17 Straightforward One-Pot Dinner Recipes for Low-Effort Weeknight Meals
On a busy weeknight, nothing is extra daunting than the prospect of cooking dinner from scratch (or the clean-up that comes after). Simply the considered having to pull out cooking instruments, toss stuff collectively, and then take care of post-meal dish obligation is sufficient to have me reaching for a supply app. However typically, I additionally need a wholesome meal and don’t need to resort to takeout but once more. So subsequent time I’m feeling cooking fatigue, I’ll flip to this helpful checklist of simple one-pot recipes as an alternative.
Featured picture by Michelle Nash.
And if you happen to assume one-pot recipes are restricted solely to easy soups, you’re in for an actual deal with. We’re stretching the definition of “one-pot” and have expanded to all types of main-attraction kitchen instruments. Pans and bowls be part of the streamlined dinner staff, and fortunately, they’re all right here to make your weeknight kitchen woes disappear.
From pizzas to pasta to veggie-packed dishes, we assure you’ll discover the proper simple one-pot recipes for no matter substances you have got available. One-pot meals additionally fall beneath the class of consolation meals, which is simply what you want because the temperatures begin to dip. Get able to settle in with these easy, fast, and scrumptious meals. They’re massive on taste however gentle on prep and clean-up. The perfect state of affairs, if you happen to ask me.
One-Pot Pasta Primavera with Summer time Veggies & Ricotta
Why we find it irresistible: This spin on the traditional Italian dish cooks in lightening-fast time. You can too swap in and swap out no matter veggies you have got available. Even frozen greens work fantastically. That is summertime cooking at its best—shiny, zesty, and so easy it’s nearly surprising how good it’s.
Hero ingredient: What may very well be higher than ricotta?
Why We Love It: Whereas all of us have a comfortable, nostalgic spot for the rooster noodle soup that will nurse us again to well being once we have been youthful, this spin is a couple of thousand occasions higher. Easy veggies like carrots and celery complement the hearty, scrumptious rooster and soba noodles with out overpowering these staple substances.
Hero Ingredient: Turmeric not solely offers this soup its distinctive heat and spice however its sensible coloration, too.
Why we find it irresistible: Easy and engaging, this hearty dinner comes collectively in lower than quarter-hour. It’s full of end-of-summer flavors which can be as comforting and nourishing as they’re scrumptious.
Hero ingredient: The jalapeño chili provides an surprising kick.
Why We Love It: A bowl of creamy, coconutty, veggie-packed curry is my thought of consolation meals, and whereas this stretches the definition of simple one-pot recipes, I’d say cooking all the pieces on a sheet pan is simply as streamlined. And after I say all the pieces, I imply all the pieces—that’s proper, a genius hack helps the rice obtain its signature fluffiness.
Hero Ingredient: Peanut butter lends the proper candy and salty chew to each comforting spoonful.
Why We Love It: For those who haven’t tried kitchari but, that is your signal to serve it tonight. Kitchari is Indian consolation meals, used broadly in practices like Ayurveda. However as our Meals Editor Suruchi notes, whereas it warms the soul like your favourite mac and cheese, it nourishes the physique as nicely. For the uninitiated, Suruchi describes kitchari as being just like “a savory rice and lentil oatmeal.” However after all, with spices aplenty, it’s a lot extra.
Hero Ingredient: Grated ginger root offers the rice and lentils loads of grounding and heat, spicy taste.
Why We Love It: The North African and Center Japanese staple is one in every of my favourite brunch dishes, however makes for an unbelievable (and extremely simple) weeknight dinner. Tomatoes get cooked down with jalapeño and garlic and the most effective mix of spices (cumin and paprika) give this dish simply sufficient warmth.
Hero Ingredient: There’s no higher match for a spicy pink sauce than poached eggs. Toast a couple of slices of bread and get to dippin’.
Why We Love It: I don’t keep in mind when it occurred, however lasagna has at all times been my household’s go-to Christmas Eve predominant dish (surrounded by loads of sides). And whereas I like the aplomb and celebration inherent in a multi-layered pasta meal, with regards to weeknight cooking, simple one-pot recipes are my choose. When fall comes round, this Skillet Eggplant Lasagna is on my biweekly to-make checklist. It’s cozy (after all), vegetarian (however nonetheless hearty!), and as Camille says “not the slightest bit nap-inducing.” Can your lasagna do this?
Hero Ingredient: Thick slices of eggplant are the key to creating this lasagna each a vegetarian and meat-lover’s dream dish.
Why We Love It: I do know what you’re considering: Soup?! In the course of summer season? However people, that is the proper transitional meal. It makes essentially the most of candy, in-season corn and pairs the brilliant, colourful veg with loads of shiny and colourful taste to match. Cumin seeds, jalapeño, and a tablespoon of sriracha kick up the warmth—the proper strategy to minimize by means of the corn’s sweetness. Bonus: This soup shops nicely within the fridge or frozen to be loved within the later, cooler months.
Hero Ingredient: For those who’ve by no means had poblanos earlier than, you’re in for a deal with. They’re just like a inexperienced bell pepper, however with a smidge extra chew. Roasting them on the sheet pan earlier than combining with the opposite substances mellows their taste, and the result’s a deeply advanced warmth that takes this soup from good to bowl-lickin’ nice.
