On a busy weeknight, nothing is extra daunting than the prospect of cooking dinner from scratch (or the clean-up that comes after). Simply the considered having to tug out cooking instruments, toss something collectively, and then cope with post-meal dish responsibility is sufficient to have me reaching for a supply app. However typically, I additionally desire a wholesome meal and don’t wish to resort to takeout but once more. So subsequent time I’m feeling cooking fatigue, I’ll flip to this helpful listing of straightforward one-pot recipes as a substitute.
Featured picture by Michelle Nash.
And if you happen to assume one-pot recipes are restricted solely to easy soups, you’re in for an actual deal with. We’re stretching the definition of “one-pot” and have expanded to all types of main-attraction kitchen instruments. Pans and bowls be a part of the streamlined dinner staff, and fortunately, they’re all right here to make your weeknight kitchen woes disappear.
From pizzas to pasta to veggie-packed dishes, we assure you’ll discover the proper straightforward one-pot recipes for no matter elements you may have readily available. One-pot meals additionally fall below the class of consolation meals, which is simply what you want because the temperatures begin to dip. Get able to settle in with these easy, fast, and scrumptious meals. They’re large on taste however gentle on prep and clean-up. The best state of affairs, if you happen to ask me.
One-Pot Pasta Primavera with Summer season Veggies & Ricotta
Why we adore it: This spin on the basic Italian dish cooks in lightening-fast time. It’s also possible to swap in and swap out no matter veggies you may have readily available. Even frozen greens work fantastically. That is summertime cooking at its most interesting—vibrant, zesty, and so easy it’s virtually surprising how good it’s.
Why We Love It: Whereas all of us have a delicate, nostalgic spot for the rooster noodle soup that might nurse us again to well being after we have been youthful, this spin is a few thousand occasions higher. Easy veggies like carrots and celery complement the hearty, scrumptious rooster and soba noodles with out overpowering these staple elements.
Hero Ingredient: Turmeric not solely provides this soup its distinctive heat and spice however its sensible shade, too.
Why we adore it: Easy and engaging, this hearty dinner comes collectively in lower than quarter-hour. It’s stuffed with end-of-summer flavors which are as comforting and nourishing as they’re scrumptious.
Hero ingredient: The jalapeño chili provides an sudden kick.
Why We Love It: A bowl of creamy, coconutty, veggie-packed curry is my thought of consolation meals, and whereas this stretches the definition of straightforward one-pot recipes, I’d say cooking all the things on a sheet pan is simply as streamlined. And after I say all the things, I imply all the things—that’s proper, a genius hack helps the rice obtain its signature fluffiness.
Hero Ingredient: Peanut butter lends the proper candy and salty chew to each comforting spoonful.
Why We Love It: Should you haven’t tried kitchari but, that is your signal to serve it tonight. Kitchari is Indian consolation meals, used broadly in practices like Ayurveda. However as our Meals Editor Suruchi notes, whereas it warms the soul like your favourite mac and cheese, it nourishes the physique as properly. For the uninitiated, Suruchi describes kitchari as being much like “a savory rice and lentil oatmeal.” However after all, with spices aplenty, it’s a lot extra.
Hero Ingredient: Grated ginger root provides the rice and lentils loads of grounding and heat, spicy taste.
Why We Love It: The North African and Center Japanese staple is one among my favourite brunch dishes, however makes for an unbelievable (and extremely straightforward) weeknight dinner. Tomatoes get cooked down with jalapeño and garlic and the most effective mix of spices (cumin and paprika) give this dish simply sufficient warmth.
Hero Ingredient: There’s no higher match for a spicy purple sauce than poached eggs. Toast a number of slices of bread and get to dippin’.
Why We Love It: I don’t keep in mind when it occurred, however lasagna has all the time been my household’s go-to Christmas Eve most important dish (surrounded by loads of sides). And whereas I really like the aplomb and celebration inherent in a multi-layered pasta meal, in the case of weeknight cooking, straightforward one-pot recipes are my decide. When fall comes round, this Skillet Eggplant Lasagna is on my biweekly to-make listing. It’s cozy (after all), vegetarian (however nonetheless hearty!), and as Camille says “not the slightest bit nap-inducing.” Can your lasagna try this?
Hero Ingredient: Thick slices of eggplant are the key to creating this lasagna each a vegetarian and meat-lover’s dream dish.
Why We Love It: I do know what you’re pondering: Soup?! In the midst of summer time? However people, that is the proper transitional meal. It makes essentially the most of candy, in-season corn and pairs the intense, colourful veg with loads of vibrant and colourful taste to match. Cumin seeds, jalapeño, and a tablespoon of sriracha kick up the warmth—the proper solution to lower by means of the corn’s sweetness. Bonus: This soup shops properly within the fridge or frozen to be loved within the later, cooler months.
Hero Ingredient: Should you’ve by no means had poblanos earlier than, you’re in for a deal with. They’re much like a inexperienced bell pepper, however with a smidge extra chew. Roasting them on the sheet pan earlier than combining with the opposite elements mellows their taste, and the result’s a deeply complicated warmth that takes this soup from good to bowl-lickin’ nice.
