11 Easy One-Pot Meals For Busy Weeknights

What's for dinner tonight? If that question often leaves you scrambling, you're not alone. After a long day, the last thing most people want is complicated cooking or a pile of dishes to clean. That's where one-pot meals come in handy.

One-pot meals are quick, fuss-free, and packed with flavour—all while cutting cleanup time in half. Here are some easy one-pot recipes that make weeknights less stressful and much more delicious.

Chicken And Rice With Vegetables

This dish is a weeknight classic. It brings comfort and balance to the table without extra steps. Everything—protein, grains, and vegetables—cooks together, so you don’t need side dishes.

How To Make It:

Start with chicken thighs or breasts, seasoned with garlic, paprika, and a little olive oil.

Sear them in a large pot, then set aside.

In the same pot, add onions, carrots, and bell peppers. Stir in uncooked rice and chicken broth.

Place the chicken back on top, cover, and let it simmer until the rice is fluffy.

This is a meal that works with whatever vegetables you have on hand. Broccoli, peas, or green beans all fit in perfectly.

Creamy One-Pot Pasta

Ever tried cooking pasta directly in its sauce instead of boiling it separately? That's the trick here. The starch from the pasta thickens everything into a rich, creamy sauce.

How To Make It:

Sauté garlic and onions in olive oil.

Add dry pasta, broth, and a splash of cream or milk.

Let it cook together until the pasta is tender and the liquid has reduced into a sauce.

Add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for added texture and flavour. If you want protein, toss in cooked sausage, shrimp, or rotisserie chicken at the end.

Hearty Beef And Potato Stew

When the evening calls for something filling, this stew is the answer. It’s a one-pot recipe that tastes like it simmered for hours, even if it only takes about 45 minutes.

How To Make It:

Brown chunks of beef with onions and garlic.

Add potatoes, carrots, and celery.

Pour in beef broth and let it all simmer until the meat is tender.

For added depth, a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce brings out the savoury flavours. Leftovers taste even better the next day.

One-Pot Chili

Chilli is a true weeknight hero. It's hearty, versatile, and perfect for feeding a family or saving for lunches.

How To Make It:

Cook ground beef or turkey with onions and peppers.

Add canned beans, diced tomatoes, and chilli powder.

Let it all simmer until thick and fragrant.

For a twist, try sweet potato chilli—replace some of the beans with cubed sweet potatoes. They absorb the spices and naturally sweeten the dish.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp With Orzo

If you love quick seafood dinners, this one's a keeper. It feels restaurant-quality, but it only requires one pan and about 25 minutes.

How To Make It:

Sauté shrimp with garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Remove the shrimp, then cook dry orzo pasta in chicken broth and lemon juice in the same pan.

When the orzo is creamy, stir the shrimp back in.

A sprinkle of fresh parsley and Parmesan finishes it off. Light, fresh, and done in no time.

One-Pot Veggie Curry

This meal proves you don’t need meat to have something hearty. A big pot of curry can be made with whatever vegetables you have in the fridge.

How To Make It:

Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger with curry powder or paste.

Add chopped vegetables—cauliflower, zucchini, sweet potatoes, or peas work beautifully.

Stir in coconut milk and simmer until the veggies are tender.

Pair with rice or naan, or enjoy it straight from the bowl.

Simple Fried Rice

Got leftover rice? This is the fastest one-pot meal you’ll ever make. It turns fridge scraps into something tasty in under 20 minutes.

How To Make It:

Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok.

Add diced vegetables, such as carrots, peas, or green onions.

Stir in cooked rice, soy sauce, and scrambled eggs.

For a higher protein content, consider adding shrimp, chicken, or tofu. It's an easy recipe to double if you want lunch ready for the next day.

Sausage And White Bean Skillet

This dish boasts a rustic, hearty flavour that makes you want to sit down with crusty bread and dig in.

How To Make It:

Sear sliced sausage until browned.

Add garlic, onions, and canned white beans.

Add diced tomatoes and let the mixture simmer until it thickens.

It's a simple dinner, but incredibly satisfying. Fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, brighten it up just before serving.

Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Risotto sounds intimidating, but when you cook it all in one pot, it’s surprisingly simple. The trick is patience and stirring.

How To Make It:

Cook mushrooms and garlic in butter.

Stir in Arborio rice and coat it well.

Add warm broth a little at a time, stirring until absorbed before adding more.

The result is a creamy, comforting dish. If you’d like, finish with a touch of cream and grated Parmesan.

Tex-Mex Quinoa Skillet

Looking for something light but packed with flavour? This quinoa skillet has all the spices of Tex-Mex cooking with none of the fuss.

How To Make It:

Cook onions and peppers with cumin, chilli powder, and garlic.

Add quinoa, corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes.

Simmer in broth until the quinoa is fluffy.

Top with avocado, shredded cheese, or a squeeze of lime. It's colourful, healthy, and quick.

Tuscan Chicken With Spinach

This dish is both cosy and elegant at the same time. Creamy sauce, tender chicken, and greens all come together in a single pan.

How To Make It:

Sear chicken breasts until golden.

In the same pan, cook garlic with a bit of butter. Add cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach.

Return the chicken to the pot and let it simmer until tender.

It pairs nicely with pasta, rice, or just a slice of bread for mopping up the sauce.

Why One-Pot Meals Work So Well?

Weeknight cooking is often about striking a balance: quick prep, easy cleanup, and food that satisfies everyone. One-pot meals deliver all three. By cooking everything in one pan, you save time and effort while allowing flavours to blend naturally.

Whether it’s a bowl of creamy pasta, a hearty stew, or a skillet of sizzling shrimp, these dishes make dinner something to look forward to—even on the busiest nights.