After a long day, cooking a full meal can feel overwhelming, but skipping dinner isn’t an option. These 17 quick one-pot dinners are the solution for nights when you’re too tired to cook but still need something satisfying. With everything cooking in a single pot, these meals cut down on prep, cleanup, and time spent in the kitchen. Whether you’re reaching for a skillet, slow cooker, or Instant Pot, these recipes make dinner effortless without sacrificing flavor.
Authentic Rice and Lentils
This rice and lentil dish is a simple, one-pot meal that requires little effort. Cooking everything together allows the flavors to blend while keeping the process easy. It works well as a main dish or as a hearty side when you don’t feel like cooking multiple components. This recipe is proof that a few ingredients can make a complete and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Rice and Lentils
French Onion Chicken Skillet
This skillet meal brings together tender chicken, caramelized onions, and melted cheese in one pan for a no-stress dinner. With only 30 minutes of cooking time, it’s great for nights when you need something quick but full of flavor. Everything simmers together, creating a sauce that pairs well with bread or rice. This recipe is proof that one-pan meals can be rich and effortless at the same time.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Chicken Skillet
Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara
This slow cooker chicken marinara makes dinnertime easy by letting everything cook in one pot while you go about your day. The chicken becomes tender as it simmers in a rich tomato sauce, ready to be served with pasta or rice. Minimal prep and cleanup make this a great choice for stress-free nights. This recipe keeps things simple while delivering a satisfying meal with hardly any effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara
Chicken Sancocho
This Colombian-inspired chicken stew is a one-pot meal that fills the kitchen with bold flavors. Chicken, potatoes, and vegetables simmer together, creating a dish that’s both easy and comforting. Since everything cooks in one pot, there’s no need to juggle extra dishes on busy nights. This meal is proof that simple ingredients can come together for a stress-free dinner.
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Instant Pot Chicken with Sweet Peppers
This Instant Pot chicken dish cooks with sweet peppers, tomatoes, and spices for an easy, one-pot dinner. The pressure cooker helps lock in flavors while cutting down cooking time, making it a go-to for busy nights. Everything blends together into a well-balanced meal with no extra steps required. This recipe is a great example of how one-pot meals bring big flavors with little effort.
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Instant Pot Fish Soup
This quick Instant Pot fish soup delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. The broth, fish, and vegetables cook together, making it a hassle-free dinner that’s light yet satisfying. Since everything is prepared in one pot, cleanup is just as easy as cooking. This dish brings fresh flavors to the table without the extra work.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Fish Soup
One-Pot Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes Casserole
This casserole combines juicy chicken and crispy roasted potatoes in a single dish, making it a quick dinner option. The buttermilk marinade keeps the chicken tender while the potatoes bake to perfection. With minimal prep and only one dish to clean, this is an easy weeknight win. This meal is all about keeping things simple without sacrificing comfort.
Get the Recipe: One-Pot Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes Casserole
Butternut Squash Soup with Apple and Coconut Milk
This one-pot butternut squash soup combines the natural sweetness of squash, crisp apple, and creamy coconut milk for a comforting meal. Everything cooks in a single pot, making preparation and cleanup effortless. The ingredients come together to create a rich, smooth soup that works well as a light dinner. This recipe proves that quick meals can still feel complete without extra steps.
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Chicken Pot Pie Soup
This soup takes everything you love about chicken pot pie and turns it into an easy, one-pot meal. The creamy broth, tender chicken, and vegetables cook together for a dinner that feels like comfort in a bowl. Since everything is done in one pot, cleanup is as simple as cooking. This is a great way to enjoy a classic dish without the extra effort of baking a pie.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Szechuan Shrimp
This spicy Szechuan shrimp dish cooks in one pan and takes just minutes to prepare. A simple sauce with chili oil, garlic, and Szechuan peppercorns brings bold flavors without extra work. The shrimp cook quickly, making this meal perfect for nights when time is tight. This recipe is proof that big flavors don’t have to come with complicated steps.
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Korean Beef and Broccoli
This one-pan Korean beef and broccoli stir-fry is a quick way to bring bold flavors to the table. The sweet and savory sauce coats tender beef and crisp broccoli, making it a balanced meal. Since everything cooks in a single skillet, cleanup is just as easy as cooking. This dish is a great option for nights when takeout sounds tempting, but cooking feels easier.
Get the Recipe: Korean Beef and Broccoli
Brisket Chili
This one-pot brisket chili is packed with tender beef, beans, and vegetables, making it a filling dinner. The long simmering time allows the flavors to deepen while requiring minimal attention. Since everything cooks in one pot, there’s no need for extra steps or side dishes. This recipe proves that hearty meals don’t have to mean extra dishes.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Chili
Creamy Tuscan Chicken
This creamy Tuscan chicken comes together in one pan with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a rich sauce. The dish takes just 40 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick yet flavorful option. Everything cooks in the same skillet, cutting down on cleanup while keeping things simple. This meal is proof that one-pan cooking can bring bold flavors with minimal work.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Chicken Egg Foo Young
This one-pan egg foo young is a quick and easy way to bring a classic Chinese takeout dish to your kitchen. The eggs, chicken, and vegetables cook together in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze. A simple sauce adds just the right balance of flavor without requiring extra steps. This dish is perfect for nights when you want something quick, hearty, and packed with familiar flavors.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Foo Young
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
These bite-sized pieces of chicken are cooked in a garlic butter sauce, making them a quick and satisfying dinner option. Everything comes together in one pan in just 20 minutes. Pair it with rice or vegetables for a no-stress meal that’s done in no time. This recipe is all about keeping things simple while still delivering big flavor.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Easy Beef Stew
This beef stew is a one-pot meal that combines tender beef, root vegetables, and a flavorful broth. The slow cooking process enhances the depth of flavor while requiring very little effort. Since everything simmers in one pot, there’s no need for extra dishes or prep. This dish is an easy way to bring a comforting meal to the table without extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Easy Beef Stew
Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry
This shaved beef and broccoli stir-fry is a quick, one-pan meal that comes together in just minutes. The thinly sliced beef cooks fast, making it a great option for nights when you need something fast. A flavorful sauce ties everything together without extra effort. This dish is a perfect example of how stir-fries make dinner simple without losing out on taste.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry
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