20 One Pot Dinner Ideas

Looking for quick and easy weeknight meals? These 20 One Pot Dinner Ideas are perfect for busy nights when you want minimal cleanup and maximum flavor! From hearty pastas to comforting soups and healthy skillet meals, there’s something here for everyone. Save time in the kitchen without sacrificing taste—these recipes are family-friendly, budget-friendly, and totally satisfying.

1. One-Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta

A creamy classic made even easier! This one-pot chicken Alfredo recipe combines tender chicken and fettuccine in a rich, cheesy sauce made entirely in one pan.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (sliced thin)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 3 1/2 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 12 oz fettuccine

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden and fully cooked.

2. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.

3. Pour in chicken broth and cream. Bring to a boil.

4. Add fettuccine and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 12–15 minutes until pasta is tender.

5. Stir in Parmesan until melted and sauce is creamy. Garnish and serve warm.

2. One-Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice

Spicy, smoky, and full of flavor, this Cajun chicken and rice dish is a bold Southern-inspired meal made entirely in one pan.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into chunks)

• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion (chopped)

• 1 red bell pepper (chopped)

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 cup long-grain white rice

• 2 1/4 cups chicken broth

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh green onions or parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Toss chicken with Cajun seasoning. Heat oil in a large skillet and cook chicken until browned. Remove and set aside.

2. In the same pan, sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened.

3. Stir in rice and cook for 1–2 minutes.

4. Add chicken broth and return chicken to the pot. Bring to a boil.

5. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

6. Garnish and serve hot.

3. One-Pot Tuscan White Bean and Kale Soup

This wholesome soup is hearty, nutritious, and packed with Italian-inspired flavors. Beans, kale, and veggies make this a perfect vegetarian one-pot meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion (diced)

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

• 2 carrots (sliced)

• 2 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)

• 4 cups vegetable broth

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 3 cups chopped kale

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Grated Parmesan for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot. Sauté onion, garlic, and carrots until tender.

2. Add beans, broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer.

3. Stir in kale and cook for 10 more minutes.

4. Season with salt and pepper. Top with Parmesan if desired and serve hot.

4. One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Quinoa

A protein-rich and smoky one-pot wonder, this BBQ chicken and quinoa dish blends tangy barbecue sauce, tender chicken, and wholesome quinoa for a bold and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 lb boneless chicken breast (cubed)

• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce

• 1 cup quinoa (rinsed)

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 1 small red onion (chopped)

• 1 cup frozen corn

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Chopped cilantro (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté chicken with red onion until chicken is browned.

2. Stir in quinoa, corn, smoked paprika, BBQ sauce, and chicken broth.

3. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat. Simmer for 20–25 minutes until quinoa is tender.

4. Fluff with a fork and garnish with cilantro before serving.

5. One-Pot Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice

Inspired by Mediterranean flavors, this one-pot dish features seared chicken thighs cooked with zesty lemon rice, garlic, and herbs — a fragrant and flavorful meal in under an hour.

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 cup long-grain white rice

• 2 cups chicken broth

• Juice and zest of 1 lemon

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat and sear chicken skin-side down until golden, about 5–6 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

2. In the same pot, sauté garlic and oregano for 1 minute.

3. Stir in rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest.

4. Nestle chicken back into the pot, skin-side up. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes until rice is fluffy and chicken is cooked through.

5. Garnish with parsley before serving.

6. One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Salmon

This rich and creamy salmon dish brings restaurant-quality flavor to your dinner table with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a garlic cream sauce — all in one skillet.

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets (skinless or skin-on)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan

• 2 cups baby spinach

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Season salmon with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a skillet and sear salmon for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and flaky. Remove and set aside.

2. In the same skillet, sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for 2 minutes.

3. Add cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Stir until smooth.

4. Toss in spinach and cook until wilted.

5. Return salmon to the skillet and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Serve warm with rice or crusty bread.

