Cut down on your cleanup thanks to these easy spring recipe ideas. All of our dinners are made with fresh, seasonal produce and are perfect for a busy weeknight.
44 One-Dish Dinners for Spring
Updated on Nov. 08, 2023
Salsa Verde Chicken Casserole
This is a rich and surprisingly tasty rendition of all the Tex-Mex dishes molded into one packed, beautiful casserole. Best of all, it’s ready in no time! —Janet McCormick, Proctorville, Ohio
1/44
2/44
One-Pan Rotini with Tomato Cream Sauce
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to make one-pan recipes and this one was proclaimed a winner by my family. Bonus: It's also easy to clean up. Serve with crusty bread to dip into the sauce. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 443 calories, 23g fat (13g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 646mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein.
3/44
Caesar Chicken
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 531 calories, 39g fat (11g saturated fat), 142mg cholesterol, 741mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 38g protein.
4/44
Skinny Cobb Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This skinny version of Cobb salad has all the taste and creaminess with half the fat and calories. You can skip the coleslaw mix and use all lettuce, but I like the crunch you get with cabbage. —Taylor Kiser, Brandon, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 324 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 646mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 9g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
5/44
One-Pot Salsa Chicken
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This skillet recipe is a colorful and healthy main dish that can be on the table in just over an hour. The subtle sweet-spicy flavor is a nice surprise. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 432 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 1254mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 4g fiber), 31g protein.
6/44
Sheet-Pan Chipotle Lime Shrimp Bake
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to make this seafood dinner for company because it tastes amazing, but takes very little effort to throw together. Use asparagus, Broccolini or a mix of the two. It’s all about what's available for a decent price. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 394 calories, 17g fat (8g saturated fat), 168mg cholesterol, 535mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 25g protein.
7/44
Quick Hawaiian Pizza
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
Our family never quite liked the taste of canned pizza sauce, so one time I tried mixing some barbecue sauce into spaghetti sauce to add some sweetness. I’ve made my pizzas with this special and easy sauce ever since, and my family loves it! —Tonya Schieler, Carmel, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 290 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 792mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 5g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
8/44
One-Skillet Chicken Fajita Pasta
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You can have this quick, easy fajita pasta on the table in no time. We love the kicked-up Southwestern flavor, and I like being able to make the whole meal in my cast-iron skillet. I sometimes garnish it with crushed corn chips. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 448 calories, 21g fat (10g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 1304mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
9/44
Lemon Broccoli Chicken
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom used to make super succulent chicken with broccoli for our family in Montana. The few lucky guests invited for supper could not stop raving. —Jessy Drummond, Springfield, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked chicken with 3/4 cup broccoli (calculated without rice): 304 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 716mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 28g protein.
10/44
Grilled Pork and Poblano Peppers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I entertain a lot in summer, and this has quickly become the most-requested dish. I usually serve it with Mexican rice and a tossed salad.
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked pork with 1/2 pepper: 304 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 389mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 38g protein.
11/44
Chicken Fajita Soup
Total Time
4 hours 20 min
Servings
10 servings (about 3-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This south-of-the-border chowder is one of my favorite slow cooker recipes, and it's a winner at family dinners and potlucks alike. We like ours topped with fresh avocado, shredded cheddar cheese and chili cheese corn chips. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 269 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 1069mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein.
12/44
Italian Pasta Bake
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to make this pasta bake whenever I need to bring a dish to pass. Fresh tomatoes add a nice touch that's missing from most other meat, pasta and tomato casseroles.—Karla Johnson, East Helena, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 489 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 702mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 5g fiber), 32g protein.
13/44
Sheet-Pan Tilapia and Vegetable Medley
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Unlike some one-pan dinners that require precooking in a skillet or pot, this one uses just the sheet pan, period. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 555 calories, 20g fat (12g saturated fat), 129mg cholesterol, 892mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 8g fiber), 41g protein.
14/44
Lowcountry Boil (Frogmore Stew)
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Ideal for camping and relaxing trips to the beach, this crowd-pleasing recipe makes an appetizing presentation of perfectly seasoned meats, veggies and seafood. —Mageswari Elagupillai, Victorville, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 500 calories, 20g fat (5g saturated fat), 212mg cholesterol, 1318mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 40g protein.
