This post shows you 27 Sumptuous One pot meals for a busy weeknights.
Let’s be honest, after a long day of work, errands, and life’s endless to-do list, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen cooking and washing a mountain of dishes.
But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice a delicious, home-cooked meal. That’s where one-pot meals come to the rescue!
These one-pot wonders are not only easy to make, but they also keep the post-dinner cleanup to a minimum.
From comforting pastas to hearty stews and quick stir-fries, I’ve rounded up 27 one-pot meals that are perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something fast, filling, and full of flavor.
Grab your favorite pot or skillet, and let’s dive into these hassle-free recipes that will save your time and sanity!
27 One-Pot Meals for Busy Weeknights
1. One-Pot Spaghetti Bolognese
Spaghetti Bolognese is a comfort food classic that’s made even easier when cooked in just one pot. Start by browning ground beef or turkey in a large pot with onions and garlic.
Once the meat is cooked through, add canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and Italian seasonings like oregano and basil. Stir in your spaghetti directly into the pot, letting the pasta absorb the rich, savory sauce as it cooks.
The starch from the pasta helps thicken the sauce, creating a perfectly saucy dish without the need for separate pots.
This one-pot version saves you from boiling water and cleaning multiple pans, making it perfect for a quick, filling weeknight meal.
2. Chicken and Rice Skillet
This one-pot chicken and rice dish is a family favorite, combining tender chicken thighs with seasoned rice. Start by searing the chicken thighs in a skillet until they are golden brown.
Remove the chicken and sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers in the same skillet. Add uncooked rice, chicken broth, and spices like paprika, thyme, and cumin to the skillet, then place the chicken back on top.
Cover and simmer until the rice absorbs the broth and becomes tender, and the chicken is fully cooked. The result is a flavorful, comforting dish where the rice soaks up the savory chicken juices and spices.
3. One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
For garlic lovers, this one-pot creamy garlic pasta is a dream. Start by sautéing garlic in olive oil and butter until it’s fragrant and golden.
Then, add pasta (like fettuccine or penne) and vegetable or chicken broth to the pot, letting the pasta cook directly in the broth.
As the pasta cooks, it absorbs the garlic-infused liquid, creating a creamy sauce without the need for heavy cream.
Once the pasta is al dente, stir in grated Parmesan and a splash of milk or cream to make it extra creamy. This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner.
4. Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry
A stir-fry is one of the quickest meals you can make, and this one-pot version is both nutritious and satisfying. Start by cooking thinly sliced beef in a hot pan until browned.
Remove the beef and stir-fry vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots in the same pan. Add a sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a little sesame oil, then return the beef to the pan and toss everything together.
The beef and vegetables cook in the same pan, allowing the flavors to meld together for a delicious, quick meal that’s packed with nutrients.
5. One-Pot Vegetarian Chili
This hearty vegetarian chili is loaded with beans, vegetables, and spices, making it a filling and nutritious one-pot meal. Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and bell peppers in a large pot.
Add in canned beans (like black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans), diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and a blend of spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika.
Let the chili simmer until the flavors meld together, and the vegetables are tender. Serve with toppings like avocado, cilantro, and tortilla chips for a complete meal that’s both healthy and satisfying.
6. One-Pot Chicken Alfredo
Creamy Alfredo pasta can seem indulgent, but this one-pot version makes it easy and quick to prepare. Start by cooking chicken breasts in a large pot until they’re golden brown, then remove them and set aside.
In the same pot, sauté garlic in butter, then add chicken broth, cream, and uncooked fettuccine pasta. Let the pasta cook in the sauce, absorbing the rich flavors.
Once the pasta is tender, stir in Parmesan cheese and add the cooked chicken back into the pot. This creamy, cheesy dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, with minimal cleanup required.
7. One-Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon with Asparagus
This one-pan meal is light, healthy, and full of flavor. Start by placing salmon fillets on a sheet pan and surrounding them with fresh asparagus spears.
Drizzle everything with olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt and pepper. Roast the salmon and asparagus in the oven until the salmon is flaky and the asparagus is tender.
The simplicity of this dish allows the natural flavors of the salmon and asparagus to shine, while the lemon and garlic add a bright, zesty touch.
