You know those days when you’re juggling a million things and dinner seems like an unsolvable puzzle? That’s when these quick and easy one-pot dinner recipes come to the rescue, like finding a $20 bill in an old coat pocket. With ingredients that sing together in harmony—almost like that unexpected but delightful Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce pairing—these meals promise not just flavor, but a chance to breathe.
Steps
- Sear chicken thighs in a skillet until browned, then set aside.
- In the same skillet, cook baby potatoes until tender, followed by adding kale.
- Return chicken to the skillet, squeeze lemon juice over everything, and cook until the chicken is fully done.
- Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta
- Cook chicken pieces in a skillet until golden, then set them aside.
- Add pasta and sauce to the same skillet, and simmer until pasta is al dente.
- Place chicken back into the skillet, sprinkle with cheese, and broil until the cheese melts.
- Skillet Salmon with Fennel & Sun-Dried Tomato Couscous
- Rub salmon with sun-dried tomato pesto and sear in a skillet.
- Remove salmon, then sauté fennel in the same skillet.
- Add couscous, lemon juice, and water, simmer, then serve with salmon on top.
- Simmer chickpeas and spinach in a creamy tomato sauce in a skillet.
- Create small wells in the sauce and crack eggs into them.
- Cover and cook until eggs are set, then serve with crusty bread.
- Brown chicken in a skillet, then remove and set aside.
- Sauté mushrooms in the same skillet, then add cream and return chicken to the pan.
- Simmer until chicken is cooked through, and serve over noodles or mashed potatoes.
- Pot Lentil & Vegetable Soup with Parmesan
- Cook onions and garlic in a pot until softened.
- Add lentils, tomatoes, kale, and water, and simmer until lentils are tender.
- Stir in Parmesan rind for flavor, and serve hot.
- Layer tortillas, chicken, kale, and sauce in a baking dish.
- Repeat layers, finishing with sauce and cheese on top.
- Bake until golden and bubbly, then serve with your favorite toppings.
- Pot Pasta with Tuna
- Combine pasta, tuna, and water in a pot, and bring to a simmer.
- Cook until pasta is tender and water is absorbed.
- Serve topped with toasted breadcrumbs for added crunch.
- Sauté leftover vegetables in a skillet until softened.
- Add beaten eggs and stir gently until eggs are cooked through.
- Serve warm and garnish with fresh herbs.
- Sauté onions and spices in a pan until fragrant.
- Add chickpeas, coconut milk, and pre-cut vegetables, and simmer.
- Serve over rice and garnish with your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Sauté leeks and garlic in a pot, then add vegetables and broth.
- Stir in beans, potatoes, and orzo, and simmer until everything is tender.
- Serve topped with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano for added flavor.
- Sauté presliced fajita vegetables in a skillet until tender.
- Add canned black beans and Southwest seasoning, and heat through.
- Serve with cheese, sour cream, or your favorite toppings.
- Sauté onion and carrot in a pot, then add chickpeas and tomato paste.
- Mash some chickpeas for thickness, then simmer until heated through.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
- Pot Garlicky Shrimp & Spinach
- Sauté shrimp and garlic in a skillet until shrimp is pink.
- Add spinach, lemon juice, and crushed red pepper, and cook until spinach wilts.
- Serve with whole-wheat baguette slices to soak up the sauce.
- Cook onions and peppers in a pot until softened.
- Add canned beans, tomatoes, and chili spices, and simmer.
- Serve with rice or tortilla chips, topped with your choice of garnishes.
- Sauté sliced zucchini in a skillet until tender.
- Pour beaten eggs over zucchini, then top with cheese and herbs.
