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18 One-Pot Meals to Save Your Sanity

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One Pot Skillet Lasagna

One Pot Skillet Lasagna. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

There’s nothing quite like the cozy, cheesy goodness of your favorite Italian comfort food — and now you don’t have to wait for a weekend to enjoy it. This dish takes everything you love about the classic and simplifies it into a quick, fuss-free recipe that’s perfect for busy nights. The best part? It all comes together in just one pot, and yes, even the pasta cooks right in the skillet. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a hearty, flavorful meal on the table that tastes like it’s been simmering all day, but with none of the extra effort.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Skillet Lasagna

One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta

One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

There’s nothing better than a hearty, cheesy pasta that tastes like comfort in a bowl—especially when it only takes one pot and less than half an hour to make. This cheesy sausage pasta is loaded with flavor, thanks to the savory sausage and creamy, rich sauce that coats every bite. Cleanup is a breeze since everything comes together in just one pot, making it a total weeknight hero. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to become one of those go-to recipes you’ll find yourself craving again and again.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta

One Pot Turkey Chili

A closeup of a bowl ground turkey chili.
One Pot Turkey Chili. Photo credit: Haute and Healthy Living.

One-pot turkey chili is the kind of dinner you’ll be glad to have in your back pocket—it all comes together in a single pan, which means less cleanup and more time to relax. It’s loaded with ground turkey, hearty beans, and plenty of veggies, so it feels both wholesome and satisfying without being heavy. The best part is how versatile it is: you can make it ahead for easy meal prep, stash some in the freezer for later, or just enjoy it fresh on a chilly night. With bold, cozy flavors in every spoonful, this is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights when you still want something homemade.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Turkey Chili

One Pot Chicken Thighs And Rice

A white pot containing browned chicken thighs sitting in a pot full of broth and rice before baking.
One Pot Chicken Thighs And Rice. Photo credit: On My Kid's Plate.

Chicken Thighs and Rice is one of those comforting meals that feels like a hug in a bowl. The chicken comes out tender and juicy, while the rice soaks up all those savory flavors, making every bite rich and satisfying. It’s the kind of no-fuss, one-pot dinner that saves you time on busy nights but still tastes like you put in extra effort. Best of all, it’s a dish that always brings people back for seconds, so you know it’s a winner at the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Chicken Thighs And Rice

One Pot Cajun Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo

Up close of a large serving bowl of Cajun Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo topped with parsley and parmesan.
One Pot Cajun Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo. Photo credit: Lauren From Scratch.

This One Pot Cajun Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo is comfort food with a kick—it’s rich, creamy, and full of that bold Cajun flair. Tender chicken gets coated in smoky, spicy seasonings, while the broccoli adds a little char and freshness that balances everything out. Toss it all together with pasta in a velvety Alfredo sauce, and you’ve got a dish that feels indulgent without being fussy. The best part? It all comes together in about an hour, making it a weeknight dinner that feels special but doesn’t keep you stuck in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Cajun Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo

Chicken Sancocho

Chicken Sancocho. Photo credit: An Immigrant's Table.

This traditional Colombian chicken sancocho is the kind of meal that instantly feels like a hug in a bowl. Made with tender chicken, hearty chunks of yucca, sweet plantains, fresh corn, and potatoes, it’s a dish that balances comfort and flavor in every spoonful. What makes it even better is that you can bring all these cozy, homey flavors together in under an hour. With its mix of savory richness, starchy goodness, and a hint of natural sweetness, this one-pot sancocho de pollo is the kind of meal that warms both the stomach and the soul.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sancocho

One Pot Spanish Rice with Chorizo

Overhead view of One Pot Spanish Rice with Chorizo.
One Pot Spanish Rice with Chorizo. Photo credit: The Spice Adventuress.

This One Pot Spanish Rice with Chorizo is the kind of weeknight meal that feels like comfort food but only takes a few simple pantry staples to make. It’s hearty, packed with flavor, and has that cozy, satisfying quality that makes everyone at the table happy. Best of all, it’s quick, low-effort, and perfect for those busy nights when you need something tasty without stressing in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Spanish Rice with Chorizo

One Pot Spicy Sausage and Peppers Pasta

One Pot Spicy Sausage and Peppers Pasta. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This One Pot Spicy Sausage and Peppers Pasta is the kind of meal that feels like a big payoff without all the fuss. Everything comes together in a single pot, which means less cleanup, but the flavors are anything but simple. The smoky spice of the sausage blends perfectly with the sweetness of the peppers, creating a dish that’s hearty, comforting, and just a little bold. It’s the kind of easy weeknight recipe that tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Spicy Sausage and Peppers Pasta

One Pot Burrata Pasta

One Pot Burrata Pasta in a skillet.
One Pot Burrata Pasta. Photo credit: Pumpkin 'N Spice.

This one-pot burrata pasta is comfort food at its best—creamy, cozy, and bursting with flavor. You get melty burrata cheese, savory sun-dried tomatoes, tender chicken, and fresh spinach all tossed together in a tangy, Parmesan-kissed sauce. The best part? It comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those nights when you want something homemade but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. It’s hearty enough to satisfy yet still feels light and vibrant, making it a dish you’ll want to put on repeat.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Burrata Pasta

Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Instant Pot Chicken Pasta. Creamy Tuscan pasta with chicken breasts, pasta noodles, cheese, and herbs.
Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Swanky Recipes.

Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is the kind of dish that makes weeknights feel a little more special without demanding too much effort. Tender chicken breast is simmered in a velvety sauce that’s full of flavor, thanks to the sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a cozy mix of Italian herbs. The best part? Everything comes together in a single pot in under 30 minutes, which means less cleanup and more time to actually enjoy dinner. With its creamy texture and comforting taste, it’s one of those meals the whole family will happily ask for again and again.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Chorizo Chili Mussels

Chorizo Chili Mussels. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

These spicy chorizo mussels come together in just one pot, making them as easy as they are impressive. In only about 20 minutes, you’ll have tender mussels simmered in a rich, chunky tomato broth that’s packed with smoky chorizo, aromatic fennel, and a kick of heat from dried chilis. The flavors balance beautifully—savory, spicy, and a little bit sweet from the tomatoes—creating a dish that feels both comforting and restaurant-worthy. Don’t forget to serve it with plenty of warm, crusty bread, because you’ll definitely want to soak up every last drop of that incredible broth.
Get the Recipe: Chorizo Chili Mussels

One Pot French Onion Pasta

A plate of rigatoni pasta with shredded cheese and herbs, next to a fork on a white dish. An onion and parsley are in the background.
One Pot French Onion Pasta. Photo credit: Mama's on a Budget.

There’s nothing quite like curling up with a bowl of warm, cozy pasta on a cold night, and this One-Pot French Onion Pasta delivers exactly that. It takes all the rich, savory flavors of classic French onion soup and transforms them into a hearty, creamy pasta dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for busy weeknights or when you just need some extra comfort. Best of all, it comes together in under an hour, so you can have a soul-warming dinner on the table without spending all evening in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: One Pot French Onion Pasta

Stovetop Beef Stew

Bowl of easy beef stew with potatoes, carrots, bread, utensils, and small dishes of seasoning on table.
Stovetop Beef Stew. Photo credit: A One Pot Wonder.

There’s nothing quite like a pot of beef stew simmering away on the stovetop, filling the whole kitchen with the kind of aroma that makes you instantly feel at home. With tender pieces of beef, plenty of hearty vegetables, and a broth that gets richer and more flavorful the longer it cooks, it’s the definition of comfort food. Every bite is warm, cozy, and deeply satisfying—like a hug in a bowl, especially on a chilly evening when you just want something that sticks to your ribs. And the best part? Everything comes together in one pot, so it’s as easy to clean up as it is to enjoy. This stew isn’t just dinner—it’s a timeless classic that always seems to taste even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Stovetop Beef Stew

Kimchi Mac and Cheese

Kimchi mac and cheese in a white bowl with a spoon.
Kimchi Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: In The Kitch.

This creamy, comforting Kimchi Mac and Cheese takes everything you love about the classic and gives it a bold, tangy twist. The richness of the cheese pairs perfectly with the punchy flavor of kimchi, creating a dish that’s equal parts familiar and exciting. Best of all, it comes together in just one pot and takes less than 30 minutes, making it a total lifesaver for busy weeknights. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent yet effortless—perfect for when you want comfort food with a little personality.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Mac and Cheese

One Pot Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes

One Pot Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This one-pot pasta with spinach and tomatoes is one of those dinners that feels both simple and special at the same time. I love how quickly it all comes together, yet it still tastes so fresh and full of flavor thanks to the tender baby spinach and juicy cherry tomatoes. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel good about what’s on your plate without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, since it’s vegan and made with wholesome ingredients, it’s perfect for sharing with just about anyone. Keep reading, and I’ll walk you through exactly how to bring this fresh green pasta dinner to life!
Get the Recipe: One Pot Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes

Instant Pot Spaghetti Bolognese

A plate of spaghetti garnished with parsley.
Instant Pot Spaghetti Bolognese. Photo credit: The Feathered Nester.

Picture this: it’s a busy weeknight, you’re short on time, and you need dinner on the table without hovering over the stove. That’s when my Instant Pot spaghetti Bolognese comes to the rescue. With just a handful of ingredients and five quick minutes of prep, everything—pasta, sauce, and all—cooks together in one pot. The best part? You can step away and let the Instant Pot do the hard work while you catch up on chores, help with homework, or simply take a breather. The result is a hearty, comforting meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but really only took a fraction of the effort.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spaghetti Bolognese

Nova Scotia Seafood Chowder

A bowl of creamy seafood soup topped with a pan seared scallop.
Nova Scotia Seafood Chowder. Photo credit: Kelly Neil.

This authentic Nova Scotia seafood chowder is the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re right on the coast, listening to the waves while enjoying a hearty bowl of comfort. Packed with tender pieces of fresh fish and shellfish, every spoonful brings the rich, briny flavors of the sea together in a creamy, velvety broth. It’s the perfect meal for a chilly evening when you want something both filling and soul-warming, and it never fails to hit the spot. Beyond just being delicious, it’s a beautiful way to celebrate Maritime tradition and savor the simple joy of fresh, wholesome ingredients shared in one pot.
Get the Recipe: Nova Scotia Seafood Chowder

Chicken Corn Soup

A white skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with herbs.
Chicken Corn Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Chicken Corn Soup is one of those comforting meals you’ll find yourself making again and again. It comes together in just one pot, which means less cleanup and more time to actually enjoy it. The tender chicken, sweet pops of corn, and a flavorful broth all blend into a dish that feels both hearty and soothing. Best of all, it’s ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something homemade and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

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