Why we find it irresistible: As a couple of of the recipes on this checklist show, breakfast for dinner is each a enjoyable twist in your night meal and a good way to chop down on prep and clean-up time. A mixture of bell peppers, kale, pico de gallo, and crumbled cotija give this meal a enjoyable mixture of textures, coloration, and taste. Prime with no matter additions you’d like, however we’re followers of the extra creaminess and crunch that sliced avocado and tortilla chips carry to the occasion.
Hero ingredient: Retailer-bought pico de gallo lends a dimension of acidity and warmth to your dish. After all, you’re at all times welcome to make your personal if you happen to’d like.
Why We Love It: When our photographer Michelle shared this recipe, our minds have been blown. With pesto, we’ve at all times taken the standard route. Pine nuts, olive oil, basil, and loads of cheese give the sauce richness and physique. However, little did we all know, a plant-based spin isn’t solely attainable however maybe much more crave-worthy. On this recipe, spinach helps the basil in giving the pesto its signature inexperienced hue and hemp seeds lend slightly texture (to not point out protein and fiber) to the toasted pine nuts.
Hero Ingredient: The magical secret ingredient that makes this vegan tackle a traditional so good? Dietary yeast, y’all. It’s swapped instead of the parmesan to offer this pesto its signature tacky taste. The increase of each protein and vitamin B12 is simply an added bonus.
Spring Rice with Greens and Peas
Why we find it irresistible: Whereas rice isn’t recognized to be the muse for essentially the most thrilling meals, right here, it units the tone for a flavorful, however couldn’t-be-simpler dish. That’s proper—three substances make this the perfect base for any proteins, further veggies, or add-ins of your alternative. Tremendous inexpensive, extremely fast, and endlessly adaptable. What extra might you need?
Hero ingredient: On the subject of the greens, comply with the rules of the season you’re in. This time of 12 months, I’m all about purslane. For those who haven’t found the inexperienced but, don’t be turned off by its “weed” moniker. For those who’re seeking to eat extra sustainably, it is a nice strategy to do it!
Why we find it irresistible: Certain, on my finest days you’ll be able to catch me getting artistic and impressive within the kitchen, however after a full day of labor, my potential to increase effort towards something is as little as it will get. Fortunately, simple one-pot recipes like this rooster and rice soup exist for a motive. As a result of the substances cook dinner collectively in a single pot, the bone-in rooster breasts taste the soup fantastically, lending a wealthy depth to each spoonful. It’s scrumptious (after all), however an unexpectedly easy meal, too. And when chilly season comes round, you’ll be grateful it’s in your again pocket.
Hero ingredient: Just a few sprigs of recent thyme or oregano make for a surprisingly impactful addition.
Summer time Spaghetti with Tomatoes, Burrata, & Basil
Why we find it irresistible: When summer season comes round and the temps are at an all-time excessive, the very last thing I would like is a heavy bowl of pasta. BUT gentle pasta recipes exist for a motive, and this one’s my favourite. It’s a simple, satisfying bowl of consolation meals that’s bursting with taste. The burrata makes it tremendous creamy with out feeling overly heavy and the basil brightens all the pieces up. It’s certain to grow to be one in every of your favourite simple one-pot recipes.
Hero ingredient: There’s nothing higher than bursting bites of candy cherry tomatoes.
Why we find it irresistible: This perfect-for-summer recipe comes collectively shortly and simply, with out skimping on taste. Whilst you’re welcome to make use of any mixture of veggies you’d like, with regards to pesto, we’re keen on an all-green coloration palette. Asparagus, sugar snap peas, inexperienced onions, frozen peas, and naturally, loads of garlic give this dish not solely plenty of taste and crunch, however helps you meet your every day veggie quota, too.
Hero ingredient: Whereas some pasta recipes can really feel heavy, this primavera tastes deliciously gentle. However I’ve to say that the bites of crumbled goat cheese are a very welcome addition to my plate.
Why we find it irresistible: It doesn’t get a lot simpler than this straightforward recipe. A 15-minute one-pot meal that’s as fast and simple because it will get. And although the recipe title calls it out, I can’t however repeat it: vegan! Sure, that’s proper, this pasta’s creaminess comes from essentially the most luxuriously-thick walnut sauce. I’ll by no means not be amazed by what my favourite plant-based staples can do.
Hero ingredient: As a result of this dish leans on the aspect of indulgence with regards to taste, a easy garnish of lemon zest on the finish will brighten up your complete bowl.
Why we find it irresistible: This dish is the proper fusion of our favourite fall flavors and conventional Indian delicacies. Scrumptious consolation meals made shortly and utilizing wholesome substances like chickpeas, kale, spices, and diced tomatoes. It’s a stunning and simple one-pot recipe that’s excellent for a busy weeknight and much more divine as leftovers the subsequent day.
Hero ingredient: On the subject of cozy season cooking, pumpkin is at all times the star.
Why we find it irresistible: Everybody wants an excellent go-to salmon recipe, and Camille swears by this simple, largely hands-off method. It’s candy and citrusy and excellent served alongside your favourite roasted veggie and a grain. On the subject of simple one-pot recipes, typically, simplicity is finest.
Hero ingredient: When fennel is roasted low and gradual, the result’s a gentle, anise-like taste that positive aspects an fringe of caramelized sweetness. In different phrases, perfection.
This publish was final up to date on July 30, 2025 to incorporate new insights.