Why we adore it: As a number of of the recipes on this listing show, breakfast for dinner is each a enjoyable twist in your night meal and a good way to chop down on prep and clean-up time. A mix of bell peppers, kale, pico de gallo, and crumbled cotija give this meal a enjoyable mixture of textures, shade, and taste. High with no matter additions you’d like, however we’re followers of the extra creaminess and crunch that sliced avocado and tortilla chips convey to the occasion.
Hero ingredient: Retailer-bought pico de gallo lends a dimension of acidity and warmth to your dish. After all, you’re all the time welcome to make your individual if you happen to’d like.
Why We Love It: When our photographer Michelle shared this recipe, our minds have been blown. With pesto, we’ve all the time taken the standard route. Pine nuts, olive oil, basil, and loads of cheese give the sauce richness and physique. However, little did we all know, a plant-based spin just isn’t solely attainable however maybe much more crave-worthy. On this recipe, spinach helps the basil in giving the pesto its signature inexperienced hue and hemp seeds lend somewhat texture (to not point out protein and fiber) to the toasted pine nuts.
Hero Ingredient: The magical secret ingredient that makes this vegan tackle a basic so good? Dietary yeast, y’all. It’s swapped instead of the parmesan to present this pesto its signature tacky taste. The enhance of each protein and vitamin B12 is simply an added bonus.
Spring Rice with Greens and Peas
Why we adore it: Whereas rice isn’t recognized to be the muse for essentially the most thrilling meals, right here, it units the tone for a flavorful, however couldn’t-be-simpler dish. That’s proper—three elements make this the best base for any proteins, extra veggies, or add-ins of your selection. Tremendous inexpensive, extremely fast, and endlessly adaptable. What extra might you need?
Hero ingredient: On the subject of the greens, observe the rules of the season you’re in. This time of 12 months, I’m all about purslane. Should you haven’t found the inexperienced but, don’t be turned off by its “weed” moniker. Should you’re seeking to eat extra sustainably, it is a nice solution to do it!
Why we adore it: Certain, on my greatest days you possibly can catch me getting artistic and bold within the kitchen, however after a full day of labor, my capability to increase effort towards something is as little as it will get. Fortunately, straightforward one-pot recipes like this rooster and rice soup exist for a motive. As a result of the elements cook dinner collectively in a single pot, the bone-in rooster breasts taste the soup fantastically, lending a wealthy depth to each spoonful. It’s scrumptious (after all), however an unexpectedly easy meal, too. And when chilly season comes round, you’ll be grateful it’s in your again pocket.
Hero ingredient: A couple of sprigs of recent thyme or oregano make for a surprisingly impactful addition.
Summer season Spaghetti with Tomatoes, Burrata, & Basil
Why we adore it: When summer time comes round and the temps are at an all-time excessive, the very last thing I need is a heavy bowl of pasta. BUT gentle pasta recipes exist for a motive, and this one’s my favourite. It’s a straightforward, satisfying bowl of consolation meals that’s bursting with taste. The burrata makes it tremendous creamy with out feeling overly heavy and the basil brightens all the things up. It’s certain to turn into one among your favourite straightforward one-pot recipes.
Hero ingredient: There’s nothing higher than bursting bites of candy cherry tomatoes.
Why we adore it: This perfect-for-summer recipe comes collectively shortly and simply, with out skimping on taste. When you’re welcome to make use of any mixture of veggies you’d like, in the case of pesto, we’re a fan of an all-green shade palette. Asparagus, sugar snap peas, inexperienced onions, frozen peas, and naturally, loads of garlic give this dish not solely numerous taste and crunch, however helps you meet your every day veggie quota, too.
Hero ingredient: Whereas some pasta recipes can really feel heavy, this primavera tastes deliciously gentle. However I’ve to say that the bites of crumbled goat cheese are a very welcome addition to my plate.
Why we adore it: It doesn’t get a lot simpler than this easy recipe. A 15-minute one-pot meal that’s as fast and simple because it will get. And although the recipe title calls it out, I can’t however repeat it: vegan! Sure, that’s proper, this pasta’s creaminess comes from essentially the most luxuriously-thick walnut sauce. I’ll by no means not be amazed by what my favourite plant-based staples can do.
Hero ingredient: As a result of this dish leans on the aspect of indulgence in the case of taste, a easy garnish of lemon zest on the finish will brighten up your total bowl.
Why we adore it: This dish is the proper fusion of our favourite fall flavors and conventional Indian delicacies. Scrumptious consolation meals made shortly and utilizing wholesome elements like chickpeas, kale, spices, and diced tomatoes. It’s a stunning and simple one-pot recipe that’s excellent for a busy weeknight and much more divine as leftovers the following day.
Hero ingredient: On the subject of cozy season cooking, pumpkin is all the time the star.
Why we adore it: Everybody wants a very good go-to salmon recipe, and Camille swears by this straightforward, largely hands-off method. It’s candy and citrusy and ideal served alongside your favourite roasted veggie and a grain. On the subject of straightforward one-pot recipes, typically, simplicity is greatest.
Hero ingredient: When fennel is roasted low and gradual, the result’s a gentle, anise-like taste that beneficial properties an fringe of caramelized sweetness. In different phrases, perfection.
This put up was final up to date on July 30, 2025 to incorporate new insights.
