15+ One Pot Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Cooking can be a joy, but it often comes with a lot of clean-up. One pot recipes provide an easy and delicious solution for busy weeknights. They allow you to create flavorful meals without the hassle of multiple dishes. These recipes combine ingredients and cooking methods into one vessel, making dinner simpler and less time-consuming.

Whether you’re craving a comforting soup, a hearty stew, or a quick pasta dish, one pot meals can satisfy your hunger while keeping your kitchen tidy. You can enjoy more time with family and less time scrubbing pots and pans.

1) Teriyaki Chicken and Rice

Teriyaki Chicken and Rice is a simple and tasty meal. You can make it all in one pot, which means less cleanup for you. This recipe is great for a busy weeknight or meal prep.

You’ll start by cooking the chicken until it’s nice and golden. Then add your favorite veggies like broccoli and carrots. Don’t forget to pour in the teriyaki sauce for that delicious flavor.

Serve it up with rice, and you have a satisfying meal ready to enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 ½ cups rice
• 1 cup teriyaki sauce
• 2 cups chicken broth (or water)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in broccoli and carrots, cooking for 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until rice is tender.
6. Stir in teriyaki sauce before serving.

2) Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo

Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is a quick and tasty dish perfect for weeknight dinners. You can make it all in one pan, which saves time on cleanup.

Start by cooking chicken sausage until it’s brown. Then, add orzo pasta and broth to the pan. The orzo cooks right in the broth, soaking up all the flavors.

As it cooks, stir in some cream and spices for a rich texture. This dish is filling and comforting, making it an instant favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken sausage
• 1 cup (200 g) orzo pasta
• 3 cups (720 ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pan, cook the chicken sausage over medium heat until browned.
2. Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until soft.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and add the orzo. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer until orzo is tender.
5. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!

3) One-Pan Taco Skillet

The One-Pan Taco Skillet is a quick and tasty meal. It combines lean ground beef, black beans, and rice—all in one dish. You can add in your favorite vegetables, like peppers or zucchini, to make it even healthier.

This recipe is easy to make and clean-up is a breeze. You cook everything in one pan, so there’s less mess. Plus, it’s packed with flavor and can be ready in about 30 minutes.

You can top it off with cheese for a delicious finish. Serve it with avocado or salsa for an extra kick. It’s a meal that everyone will love!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 can black beans, rinsed
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• Optional: chopped veggies (peppers, zucchini, etc.)

Cooking Instructions:

1. In a large pan, brown the ground beef over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Add the cooked rice, black beans, and salsa. Stir to combine.
3. Cook for about 5 minutes, until heated through.
4. Sprinkle cheese on top and cover until melted.
5. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

4) Sausage Bake with Potatoes

Sausage Bake with Potatoes is a hearty dish that’s easy to make. You can cook everything in one pan, which means less cleanup for you. The flavors of sausage, potatoes, and vegetables blend together nicely.

Start by preparing your ingredients and preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). You’ll love the combination of savory sausage and tender potatoes. This dish makes a great dinner that’s both satisfying and delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) sausage, sliced
• 4 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 bell peppers, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the sausage, potatoes, onion, and peppers.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the mixture and season with salt and pepper.
4. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes until everything is cooked through and golden.

5) Chicken Alfredo Skillet

A Chicken Alfredo Skillet is a delicious one-pot meal that you can whip up quickly. It’s creamy, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights.

First, you’ll need to cook your chicken until it’s golden brown. Then, add pasta and broth to the skillet and let it all simmer together. The pasta absorbs the flavors as it cooks.

Once the pasta is tender, stir in cream and Parmesan cheese. This creates a rich and smooth sauce that coats everything nicely. Finish off with some black pepper for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden.
3. Add the fettuccine and chicken broth.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the pasta is tender.
5. Stir in the cream and Parmesan cheese.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

6) Lemon Pepper Chicken Risotto

Lemon Pepper Chicken Risotto is a tasty and comforting dish. It combines creamy rice with juicy chicken, making it perfect for any night of the week. This one-pot meal simplifies cooking and clean-up.

You start by seasoning the chicken with lemon pepper. After browning the chicken, you sauté garlic and add arborio rice. Then, pour in chicken broth and let everything simmer until creamy.

Finish the dish with parmesan cheese for added richness. Serve it warm and enjoy the bright flavors of lemon with each bite.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup arborio rice
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Season chicken thighs with lemon pepper seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
3. Brown the chicken on both sides, then remove from pot.
4. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
5. Add arborio rice and stir for 1 minute.
6. Pour in chicken broth and return chicken to pot.
7. Bring to a gentle simmer and cover.
8. Cook for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender.
9. Stir in parmesan cheese before serving.

7) Chickpea & Broccoli Alfredo

Chickpea and Broccoli Alfredo is a simple and tasty dish. It’s made in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. The creamy sauce pairs well with the earthy flavors of chickpeas and broccoli.

To make this dish, start by cooking your chickpeas and broccoli together. Use a rich Alfredo sauce made from cream cheese and garlic to add creaminess. This meal is not only quick to prepare but also satisfying.

You can serve it over pasta or enjoy it on its own for a hearty dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 cans of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups of broccoli florets
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 1 cup of cream cheese
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the shallot and garlic, cooking until soft.
3. Stir in the chickpeas and broccoli, cooking for about 5 minutes.
4. Mix in the cream cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan if desired.

8) Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice

This recipe brings the vibrant flavors of Greece right to your kitchen. You’ll love how easy it is to make this dish in just one pot.

Start by cooking tender chicken with spices like oregano and paprika. Then, mix in lemon juice and zest for a fresh taste. The rice cooks alongside the chicken, soaking up all those delicious flavors.

Add healthy ingredients like spinach and tomatoes for color and nutrition. Top it off with feta cheese for a creamy finish.

