17 One-Pot Meals Perfect for Weeknight Dinners

Looking for quick and easy dinner ideas that don’t leave a sink full of dishes? One-pot meals are your answer! These simple recipes save time and make cleanup a breeze. From hearty soups to tasty pasta dishes, we’ve got 20 delicious one-pot meals perfect for busy weeknights. Let’s dive into these easy recipes that are sure to please the whole family.

One-Pot Chicken and Rice

This easy one-pot chicken and rice is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Start by sautéing chopped onions and garlic in a large pot with a little olive oil until they’re soft. Add bite-sized pieces of chicken breast, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Stir in uncooked rice, chicken broth, and a handful of your favorite veggies like carrots and peas. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked. This simple meal is flavorful and leaves you with minimal cleanup!

One-Pot Pasta Primavera

For a fresh and easy dinner, try this one-pot pasta primavera. In a big pot, combine uncooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, sliced zucchini, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Pour in vegetable broth and a splash of olive oil, then season with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. Cook until the pasta is al dente and the vegetables are tender. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for a delightful meal everyone will love.

One-Pot Beef Stir-Fry Noodles

Whip up this tasty one-pot beef stir-fry noodle dish in no time. Begin by browning thinly sliced beef in a large skillet with a bit of oil. Remove the beef and set it aside, then sauté mixed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and snap peas in the same pan. Add minced ginger and garlic for extra flavor. Return the beef to the pan, and add uncooked noodles and beef broth. Cook until the noodles are tender, and the liquid has reduced to make a light sauce. This quick recipe is both satisfying and simple.

One-Pot Creamy Garlic Shrimp

This one-pot creamy garlic shrimp is a delicious option for seafood lovers. Melt some butter in a large pan and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add raw shrimp, seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook the shrimp until pink, then pour in heavy cream and a bit of chicken broth. Stir in uncooked pasta and bring to a boil. Let it simmer until the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened. Garnish with chopped parsley for a restaurant-quality meal at home.

One-Pot Lentil Soup

Warm up with a hearty bowl of one-pot lentil soup. In a large pot, sauté chopped onions, celery, and carrots in olive oil until softened. Add minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir in dry lentils and vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the lentils are tender. You can add a can of diced tomatoes for extra flavor. This healthy dinner is easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights.

One-Pot Mexican Quinoa

Try this flavorful one-pot Mexican quinoa for a nutritious meal. In a pot, combine quinoa, black beans, corn kernels, diced tomatoes, and chopped bell peppers. Add vegetable broth, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro for a tasty dish that’s both healthy and filling.

One-Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Comforting and easy, this one-pot chicken noodle soup is a classic. In a large pot, sauté chopped onions, carrots, and celery in a little oil until soft. Add diced chicken breast and cook until no longer pink. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Stir in uncooked egg noodles and season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Cook until the noodles are tender and the chicken is fully cooked. This simple soup is perfect for any night of the week.

One-Pot Spinach and Artichoke Pasta

Enjoy the flavors of your favorite dip in this one-pot spinach and artichoke pasta. In a large pot, combine uncooked pasta, chopped artichoke hearts, fresh spinach leaves, minced garlic, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil and cook until the pasta is al dente and the spinach is wilted. Stir in cream cheese and grated Parmesan until the sauce is creamy. This delightful dish is both easy to make and packed with flavor.

One-Pot Greek Chicken Orzo

Bring Mediterranean flavors to your table with this one-pot Greek chicken orzo. Sauté diced chicken breast in olive oil until browned. Add chopped onions, minced garlic, and dried oregano, cooking until fragrant. Stir in uncooked orzo pasta, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and sliced Kalamata olives. Cook until the orzo is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Top with crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley for a tasty and easy dinner.

One-Pot Chili Mac and Cheese

Combine two favorites in this one-pot chili mac and cheese. Brown ground turkey in a large pot with diced onions and minced garlic. Add chili powder, cumin, and a can of diced tomatoes. Stir in uncooked macaroni noodles and beef broth, bringing to a boil. Cook until the noodles are tender. Mix in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. This hearty meal is perfect for satisfying big appetites on busy nights.

One-Pot Coconut Curry Chicken

This one-pot coconut curry chicken is full of flavor and easy to make. In a large pan, sauté diced chicken breast with curry powder until lightly browned. Add chopped onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger, cooking until soft. Pour in coconut milk and chicken broth, then add diced sweet potatoes and bell peppers. Simmer until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is cooked through. Serve over rice for a delicious and simple dinner.

One-Pot Ratatouille Pasta

Enjoy a vegetarian delight with this one-pot ratatouille pasta. In a big pot, combine uncooked pasta, diced eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic. Add a can of crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil and cook until the pasta and vegetables are tender. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with fresh basil before serving. It’s an easy dinner that’s both healthy and satisfying.

One-Pot Jambalaya

Bring a taste of New Orleans to your kitchen with this one-pot jambalaya. In a large pot, sauté sliced andouille sausage with diced onions, bell peppers, and celery. Add minced garlic, diced tomatoes, uncooked rice, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning. Stir in some raw shrimp and cook until the rice is tender and the shrimp are pink. This spicy and flavorful meal is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Warm up with a comforting bowl of one-pot broccoli cheddar soup. In a large pot, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic in butter until soft. Add chopped broccoli florets and chicken broth, bringing to a boil. Simmer until the broccoli is tender. Stir in milk and shredded cheddar cheese, cooking until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy. This easy soup is both delicious and perfect for a simple dinner.

One-Pot Mushroom Risotto

Make creamy risotto without the fuss in this one-pot mushroom risotto recipe. Sauté sliced mushrooms, diced onions, and minced garlic in butter until softened. Add Arborio rice, stirring to coat with the butter. Pour in chicken broth and a splash of white wine, bringing to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and creamy. Finish with grated Parmesan cheese for a luxurious yet easy meal.

One-Pot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice

Enjoy Asian-inspired flavors with this one-pot teriyaki chicken and rice. In a large skillet, cook diced chicken breast until browned. Add minced garlic and ginger, stirring until fragrant. Stir in uncooked rice, chicken broth, and a homemade teriyaki sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, and a touch of sesame oil. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the rice is cooked and the sauce is absorbed. Garnish with sliced green onions for a quick and tasty dinner.

One-Pot Minestrone Soup

This hearty one-pot minestrone soup is packed with vegetables and easy to make. In a large pot, sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil. Add minced garlic, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and a variety of beans like kidney and cannellini beans. Stir in uncooked small pasta shapes and chopped spinach. Season with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Cook until the pasta is tender for a nourishing meal that’s perfect any night.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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