24 Easy One-Pot Meals and Dinner Ideas

Easy one-pot meals are absolute lifesavers. 

Whether you’re looking for soup, pasta, or fried rice, you’ll find a winner on this list.

20+ Best One-Pot Recipes

With these one-pot meals, you don’t have to sacrifice taste for convenience.

Just throw everything in, and you’ll have a delicious meal in less than an hour! 

Plus, clean-up is a breeze. There are fewer pots and pans to wash and more time for you and your loved ones.

Elevate your weeknight dinners with these delicious one-pot meals!

1. One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese

Imagine a fusion of mac and cheese with homemade chili, all in one pot. No fuss, just deliciousness.

It’s mac and cheese’s adventurous side, made with pantry staples. A speedy, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for busy nights.

You’ll love it, and so will your family.

Simple, satisfying, and ready in just 30 minutes. Enjoy!

2. One Pot Cheesy Chicken Alfredo 

Meet the one-pot cheesy chicken Alfredo, your go-to one-skillet dinner.

Creamy Alfredo pasta with tender chicken, all in one pan! It’s a family favorite, no doubt.

Quick, easy, and minimal cleanup. Perfect for those hectic weeknights when you need a satisfying meal without the fuss.

3. One Pot Pad Thai 

Pad Thai is a fusion of vibrant flavors – it’s a little sour, a little sweet, a little nutty, and a whole lot of delicious.

This popular Thai dish is often enjoyed as takeout, but this one-pot recipe will have you making your own from now on.

You’ll only need 15 minutes of prep time and another 15 minutes of cooking time to make this recipe.

4. One Pot Beef Stroganoff 

This creamy and savory beef stroganoff can be made all in one pot!

In this recipe, you will cook the egg noodles in the beef broth along with all of the other ingredients. The pasta will absorb all the flavors. 

It will reduce, and you’ll end up with a creamy and delightful dish that’s budget-friendly.

You’ll thank yourself with each chewy bite.

5. One Pot Lemon Garlic Pasta 

Take a break from rich and creamy pasta dishes and treat yourself to this refreshing lemon garlic pasta.

It gets richness from cream cheese and parmesan, but the lemon balances everything out.

Plus, this meal is super quick and easy. You don’t even need to boil the pasta in a separate pot!

6. Campbell’s Chicken Pot Pie

Campbell’s chicken pot pie is pure comfort in a dish.

It’s got chicken, veggies, and creamy goodness sandwiched between flaky crusts.

It’s simple to make and transforms leftovers into a mouthwatering meal.

Now that’s pie perfection.

7. Chicken Tortilla Soup 

This chicken tortilla soup will warm your heart. It’s certified comfort food!

The recipe is by Trisha Yearwood, so you’re assured it’s a crowd-pleaser.

The soup is loaded with chicken, beans, corn, and tortilla chips. Topped with cheese and sour cream, it’s also rich and creamy.

Serve this any night of the week, and you won’t be disappointed

8. Texas Roadhouse Chili 

Make your own chili at home in less than an hour. You can even make a big batch and store it in the freezer for when you need it.

It’s meaty and beefy, with creamy and tender beans adding a playful texture.

And with its rich, savory, and spicy flavors, this chili pairs well with just about anything.

Chips and salsa, coleslaw, cornbread, and salad are my favorite options.

9. Paula Deen Chicken and Dumplings

Craving comfort food? Try chicken and dumplings – a classic southern delight made easy with store-bought ingredients.

This cozy bowl of shredded chicken, soft dumplings, and creamy broth is perfect for chilly evenings.

It’s rich, hearty, soul-satisfying, and ready in just 30 minutes.

Make a double batch; one bowl won’t cut it.

10. New England Clam Chowder 

Warm up with a bowl of New England clam chowder on a chilly, rainy night.

This creamy soup stars briny clams, silky potatoes, and smoky bacon in a thick, cream-infused broth.

No need for culinary wizardry; it’s easy to whip up in just 45 minutes.

11. Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This broccoli cheddar soup is a comforting classic that warms you with creamy cheese and tender broccoli.

This velvety delight is ready in about an hour, making any winter night cozier.

For extra creaminess, use cream instead of milk. Keep it veg-friendly with vegetable stock instead of chicken.

Regardless, it’s a flavor knockout.

12. Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup 

For weeknight dinners, Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup is another knockout.

