Some nights call for shortcuts, and that’s where one-pot meals save the day. They cut down on dishes, save you time, and still bring big flavor to the table. Perfect for lazy evenings, these recipes let you toss everything together and let it work its magic. They’re hearty enough to keep everyone full without much effort. Once you try them, you’ll wonder why you ever cooked any other way.
Chicken Pot Pie Bubble Up
Biscuit dough bakes over creamy chicken and vegetables for a lighter version of pot pie. The sauce coats everything without being too heavy, so it’s filling but not overwhelming. It’s a solid choice for when you want comfort food without a lot of effort. Leftovers reheat well the next day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Bubble Up
One Pot Pizzaiola Chicken
Chicken simmers in marinara and gets finished with mozzarella and basil for a dish that feels like pizza minus the crust. With just a few ingredients, it all comes together in one pot. Cleanup stays quick, which makes it a weeknight-friendly recipe. Serve with bread or salad for a full meal.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Pizzaiola Chicken
One Pot Turkey Rigatoni
Ground turkey, rigatoni, and tomato sauce cook together in one pot for an easy and balanced dinner. Each serving comes in under 200 calories, so it’s lighter than most pasta dishes. It’s perfect for prepping ahead since it stores well for days. This is one of those one-pot meals worth keeping on repeat.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Turkey Rigatoni
Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Chicken, pasta, and tomato sauce blend with herbs for a dinner that’s done in under 30 minutes. The pasta cooks directly in the sauce, so cleanup is minimal. The flavor stays bold without a long ingredient list. It’s a quick pick when you want pasta night to feel special.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Chicken Taco Mac & Cheese
Cheesy pasta gets a boost from taco seasoning, creating a fun mash-up that’s both hearty and simple. Extra vegetables can be mixed in for more balance. The whole dish comes together in one pot, leaving less to clean up. Kids and adults alike keep going back for another scoop.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Taco Mac & Cheese
Campfire Stew
Pork, beans, and vegetables simmer into a thick, hearty stew that’s budget-friendly and easy to stretch. Since everything cooks in one pot, cleanup stays simple. It’s also a great way to use extra produce from the fridge. Serve it with cornbread or rice for a filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Campfire Stew
Chicken & Rice
This chicken and rice dish is ready in about 30 minutes, which makes it a lifesaver on busy nights. The seasoning brings bold flavor, while the rice keeps it hearty. It all cooks in one pot, so cleanup is quick. The leftovers taste just as good reheated for lunch.
Get the Recipe: Chicken & Rice
Turkey Sausage Pasta
A creamy tomato sauce coats pasta and turkey sausage for a dish that feels rich without being heavy. The sausage adds just the right amount of spice, and the cheese ties everything together. Since it’s cooked in one pot, cleanup takes minutes. It’s one of those one-pot meals that works year-round.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Sausage Pasta
Chicken Stew
Tender chicken, vegetables, and broth come together in the Instant Pot for a quick stew. The broth thickens slightly as it cooks, creating a rich finish. Everything cooks in one pot, so cleanup is minimal. It’s an easy way to serve a comforting dinner on a weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stew
One Pot Chicken Creole
This Creole chicken simmers in a tomato base with bold spices for a meal that packs flavor without being heavy. Since it’s cooked in one pot, the flavors meld together beautifully. Serve it with rice or crusty bread to round it out. It’s one of those one-pot meals that feels both practical and comforting.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Chicken Creole
Cowboy Stew
Sausage, beef, beans, and vegetables simmer in a smoky broth that keeps everyone full. Cooking it all in one pot means cleanup takes almost no time. The flavors build as it cooks, so it’s hearty without being complicated. Perfect for feeding a group with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Stew
Mac and Cheese
This Instant Pot mac and cheese stays creamy while sneaking in a few vegetables for extra fiber. The pasta cooks quickly in one pot, so dinner is on the table fast. Kids love the cheesy flavor, and adults appreciate the simplicity. It’s a dish that works for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese
Dutch Oven Pot Roast
Beef and vegetables braise in the oven until tender, soaking up all the rich flavor of the broth. The liquid reduces into a sauce that coats everything perfectly. It’s simple, hearty, and worth the time it spends in the oven. Serve straight from the Dutch oven for an easy presentation.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Pot Roast
Chicken Fajita Pasta
