16 Savory One-Pot Meals That Are Perfect for Busy Nights

When life’s hectic and the sink is already full, the last thing you need is a stack of dirty dishes. What you need is a one-pot wonder – your hero in a skillet or slow cooker, making deliciousness with minimal mess. These meals deliver bold flavors and hearty comfort without requiring a full-on kitchen takeover.

Chicken and Rice

A classic comfort meal, chicken and rice are simple yet packed with flavor. Start by sautéing one pound of diced chicken breasts in a large pot with a tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper until browned. Add one chopped onion, two cloves of garlic, one cup of uncooked rice, and two cups of chicken broth. Let it simmer for 20 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked. Stir in some peas for color and serve this hearty, satisfying dish that will leave everyone content.

Beef Stroganoff

This rich, creamy dish combines tender beef and pasta in a savory sauce. Brown one pound of beef strips in a pot with a tablespoon of butter. Add a diced onion and two cups of sliced mushrooms, cooking until softened. Stir in two tablespoons of flour, then gradually add two cups of beef broth and one cup of sour cream. Let it simmer, adding eight ounces of egg noodles and cooking until the pasta is tender. This comforting one-pot meal will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Shrimp Jambalaya

A New Orleans favorite, jambalaya is packed with seafood, rice, and bold flavors. Sauté one diced bell pepper, one chopped onion, and two cloves of garlic in a tablespoon of olive oil. Add one and a half cups of uncooked rice, two cups of chicken broth, a can of diced tomatoes, and one tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Stir in one pound of shrimp and cook until the rice absorbs all the flavors and the shrimp turns pink. This one-pot wonder brings a taste of the South right to your kitchen.

One-Pot Spaghetti Bolognese

Skip the separate pots for pasta and sauce with this all-in-one spaghetti Bolognese. Brown one pound of ground beef in a large pot with a diced onion and two cloves of garlic. Stir in one jar (24 ounces) of marinara sauce, two cups of water, and 12 ounces of spaghetti noodles. Cover and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked through and the sauce thickens. Top with grated Parmesan and fresh basil for a satisfying Italian-inspired meal.

Vegetarian Chili

This hearty vegetarian chili is perfect for those seeking a plant-based meal. In a large pot, sauté one diced onion, two cloves of garlic, and one chopped bell pepper in a tablespoon of olive oil. Add a can of black beans, a can of kidney beans, a can of diced tomatoes, and one tablespoon of chili powder. Let it simmer for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese for a hearty, protein-packed meal.

Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Creamy, cheesy, and indulgent, chicken Alfredo pasta is a one-pot marvel. Start by sautéing one pound of chicken breast pieces in a tablespoon of olive oil until browned. Add three cloves of minced garlic, two cups of chicken broth, one cup of heavy cream, and eight ounces of fettuccine pasta. Simmer until the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened. Stir in a cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and enjoy this comforting dish without any extra hassle.

Beef and Barley Stew

A one-pot beef and barley stew is the perfect cozy dinner for colder nights. Brown one pound of stew meat in a tablespoon of oil, then add one diced onion, two diced carrots, and two stalks of celery. Pour in four cups of beef broth and a cup of uncooked barley. Simmer for 45 minutes until the barley is tender and the flavors are rich. This hearty stew is filling and full of nourishing ingredients.

Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Risotto may seem labor-intensive, but this one-pot version makes it easy. Sauté two cups of sliced mushrooms and one diced onion in two tablespoons of butter until soft. Add one and a half cups of arborio rice and stir to coat in the butter. Gradually add four cups of vegetable broth, one cup at a time, stirring continuously until absorbed. Finish with a half cup of Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of truffle oil for an elegant meal that feels gourmet.

One-Pot Lasagna Soup

Enjoy all the flavors of lasagna without the layers in this comforting soup. Brown one pound of ground beef with a diced onion and three cloves of garlic in a large pot. Add four cups of beef broth, a can of diced tomatoes, one tablespoon of Italian seasoning, and eight broken lasagna noodles. Simmer until the noodles are tender, then stir in a cup of ricotta cheese and a handful of shredded mozzarella. Ladle into bowls and serve for a cozy take on a beloved dish.

Sausage and White Bean Stew

This savory one-pot meal is hearty and quick to make. Sauté one pound of sliced Italian sausage in a large pot until browned. Add a diced onion, two cloves of garlic, and one can of cannellini beans. Stir in four cups of chicken broth and one teaspoon of thyme, then let it simmer for 20 minutes. Serve with crusty bread for a warming and filling dinner that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Orzo

For a lighter one-pot meal, this lemon garlic shrimp and orzo is fresh and flavorful. Sauté one pound of shrimp in two tablespoons of butter with two cloves of minced garlic. Add one and a half cups of uncooked orzo, two cups of chicken broth, and the juice of one lemon. Let it simmer until the orzo is tender and the shrimp is cooked through. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a zesty, light meal.

Moroccan Chicken with Couscous

Transport your taste buds to Morocco with this fragrant one-pot dish. Brown four chicken thighs in a tablespoon of olive oil, then set them aside. Sauté a diced onion and two cloves of garlic, then add one cup of couscous, one cup of chicken broth, and one tablespoon of ras el hanout spice blend. Nestle the chicken thighs back into the pot and cover, cooking until the couscous is fluffy and the chicken is cooked through. This dish brings bold flavors with minimal effort.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

This Mexican-inspired soup is perfect for busy nights when you want something warm and flavorful. Sauté one diced onion, one chopped bell pepper, and two cloves of garlic in a tablespoon of olive oil. Add two cups of chicken broth, one can of diced tomatoes, one teaspoon of cumin, and two shredded chicken breasts. Simmer for 20 minutes and serve with tortilla strips, avocado, and a squeeze of lime. This one-pot soup is light yet filling, with a perfect balance of spice and zest.

Thai Coconut Curry

For a creamy, aromatic one-pot meal, try this Thai coconut curry. Sauté one diced onion and two cloves of garlic in a tablespoon of coconut oil. Stir in one tablespoon of red curry paste, one can of coconut milk, and one cup of vegetable broth. Add one pound of cubed chicken or tofu and one cup of diced vegetables. Simmer until everything is cooked through, and serve over rice for a rich, comforting meal.

One-Pot Gnocchi with Sausage and Spinach

This one-pot gnocchi dish is rich and flavorful, yet incredibly easy. Brown one pound of Italian sausage in a large pot, then add a diced onion and two cloves of garlic. Stir in one cup of chicken broth, one can of diced tomatoes, and one pound of gnocchi. Let it simmer until the gnocchi is tender, then stir in a handful of fresh spinach and a half-cup of Parmesan cheese. This dish comes together quickly and is sure to satisfy.

Teriyaki Chicken and Rice

This one-pot meal is packed with sweet and savory flavors. Start by browning one pound of diced chicken breast in a tablespoon of sesame oil. Add two cloves of minced garlic, one cup of jasmine rice, and two cups of chicken broth. Stir in a quarter-cup of soy sauce, two tablespoons of brown sugar, and one tablespoon of rice vinegar. Simmer until the rice is tender, and serve topped with green onions and sesame seeds for a flavorful and filling meal.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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