Ingredients

• 5 chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
• 1 medium onion
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 cup rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1 cup grape tomatoes
• 1/2 cup feta cheese
• Olive oil
• Oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chicken, season with spices, and cook until browned.
3. Stir in onion and garlic; cook until softened.
4. Add rice, broth, lemon juice, and zest. Mix well.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Cook until rice is tender.
6. Fold in spinach and tomatoes. Cook until spinach wilts.
7. Top with feta before serving. Enjoy!

9) Simple Potato Soup

Simple potato soup is a warm and hearty meal you can make in one pot. It’s perfect for chilly days or when you need a quick dinner.

To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need potatoes, onion, garlic, broth, cream, and some seasonings. You can also add bacon for extra flavor.

Begin by cooking the onions and garlic in a pot until they soften. Then, add diced potatoes and pour in your broth. Let it simmer until the potatoes are tender.

Next, use a potato masher to blend some of the soup for a creamy texture. Finally, stir in the cream and season to taste.

Ingredients

• 4 large potatoes
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: bacon bits

Cooking Instructions

1. Dice the onion and garlic.
2. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add diced potatoes and broth; bring to a boil.
4. Simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
5. Mash some of the potatoes for a creamy texture.
6. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve hot, topped with bacon bits if desired.

10) Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is a classic dish that you can quickly make in one pot. It’s creamy, cheesy, and perfect for any meal. You can whip it up in just 30 minutes!

Start by bringing water to a boil in a large pot. Add macaroni along with your favorite seasonings. Cooking everything together makes the pasta absorb more flavor.

Once the pasta is tender, stir in your cheese. Cheddar works great, but feel free to mix in others for extra taste.

You can even add vegetables like broccoli for added nutrition. This dish is comforting and sure to please everyone!

Ingredients

• 2 cups macaroni
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil water in a large pot.
2. Add macaroni and salt. Cook until tender.
3. Stir in cheese until melted.
4. Add vegetables if desired and serve hot.

11) Perfect Chili

Making perfect chili is simple and satisfying. You can create a flavorful dish using ground beef, beans, and tomatoes. It’s great for any occasion and cooks in one pot, making cleanup easy.

Start by browning the ground beef in a large pot. Once it’s cooked through, add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until they are soft.

Next, stir in kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and your favorite chili spices. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes. This allows all the flavors to blend together beautifully.

You can serve the chili hot with toppings like cheese or sour cream.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes
• Chili spices (cumin, chili powder, etc.)

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot.
2. Add diced onions and minced garlic; sauté until soft.
3. Stir in kidney beans and diced tomatoes.
4. Add chili spices to taste.
5. Let simmer for 30 minutes and serve hot.

12) Shakshuka Delight

Shakshuka is a delicious one-pot meal that’s perfect for any time of day. This dish features poached eggs in a savory tomato sauce packed with spices. You can enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.

To make shakshuka, start by cooking onions and bell peppers in a skillet. Then add tomatoes, garlic, and seasoning. Once the sauce is ready, gently crack eggs on top and let them cook until the whites are set.

This recipe is not only tasty but also easy to prepare. Pair it with bread for dipping, and you have a comforting meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 4 eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onion and bell pepper. Cook until soft.
3. Stir in garlic, diced tomatoes, cumin, and paprika. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Make wells in the sauce and crack an egg into each well.
5. Cover and cook until eggs are set, about 5-7 minutes (350°F or 175°C).
6. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley and serve.

13) Sheet-Pan Miso Chicken

Sheet-pan miso chicken is a simple and delicious dish. It combines juicy chicken thighs with flavorful miso sauce and roasted veggies. You’ll love how everything cooks together on one pan.

For this recipe, you can use miso paste, honey, soy sauce, and garlic for a tasty marinade. It’s a great way to add flavor without too much effort. Just marinate the chicken and toss it in the oven.

Sweet potatoes and asparagus pair nicely with the chicken. They roast to tender perfection, soaking up the sauce’s flavors. This meal is perfect for busy nights when you want something quick and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons miso paste
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 sweet potatoes, diced
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, mix miso paste, honey, soy sauce, and garlic.
3. Coat chicken thighs with the marinade.
4. Arrange sweet potatoes and asparagus on a sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
5. Place marinated chicken on the pan.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Enjoy!

14) One-Pot Banana Bread

Making one-pot banana bread is simple and fun. You can use ripe bananas to create a moist loaf that everyone will enjoy. The best part is you only need one bowl to mix everything together.

Start by mashing your ripe bananas in a large bowl. Then, add melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir in baking soda and a pinch of salt. Finally, mix in flour until you have a smooth batter.

Pour the mixture into a greased baking pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. Let it cool before slicing.

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas
• ⅓ cup butter, melted
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mash the bananas in a large bowl.
3. Mix in melted butter, sugar, and beaten egg.
4. Stir in vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt.
5. Add the flour and mix until combined.
6. Pour into a greased baking pan.
7. Bake for 60 minutes.
8. Let cool before slicing.

15) Meatloaf and Potatoes

Meatloaf and potatoes is a classic comfort food that’s easy to make. You can cook everything on one pan, which makes for simple cleanup. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.

To start, mix ground beef with breadcrumbs, onions, and seasonings. Shape it into a loaf and place it on a sheet pan with potatoes. You can also add carrots or green beans for extra flavor.

Bake the meatloaf and potatoes at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes. This will give you a deliciously moist meatloaf and perfectly roasted potatoes.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups potatoes, cubed
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: ketchup, spices, or vegetables

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, salt, and pepper.
3. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place on a sheet pan.
4. Surround the meatloaf with cubed potatoes.
5. Bake for 45 minutes or until it is cooked through.