This meal is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
8. One-Pot Sausage and Pepper Pasta
Italian sausage, bell peppers, and pasta come together in this hearty one-pot dish. Start by browning slices of Italian sausage in a large pot, then remove them and sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers in the same pot.
Add uncooked pasta, canned tomatoes, and chicken broth, letting the pasta cook in the flavorful liquid. As the pasta absorbs the broth, it takes on the rich flavors of the sausage and peppers.
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the sausage and finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This spicy, satisfying meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and quick.
9. Beef and Potato Stew
This comforting beef and potato stew is a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for cold nights. Start by browning chunks of beef in a large pot, then remove them and sauté onions, carrots, and garlic in the same pot.
Add beef broth, potatoes, and seasonings like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Return the beef to the pot, cover, and simmer until the beef is tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
This stew is hearty, warm, and full of rich flavors, making it a go-to for cozy weeknight dinners.
10. One-Pot Mexican Quinoa
Quinoa, black beans, corn, and bell peppers are cooked together in this protein-packed one-pot meal. Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a large pot, then add quinoa, vegetable broth, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning.
Let everything simmer until the quinoa is tender and has absorbed all the liquid. Top with fresh avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice for a bright, flavorful finish.
This meal is both healthy and filling, making it a great choice for a meatless weeknight dinner.
11. Chicken and Mushroom Risotto
Risotto can be time-consuming, but this one-pot version simplifies the process. Start by sautéing chicken and mushrooms in a large pot until the chicken is cooked through.
Remove the chicken and mushrooms, then add Arborio rice and a splash of white wine to the pot. Slowly add chicken broth, stirring occasionally, until the rice is creamy and cooked through.
Stir the chicken and mushrooms back into the risotto, and finish with grated Parmesan and fresh herbs. This creamy, comforting dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal.
12. One-Pot Thai Peanut Noodles
This one-pot Thai-inspired dish is quick, flavorful, and satisfying. Start by cooking your noodles (such as rice noodles or spaghetti) in a large pot, then drain and set aside.
In the same pot, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, and a bit of chili paste for a spicy kick.
Add the noodles back into the pot and toss to coat them in the sauce. Stir in fresh vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, and shredded carrots for added texture and flavor.
Garnish with chopped peanuts and cilantro for a restaurant-worthy meal in under 30 minutes.
13. Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya
This flavorful jambalaya combines shrimp, sausage, rice, and vegetables in one pot. Start by browning slices of sausage in a large pot, then remove them and sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic in the same pot.
Add rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and Cajun seasoning, and let the rice cook in the flavorful broth. Stir in the sausage and shrimp during the last few minutes of cooking so the shrimp stay tender.
This spicy, hearty dish is perfect for those nights when you want something bold and flavorful.
14. One-Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta
This creamy Tuscan chicken pasta is packed with flavors from sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and garlic. Start by cooking chicken breasts in a large pot until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
In the same pot, sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, then add uncooked pasta, chicken broth, and cream.
Let the pasta cook in the sauce, absorbing all the rich flavors. Stir in fresh spinach and the cooked chicken, then finish with Parmesan cheese. This dish is creamy, flavorful, and ready in about 30 minutes.
15. One-Pot Ratatouille
Ratatouille is a classic French vegetable stew that’s both healthy and satisfying. Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and bell peppers in a large pot, then add diced eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes.
Season with fresh herbs like thyme, basil, and oregano, and let everything simmer together until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded.
This dish is perfect on its own or served over rice or pasta, and it’s a great way to use up seasonal vegetables.
16. One-Pot Spicy Ramen
This quick ramen dish is full of bold flavors and is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Start by simmering vegetable or chicken broth with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a spoonful of chili paste for heat.
Add ramen noodles to the broth and cook until tender. For added protein, toss in tofu or an egg, and stir in fresh vegetables like bok choy, mushrooms, or spinach.
Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for a complete meal that’s both comforting and full of flavor.
17. One-Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo
This light and flavorful dish combines chicken, orzo pasta, lemon, and fresh herbs in one pot. Start by browning chicken thighs in a large pot, then remove them and sauté garlic and onions in the same pot.
Add orzo, chicken broth, lemon juice, and fresh herbs like parsley and thyme, and cook until the orzo absorbs the broth. Stir the chicken back into the pot, and garnish with lemon zest and Parmesan cheese.
