10 Easy One-Pan Mediterranean Dinner Recipes for Busy Nights

Tired, hungry, and so not in the mood for dishes?

Same. If you’re anything like me, the idea of whipping up a wholesome dinner after a long day feels… ambitious. But here’s the thing—Mediterranean dinners don’t have to be a multi-pot situation. That’s where one-pan meals swoop in like the culinary superheroes they are.

These Mediterranean-inspired recipes are bursting with flavor, loaded with heart-healthy ingredients, and—best part?—you’ll only have one pan to clean. (Bless.)

So whether you’re chasing toddlers, working late, or just deeply committed to minimal effort, I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into 10 easy one-pan Mediterranean dinner recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights. Promise you’ll only break a sweat if your stove’s acting extra.

1. One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken with Roasted Potatoes

This one’s a classic—and for good reason. Crispy-skinned chicken thighs, roasted potatoes, olive oil, garlic, and lemon… it’s basically Mediterranean magic with zero drama.

Why I love it:

• Everything cooks together, so the lemony chicken juices soak into the potatoes. Yes, please.
• No side dish needed. It’s a whole meal in one pan, IMO.

You can also check out this full lemon herb chicken with roasted potatoes recipe—perfectly laid out if you want extra inspo.

2. Mediterranean Chickpea Skillet

Vegetarian? Lazy? Both? Meet your new weeknight bestie.

This chickpea skillet is bursting with spiced tomatoes, garlic, bell peppers, and greens, and it’s hearty enough to satisfy even the meat-eaters.

Why it works:

• You literally dump everything in a skillet and stir.
• Chickpeas are protein-packed and budget-friendly AF.

Serve with crusty bread, or don’t. I won’t judge.

Grab the full Mediterranean Chickpea Skillet recipe here.

3. Shrimp Sautéed in Garlic & Olive Oil with Couscous

This one tastes fancy but comes together faster than your group chat’s dinner plans fall apart.

All you need is shrimp, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and couscous—tossed in the same pan. It’s zingy, buttery, and full of Mediterranean flair.

Hot tip:

Shrimp cooks in literally 3 minutes. If you mess this up, you probably shouldn’t be in the kitchen.

You’ll love this easy shrimp sautéed in garlic and olive oil with couscous—it’s my go-to “I forgot to meal prep” dinner.

4. One-Pot Mediterranean Pasta

Okay, hear me out: pasta doesn’t have to come with a side of dirty dishes.

This recipe is like a Mediterranean vacation in a bowl—sun-dried tomatoes, olives, artichokes, spinach, and whole wheat pasta all simmer together in a tomato-y broth until it’s dreamy.

Why you’ll make this on repeat:

• No need to boil water separately. (YES.)
• Tastes better the next day—if there’s any left, that is.

Here’s the one-pot Mediterranean pasta recipe for those who want full flavor with half the mess.

5. Mediterranean Baked Salmon with Herbed Quinoa

Salmon is the Beyoncé of weeknight dinners—always elegant, never dry (well, unless you overbake it).

This dish pairs omega-3-rich salmon with herbed quinoa and roasted veggies, all in one glorious pan.

Why I love this one:

• It’s low-maintenance, yet somehow feels fancy.
• Quinoa soaks up all the salmon juice. Chef’s kiss.

Check out this baked salmon with herbed quinoa recipe—it’s great for meal prepping too, FYI.

If you’re digging these fast, nutritious meals, don’t miss the full 9×13 Mediterranean Diet Dinners Plan. It comes with a grocery list—because I know scrolling through six recipe tabs at the store is a crime against humanity.

And if you’re focused on lowering your cholesterol while eating well, this collection of low-cholesterol dinner ideas is .

Want to level up your cookware game without breaking the bank? IMO, this caraway nonstick ceramic pan (affiliate) is a total game-changer for one-pan meals—pretty enough for Instagram, durable enough for Tuesday night chaos.

6. One-Pan Greek Chicken and Veggie Bake

You ever open the fridge and just… stare blankly? This is the recipe for those “what do I even make with this random zucchini?” nights.

With marinated chicken, bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and some crumbled feta tossed over the top, this bake is a true weeknight workhorse.

Why it slaps:

• It’s a fridge clean-out meal that doesn’t taste like one.
• Feta turns golden and melty. Enough said.

Craving more of this vibe? You’ll find similar cozy inspiration in this Greek-style lemon oregano chicken dish.

7. Mediterranean Lentil + Sweet Potato Skillet

It’s lentils—but not the sad kind. This one-pan wonder brings together sweet potatoes, earthy lentils, red onion, cumin, and parsley, then finishes with a squeeze of lemon that wakes up the whole thing.

Why this is sneaky-genius:

• Fiber + protein bomb = actually keeps you full.
• Comes together in 30 mins and costs like $4 total.

Full recipe? Head here: Lentil Sweet Potato Stew for a cozy dinner you’ll actually want on repeat.

8. One-Pan Baked Falafel with Roasted Veggies

Okay, so traditional falafel is fried and, honestly, a mess. But these baked falafel patties? Crunchy outside, soft inside, and roasted on a sheet pan with colorful veggies for maximum “I have my life together” energy.

Why you’ll love it:

• Great for meal prep (just reheat in a toaster oven).
• No deep frying = no oil-splattered regrets.

Grab the full easy baked falafel recipe and bask in your healthy brilliance.

9. Sheet Pan Mediterranean Veggie Bowl

This is the meal that makes you feel healthy just looking at it. Toss your favorite Mediterranean veggies (think eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, red onion) onto a sheet pan, roast ‘em up, and layer it all over couscous or farro.

Bonus points: drizzle with lemon tahini sauce and pretend you’re on a Santorini patio.

Why this is a no-brainer:

• Totally customizable.
• Looks fancy AF but takes like 10 minutes to prep.

Want even more grain bowl inspo? This Mediterranean grain bowl is your next scroll-worthy lunch.

10. One-Skillet Shakshuka with Spinach

Let’s wrap this list with a brunchy banger. Shakshuka is eggs poached in a saucy swirl of tomatoes, garlic, paprika, and onions—and when you toss in some spinach? Chef’s kiss. Serve with crusty bread and call it dinner.

Why you should absolutely make this:

• It feels indulgent but is secretly good for you.
• It’s the easiest way to eat eggs that isn’t, like, sad scrambled blobs.

Obsessed like I am? Try this Mediterranean shakshuka recipe for an even heartier twist.

Final Thoughts: One Pan, Infinite Flavor

So, there you have it—10 easy one-pan Mediterranean dinner recipes that will rescue your weeknights without turning your sink into a crime scene.

What I love most about these meals is that they’re:

• Minimal effort, maximum flavor
• Packed with Mediterranean staples like olive oil, herbs, legumes, and whole grains
• Ideal for anyone juggling life, work, and a general disinterest in scrubbing pans

And hey, if you’re feeling the vibe, check out these 7-day Mediterranean diet plans for busy folks—they break it down by day, so your brain doesn’t have to. Or grab the high-protein version if you’re looking to tone up and eat well.

Quick Tip Before You Go:

Looking to stock your kitchen with some MVP tools for one-pan glory? This Our Place Always Pan (affiliate) is nonstick, pretty, and weirdly fun to clean. Just saying.

So… which recipe are you making tonight? LMK if you want a printable version or a Pinterest bundle—I’ve got you. Until then, happy non-cooking.