7 Easy One-Pot Dinner Ideas for Quick Cleanup

If you're looking to simplify your dinner routine and cut down on cleanup, one-pot meals are your best friend! These recipes allow you to create delicious, satisfying dishes without the hassle of multiple pots and pans. From hearty stews to quick stir-fries, these one-pot dinner ideas save both time and effort, giving you more time to enjoy your meal and relax at the end of the day.

Hearty One-Pot Chicken And Rice Meals

One-pot chicken and rice meals are a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty dinner without the fuss of multiple dishes. The image shows a beautiful cast iron skillet filled with tender chicken pieces resting on a bed of fluffy rice, dotted with vibrant green peas. This dish not only looks inviting but also promises a comforting flavor that everyone will love.

Cooking everything in one pot means less cleanup, which is a win for busy weeknights. You can easily customize this meal by adding your favorite vegetables or spices. The combination of chicken and rice is classic, and it’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

Let’s get into a simple recipe that captures the essence of this delicious dish!

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika. Add them to the skillet, skin side down, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the rice to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the oil and flavors. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
4. Return the chicken to the skillet, skin side up. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the chicken is tender.
5. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas. Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Easy One-Pot Chicken Alfredo For Busy Weeknights

When the week gets hectic, dinner should be simple yet satisfying. This Easy One-Pot Chicken Alfredo is perfect for those busy nights when you want something delicious without the fuss of multiple dishes. The creamy sauce and tender chicken come together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.

The image shows a beautiful pot of Chicken Alfredo, with perfectly cooked fettuccine coated in a rich, creamy sauce. The grilled chicken is sliced and placed on top, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It’s a dish that looks as good as it tastes!

This recipe is not just quick; it’s also packed with flavor. The combination of garlic, parmesan, and cream creates a comforting meal that everyone will love. Plus, you can customize it by adding vegetables like broccoli or spinach for extra nutrition.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 oz fettuccine pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2. Prepare the Pasta: In the same pot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the fettuccine and enough water to cover the pasta. Bring to a boil and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Create the Sauce: Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese, mixing until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine: Slice the cooked chicken and add it back to the pot. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken in the creamy sauce.
5. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy your delicious one-pot meal!

Satisfying One-Pot Mac And Cheese Creations

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that brings joy to many. The image shows a bubbling, golden-brown casserole of mac and cheese, ready to be served. It’s surrounded by extra pasta, hinting at the deliciousness to come. This one-pot dish not only satisfies cravings but also makes cleanup a breeze.

Making mac and cheese in one pot means less hassle and more time to enjoy your meal. You can customize it with your favorite cheeses or add-ins like bacon, broccoli, or even spicy jalapeños. The creamy sauce clings to each piece of pasta, making every bite a delight.

Here’s a simple recipe to whip up your own delicious one-pot mac and cheese:

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine the macaroni, water, and milk. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
2. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Add butter and mix until everything is creamy and well combined.
5. Serve hot and enjoy your one-pot mac and cheese!

Savory One-Pot Sausage And Peppers Dish

This one-pot sausage and peppers dish is a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty meal without the hassle of multiple pots and pans. The vibrant colors of the bell peppers and the savory sausage create a delightful visual feast. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while it cooks is simply irresistible!

Start by sautéing sliced sausage in a large pot until browned. Then, toss in a mix of colorful bell peppers and onions. The combination of flavors melds beautifully as everything simmers together. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a nice touch at the end, enhancing the dish's freshness.

This meal is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete experience. Cleanup is a breeze since everything is made in one pot!

Ingredients

• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the sliced onions and garlic, cooking until the onions are translucent.
3. Stir in the bell peppers, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers are tender.
4. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Spicy One-Pot Thai Curry With Coconut Milk

This Spicy One-Pot Thai Curry is a fantastic way to enjoy a flavorful meal without the hassle of multiple pots and pans. The vibrant colors of the fresh vegetables and the creamy coconut milk create a dish that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. The combination of spices and coconut brings warmth and richness, making it perfect for any night of the week.

In the image, you can see a beautiful pot filled with tender chicken, bell peppers, and green beans, all swimming in a luscious coconut curry sauce. Fresh herbs like cilantro add a pop of color and freshness, while a side of fluffy rice completes the meal. This dish is not only easy to prepare, but it also allows for customization based on what you have on hand.

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make this delicious one-pot Thai curry:

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons red curry paste
• 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in the red curry paste and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the coconut milk, chicken broth, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Stir well to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the sliced bell pepper and green beans. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, alongside a bowl of rice.

Flavorful One-Pot Moroccan Chicken Tagine

One-pot meals are a lifesaver, especially when you want to whip up something delicious without the hassle of multiple dishes. This Moroccan Chicken Tagine is a perfect example. It’s not just easy to make; it’s packed with vibrant flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to Morocco.

The image showcases a beautiful tagine pot filled with tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and aromatic spices. The rich hues of the carrots and peppers contrast beautifully with the golden chicken, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Served alongside fluffy couscous and fresh herbs, this dish is both comforting and satisfying.

Cooking in one pot means less cleanup, which is always a win. Plus, the flavors meld together beautifully as everything simmers, creating a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skinless
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or tagine over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant (about 3-4 minutes).
2. Add the chicken thighs to the pot, browning them on all sides for about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the sliced carrots, chopped bell pepper, chickpeas, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth.
4. Season with cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover.
5. Simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving. Serve hot with couscous or rice.

Nutritious One-Pot Spinach And Ricotta Stuffed Shells

These one-pot spinach and ricotta stuffed shells are a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty meal without the hassle of multiple dishes. The image shows a beautiful skillet filled with large pasta shells, generously stuffed with a creamy mixture of ricotta cheese and fresh spinach. The shells are nestled in a rich tomato sauce, topped with melted cheese and garnished with fresh herbs. It’s a comforting dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying.

Making this dish is simple. Start by cooking the pasta shells until al dente. While they cook, mix ricotta cheese, spinach, and some seasonings in a bowl. Once the shells are ready, stuff them with the mixture and place them in a skillet with tomato sauce. Top with cheese and let everything simmer together. This method not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze since everything is made in one pot!

Ingredients

• 12 large pasta shells
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta shells in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Stuff the Shells: Carefully fill each pasta shell with the ricotta mixture.
4. Assemble in Skillet: Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a large skillet. Place the stuffed shells on top and cover with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
5. Simmer: Cover the skillet and cook on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh basil, and enjoy your delicious one-pot meal!