25 Easy One-Pot Recipes That Won’t Leave You With a Mountain of Dishes
No need to make room in the dishwasher after these meals.
CAITLIN BENSEL
Sometimes you’re in the mood to cook an elaborate, multi-course meal, and sometimes you’re, well, not. On nights when you’d rather not spend hours cooking and even more time doing the dishes once the meal is over, one-pot recipes can be a real lifesaver. As their name suggests, these recipes come together using just one pot or skillet, and are often easy to make and prep for as well. And believe it or not, one-pot meals are more than just bland soups and quick pasta dishes. This roundup includes scrumptious recipes such as a spicy sambal shrimp stir-fry and curry chicken thighs and cilantro rice, both of which you can have on the table in less than 30 minutes.
Ready for some meals that taste delicious and won’t leave you with a pile of dishes in the sink at the end of the night? Check out this collection of easy one-pot recipes that don’t disappoint.
Related: 10 Best Cast-Iron Skillet Recipes to Make All Year Round
Instant Pot Risotto With Peas & Crispy Salami
Greg DuPree
When it comes to one-pot recipes, the Instant Pot is your secret weapon. The set-it-and-forget-it appliance allows you to do just that. Here, you’ll cook the salami and shallot first, and then add the rice, spices, and wine before stirring in peas and some fresh lemon zest. Once you’re done eating, all you have to do is clean your Instant Pot.
Skillet Mexican Pasta
This one-skillet recipe, known as fideo seco, is a Mexican pasta dish that cooks in a tomato-enriched adobo sauce. The cooking method, which takes about 30 minutes, means that each noodle is infused with slightly smoky flavors. Top with sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, and crumbled queso fresco to cut through the richness, and enjoy.
Fast Italian Fish Stew
The words “fast” and “stew” aren’t typically paired together, but we swear this one-pot meal requires a mere 30 minutes of your time. To make this comforting dish, you’ll simply nestle filets of crisp-skinned halibut into a garlicky tomato and bean mixture, which is brightened up with lemon and fresh herbs. Serve with some toasted bread on the side and dig in.
Spicy Sambal Shrimp Stir-Fry
If you like your meals spicy, this stir-fry is for you. A base of shrimp, snow peas, and white rice gets a kick from bold sambal oelek—an Indonesian condiment made from crushed chilies, vinegar, and other flavoring ingredients. The sambal is balanced out by honey, lime juice, and soy sauce to deliver a five-star dinner in just 20 minutes. The fact that you only have one pot to clean once the meal is done is simply an added bonus.
Shrimp and Chorizo Skillet Supper
For a protein-rich dinner that’s packed with flavor, turn to this one-pot wonder. Here, Spanish chorizo is joined by sweet, extra-large shrimp and vibrant tomato-braised chickpeas to create a dish that’s seriously drool-worthy. Make a little extra and serve leftovers over pasta, rice, or with a slice of crusty bread to enjoy this dish yet again.
One-Pot Curry Chicken Thighs and Cilantro Rice
In the case of this one-pot chicken recipe that’s ready in just 30 minutes, all you need to do is braise curry powder-spiced chicken thighs in a coconut- and cilantro-infused rice mixture. Then, while that portion of the meal is cooking, go ahead and make a quick peanut sauce to drizzle over the whole thing. Delicious and easy!
Cheesy One-Pot Pasta
This one-pot meal is essentially a stovetop mac and cheese, without the fussy step of making a béchamel to thicken the sauce. The vegetarian recipe also calls for quick-roasted tomatoes, which add welcome acidity and pops of juicy flavor to contrast the rich cheeses. We guarantee this easy recipe will become a new family favorite.
Crispy Chicken and Rice With Charred Scallion Sauce
Chicken and rice is a classic combo, and it’s even better when you can make it in one pot. After searing chicken thighs to get their drippings, you'll char scallions in the same pot for the dressing, and then toast grains of fragrant basmati rice. Once the rice is partially cooked, go ahead and nestle bok choy and the crispy chicken thighs into the grains and cook until perfectly tender.
Turkey-Pumpkin Chili
Chili with pumpkin may sound odd, but we swear it works. This hearty chili made with lean ground turkey has ample spices to draw out the savory side of the pumpkin purée. Fiber-rich cannellini beans add body to each bowl, which you can top with hot sauce, sour cream, and sliced scallions. The best part? It comes together in a single pot.
Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup
To make this dish, all you need to do is combine the main ingredients—chicken broth, boneless chicken breasts, black beans, and plenty of spices and veggies—turn on your slow cooker, and wait about eight hours for a pot of comforting taco soup. Yes, it’s as easy as it sounds. When it comes time to serve the meal, top each bowl with cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and tortilla chips for even more flavor and texture. Dinner is served!
One-Pot Chicken Sausage and Beans
We love this cassoulet-inspired dish because it can be made in one pot. To start, cook the smoky andouille chicken sausage, which renders flavorful drippings that you'll use to coat the breadcrumbs for topping. Then, you'll build a tomato-enriched filling made with soft onions, juicy tomatoes, and rich ground pork. All this joins two cans full of tender cannellini beans, which are on hand to add texture and absorb the saucy deliciousness.
