12 Quick and Easy Sheet Pan Dinners For Busy Weeknights

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Discover the secret to quick and easy meals with sheet pan dinners. Learn how to prepare delicious and nutritious one-pan meals with minimal clean-up and endless possibilities for ingredients and flavors. Perfect for busy families, professionals, and anyone looking for a new way to make dinner time less stressful.

 

 

Are you tired of coming home from a long day and facing the daunting task of preparing dinner? Want to save time and energy in the kitchen without sacrificing delicious and nutritious meals? Look no further than the revolutionary concept of sheet pan dinners - the key to quick and easy meal prep that will change the way you think about dinner time.

 

Sheet pan dinners have taken the meal prep world by storm, and for good reason. These one-pan wonders are a lifesaver for busy families, busy professionals and anyone looking for a fast and easy way to prepare dinner.

 

With minimal clean-up, easy meal prep, and endless possibilities for ingredients and flavors, sheet pan dinners are the ultimate solution for anyone looking to take the stress out of mealtime. In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about sheet pan dinners, from what they are and how to prepare them, to the different flavors and ingredients you can use, and even how to meal prep and store leftovers. So whether you're a busy parent, a student, or just looking for a new way to make dinner time easier, sheet pan dinners are the perfect solution.

 

Sheet pan dinners are a simple yet innovative approach to meal preparation that involves cooking all ingredients on a single sheet pan in the oven. The concept is not only easy but it is also versatile as it allows you to cook a variety of ingredients in one go, which saves you time, energy, and mess in the kitchen.

 

This method of meal prep is perfect for anyone looking to save time and energy, whether you're a busy parent, a student, or just someone who wants to make dinner time less stressful. It is also relevant for anyone looking to eat healthy and nutritious meals without spending hours in the kitchen. In this article, we will explore how to prepare sheet pan dinners, the different flavors and ingredients you can use, and even how to meal prep and store leftovers.

What are sheet pan dinners and what are the benefits

Sheet pan dinners, also known as one-pan meals, are a method of meal preparation where all ingredients are cooked together on a single baking sheet in the oven. The concept is simple: you place all your ingredients on a sheet pan, season them with your desired herbs and spices, and then bake them in the oven. The result is a delicious, nutritious, and well-balanced meal that's easy to prepare and clean up.

The beauty of sheet pan dinners lies in their simplicity and versatility. With just one pan to clean, clean-up is minimal, and you can use whatever ingredients you have on hand, making it perfect for meal prepping or using up leftovers. The ingredients can be arranged in a way that ensures even cooking, and you can experiment with different flavor combinations to keep meals interesting. You can cook a variety of ingredients including proteins like chicken, fish, or beef, and vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini.

Sheet pan dinners are also a great way to ensure a healthy and balanced meal. By cooking a variety of ingredients together, you can easily get a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats in one meal, which is essential for a well-rounded diet. With minimal prep and clean up, it's easy to make healthy meals on a regular basis, which is a great advantage for busy people who want to eat healthy but don't have the time to spend hours in the kitchen.

In summary, sheet pan dinners are a simple and versatile way to prepare delicious and nutritious meals that are easy to clean up. With the minimal prep and clean-up, it is a perfect solution for busy people who want to eat healthy and balanced meals without spending hours in the kitchen.

 

How to prepare a sheet pan dinner

Preparing a sheet pan dinner is a simple and straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to the desired temperature, usually between 375-450°F.
2. Choose your ingredients: Pick your desired ingredients, such as vegetables, proteins, and seasonings. Some common ingredients that work well in sheet pan dinners include:

• Vegetables: broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower.
• Proteins: chicken, fish, shrimp, pork tenderloin, and sausage.
• Seasonings: olive oil, salt, pepper, and any herbs or spices you prefer.

3. Prepare the ingredients: Chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and season with oil, salt, pepper, and any herbs or spices you prefer. Cut the protein into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and any herbs or spices you prefer.
4. Arrange the ingredients on the sheet pan: Place the vegetables and protein on the sheet pan, making sure to spread them out evenly. Avoid overcrowding the pan as this will prevent the ingredients from cooking evenly.
5. Bake the sheet pan dinner: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for the recommended time, usually between 20-30 minutes, depending on the ingredients used. Be sure to flip or stir the ingredients halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
6. Serve and enjoy: Once done, remove the sheet pan from the oven, and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your sheet pan dinner with a side of rice, quinoa, or bread.

A few tips to keep in mind when preparing a sheet pan dinner:

• Always preheat the oven before preparing the ingredients.
• Cut the vegetables and protein into bite-sized pieces so that they cook evenly.
• Avoid overcrowding the sheet pan to ensure even cooking.
• Stir or flip the ingredients halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
• Experiment with different flavors and ingredients to keep meals interesting.

Sheet pan dinners offer endless possibilities for ingredients and flavors, and by following these simple steps, you'll be able to prepare a delicious and nutritious meal in no time.

