15 One-Pot Meals for Stress-Free Cooking and Cleaning

Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen preparing elaborate meals only to be faced with a mountain of dishes afterward? If so, it’s time to simplify your cooking routine with one-pot meals! These delicious and hearty dishes require minimal prep, cooking time, and cleanup, making them perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Say goodbye to kitchen chaos and hello to stress-free cooking and cleaning with these 15 mouthwatering one-pot meal recipes.

1. One-Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting, this one-pot chicken alfredo pasta is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Simply sauté chicken, garlic, and onions in a large skillet, then add pasta, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Let it simmer until the pasta is cooked through, then stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for a decadent and satisfying meal.

2. Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry

Whip up a quick and healthy dinner with this beef and vegetable stir-fry. Sauté thinly sliced beef, bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots in a wok or large skillet with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a nutritious and flavor-packed meal that’s ready in minutes.

3. One-Pot Chili Mac

Combine two comfort food classics into one delicious dish with this one-pot chili mac. Brown ground beef with onions and garlic in a large pot, then add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, macaroni pasta, and chili seasoning. Let it simmer until the pasta is tender and the flavors have melded together, then top with shredded cheese and green onions for a hearty and satisfying meal.

4. Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Indulge in a taste of the coast with this lemon garlic butter shrimp pasta. Sauté shrimp in a skillet with garlic, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes until pink and opaque, then remove from the pan. In the same skillet, cook pasta in chicken broth and white wine until al dente, then toss with the cooked shrimp, butter, and fresh parsley for a simple yet elegant meal.

5. One-Pot Chicken and Rice

This one-pot chicken and rice dish is a comforting and wholesome meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Brown chicken thighs in a Dutch oven or large pot, then remove and set aside. Sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic until softened, then add rice, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes. Nestle the chicken back into the pot and let it simmer until the rice is cooked through and the chicken is tender and juicy.

6. Vegetarian Quinoa Paella

Enjoy a taste of Spain with this vegetarian quinoa paella. Sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic in a large skillet with smoked paprika and saffron until fragrant, then add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and quinoa. Let it simmer until the quinoa is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed, then stir in cooked chickpeas, artichoke hearts, and peas for a flavorful and nutritious meal.

7. One-Pot Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup

Warm up on a chilly day with this one-pot creamy tomato tortellini soup. Sauté onions and garlic in a large pot until softened, then add canned tomatoes, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer, then add refrigerated tortellini and let it cook until tender. Stir in heavy cream and fresh spinach for a rich and comforting soup that’s ready in no time.

8. Beef Stroganoff

Treat yourself to a classic comfort food favorite with this one-pot beef stroganoff. Brown beef strips in a Dutch oven or large skillet, then remove and set aside. Sauté onions and mushrooms until golden brown, then stir in flour, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Add the cooked beef back into the pot along with sour cream and cooked egg noodles for a creamy and indulgent meal.

9. One-Pot Coconut Curry Chicken

Transport your taste buds to the tropics with this one-pot coconut curry chicken. Sauté chicken thighs in a Dutch oven or large skillet with curry paste, garlic, and ginger until browned, then remove and set aside. In the same pot, cook onions, bell peppers, and sweet potatoes until softened, then add coconut milk and chicken broth. Simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, then serve over steamed rice for a flavorful and aromatic meal.

10. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo

Elevate your dinner with this creamy garlic parmesan orzo. Sauté garlic in a skillet until fragrant, then add orzo pasta and chicken broth. Let it simmer until the orzo is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed, then stir in heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese for a rich and indulgent side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables.

11. One-Pot Cajun Sausage and Rice

Spice up your dinner with this one-pot Cajun sausage and rice dish. Brown smoked sausage slices in a Dutch oven or large skillet, then remove and set aside. Sauté onions, bell peppers, and celery until softened, then stir in rice, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning. Nestle the cooked sausage back into the pot and let it simmer until the rice is tender and the flavors have melded together for a zesty and satisfying meal.

12. Veggie-packed Minestrone Soup

Get your daily dose of veggies with this veggie-packed minestrone soup. Sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic in a large pot until softened, then add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, vegetable broth, and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer until the vegetables are tender, then stir in cooked pasta and fresh spinach for a nutritious and comforting soup that’s bursting with flavor.

13. One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Potatoes

Enjoy a hassle-free dinner with this one-pot lemon herb chicken and potatoes. Sauté chicken thighs in a Dutch oven or large skillet with garlic, lemon zest, and fresh herbs until browned, then remove and set aside. In the same pot, cook halved baby potatoes until golden brown, then return the chicken to the pot and let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

14. Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Indulge in a restaurant-worthy meal with this creamy mushroom risotto. Sauté mushrooms in a Dutch oven or large skillet until golden brown, then remove and set aside. In the same pot, cook onions and garlic until softened, then stir in Arborio rice and white wine. Gradually add chicken broth, stirring constantly, until the rice is creamy and cooked through. Stir in the cooked mushrooms and grated parmesan cheese for a luxurious and decadent dish.

15. One-Pot Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables

Satisfy your craving for Asian cuisine with this one-pot teriyaki chicken and vegetables. Sauté chicken breast strips in a large skillet with garlic and ginger until browned, then remove and set aside. In the same skillet, cook bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas until tender-crisp, then return the chicken to the skillet and stir in teriyaki sauce. Let it simmer until the sauce is thickened and the chicken is cooked through, then serve over steamed rice for a quick and flavorful meal.

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