Easy One-Pan Winter Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights

When the days are short and the evenings are busy, dinner needs to be simple, hearty and healthy. One-pan meals are a game-changer because they offer minimal prep, easy cleanup and a balanced meal that satisfies the whole family!

Whether you’re working toward weight loss or just aiming to eat better this winter, these nutritious one-pan recipes will warm you up and save you time.

Here are three simple, delicious meals to try!

1. Sheet Pan Garlic Lemon Chicken with Winter Vegetables

This flavorful dish combines lean protein with nutrient-packed vegetables for a balanced meal you’ll love. The garlic and lemon give the chicken a light, refreshing flavor, while seasonal winter veggies add color and vitamins.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 red onion, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Place chicken breasts on a sheet pan. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, thyme, paprika, salt and pepper. Brush the mixture over the chicken.
3. Add Brussels sprouts, carrots and onion around the chicken. Drizzle with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss lightly to coat.
4. Roast in the oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Serve warm with a squeeze of fresh lemon.

2. One-Pan Salmon and Sweet Potato Bake

Omega-3-rich salmon paired with roasted sweet potatoes and green beans is an easy, nutritious satisfying dinner. This dish is perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets
• 2 small, sweet potatoes, diced
• 2 cups green beans, trimmed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Juice of half a lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. On a sheet pan, place diced sweet potatoes and green beans. Drizzle with olive oil, season with garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Toss to combine.
3. Place salmon fillets on the sheet pan. Squeeze lemon juice over the salmon and season with salt and pepper.
4. Roast for 18–20 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through and sweet potatoes are tender.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.

3. Spicy Turkey and Vegetable Skillet

This protein-packed turkey skillet is loaded with vegetables and flavor. It’s a quick and healthy stovetop recipe perfect for those who don’t want to turn on the oven.

Ingredients:

• 1-pound lean ground turkey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5–6 minutes.
2. Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the bell pepper, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes.
3. Cook for another 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the turkey is fully cooked.
4. Serve on its own or over brown rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.

---

These one-pan winter dinners are easy, balanced and perfect for busy weeknights. By combining lean proteins, seasonal vegetables and warming flavors, you’ll have satisfying meals that support your health goals without spending hours in the kitchen. Give these recipes a try and enjoy the simple comfort of a healthy, homemade meal!