Greek-Style Shrimp and Potatoes
Transport yourself to Greece with this one-pot shrimp dinner that also includes a rich, brothy base made of tomatoes, vegetables, onions, and green beans. To add even more flavor and Greek flair, top the dish with feta and fresh dill. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice wouldn’t hurt either.
Related: 41 Shrimp Dinner Ideas to Satisfy Your Seafood Craving
Creamy One-Pot Mashed Potatoes
While this dish is technically more of a side, it goes great with leftover rotisserie chicken, steak, or even a piece of seared salmon. The spuds are cooked with half-and-half, which means that they absorb the liquid while cooking. Then, they’re mashed using a potato ricer, which makes them surprisingly light and fluffy. Fold in butter, salt, and sour cream for extra flavor.
Chicken Thighs With White Beans and Tomatoes
For a healthy recipe that doesn’t skimp on taste, this is one of our top picks. It starts with two cans of cannellini beans and a pint of grape tomatoes, and then fresh herbs, spices, and skin-on chicken thighs join the fun. As the chicken roasts, it creates a luscious broth that flavors all of the other components of the dish.
One Pot Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
With one pot and just nine ingredients, you can make this simple soup that also manages to be rich and hearty. Inside, you’ll find turkey sausage and potato gnocchi in every bite. You'll start by cooking the sausage with onion and garlic so that the rendered drippings infuse the broth. Then, you’ll add a can of diced tomatoes, and all that's left is poaching the gnocchi in the liquid as it simmers and folding in a handful of baby spinach. Easy enough, right?
Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili With Sweet Potatoes
If you’re in need of a one-pot meal that will serve a crowd, give this hearty chili a try. The meat-free dish is made with satiating ingredients such as kidney beans, bell peppers, and sweet potatoes, and gets plenty of flavor from spices including cumin and unsweetened cocoa powder. When it’s time to serve this veggie chili, create a topping station with the likes of sour cream, sliced scallions, sliced radishes, and tortilla chips so guests can customize their bowl.
Quick Spring Lamb and Vegetable Stew
Hearty and satisfying, this spring stew is prepared in a single large pot. Inside you’ll find lamb steaks and plenty of vegetables, such as onions, carrots, and green beans. It’s a great option on a chilly night, especially when served alongside a loaf of crusty bread.
Rosemary-Garlic Chicken Thighs
In this one-pot recipe, seasoned chicken thighs are joined by caramelized shallots, rosemary, garlic, and chicken broth. Once the chicken is cooked with the aforementioned ingredients in the oven, you’ll transfer it to a plate and cook the beans in a warm, buttery sauce before everything is plated together.
Skillet-Poached Huevos Rancheros
These skillet-poached eggs are perfect if you’re looking for an easy brunch recipe that can feed a group. In this dish, the eggs are cooked directly in a simmering mixture of salsa and beans, and the whole thing is garnished with scallions and cilantro. To serve, scoop the egg mixture into a warm tortilla and top with sour cream and sliced avocado, if desired.
Lentils, Kale, and Sausage Soup
You only need one pot and 40 minutes for this hearty and comforting soup, which is made with lentils, a whopping five cups of kale, and sweet Italian sausage. Serve this dish with a crusty baguette for sopping up every last drop.
Farfalle With Lemon, Shrimp, and Kale
A one-pot pasta meal that delivers restaurant-quality taste? Consider us intrigued! For this dish, instead of cooking the pasta in water and the shrimp and kale in a skillet, you’ll make use of the water to do all the cooking. Then, tossing everything together with olive oil and lemon zest and juice ensures the flavors come through individually. Feel free to stir in some chili flakes or grate some Parmesan on top for even more flavor.
Slow Cooker Black Bean Posole
Posole is traditional Mexican soup made with spices, poblano chilies, and hominy. While it typically contains meat, this version calls for a pound of black beans instead. If you’re wary about trying a meat-free dinner, don’t be. We promise that this deeply flavorful, protein-packed meal will leave you feeling full and satisfied, without a dozen dishes to clean once the night is over.
One-Pot Shrimp and Asparagus Fra Diavolo
Another one-pot pasta for the books! This meal features a spicy, lemony sauce, which gets thickened by the starch from the noodles. You’ll also find shrimp, asparagus, leeks, and plenty of garlic, which delivers a ton of flavor. It’s hard to believe this dish takes just 25 minutes to make.
Slow-Cooker Chicken and Pasta Soup
Is there any soup combo that’s more comforting than chicken and pasta? We don’t think so. Here, those two soup superstars are joined by plenty of vegetables, like celery and carrots, as well as spices such as bay leaves and flat-leaf parsley. Sure, you could buy a similar canned soup, but this one is so much tastier and only calls for a single pot and five minutes of hands-on work.
Related: 6 Things You Shouldn't Cook in an Instant Pot
Curried Chicken Soup
For a version of chicken soup that still hits all of the classic notes but packs a bit more of a punch, give this recipe a try. In this take, a typical chicken broth is infused with curry powder, which brings more color and flavor. Lemon juice contributes some zest, while spinach adds protein.
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