide brightness. Serve it straight from the skillet with multigrain pita chips for dipping.