Juicy chicken, crisp carrots, celery, and spinach mingle in a creamy broth.

The gnocchi steal the show – these soft, doughy dumplings elevate every spoonful.

It’s comfort in a bowl, ready to enchant your evening in no time.

13. Easy Skillet Lasagna 

This easy skillet lasagna is a lazy day’s dream.

It has all your favorite Italian flavors without the fuss of traditional lasagna.

Think juicy Italian sausage and tangy marinara, hugged by a trio of cheeses.

No pre-cooking noodles, no layers, just straight-up deliciousness in a pan.

Perfect for when you crave comfort but need it fast!

14. Creamy Tuscan Chicken 

This creamy Tuscan chicken is a weeknight wonder.

It’s a symphony of buttery garlic flavors in a lush, creamy sauce.

Parmesan cheese and heavy cream join the mix, creating a rich, velvety texture.

Cherry tomatoes and spinach add a fresh, earthy twist, sneaking in those greens.

It’s low-carb, high-flavor, perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.

Serve it up with pasta, and watch it disappear.

15. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Sheet pan chicken fajitas are effortlessly delicious.

Juicy chicken, bell peppers, and onions roast together, creating a smoky, spicy flavor.

They’re vibrant, full of life, and packed with taste.

It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, ready to dig in and enjoy.

16. Cheeseburger Casserole

This cheeseburger casserole turns easy dinners into a feast.

It’s like your favorite cheeseburger went gourmet in casserole form!

Ground beef, melted cheddar, and macaroni noodles bathed in a rich tomato sauce.

It’s the upscale cousin of Hamburger Helper, giving you comfort with a cheesy twist.

17. Green Lentil Curry

This green lentil curry is inspired by the delicious and aromatic curry dishes of Thailand and India. 

The blend of spices with the creamy coconut milk is what gives the curry its unique taste.

With this quick and easy curry recipe, you’ll be able to make your own at home. You can serve this with a hot bowl of rice or bread (like naan).

18. One Pot Pork Ragu With Orzo 

Let’s get a little adventurous with this entry: a spicy pork ragu with orzo.

A medley of ground pork, tomato sauce, veggies, spices and orzo, this dish is another awesome addition to your meal ideas.

If you love your food with a bit of heat, you will enjoy this dish!

19. One Pot Goulash 

This American Goulash recipe is reminiscent of school lunches but better. It’s made of beef, macaroni, and seasoned red sauce.

This recipe can be made on weeknights or for game nights and potlucks. You can dress it up or down depending on the occasion.

Serve with garlic bread and enjoy!

20. Lasagna Soup 

Turn the awesome flavors of lasagna into a rich and hearty soup!

Everybody loves lasagna, and you can’t really go wrong with soup, so this lasagna soup is a no-brainer!

The soup has Italian sausage, bite-sized lasagna noodles, and lots of cheese in a tomato-based broth.

Basically, you’ll find all the flavors of a lasagna in this bowl of soup.

21. Chicken Fried Rice 

If you have leftover rice, there’s no other option but to make… fried rice!

Nothing says simple and straightforward like a stir-fry. This chicken fried rice has protein, veggies, and carbs all in one dish.

It’s a great meal that’s so easy, you won’t need to order takeout.

22. One Pot Jambalaya 

This jambalaya is cooked in one pot and can be enjoyed in a bowl as well. It’s easy to cook and just as easy to eat. 

It’s no-mess and fuss-free. Now, that’s what I’m talking about!

You can make this dish in less than 30 minutes. It’s a great weeknight meal if you want to take it easy but still want to eat like a king.

23. One Pot Teriyaki Chicken Bowls

Chicken, rice, and crunchy vegetables coated in a sweet and salty glaze — that’s teriyaki chicken.

The teriyaki sauce is addicting, especially when mixed with soft and fluffy rice. 

For this one-pot recipe, you don’t need to cook the rice separately.

You simply cook the chicken then add all the other ingredients, and simmer until it’s done.

24. Kielbasa and Cabbage

Kielbasa and cabbage make a perfect pair.

Kielbasa is smoky, peppery, and garlicky, while the cabbage adds crunch.

This recipe uses a dijon vinaigrette for a bit of a tangy kick, enhancing the overall flavor of this dish.

It’s simple but has a lot to offer. If you’re trying to stay off carbs, try this one out.