The bright, zesty flavors make this a refreshing weeknight dinner.
18. One-Pot Butter Chicken
This Indian-inspired butter chicken is rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Start by sautéing chicken in a large pot with spices like garam masala, turmeric, and cumin.
Add tomato sauce, coconut milk, and a bit of butter to create a creamy, spiced sauce. Let everything simmer until the chicken is cooked through, then serve over rice for a complete meal.
The rich, velvety sauce pairs perfectly with the tender chicken, making this dish a weeknight favorite.
19. One-Pot Gnocchi with Spinach and Tomatoes
Soft, pillowy gnocchi cooks quickly in a one-pot dish with spinach, garlic, and tomatoes. Start by sautéing garlic in olive oil, then add canned diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and uncooked gnocchi.
Let the gnocchi simmer in the sauce until it’s tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir in fresh spinach at the end, allowing it to wilt, and finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
This dish is comforting, filling, and ready in under 30 minutes.
20. One-Pot Enchilada Rice
Turn your favorite enchilada flavors into a one-pot meal by cooking rice, beans, corn, and tomatoes in enchilada sauce.
Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a large pot, then add rice, vegetable broth, black beans, corn, and enchilada sauce.
Let everything simmer until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the flavors. Top with cheese and bake until bubbly, then garnish with fresh avocado, cilantro, and sour cream for a delicious, cheesy one-pot meal.
21. One-Pot Coconut Curry
This rich and flavorful coconut curry comes together in one pot with vegetables, tofu, or chicken.
Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger in a large pot, then add coconut milk, curry paste, and vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and bell peppers.
Let everything simmer until the vegetables are tender and the sauce is thick and creamy. Serve over rice or with naan for a hearty, warming meal that’s perfect for weeknights.
22. One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice
This sweet and tangy one-pot BBQ chicken and rice is a family favorite. Start by browning chicken thighs in a large pot, then remove them and sauté onions and garlic.
Add rice, chicken broth, and BBQ sauce, and stir everything together. Place the chicken back on top of the rice, cover, and let it simmer until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
The rice absorbs all the smoky, sweet flavors from the BBQ sauce, making this dish a hit for busy weeknights.
23. One-Pot Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp scampi is a quick and elegant dish that can be made in one pot. Start by sautéing garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil and butter, then add shrimp and cook until pink.
Remove the shrimp and add white wine, chicken broth, and lemon juice to the pot. Let the liquid simmer, then toss in cooked pasta and the shrimp.
Finish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a light, flavorful meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
24. One-Pot Beef Stroganoff
This creamy beef stroganoff is a comforting dish that’s easy to make in one pot. Start by browning ground beef or sliced beef in a large pot, then remove and sauté onions, garlic, and mushrooms.
Add beef broth, egg noodles, and a bit of sour cream or cream cheese to create a rich, creamy sauce. Let everything simmer together until the noodles are tender and the sauce is thick and creamy.
This dish is hearty and satisfying, perfect for a chilly weeknight dinner.
25. One-Pot Chickpea Stew
Chickpea stew is a healthy, plant-based meal that’s packed with flavor. Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and spices like cumin, paprika, and coriander in a large pot.
Add canned chickpeas, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and spinach, and let everything simmer until the flavors meld together.
Serve with crusty bread for a filling, wholesome dinner that’s both simple and nutritious.
26. One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Garlic and Parmesan come together in this creamy one-pot pasta dish that’s perfect for garlic lovers. Start by sautéing garlic in butter and olive oil, then add chicken broth and uncooked pasta to the pot.
Let the pasta cook in the broth, absorbing all the garlicky flavors. Once the pasta is tender, stir in grated Parmesan and a splash of cream to create a rich, creamy sauce.
This dish is quick, comforting, and perfect for a busy weeknight.
27. One-Pot Taco Skillet
This taco skillet is a fun twist on taco night, with everything cooked in one pan for easy cleanup. Start by browning ground beef or turkey in a skillet, then add taco seasoning, rice, black beans, corn, and salsa.
Let everything simmer until the rice is cooked and the flavors have melded together.
Top with shredded cheese, avocado, and fresh cilantro for a delicious, one-pot meal that’s perfect for taco night without all the mess.
This post showed you 27 Amazing One pot meals for busy weeknightsÂ
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