By: Ana T.

Got dirty dishes? We’ve got you covered! Personally, whenever I want to try out a new recipe, I sometimes get overwhelmed with the different prep steps, especially if it requires making multiple things simultaneously. When I found out there are tons of easy and affordable recipes you can prep all in one pan, I was immediately sold! These are 2 of the one-pan meals I’ve found that are guaranteed to hit the spot and save you from kitchen clean-up!

Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

With a prep and cook time of 25 minutes, this creamy pasta dish is so easy to make and is so customizable! For this recipe, you’ll need:

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast ($5.56)

2 Tbsp butter ($0.26)

2 cloves garlic ($0.16)

1/2 lb. penne pasta ($0.40)

1.5 cups chicken broth ($0.20)

1 cup milk ($0.32)

3 oz. cream cheese* ($0.29)

1/3 cup basil pesto ($0.73)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan ($0.44)

freshly cracked pepper ($0.03)

1 pinch crushed red pepper ($0.02)

First, cut up your chicken and put it on the skillet to cook till chicken is slightly browned. This is also when you should start mincing your garlic, and once it’s minced add it to the chicken to add that extra flavor! Once the chicken is fully cooked, put it aside to start making your pasta.

Then, add your chicken broth and uncooked pasta to the skillet and bring it to a boil. Once the pasta is cooked and the broth is absorbed, start adding your milk, cream cheese, and pesto. Stir it all until it’s combined, add your chicken and extra seasoning, and you’re done!

OPTIONAL: add extra proteins and veggies you have around the house, such as sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or broccoli!

Find the full recipe here.

Sweet Potato and Egg Skillet

This meal only takes about 25 minutes to prepare and makes 4 servings. It is also recommended to peel and shred the sweet potatoes ahead of time, that way you won’t have to think about it in the morning! With a few simple ingredients, this sweet-and-salty goodness is a great way to start your mornings! You’ll need:

2 tablespoons butter

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and shredded (about 4 cups)

1 garlic clove, minced

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon dried thyme

2 cups fresh baby spinach

4 large eggs

1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper

Start by adding butter to your skillet and bring it to low heat. Then, add your sweet potatoes, garlic, salt, and thyme. Cook until your potatoes are almost tender. After the potatoes are cooked, start adding the spinach and cook until it starts wilting.

On to the fun part! With the back of a large spoon, make 4 indents into your sweet potatoes. Break an egg into each indent, sprinkle them with extra salt & pepper, and cook, covered, until egg whites are completely set. Serve, and enjoy!

NOTE: You can cook your eggs whichever way you want! for sunny-side up, leave the pan uncovered while they cook.

Find the full recipe here

These 2 recipes provide great sources of proteins, veggies, and overall goodness! Not to mention minimal kitchen clean-up! Let us know if you try one of these recipes, I know I’ll definitely be trying them soon!