One-Pot Wonders: 10 Easy Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Finding time to cook a homemade meal during bustling weeknights can feel like an insurmountable challenge. The solution? One-pot meals that are not only easy to prepare but also require minimal cleanup! Here, we present ten delicious one-pot recipes that will make your evenings stress-free and satisfying. Each recipe is straightforward, using common ingredients, and designed to please every palate.

1. One-Pot Chicken and Rice

This classic dish combines tender chicken with fluffy rice, all in one pot for a meal that’s both comforting and easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Frozen peas, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic; sauté until translucent.
2. Add the chicken thighs, seasoning with paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned on both sides.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
4. Add the rice, stir well, and cover. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is fully cooked.
5. Fluff rice with a fork, garnish with peas if desired, and serve.

2. One-Pot Pasta Primavera

This vibrant dish is loaded with fresh vegetables and can be made using whatever produce you have on hand.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta (your choice)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine the pasta, vegetable broth, and all the vegetables.
2. Add the garlic and Italian seasoning, bringing the mixture to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and liquid is absorbed.
4. Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese.

3. One-Pot Beef Stroganoff

This creamy dish is a quick and satisfying comfort food that combines flavorful beef, mushrooms, and egg noodles.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef sirloin, cut into strips
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 cups egg noodles
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, brown the beef over medium-high heat, then remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add onions and mushrooms, cooking until softened.
3. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute before adding beef broth.
4. Add the egg noodles and beef back into the skillet, stirring to combine. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Remove from heat, stir in the sour cream, season, and serve warm.

4. One-Pot Quinoa and Black Beans

This wholesome dish is packed with protein and fiber, making it a healthy choice for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a pot, combine quinoa, vegetable broth, black beans, bell pepper, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until quinoa is fluffy.
3. Fluff with a fork, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve.

5. One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus

This zesty seafood dish is quick to prepare and brings a refreshing taste to any weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into pieces
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, then add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
2. Add shrimp and asparagus, seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
3. Pour in the vegetable broth and cook until shrimp is opaque and asparagus is tender, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Serve warm over rice or pasta if desired.

6. One-Pot Vegetable Curry

This aromatic dish is brimming with healthy vegetables and fragrant spices, making it both satisfying and nourishing.

Ingredients:

• 1 can coconut milk
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, potatoes)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp curry powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a pot, heat a bit of oil and sauté onions and garlic until golden.
2. Add the mixed vegetables, cooked for a few minutes, then stir in the curry powder.
3. Add coconut milk, vegetable broth, and salt. Bring to a simmer and cook until vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.
4. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

7. One-Pot Chili Mac

A comforting blend of chili and macaroni, this dish is perfect for colder nights and feeds a crowd!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, brown the ground meat over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
2. Add diced tomatoes, broth, elbow macaroni, kidney beans, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer, stirring often until pasta is cooked and the chili thickens, about 15 minutes.
4. Serve hot, garnished with cheese if desired.

8. One-Pot Mediterranean Couscous

With a mix of flavors and textures, this light dish is perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup couscous
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 lemon, juiced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the couscous according to package instructions in a pot, using vegetable broth for added flavor.
2. Once cooked, let it cool slightly before mixing in chickpeas, bell pepper, cucumber, and feta cheese.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, add salt and pepper, and toss gently before serving.

9. One-Pot Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos

These flavorful tacos are a hearty, vegetarian option that’s great for busy nights!

Ingredients:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tortillas, for serving
• Avocado and lime, for garnishing

Instructions:

1. In a pot, combine the diced sweet potatoes, black beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, with enough water to cover.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
3. Use a fork to mash slightly and serve in tortillas topped with avocado and a squeeze of lime.

10. One-Pot Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

This easy-to-make pasta dish will impress the whole family with its cheesy goodness!

Ingredients:

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta shells in boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, spinach, and Italian seasoning.
4. Spread half of the marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Stuff each shell with the ricotta mixture, and place them in the dish.
5. Cover with remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Conclusion

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