 

Variety of sheet pan dinners

Sheet pan dinners are incredibly versatile and can be made with a wide variety of ingredients and flavors. Some popular options include:

1. Mediterranean: This sheet pan dinner can be made with chicken, fish, or shrimp, paired with vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions, and seasoned with Mediterranean herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
2. Asian: This sheet pan dinner can be made with chicken, fish, shrimp, or tofu, paired with vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and bok choy, and seasoned with Asian flavors like soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger.
3. Mexican: This sheet pan dinner can be made with chicken, beef, or pork, paired with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, and seasoned with Mexican flavors like chili powder, cumin, and lime.
4. Indian: This sheet pan dinner can be made with chicken, beef, or lamb, paired with vegetables like cauliflower, onion, and bell pepper, and seasoned with Indian flavors like turmeric, cumin, and coriander.

Here's a simple and delicious recipe for a Mediterranean sheet pan dinner:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast or thighs
• 2 bell peppers (red, yellow or green) sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the chicken, bell peppers, onion, garlic, olive oil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the mixture on a large baking sheet, making sure to spread it out evenly.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
5. Serve with a side of rice or quinoa, and enjoy.

Here's a simple and delicious recipe for an Asian sheet pan dinner:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp or chicken breast
• 1 head of broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the shrimp, broccoli, bell peppers, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the mixture on a large baking sheet, making sure to spread it out evenly.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the shrimp is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
5. Serve with a side of rice or quinoa, and enjoy.

Sheet pan dinners are versatile and easy to make, you can get creative and try different combinations of ingredients and flavors to suit your taste. They are perfect for busy people who want to eat healthy and balanced meals without spending hours in the kitchen.

Meal prep and leftovers for sheet pan dinners

One of the best things about sheet pan dinners is that they can be easily prepped ahead of time and stored as leftovers. This makes meal prep and planning a breeze, allowing you to have healthy and delicious meals ready in no time. Here are a few tips on how to make the most of meal prep and leftovers with sheet pan dinners:

1. Meal prep: To meal prep sheet pan dinners, simply prepare the ingredients as instructed in the recipe, but do not cook them. Instead, store the ingredients in airtight containers or resealable bags in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to cook, simply preheat the oven and bake as directed in the recipe.
2. Storing leftovers: Once cooked, sheet pan dinners can be stored in airtight containers or resealable bags in the refrigerator for up to three days. They can also be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply place the leftovers in the oven or microwave until heated through.
3. Using leftovers: Leftover sheet pan dinners can be used in a variety of ways to make new meals. For example, you can use leftover chicken and vegetables to make a salad or a sandwich, or use leftover shrimp and vegetables to make a stir-fry.
4. Double batch cooking: Another tip for making sheet pan dinners even more efficient is to double the recipe and cook two sheet pans at once. This way, you can have leftovers for the next day or you can freeze them for future meals.
5. Mix and match: Once you've got the basic technique down, you can experiment with different ingredients and seasonings to keep your sheet pan dinners interesting.

Sheet pan dinners offer a lot of convenience and flexibility when it comes to meal prep and leftovers. By prepping ahead of time and storing leftovers, you can have healthy and delicious meals ready in no time. The versatility of sheet pan dinners also allows you to use leftovers in a variety of ways to make new meals, and double batch cooking can save you even more time. With these tips, you'll be able to make the most of meal prep and leftovers with sheet pan dinners.

 

In conclusion, sheet pan dinners are a simple, versatile, and delicious way to prepare meals that are easy to clean up. By cooking all ingredients on a single sheet pan in the oven, you can save time and energy in the kitchen without sacrificing the taste and nutrition of your meals. We've discussed the benefits of sheet pan dinners, such as minimal clean-up, easy meal prep, and versatility, as well as provided a step-by-step guide on how to prepare a sheet pan dinner, and different flavors and ingredients you can use. We also discussed how to meal prep and store leftovers and tips to make sheet pan dinners even more efficient by using leftovers.

Sheet pan dinners offer endless possibilities for ingredients and flavors, from Mediterranean, Asian, and Mexican to Indian. They are perfect for busy people who want to eat healthy and balanced meals without spending hours in the kitchen. We encourage you to try sheet pan dinners for yourself and see how easy and delicious meal prep can be. Share your experiences and favorite recipes with others, and let's all enjoy the convenience and flavor of sheet pan dinners.

 

 

Sheet Pan Chicken Breasts with Broccolini and Squash

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 bunch of broccolini, trimmed
• 1 medium-sized yellow squash, sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the chicken, broccolini, squash, garlic, olive oil, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the mixture on a large baking sheet, making sure to spread it out evenly.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
5. Serve with a side of rice or quinoa, and enjoy.

