5 Quick & Easy One Pan Dinners for Busy Weeknights

5 Quick & Easy One Pan Dinners for Busy Weeknights

Constantly wondering what’s for dinner? You’re not alone.


These are my current go-to one pan meals — quick, easy, high-protein and genuinely delicious. The kind of recipes you’ll come back to again and again when you want something simple that still feels like proper comfort food.


All five recipes are completely free on the Archer Kitchen website and include full nutritional macros, so you can keep things easy without overthinking it.

RECIPE 1:

One Pan Chicken & Chorizo Orzo

If you’re looking for a creamy, comforting one-pan dinner that feels indulgent but still fits your macros, this Chicken & Chorizo Orzo One Pan is exactly that.


Smoky chorizo, juicy chicken thighs and tender orzo all cooked together in one pan, finished with a creamy crème fraîche sauce and melted mozzarella. It’s rich, satisfying and packed with flavour while still coming in under 600 calories with over 40g of protein per serving.

One Pan Fajita Chicken Pasta

RECIPE 2:

Creamy Fajita Chicken Pasta

If you’re looking for a creamy, high-protein pasta that’s bursting with flavour — this High Protein Creamy Fajita Pasta is the one.


It’s spicy, smoky, and perfectly balanced with light cream cheese and fat-free Greek yoghurt for that creamy fajita sauce without the calories. Packed with protein, full of colour, and ideal for both midweek dinners and meal prep.

RECIPE 3:

Creamy Tuscan Chicken and Orzo

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken & Orzo is the kind of dinner that feels indulgent but still fits into a balanced, high-protein weeknight routine. Crispy chicken thighs, silky orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach and a lightly creamy, herby sauce — all cooked together for maximum flavour with minimal effort.


It’s comforting, cosy and comes together in around 30 minutes, making it a go-to when you want something satisfying without spending all evening in the kitchen.

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RECIPE 4:

One Pan Peri Peri Chicken Pasta

If you’re craving something creamy, spicy, and high in protein — this One Pan Creamy Peri Peri Chicken Pasta is the answer.


It’s got tender chicken, smoky peri peri flavour, and a creamy, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to every bite of pasta. It’s simple, quick, and guaranteed to become your new weeknight go-to. At under 500 calories and over 44g of protein per serving, it delivers all the flavour of a takeaway pasta dish — without the effort. 

RECIPE 5:

Greek Lemon Chicken and Orzo

If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant and still comforting, this One Pan Greek Lemon Chicken with Orzo & Feta is the perfect midweek dinner.


Juicy lemon-marinated chicken thighs are cooked with tender orzo, vegetables and herbs, then finished with salty feta and fresh lemon for that classic Mediterranean flavour. It’s light, satisfying and packed with protein — all made in one pan.

Why I love all these recipes
  • HIGH PROTEIN RECIPES
  • EASY TO COOK IN ONE PAN
  • PERFECT COMFORT FOOD AFTER A LONG DAY
  • ALL UNDER 600 CALS

What's will I find in these recipes?

  • Full macros included for every recipe. Stay on track with full nutritional macros like protein, fat, fibre, carbs and calories.

  • All of the recipes in this list include swaps and recipes to fit how you like to eat. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes these dinners quick and easy?

These recipes are designed to keep things simple — minimal prep, straightforward ingredients and cooked in just one pan. They’re ideal for busy weeknights when you want something fast but still homemade.

Are these one pan meals high in protein?

Yes — each recipe is built around a good protein source like chicken and balanced with carbs and flavour-packed ingredients. Full macros are included on each recipe page.

Are these recipes suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. These meals are simple to follow and don’t require advanced cooking skills, making them perfect if you want easy, reliable dinners.

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More Recipes at Archer Kitchen


Thanks for stopping by Archer Kitchen by Rebecca Archer. Whether you’re here for quick weekday fixes, indulgent weekend treats, or to explore new flavours, we’ve got your back. Hungry for more inspiration? Dive into my collection of recipes and check out my cookbooks for exclusive tips, tricks, and flavour-packed dishes that’ll take your cooking game to the next level. Bookmark us, come back often, and let’s keep cooking up a storm together!

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