Food & Drink

21 Healthy Sheet Pan Dinners That Will Make Your Life Easier This Week

written by LAUREN BLUE
"
Source: Emilie Eats
Source: Emilie Eats

Is there anything better than a dinner that comes together almost entirely using one sheet pan? After a long day when you come home already starving and craving something quick but somewhat healthy, sheet pan dinners have got your back every time. All you have to do is toss some ingredients and seasonings on a baking sheet, pop it in the oven, and sit back (preferably with a glass of wine in hand) while it cooks. A nutritious, home-cooked dinner truly couldn’t get any easier.

But if you’re thinking all healthy sheet pan dinners consist of the same bare-bones combination of protein, vegetable, oil, salt, and pepper, allow me to correct you. There are so many sheet pan recipes out there that don’t skimp on flavor while remaining super easy to throw together. These 21 healthy sheet pan dinners are the perfect solution when you want something delicious, nutritious, and easy to clean up

1. Sheet Pan Zucchini Chicken Meatballs with Coconut Curry Sauce

Source: Ambitious Kitchen

I’m always looking for ways to sneak more veggies into my diet, and this chicken zucchini meatball recipe is my new favorite way to do just that. This meatball recipe, served with roasted bell peppers, rice, and a delicious coconut sauce, is such an excellent, well-rounded weeknight dinner. The fact that it won’t dirty up tons of dishes is just the cherry on top.

2. Sheet Pan Beef and Broccoli

Source: Chungah Rhee | Damn Delicious

This recipe couldn’t be easier, but it doesn’t taste like you only spent 30 minutes making it. When you have this on hand, there’s no need for Chinese takeout—it is quicker to prepare, requires minimal effort, and tastes just as good.

3. Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas with Tzatziki

Source: Pinch of Yum

When I don’t feel like cooking, one of my favorite weeknight spots is Cava. This chicken and pita recipe is just as good, but you don’t need to leave the house. It’s perfect for family-style dining, and if you’re cooking for one, you’ll have leftovers for days.

4. Sheet Pan Shrimp & Veggies

Source: A Couple Cooks

This sheet-pan shrimp and veggies recipe is perfect for a light yet filling dinner packed with flavor. It’s simple to make, and you can enjoy it as is, over a bed of rice, or wrapped in a tortilla for shrimp tacos.

5. Sheet Pan Chicken Parmesan

Source: Chungah Rhee | Damn Delicious

Chicken parmesan is the epitome of comfort food, but the work of frying often makes me choose something else. Solve that problem with this recipe for baked chicken parmesan that turns out crispy and delicious without the need for frying.

6. Teriyaki Tempeh and Vegetables

Source: Emilie Eats

Meat replacements like tempeh and tofu often get a bad rep for lacking flavor, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth if prepped right. This recipe uses a homemade teriyaki sauce to create a meal that’s anything but bland. Plus, it’s vegan and vegetarian.

7. Greek Sheet Pan Chicken

Source: Downshiftology

This recipe combines protein, vegetables, and vibrant Mediterranean flavors. Tossing it in the oven makes it easy to have a delicious dinner ready in no time.

8. Sheet Pan Sticky Sweet and Sour Chicken

Source: Half-Baked Harvest

Sweet and sour chicken is a beloved meal in my household, and not just any recipe makes the cut. Crispy chicken and a zesty sauce that doesn’t turn the chicken soggy is key. This recipe checks all my boxes and keeps my dishwasher load light.

9. Roasted Cauliflower & Black Bean Sheet Pan Fajitas

Source: How Sweet Eats

Whether you’re vegetarian or just love a meatless recipe, these cauliflower fajitas are sure to impress. Featuring cauliflower, peppers, onions, and black beans, this a simple, classic recipe you’ll turn to again and again.

10. Sheet Pan Crispy Coconut Chicken

Source: The Girl on Bloor

If you’re tired of basic chicken dinners, this crispy coconut chicken is the perfect way to mix it up. The recipe calls for mango salsa and sweet potato fries, taking it to the next level.

11. Sheet Pan Vegan Fried Rice

Source: Jessica in the Kitchen

Fried rice is one of my favorite recipes to make on busy weeknights. This vegan version uses brown rice, green onions, pineapple, edamame, tofu, and cashews to create a vegan version that’s to die for.

12. Sheet Pan Pesto Gnocchi

Source: Two Peas and Their Pod

If you usually whip up gnocchi on the stovetop, you need to try this sheet pan recipe. It gives the gnocchi a crispy yet pillowy texture you can’t beat. Pair it with pesto and roasted vegetables for an easy, tasty dinner.

13. Sheet Pan Jambalaya

Source: Pinch of Yum

If you’re a seafood lover, jambalaya is a delicious way to enjoy it. It might seem difficult to make at home, but this recipe makes it so easy, you’ll crave it 24/7. Just roast sausage, peppers, onions, shrimp, and cauliflower rice on a sheet pan, and dinner is ready in no time.

14. Sheet Pan Chickpea Fajitas

Source: Midwest Foodie

These vegan fajitas are packed with protein and veggies, making them perfect for a quick, healthy dinner. The chickpeas crisp up in the oven, adding an amazing texture to the dish—it’s so good you might never return to traditional fajita meat.

15. Sheet Pan Chicken with Sweet Potatoes, Apples, and Brussels Sprouts

Source: By Erin Clarke of Well Plated

For those weeknights when you need a reliable recipe, this chicken and veggies dish is absolutely perfect. The chicken is served with sweet potatoes, apples, and Brussels sprouts, creating a meal that’s healthy and tasty.

16. Sheet Pan Broiled Salmon

Source: What’s Gaby Cooking

I love salmon so much that I should probably worry about mercury poisoning. This recipe only deepens my obsession, especially because it’s ready in just 15-20 minutes. Pair it with your favorite sides or enjoy it on its own—it’s that good.

17. Sheet Pan BBQ Blue Cheese Chicken Pizza

Source: Foodie Crush

You’ll never return to frozen pizza or Domino’s delivery again after trying this recipe. It’s not too difficult to make, and the process is a fun activity in itself.

18. Sheet Pan Mojo Chicken and Potatoes

Source: Sweet Tea and Thyme

Chicken and potatoes may not sound like the most exciting meal, but with this marinade and the chimichurri sauce, it’s anything but basic. Just marinate the chicken, throw it in the oven, and dinner is ready.

19. Sheet Pan Sausage and Peppers

Source: By Erin Clarke of Well Plated

Our senior managing editor Garri has been making this recipe at least twice a month for years now, so you know it’s good. Sausage and peppers are a sheet-pan classic, and for good reason. They’re easy to make in a pinch, healthy, and packed with flavor.

20. Maple Mustard Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner

Source: Midwest Foodie

Another dangerous addition to my salmon addiction is this maple mustard salmon. Paired with sweet potato and Brussels sprouts, it’s filling yet light. Plus, the maple Dijon sauce is so good, you’ll want to put it on everything.

21. Vegan Frittata

Source: Jessica in the Kitchen

Whether you’re looking for an easy brunch recipe or just love breakfast for dinner, this vegan frittata is a must-try. Instead of eggs, the filling is made of tofu and topped with burst tomatoes, caramelized onions, and sautéed mushrooms. It’s so incredible that you wouldn’t even know it’s vegan.