15/44
Mango Salsa Chicken with Veggie Hash
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This hash has the fresh flavors of spring. Using precooked grilled chicken strips makes the meal come together quickly. And the veggies make the dish so pretty! —Lori Mclain, Denton, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 237 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 1025mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
16/44
One-Pot Spaghetti Dinner
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
All you need is one pot to make this meal that features a simple homemade sauce. Allspice adds a unique taste, but you can use Italian seasoning if you prefer. —Carol Benzel-Schmidt, Stanwood, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 414 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 925mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 6g fiber), 33g protein.
17/44
Mini Meat Loaf Sheet-Pan Meal
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I grew up with this meat loaf recipe, but I adapted it to mini meat loaves so that it would bake quicker. The sauce topping is always a hit. I added the potatoes and asparagus to make the meal complete. —Deanne Johnson, Reading, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 meat loaf with 1-1/4 cups vegetables: 460 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 133mg cholesterol, 690mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.
18/44
Jalapeno-Swiss Turkey Burgers
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These easy turkey burgers are extra juicy and loaded with flavor. I think the spicy jalapenos give it just the right level of heat, but feel free to adjust the amount to amp it up or tone it down. —Wanda Allende, Orlando, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 375 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 767mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 33g protein.
19/44
Spiced Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Lime Butter
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This grilled chicken gets a lovely pop of color and flavor from the lime butter—don't skip it! —Diane Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 1 tablespoon lime butter: 430 calories, 27g fat (10g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 411mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 40g protein.
20/44
Turkey and Pasta Ranch Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy pasta salad is loaded with fresh veggies, and the classic ranch dressing makes it appealing to kids. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 256 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 383mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
21/44
Cashew Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There are lots of recipes for cashew chicken, but my family thinks this one stands alone. We love the flavor from the fresh ginger and the crunch of the cashews. Another plus is it's easy to prepare. —Oma Rollison, El Cajon, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup chicken mixture: 349 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 650mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 3 fat, 1 starch.
22/44
Greek Lemon Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This grilled chicken recipe is so full of flavor! The lemon and oregano flavors shine in this simple dish. It pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables or a side salad. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh: 359 calories, 26g fat (6g saturated fat), 107mg cholesterol, 165mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 30g protein.
23/44
Cheeseburger Bowl
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is a lighter way to enjoy an American summer staple. You can try a version of the dressing with 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard and 1 tablespoon of ketchup. —Laurie Rogerson, Ellington, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups salad mixture with 2 tablespoons dressing: 374 calories, 21g fat (8g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 1099mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.
24/44
Dill Chicken Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I could eat soup for every meal of the day, all year long. I particularly like dill and spinach—they add a brightness to this light and healthy soup. —Robin Haas, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 198 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 681mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 0.500 fat.
25/44
Pork Chops with Nectarine Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As a dietitian, I’m always looking for ways to make meals healthy and delicious. These juicy chops are fast, too. —Suellen Pineda, Victor, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 1/2 cup sauce: 330 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 414mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 fruit, 1 fat.
26/44
Tasty Turkey Skillet
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like using boxed rice and pasta mixes to jump-start quick meals. This colorful dish is simple to cook on the stovetop using fried rice mix, tender turkey and convenient frozen vegetables. —Betty Kleberger, Florissant, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 351 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 971mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 35g protein.
27/44
Sliced Ham with Roasted Vegetables
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
To prepare this colorful, zesty oven meal, I "shop" in my backyard for the fresh garden vegetables and oranges (we have our own tree!) that spark the ham's hearty flavor. It's my family's favorite main dish. —Margaret Pache, Mesa, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 375 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 1179mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 7g fiber), 31g protein.
28/44
Roasted Chicken Thighs with Peppers & Potatoes
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves this dish! There's nothing better than oven baked boneless chicken thighs for dinner. It looks and tastes like you fussed, but it is really simple to make. These roasted chicken thighs use healthy olive oil and fresh herbs from my garden. —Pattie Prescott, Manchester, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 1 cup vegetables: 308 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 221mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
29/44
Lemony Turkey Rice Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
While growing up in Texas, I spent a lot of time helping my grandma cook. Lemon and cilantro add a deliciously different twist to turkey soup.
—Margarita Cuellar, East Chicago, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 166 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 1047mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.