- Cook until eggs are set, then serve warm.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs
- Baby potatoes
- Kale
- Lemon
- Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta
- Chicken breast
- Pasta
- Tomato sauce
- Parmesan cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Skillet Salmon with Fennel & Sun-Dried Tomato Couscous
- Salmon
- Fennel
- Sun-dried tomato pesto
- Couscous
- Lemon
- Plain yogurt (optional)
- Eggs
- Chickpeas
- Spinach
- Tomato sauce
- Heavy cream
- Crusty bread
- Chicken breast
- Wild mushrooms or baby bellas
- Cream
- Whole-wheat egg noodles or mashed potatoes
- Pot Lentil & Vegetable Soup with Parmesan
- Lentils
- Kale
- Tomatoes
- Parmesan cheese rind (optional)
- Chicken
- Kale
- Enchilada sauce
- Tortillas
- Cilantro
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Jalapeños
- Pot Pasta with Tuna
- Tuna
- Pasta
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Lemon
- Whole-wheat panko breadcrumbs
- Eggs
- Mixed vegetables
- Fresh herbs
- Chickpeas
- Coconut milk
- Vegetables
- Brown rice
- Simmer sauce
- Hot sauce (optional)
- Leeks
- Potatoes
- Beans
- Zucchini
- Spinach
- Orzo
- Vegetable broth (for vegetarian option)
- Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- Canned black beans
- Presliced fajita vegetables
- Southwest seasoning
- Salt, pepper, oil
- Cheese, sour cream (optional)
- Chickpeas
- Spinach
- Tomato paste
- Onion
- Shredded carrot
- Pot Garlicky Shrimp & Spinach
- Shrimp
- Spinach
- Garlic
- Lemon juice
- Crushed red pepper
- Parsley
- Whole-wheat baguette
- Canned beans
- Canned tomatoes
- Scallions
- Fresh cilantro
- Avocado
- Jalapeños
- Rice, couscous, or tortilla chips
- Zucchini
- Eggs
- Goat cheese (or feta/ricotta salata)
- Fresh mint
- Fresh basil
FAQ
- What are the benefits of one-pot meals?
- One-pot meals are advantageous because they minimize the number of dishes used, making cleanup much easier. They allow for the cooking of a balanced meal with proteins, vegetables, and grains all in one pot, which can be both time-saving and convenient.
- Can I use different types of pans for one-pot recipes?
- Yes, different types of pans can be used for one-pot recipes, such as skillets, Dutch ovens, or soup pots. The choice of pan often depends on the specific recipe and the ingredients involved.
- Are one-pot meals suitable for vegetarians?
- Absolutely, one-pot meals can be easily adapted for vegetarian diets. Recipes such as the Vegan Coconut Chickpea Curry or the Hearty Chickpea & Spinach Stew are examples of nutritious vegetarian one-pot meals.
- How can I add variety to one-pot dishes?
- You can add variety to one-pot dishes by experimenting with different herbs, spices, and seasonings. Additionally, varying the types of vegetables, proteins, and grains used can create new flavors and textures.
- What are some tips for making one-pot meals healthier?
- To make one-pot meals healthier, focus on incorporating plenty of vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Opt for low-sodium ingredients and healthy fats, and consider using herbs and spices to enhance flavor without adding extra calories or salt.
Tips
- When preparing the Vegan Coconut Chickpea Curry, opt for pre-cut vegetables from the grocery store’s salad bar to save time and effort. This way, you can whip up the dish even faster for a quick and easy meal.
- For the Creamy Chicken & Mushrooms recipe, feel free to use any type of mushrooms you have on hand, whether they are wild, maitake, shiitake, or baby bellas. This flexibility makes the dish versatile and adaptable to what’s available.
- In the Hearty Minestrone recipe, to make it vegetarian, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth. Adding freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano on top will give each bowl a vibrant flavor boost.
- To speed up preparation for the Black Bean Fajita Skillet, take advantage of presliced and ready-to-cook fresh vegetables found in the produce section of your grocery store. This can significantly cut down on prep time and make dinner come together more quickly.
Equipment
- pot recipes that one might not normally have at home:
- Large Skillet or Saute Pan – A high-quality, large-sized skillet is essential for these one-pan recipes, such as Skillet Lemon Chicken and One-Skillet Salmon.
- Dutch Oven or Large Pot – Useful for recipes like One-Pot Lentil & Vegetable Soup and Hearty Minestrone.
- Broiler-Safe Skillet – Needed for recipes that require finishing under a broiler, like the One-Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta.
- Immersion Blender – For soups and stews that require blending, such as the Hearty Chickpea & Spinach Stew.
- Microplane or Zester – Handy for zesting lemons or grating cheese as mentioned in several recipes.
