5 Easy One Dish Dinners for Busy Spring Evenings: Prep Ahead and Enjoy Family Time

Spring has arrived, and with it comes the flurry of activities that often fill our calendars to the brim. Between school, sports, and those sunny weekend outings, finding quality time to sit down as a family can sometimes feel like an impossible task.

But don’t fret! We can still enjoy delicious homemade meals without sacrificing our time together. The solution lies in one-dish dinners—meals that are simple to prepare and can be popped in the oven while the family is getting settled after a busy day. Here are five of my favorite one-dish dinners that you can prep ahead of time, ensuring you can stick to your evening routine of family bonding instead of slaving away in the kitchen.

1. Supreme Chicken

Supreme Chicken, it's like your favorite supreme pizza, but hold the crust. We're talking all the savory goodness of pizza toppings—pepperoni (or turkey pepperoni) , bell peppers, onions, olives—all piled high on juicy chicken breasts.

Equipment:

My favorite baking dish EVER (Under $20!)

Rotary cheese grater

Ingredients:

• 4 thinly-sliced chicken breasts

• 1 cup prepared pizza sauce

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1 tsp Oregano

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 large green bell pepper, sliced

• 1/2 cup onion, sliced

• 1/4 cup black olives, sliced

• 16 slices turkey pepperoni (or regular pepperoni, whichever you prefer)

  
  

Click to Shop Ingredients Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 F

2. Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in side a 9x13 baking dish

3. Season this chicken (front and back) with the salt, pepper, garlic powder and Italian seasoning

4. Divide sauce between the chicken and spread to cover each breast

5. Evenly distribute the mozzarella cheese and toppings

6. Sprinkle the Oregano over the top

7. Bake for 35 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked and cheese is golden and bubbly.

8. Let rest for 3-5 minutes and then serve!

   
   

2. Tuscan Chicken Bake

Baked Tuscan Chicken is a simple yet flavorful one-dish dinner, effortlessly combining Mediterranean-inspired ingredients for an amazing dinner.

Equipment:

My favorite baking dish EVER (Under $20!)

Black plates

Ingredients:

• 4 thinly sliced chicken breasts seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder and oregano

• 4 cups of fresh spinach

• 1 (8.5oz) jar of artichoke hearts

• 1 (12 oz) jar sundried tomatoes

• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese

  
  

Click to Shop Ingredients Here

Instructions:

1. Place half of the spinach on the bottom of a large baking dish, top with the chicken seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder and oregano

2. Drain and chop artichokes hearts and sun dried tomatoes

3. Sprinkle on the artichoke hearts and sundried tomatoes

4. Bake at 375 for 20 minutes

5. Remove from oven and sprinkle on feta cheese on and return to the oven for another 20 minutes

   
   

3. Tomato and Feta Pasta Bake

This went viral back in 2021 for an absolute reason - so easy to make and insanely delicious. I have made it a few different ways in the past (subbing the Feta for Boursin, or not using pasta water) But the recipe below is my now go-to!

Ingredients:

• 2 pt. cherry or grape tomatoes (I like to use the heirloom)

• 3 tbsp minced garlic 

• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided

• Salt to taste and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

• 8oz block of feta

• 10 oz. cooked short noodle of choice (penne, rotini, ziti)

• Fresh basil leaves, for serving

  
  

Click to Shop the Ingredients Here

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°

2. In a  baking dish, combine tomatoes, garlic, and all but 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, season with salt and red pepper flakes and toss to combine.

3. Place feta into center of tomato mixture and drizzle with remaining oil

4. Bake until tomatoes are bursting and the feta is golden on top, 40 to 45 minutes.

5. Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 c. pasta water before draining.

6. Remove the baking dish from the oven. With a fork, crush the tomatoes and block of feta, mixing everything together. Add the reserved pasta water and cooked pasta. Stir to combine. Garnish with basil. 

   
   

4. Chicken Fajita Bake

Let's make taco Tuesday EASY! This might be TWO dishes, but you can skip the first two steps and place the chicken and peppers/onions directly in the baking dish, leaving it in the oven for an additional 15 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165 degrees F. Alternatively, if your skillet is oven-safe, you can put the chicken back on top of the peppers/onions, add cheese, and place the skillet in the oven! Personally, I like to sear the chicken on the stove and sauté the peppers/onions in the skillet before transferring everything to a baking dish.

Ingredients:

• 4 thin sliced chicken breasts

• 1 taco seasoning package

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 large onion, sliced (red or yellow onion)

• 1 cup of Mexican blend cheese

• Cooked rice for serving (1 cup per serving)

  
  

Click to Shop the Ingredients Here

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 F

2. In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

3. Season chicken breasts with the taco seasoning

4. Add chicken to the skillet and sear 3-4 minutes on each side (does not need to be cooked all the way as we are putting it into the oven)

5. Set chicken aside, add a little more oil and begin sauteing the onions and peppers until soft (just a few minutes)

6. Transfer the peppers/onions to the bottom of a baking dish, add the chicken on top and sprinkle Mexican blend cheese on the chicken

7. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes or until your cheese is nice and melted

8. Serve over rice

   
   
   
   

5. Mississippi Chicken Bake

If you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner that practically cooks itself, Mississippi Chicken is a must-try. Picture tender chicken simmered with tangy pepperoncinis, savory au jus seasoning, and that classic ranch flair—all in one pot. Serve it over a pile of creamy mashed potatoes alongside your favorite veggie, and you’ve got a cozy, flavor-packed meal that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients:

• 4-6 chicken breasts

• Salt pepper, garlic powder

• Au Jus gravy packet

• Ranch seasoning packet

• 1 cup of pepperoncinis rings

• 1 stick of unsalted butter cut into 8 tbsp squares

• 4 slices of provolone cheese

  
  

Click to Shop for Ingredients Here

Instructions:

1. Lightly season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder

2. Add chicken breasts to a greased baking dish

3. Season both sides of the chicken with the Au Jus Gravy packet and Ranch seasoning packet

4. Add 2 tbsp of butter to the top of each piece of chicken

5. Sprinkle the pepperoncini on top of the butter

6. Bake at 425 degrees for about 25-30 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temp of 165 degrees

7. Pull out of the oven and top chicken with provolone cheese and put back in the oven for just a couple of minutes to melt the cheese

   
   

   

   
   
   
   

By having these easy one-dish dinners in your recipe arsenal, juggling busy spring evenings and family time becomes a little less overwhelming. You can prep these meals in the morning or during homework time, knowing that when dinner rolls around, you'll be able to enjoy that precious time spent together instead of worrying about what's for dinner.

So, roll up your sleeves, gather the ingredients, and let the one-dish dinners bring your family closer together this spring!

Happy cooking!

-Allie