Having people over sounds fun—until you remember the prep, the cleanup, and that stack of dishes waiting in the sink. One-pan meals are a simple way to make hosting easier without sacrificing flavor. Less stress, fewer dishes, and more time to enjoy the company.
3 Easy, Crowd-Pleasing Sheet Pan Dinners
Garlic Herb Chicken with Roasted Vegetables
This one’s a classic for a reason. Pair bone-in chicken thighs with a mix of seasonal veggies—think carrots, Brussels sprouts, and red onions. Roast at 425°F for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
To give it a savory, smoky twist, sprinkle with Shawhan Farms Betty’s Best Sweet & Smoky BBQ Seasoning before roasting. The sweet-spice balance brings out the richness of the chicken and caramelized veggies.
Serving tip: Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving.
Sausage, Peppers & Potatoes
Slice smoked sausage, bell peppers, and baby potatoes. Toss with olive oil, garlic powder, and a pinch of dried oregano. Roast at 400°F for about 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
This meal’s a weeknight hero: minimal prep, tons of flavor, and a hearty result that works well with any style of sausage—from spicy Italian to chicken apple.
Lemon-Dill Salmon with Asparagus
Line salmon filets down the center of a pan and surround them with trimmed asparagus. Drizzle everything with olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of honey. Add a sprinkle of dill or cracked pepper.
Roast at 400°F for 12–15 minutes depending on filet thickness. It’s fast, fancy-looking, and surprisingly effortless.
Shortcut: This recipe also works great with green beans or zucchini in place of asparagus—whatever’s fresh or in season.
Need a few more ideas? This guide from Eater shares more one-pan meals that are easy to riff on with what you already have.
Tips for Sheet Pan Success
- Don’t crowd the pan. Give ingredients space so they roast instead of steam.
- Stagger cook times. Add quicker-cooking ingredients (like asparagus) halfway through to avoid overcooking.
- Line your pan. Use parchment or foil to reduce cleanup.
With just one pan, a little seasoning, and smart prep, you can create impressive meals that give you more time to enjoy your guests—not just feed them.
Shop the Seasonings we use in these dishes to make flavorful dinners fast.
Need more weeknight-friendly ideas? Check out our Recipe of the Week collection for easy inspiration using Shawhan Farms blends.
Shawhan Farms:
Proudly U.S. woman-owned. Born in Kentucky. Made with care in Texas.