Smoky chicken and peppers mix with creamy pasta in this bold one-pot recipe. Everything comes together in one pan, so cleanup is fast. The flavors feel big without requiring extra effort. It’s an easy win for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fajita Pasta
Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
All the flavors of classic cabbage rolls come together without the rolling step. Ground beef, rice, and cabbage cook quickly in the Instant Pot for a hearty meal. It’s comfort food that feels approachable and quick. This is one of those one-pot meals that saves time without cutting corners on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Chicken and Potato Soup
Creamy broth, hearty chicken, and chunks of potato come together with smoky bacon in this bowl of comfort. It’s rich without weighing you down, which makes it easy to go back for seconds. On chilly nights, this one feels like the smart move.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Potato Soup
Tomato Basil Chicken
Juicy chicken simmers in a creamy tomato-basil sauce that feels both fresh and cozy. Garlic and shallots give it depth, while cream keeps the whole dish smooth. Add pasta or bread and dinner’s done in under an hour.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Chicken
Crockpot Pumpkin Soup
Pumpkin blends with warm spices and a splash of coconut cream for a silky, mellow soup. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting while you go about your day. It’s a low-effort win, especially when fall cravings hit.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Pumpkin Soup
Beef Enchilada Pasta
Pasta and Tex-Mex flavor team up in this one-pan dish that’s bold and cheesy. The noodles soak up the enchilada sauce, so every bite hits with flavor. Cleanup is a breeze since it all cooks in one pan.
Get the Recipe: Beef Enchilada Pasta
Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
Strips of steak simmer slowly with onions, garlic, and peppers until tender. The sauce thickens just enough to coat everything perfectly. Spoon it over rice and you’ve got a dinner that’s easier than takeout.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
Roman Chicken Cacciatore
Chicken thighs sear first, then simmer in a garlicky white wine sauce with rosemary and vinegar. The meat turns out juicy and the sauce feels light but flavorful. It’s a nice change from the usual red-sauce version, and it only takes one pan.
Get the Recipe: Roman Chicken Cacciatore
One Pot Sausage Pasta
Sausage, pasta, and green chiles cook together in a creamy sauce that pulls the dish together. You can adjust the spice depending on who’s at the table. With everything in one pot, dinner’s on the table without a mess.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Sausage Pasta
Boursin Lemon Pasta
Boursin melts into a creamy sauce that’s brightened with fresh lemon. It clings to the pasta and chicken just right without being heavy. Since it’s all made in one pot, cleanup stays easy too.
Get the Recipe: Boursin Lemon Pasta
St. Louis Style Ribs
These ribs go straight into the slow cooker with sauce and turn out tender enough to fall apart. You only need to season, toss them in, and wait. They’re as good for a weeknight as they are for a weekend get-together.
Get the Recipe: St. Louis Style Ribs
Chicken Pesto Pasta
Chicken and pasta cook together before pesto and cream swirl in for a smooth finish. It’s filling without demanding much time at the stove. Plus, leftovers reheat nicely for lunch the next day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pesto Pasta
Slow Cooker Ritz Chicken
Creamy chicken simmers under a crunchy cracker topping in this easy slow cooker dinner. The topping stays crisp enough to add texture without turning soggy. Spoon it over rice or noodles for a meal that feels like comfort with no effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ritz Chicken
Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken
Toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning and come home to chicken that’s tender and flavorful. It works in tacos, over rice, or piled on a salad. It’s an easy option that never feels repetitive.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken
Stove Top Chili
Ground beef, beans, and tomatoes simmer into a thick, spiced chili that’s full of flavor. It’s weeknight-friendly but also perfect for a big game. Top each bowl with cheese, sour cream, or onions to finish it off.
Get the Recipe: Stove Top Chili
Chicken Thighs with Beet Greens
Chicken thighs cook with green beans, corn, and earthy beet greens in a creamy sauce. The mix of textures keeps each bite interesting, while the sauce pulls everything together. It’s quick enough for weekdays but still feels hearty.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Thighs with Beet Greens
Crock Pot Chicken Stew
Chicken and vegetables simmer into a stew that tastes like it took all day, but the slow cooker did the work. The broth comes out rich and balanced without being heavy. Pair it with warm biscuits and you’ve got comfort in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken Stew
