One-pot meals are a lifesaver for busy nights when you need something quick, easy, and satisfying. Here are some delicious one-pot recipes that require minimal cleanup:
1. One-Pot Chicken Alfredo
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then bring to a simmer.
- Add the fettuccine pasta, stirring to combine. Cook until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, about 10-12 minutes.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
2. One-Pot Vegetarian Chili
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the corn, black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes, until flavors are well combined.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
3. One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Rice
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook until pink, then remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the rice and chicken broth, bringing to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, until the rice is tender.
- Return the shrimp to the pot and stir in the lemon juice and zest.
- Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
4. One-Pot Spaghetti Bolognese
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and tomato sauce. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the spaghetti, breaking it in half if needed. Stir to combine.
- Cook until the spaghetti is tender and the sauce has thickened, about 10-12 minutes.
- Season with oregano, salt, and pepper. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese.
5. One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cans diced tomatoes (28 oz each)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Add the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth, bringing to a simmer.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth (or carefully transfer to a blender in batches).
- Stir in the heavy cream and fresh basil.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
These one-pot meals are perfect for those hectic nights when you need a quick, hearty dinner without the fuss. Enjoy!