This sheet pan dinner is a delicious, nutritious, and well-balanced meal that is easy to prepare and clean up. The chicken provides protein, while the broccolini and squash provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The garlic, basil, and thyme add flavor and aroma to the dish. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top to add some zing and texture.

 

 

 

Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Brussels Sprouts, Asparagus, Sweet Potato, Potato, and Parsley

Ingredients:

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• Salt and pepper
• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
• 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
• 1 large potato, peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
3. In a large bowl, toss Brussels sprouts, asparagus, sweet potato, and potato with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Arrange vegetables on a sheet pan and nestle chicken thighs among the vegetables.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
6. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Enjoy!

 

 

Sheet Pan Baked Salmon with Acorn Squash, Dill, and Onion

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• Salt and pepper
• 1 acorn squash, peeled and diced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
3. In a large bowl, toss acorn squash, onion, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Arrange vegetables on a sheet pan and place the salmon fillets on top of the vegetables.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until salmon is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
6. Sprinkle with fresh dill before serving.

Enjoy!

 

Sheet Pan Baked Glazed Salmon with Roasted Asparagus, Potatoes, and Bell Pepper

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• Salt and pepper
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
• 1 pound small potatoes, halved
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic.
3. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper and brush with glaze.
4. In a large bowl, toss asparagus, potatoes, bell pepper, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
5. Arrange vegetables on a sheet pan and place the salmon fillets on top of the vegetables.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until salmon is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
7. Brush remaining glaze over salmon before serving.

Enjoy!

 

 

Sheet Pan Baked Glazed Salmon with Roasted Asparagus, Potatoes, and Bell Pepper

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• Salt and pepper
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
• 1 pound small potatoes, halved
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic.
3. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper and brush with glaze.
4. In a large bowl, toss asparagus, potatoes, bell pepper, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
5. Arrange vegetables on a sheet pan and place the salmon fillets on top of the vegetables.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until salmon is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
7. Brush remaining glaze over salmon before serving.

Enjoy!

 

 

Sheet Pan Shrimp with Roasted Asparagus, Lemon, Tomato, and Yellow Squash

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Salt and pepper
• 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 yellow squash, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 lemon, sliced

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
3. In a large bowl, toss asparagus, tomatoes, yellow squash, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Arrange vegetables on a sheet pan and nestle shrimp among the vegetables.
5. Place lemon slices on top of the vegetables and shrimp.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until shrimp are pink and cooked through and vegetables are tender.
7. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Enjoy !

 

 

Sheet Pan Chicken with Broccoli, Red Potatoes, Green Beans, Sweet Potatoes, and Rainbow Carrots

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper
• 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 1 pound red potatoes, diced
• 1 pound green beans, trimmed
• 1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 pound rainbow carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. In a large bowl, toss broccoli, red potatoes, green beans, sweet potatoes, rainbow carrots, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Arrange vegetables on a sheet pan and place the chicken breasts on top of the vegetables.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
6. Sprinkle with fresh thyme before serving.

 

 

One Pan Baked Salmon with Asparagus, Rosemary, Onion, Tomatoes, Parsley, and Lemon

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• Salt and pepper
• 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 lemon, sliced

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
3. In a large bowl, toss asparagus, onion, tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
4. Arrange vegetables on a sheet pan and place the salmon fillets on top of the vegetables.
5. Place lemon slices on top of the vegetables and salmon.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until salmon is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
7. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

 

 

 

Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken Drumsticks with Rosemary, Parsley, Lemon, Dill, and Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 8 chicken drumsticks
• Salt and pepper
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 pound small potatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• 1 lemon, sliced

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Season chicken drumsticks with salt and pepper.
3. In a large bowl, toss potatoes, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
4. Arrange vegetables on a sheet pan and place the chicken drumsticks on top of the vegetables.
5. Brush BBQ sauce over chicken drumsticks.
6. Place lemon slices on top of the vegetables and chicken.
7. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender.
8. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and dill before serving.

 

 

One Pan Baked Beef with Roasted Radishes, Mushrooms, and Asparagus

Ingredients:

• 1 pound beef sirloin steak or beef tenderloin
• Salt and pepper
• 1 pound radishes, halved
• 1 pound mushrooms, sliced
• 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Season beef with salt and pepper.
3. In a large bowl, toss radishes, mushrooms, asparagus, olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper.
4. Arrange vegetables on a sheet pan and place the beef on top of the vegetables.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until beef is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
6. Let the beef rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

 

One Pan Roasted Turkey Breast with Potatoes, Carrots, and Onion

Ingredients:

• 1 turkey breast (about 2-3 pounds)
• Salt and pepper
• 1 pound small potatoes, quartered
• 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Season the turkey breast with salt and pepper.
3. In a large bowl, toss potatoes, carrots, onion, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt and pepper.
4. Arrange vegetables on a sheet pan and place the turkey breast on top of the vegetables.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes or until turkey breast is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
6. Let the turkey breast rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.