30/44
Shrimp in Mango Chili Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
On-hand ingredients make a tasty shrimp entree in a matter of minutes! Try the shrimp over waffles or rice for another yummy option. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup shrimp mixture: 283 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 895mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein.
31/44
Wasabi Beef Fajitas
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Beef fajitas get an eastern spin with gingerroot, sesame oil and wasabi, a type of Japanese horseradish. You can find it in the Asian section at your supermarket. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 fajita: 287 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 507mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
32/44
Blackened Tilapia with Zucchini Noodles
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love quick and bright meals like this one-skillet wonder. The way it tastes, you'd think it takes a lot more effort, but it goes from prep to dinner table in half an hour. The recipe works well with any light fish, or even shrimp. —Tammy Brownlow, Dallas, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 203 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 522mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
33/44
Sheet-Pan Pineapple Chicken Fajitas
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For our fajitas, I combine chicken and pineapple for a different flavor. These fajitas are more on the sweet side, but my family loves them! —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
2 fajitas: 359 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 372mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 6g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
34/44
Chicken and Kale Tortellini Soup
Total Time
2 hours 45 min
Servings
8 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
With tender tortellini, artichokes, greens and lots of herbs, this soup is so flavorful. The fact that it's easy to make is just a chilly-night bonus. —Emily Hobbs, Springfield, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 386 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 1185mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein.
35/44
Curry Chicken and Rice
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've been loving the subtle spice from curry lately, so I incorporated it into this saucy chicken and rice dish. It's a one-pan meal that's become a go-to dinnertime favorite. —Mary Lou Timpson, Colorado City, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 300 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 658mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
36/44
Veggie Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These vegetarian tacos are stuffed with a blend of sauteed cabbage, peppers and black beans so filling, you won't miss the meat. Top with avocado, cheese or a dollop of sour cream. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 430 calories, 22g fat (5g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 770mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 10g fiber), 12g protein.
37/44
Chicken & Goat Cheese Skillet
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband was completely bowled over by this on-a-whim goat cheese and chicken skillet meal. I can't wait to make it again very soon! —Ericka Barber, Eureka, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups chicken mixture: 251 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 447mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
38/44
Cheddar Pear Soup
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Pears and sharp cheddar have always been one of my favorite flavor combos. This recipe brings the two together in a creamy, delicious soup. I like to serve it with a warm baguette and fresh fruit for lunch or a light supper. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 299 calories, 20g fat (12g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 938mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 12g protein.
39/44
Feta-Dill Chicken Burgers
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I found fresh ground chicken at the butcher and gave it a whirl on our new grill. The result is these saucy burgers. Everybody went nuts—including my sister-in-law, an amazing cook! —Wendy Boughton, Victoria, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 414 calories, 22g fat (5g saturated fat), 129mg cholesterol, 608mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
40/44
Tomato-Poached Halibut
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My halibut with a burst of lemon comes together in one pan and stays super moist. Try it with polenta, angel hair pasta or crusty bread. —Danna Rogers, Westport, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 1 cup sauce: 224 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 651mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
41/44
White Bean Soup with Meatballs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It tastes like it's from scratch, but my Italian-inspired soup uses lots of shortcuts. For a meatball in every bite, chop them up—with an egg slicer! —Carole Lotito, Hillsdale, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 301 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 1050mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 8g fiber), 19g protein.
42/44
Sheet-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone needs an easy meal. Try this sheet-pan chicken with roasted potatoes for a simple and tasty meal guaranteed to please the whole family. If you use fresh lemon juice, garnish each serving with a little lemon zest for bright flavor. —Andrea Potischman, Menlo Park, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh and 1 chicken leg with 1/2 cups potatoes: 483 calories, 29g fat (7g saturated fat), 128mg cholesterol, 507mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 39g protein.
43/44
Chicken-Stuffed Cubanelle Peppers
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a different take on traditional stuffed peppers. I substituted chicken for the beef and used Cubanelle peppers in place of the green peppers that are usually featured in such a dish. —Ron Burlingame, Canton, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper: 230 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 125mg cholesterol, 661mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 starch.
44/44
Ginger Chicken and Quinoa Stew
Total Time
3 hours 55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This Asian-inspired one-pot chicken dinner is healthy and tasty. You can serve it hot, cold or at room temperature. &mash; Doris Kwon, Newport Coast, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 373 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 696mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein.