7. One-Pot Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

A nutritious and protein-packed dinner made with lean ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and bell peppers. It’s quick, colorful, and perfect for a healthy weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 lb ground turkey

• 1 small onion (chopped)

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

• 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and diced)

• 1 red bell pepper (diced)

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 1/2 tsp cumin

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey and onion, cooking until browned.

2. Stir in garlic, sweet potatoes, and bell pepper. Season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.

3. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sweet potatoes are tender.

4. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm.

8. One-Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Classic spaghetti made even easier — this one-pot version lets you cook the pasta right in the savory meat sauce for extra flavor and fewer dishes.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion (diced)

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce

• 2 cups beef broth or water

• 8 oz spaghetti (broken in half)

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Grated Parmesan for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil and brown ground beef with onion. Drain fat.

2. Add garlic and Italian seasoning, sauté for 1 minute.

3. Stir in marinara sauce and beef broth. Bring to a boil.

4. Add spaghetti and stir to submerge.

5. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring often, until pasta is tender and sauce is thick.

6. Top with Parmesan before serving.

9. One-Pot Coconut Chicken Curry

This creamy and aromatic curry combines tender chicken, coconut milk, and warm spices for a rich one-pot meal that pairs beautifully with rice or naan.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp coconut oil or olive oil

• 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs (cubed)

• 1 small onion (chopped)

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 tbsp curry powder

• 1/2 tsp turmeric

• 1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• 1 cup frozen peas

• Salt to taste

• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides.

2. Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.

3. Stir in curry powder and turmeric. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.

4. Pour in coconut milk and chicken broth. Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes until sauce thickens and chicken is cooked through.

5. Stir in peas and simmer 5 more minutes. Garnish with cilantro and serve.

10. One-Pot Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Orzo

This comforting vegetarian dinner is loaded with earthy mushrooms, tender orzo pasta, and fresh spinach in a rich, creamy sauce — all made in one pot in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 small onion (diced)

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

• 8 oz mushrooms (sliced)

• 1 cup orzo pasta

• 2 cups vegetable broth

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 2 cups fresh spinach

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, and mushrooms until soft and browned.

2. Add orzo and stir for 1–2 minutes.

3. Pour in broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender.

4. Stir in cream, spinach, and Parmesan. Cook for 2–3 more minutes until creamy. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

11. One-Pot BBQ Pulled Pork and Rice

This Southern-inspired one-pot meal is smoky, satisfying, and easy to prepare with pre-cooked pulled pork and flavorful barbecue sauce over seasoned rice.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1/2 small onion (diced)

• 1 cup long-grain white rice

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup cooked pulled pork

• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce

• 1/2 cup frozen corn

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Chopped green onions (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté onion until soft.

2. Add rice and toast for 1 minute.

3. Stir in broth, BBQ sauce, corn, and pulled pork. Bring to a boil.

4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.

5. Fluff rice, season to taste, and top with green onions if desired.

12. One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini

This rich and tangy tomato basil tortellini is a quick, indulgent dinner using store-bought tortellini, creamy tomato sauce, and fresh basil — all done in one pot.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 (24 oz) jar tomato pasta sauce

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup water

• 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

• Grated Parmesan for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.

2. Add tomato sauce, cream, and water. Stir and bring to a simmer.

3. Stir in tortellini. Cover and cook for 6–8 minutes until pasta is tender.

4. Add fresh basil, stir, and season to taste. Top with Parmesan before serving.

13. One-Pot Beef Stroganoff

A creamy, comforting classic made easier in one pot — this beef stroganoff is loaded with tender ground beef, mushrooms, and egg noodles in a rich sour cream sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion (diced)

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

• 8 oz mushrooms (sliced)

• 3 cups beef broth

• 2 cups egg noodles

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, brown ground beef with onion. Drain excess fat.

2. Add garlic and mushrooms; cook until mushrooms are soft.

3. Stir in beef broth and noodles. Bring to a boil.

4. Reduce heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes until noodles are cooked.

5. Stir in sour cream and mustard. Heat through, season, and garnish with parsley.

14. One-Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice

Bold and satisfying, this one-pot Cajun chicken and rice dinner brings the heat and flavor of Southern cooking to your table with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into chunks)

• 1 small onion (chopped)

• 1 red bell pepper (chopped)

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning

• 1 cup long-grain rice

• 2 1/4 cups chicken broth

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chicken, season with Cajun seasoning, and cook until browned.

2. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until softened, about 4 minutes.

3. Stir in rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil.

4. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

5. Fluff rice, garnish with green onions, and serve.

15. One-Pot Mac and Cheese with Broccoli

Creamy, cheesy, and family-approved, this comforting one-pot mac and cheese sneaks in healthy broccoli for a balanced weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni

• 4 cups water or milk

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 1 cup broccoli florets (steamed or microwaved)

• 2 tbsp butter

• Black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, add macaroni, water or milk, salt, and garlic powder. Bring to a boil.

2. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 8–10 minutes until pasta is al dente and liquid is mostly absorbed.

3. Stir in cheese, butter, and broccoli.

4. Mix until cheese melts and sauce is creamy. Season with black pepper and serve warm.

16. One-Pot Beef and Cabbage Skillet

This low-carb, high-flavor dinner is loaded with sautéed ground beef, chopped cabbage, and a tangy tomato base — a satisfying option for healthy eaters.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1/2 onion (chopped)

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1/2 head green cabbage (shredded)

• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Cook ground beef with onion until browned. Drain excess fat.

2. Add garlic, cabbage, and tomatoes (with juice). Stir in tomato paste and paprika.

3. Cover and cook over medium heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender.

4. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

17. One-Pot Lemon Garlic Pasta

Light and fresh, this one-pot lemon garlic pasta features a buttery sauce, zesty lemon, and plenty of Parmesan for a quick weeknight dinner that’s anything but boring.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp butter

• 4 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• 8 oz spaghetti

• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth

• Juice and zest of 1 lemon

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a large skillet. Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes for 1–2 minutes.

2. Add spaghetti and broth. Bring to a boil.

3. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10–12 minutes until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.

4. Stir in lemon juice, zest, and Parmesan.

5. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.

18. One-Pot Italian Sausage and Peppers Pasta

Hearty, bold, and full of flavor, this one-pot meal combines Italian sausage, bell peppers, and pasta in a savory tomato sauce — no extra pans needed.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 lb Italian sausage (sliced or removed from casing)

• 1 red bell pepper (sliced)

• 1 green bell pepper (sliced)

• 1/2 onion (sliced)

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

• 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta

• 3 cups chicken broth

• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce

• Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste

• Fresh basil or Parmesan for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook sausage until browned. Remove and set aside.

2. In the same pot, sauté peppers, onion, and garlic until softened.

3. Add pasta, broth, marinara sauce, and sausage back into the pot. Stir to combine.

4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked.

5. Season to taste and garnish with basil or Parmesan.

19. One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

This elegant yet easy dinner blends creamy pesto sauce with tender chicken and al dente pasta — all made in one pot for maximum flavor and minimal mess.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

• 2 cups penne or fusilli pasta

• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/4 cup basil pesto

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Grated Parmesan for topping

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot. Sauté chicken and garlic until golden and cooked through.

2. Stir in pasta and broth. Bring to a boil.

3. Reduce heat and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked.

4. Add cream and pesto. Stir until creamy and well combined.

5. Season with salt and pepper, and top with Parmesan before serving.

20. One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

This kid-friendly one-pot dinner has all the flavors of a cheeseburger — ground beef, ketchup, mustard, cheese, and pasta — combined into a creamy, comforting dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1/2 onion (chopped)

• 2 cups pasta shells or elbow macaroni

• 2 1/2 cups beef broth

• 2 tbsp ketchup

• 1 tbsp yellow mustard

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Pickles or green onions for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, brown ground beef with onion until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.

2. Add pasta, broth, ketchup, and mustard. Stir and bring to a boil.

3. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes until pasta is tender.

4. Stir in cheese until melted and creamy.

5. Serve hot with optional toppings like chopped pickles or green onions.