Name: 5 Delicious One-Pot Dinner Recipes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 lemon (zest and juice); 2 cups chicken broth; 1 tsp dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste

Preparing dinner on a busy weeknight can feel like a chore, but with one-pot meals, cleanup is quick and cooking is a breeze. Whether you’re a home cook looking to save time or someone who just hates doing dishes, one-pot recipes are your ultimate kitchen hack.

Not only are they easy to make, but these one-dish wonders also pack flavor and nutrients in a single pan. From hearty stews to creamy pastas, there’s something for everyone. You can even explore more healthy ideas in this EatingWell collection of one-pot dinners.

These five delicious one-pot dinner recipes are perfect for families, meal-prep enthusiasts, or anyone looking to cook healthy, flavorful, and low-effort meals. You can also find more inspiration in BBC Good Food’s one-pot recipe collection.

🍗 1. One-Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken and Rice

Contents hide

1 🍗 1. One-Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken and Rice

1.1 Ingredients:

1.2 Instructions:

1.3 Tips:

2 🍝 2. Creamy One-Pot Pasta Primavera

2.1 Ingredients:

2.2 Instructions:

2.3 Tips:

3 🥘 3. One-Pot Beef and Vegetable Stew

3.1 Ingredients:

3.2 Instructions:

3.3 Tips:

4 🍤 4. One-Pot Shrimp and Quinoa

4.1 Ingredients:

4.2 Instructions:

4.3 Tips:

5 🍛 5. Vegetarian One-Pot Lentil Curry

5.1 Ingredients:

5.2 Instructions:

5.3 Tips:

6 ❓ FAQs About One-Pot Dinners

6.1 What are the best pots to use for one-pot meals?

6.2 Can I use a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

6.3 How do I avoid overcooking ingredients?

6.4 Are these meals freezer-friendly?

6.5 How do I add protein to vegetarian dishes?

7 ✅ Final Tips for Success

8 5 Delicious One-Pot Dinner Recipes

8.6 Did you make this recipe?

This bright and zesty dish is full of flavor and makes for a comforting dinner with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 cup long-grain white rice
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 lemon (zest and juice)
2 cups chicken broth
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Brown the chicken in a large pot or Dutch oven.
Remove the chicken and sauté garlic and lemon zest.
Stir in the rice, broth, lemon juice, and thyme.
Nestle the chicken back on top and simmer for 25–30 minutes.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips:

Add chopped spinach or peas at the end for extra greens.
Substitute with boneless chicken if preferred.

🍝 2. Creamy One-Pot Pasta Primavera

A vegetable-loaded, cheesy pasta dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

12 oz penne or rotini
2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell pepper, zucchini)
3 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

Heat olive oil, sauté garlic and vegetables until slightly soft.
Add pasta and broth, then bring to a boil.
Simmer covered until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
Stir in cream and Parmesan until creamy.

Tips:

Make it vegan by using plant-based cream and cheese.
Great for meal prep — stores well for up to 4 days.

🥘 3. One-Pot Beef and Vegetable Stew

Hearty and comforting, this stew is ideal for cold nights and packed with protein and fiber.

Ingredients:

1 lb beef stew meat
2 carrots, diced
2 potatoes, cubed
1 onion, chopped
3 cups beef broth
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Brown beef in a heavy pot.
Add onions and tomato paste; sauté for 2 minutes.
Stir in vegetables and broth.
Cover and simmer for 1 hour until meat is tender.

Tips:

Add a splash of red wine for depth.
Use a slow cooker for hands-off cooking.

🍤 4. One-Pot Shrimp and Quinoa

This light and nutritious dish brings together the richness of shrimp and the superfood power of quinoa.

Ingredients:

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup quinoa
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lime
Cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

Cook garlic and bell pepper in a pot until soft.
Add quinoa and broth; bring to a boil.
Cover and simmer until quinoa is fluffy.
Stir in shrimp and cook until pink.
Finish with lime juice and cilantro.

Tips:

Add cayenne or chili flakes for spice.
Use frozen shrimp to make it budget-friendly.

🍛 5. Vegetarian One-Pot Lentil Curry

Flavorful, filling, and completely plant-based—a curry that hits all the right notes.

Ingredients:

1 cup dried red lentils
1 can coconut milk
1 onion, chopped
1 tbsp curry powder
1 tsp turmeric
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup chopped tomatoes
Fresh cilantro and lime (for garnish)

Instructions:

Sauté onion and spices in oil until fragrant.
Add lentils, broth, and tomatoes.
Simmer for 20 minutes until lentils soften.
Stir in coconut milk and cook 5 more minutes.
Serve with rice or naan.

Tips:

Add spinach or kale for extra greens.
Store in freezer-friendly containers for easy reheating.

❓ FAQs About One-Pot Dinners

What are the best pots to use for one-pot meals?

Use a deep nonstick skillet, Dutch oven, or enameled cast iron pot for even heat distribution and easy cleanup.

Can I use a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes! These recipes adapt well to slow cooker and Instant Pot methods, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How do I avoid overcooking ingredients?

Add delicate vegetables or seafood later in the cooking process. Simmer rather than boil vigorously.

Are these meals freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! Most one-pot meals can be portioned and frozen for future use.

How do I add protein to vegetarian dishes?

Try chickpeas, tofu, or tempeh for a satisfying protein boost.

✅ Final Tips for Success

Prep your ingredients before cooking to streamline the process.
Customize with herbs, spices, and seasonal vegetables.
Cook once, eat twice — these meals are perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

With these 5 delicious one-pot dinner recipes, you’ll enjoy maximum flavor with minimal mess. Get creative, experiment with new ingredients, and let your pot do the work.