Most people will agree that when it comes to super busy weeknights, dinner can be the last thing on our minds. Between school, work, kids, errands, bills…our heads are spinning! And then we come to realize it’s dinner time, and we simply do not have the energy to deal with cooking an entire meal before bath time and bed time.
I’m happy to bring you 5 dinner ideas that are so easy and simple, you probably already have the ingredients in your freezer and pantry. Besides some simple and flavorful ingredients, all else we really need is a sheet pan and an oven! And say…30 to 45 minutes? Tell me more!
Here’s a list of 5 easy sheet pan dinners you can whip up in no time- perfect for a hectic weeknight. None of these sheet pan dinners take longer than 45 minutes to cook, and the preparation is so simple you’re practically rough chopping and throwing it all together in a single pan. No extra mess, no pile of dishes; just a delicious, simple sheet pan dinner with everything you need- protein, carbs, and vegetables!
When you’re having an extra busy weekday, and the to-do list is a mile high, at least we got you covered with dinner.
1. Marinara Chicken & Veggies
This quick sheet pan dinner is one of my husbands faves. About 30 minutes into cooking, the aroma of tomato and chicken fills the house and my husband literally cannot wait! The best part about this sheet pan dinner? There are only a handful of ingredients, the prep time is nearly non existent, and it’s ready to eat in 45 minutes!
Usually what I’ll do is prepare this dish just before the kids’ bedtime routine begins. It takes about 10 minutes to peel, chop, and smother the ingredients in sauce, seasonings and cheese, and get the sheet pan in to the oven. Then we have 45 minutes for bath time and bed time.
What You Need:
4 chicken thighs – trimmed of fat
4 red potatoes – chopped (peeling optional)
4 carrots – peeled and chopped
1/2 red onion- chopped
1/2 cup shredded cheese 
Salt & pepper
Weber Beer Can Chicken Seasoning
1/2 can marinara sauce
Instructions:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. Peel the carrots and roughly chop. I usually chop my veggies into about 1 1/2 inch cubes. You don’t need to peel red potatoes, but you can if you prefer to. You may also substitute russet potatoes, and I’d recommend peeling those. Chop the potatoes and onions.
Trim the chicken thighs of excess fat, and chop into cubes. It’s important for all the cubed veggies and chicken to be similar in size to ensure proper and equal cooking. Dump veggies and chicken into sheet pan, and season with salt, black pepper, and my favorite seasoning: Beer Can Chicken by Weber.
Add half a can of marinara sauce to the mix, and combine ingredients. Cover with foil and cook for 45 minutes in preheated 350 degree oven. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top when serving!
2. Old Bay Shrimp and Asparagus
I love shrimp because of its versatility, and also the fact that usually shrimp dishes are not overly heavy. And this Old Bay shrimp sheet pan dinner is certainly light and even paleo.
What You Need:
1 lb shrimp- peeled and deveined
1 bunch asparagus- washed and trimmed
1/2 lb mushrooms- cleaned and stalks trimmed
1 lb sausage- chopped
Old Bay seasoning
1 lemon
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Arrange asparagus, mushrooms (chopped or whole) , sausage, and shrimp on a sheet pan. Make sure neither veggies nor shrimp and sausage are overlapping one another to ensure proper and equal cooking. Season shrimp and veggies with Old Bay seasoning for a delightful kick.
Slice lemon and add to the sheet pan. Squeeze a bit of lemon onto the shrimp, sausage, mushrooms, and asparagus. Cook in preheated oven for 10 minutes. Dinner is served!
3. Asian Style Chicken
Whenever you’re craving Chinese or Asian style takeout, make this easy and quick sheet pan dinner instead!
What You Need:
1 lb chicken breast
2 carrots- julienned
2 tbsp ginger- chopped
1/4 cup honey
2 cups broccoli
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame seeds
1 tsp salt
Instructions:
This may seem like a lengthier list of ingredients, but the recipe and prep of this sheet pan dinner is effortless and quick!
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. In a bowl combine chicken breast, broccoli, ginger, honey, and soy sauce. Pour out onto a sheet pan.
Sprinkle over salt and sesame seeds, and cook in preheated oven for 30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Yummy!
4. Teriyaki Glazed Salmon
Likely the easiest and healthiest on the list today, this teriyaki glazed salmon is a simple and delicious hearty dinner.
What You Need:
Salmon fillet
1/4 cup Teriyaki sauce
1 bunch asparagus- washed and trimmed
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Lay your salmon fillet on a sheet pan surrounded by the asparagus. Season fish and veggies with a pinch of black pepper, and salt. Use a cooking brush to glaze the top of the salmon with teriyaki sauce. Cover with foil and cook in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until salmon is flaky and done.
5. Steak Fajitas
This is a colorful and flavorful sheet pan dinner featuring just 4 ingredients! Does it get any more simple than that?
What You Need:
1 lb angus beef- sliced thin
2 red bell peppers- sliced
2 green bell peppers- sliced
1 red onion- sliced
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. On a sheet pan, arrange beef, bell peppers, and onions and sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper. Cook in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until beef is done but not overcooked.
How easy are these recipes? Let’s stray away from excuses that lead us to the fast food drive thru on a busy weeknight. With these 5 easy and quick sheet pan dinners, there’s no excuse not to make these quick meals right at home with real ingredients that will nourish our bodies!