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 stuff collectively, after which cope with post-meal dish responsibility is sufficient to have me reaching for a supply app. However generally, 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 useful listing of simple one-pot recipes as an alternative.
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 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 right simple one-pot recipes for no matter components you will 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 scenario, if you happen to ask me.
One-Pot Pasta Primavera with Summer season Veggies & Ricotta
Why we adore it: This spin on the traditional Italian dish cooks in lightening-fast time. You may also swap in and swap out no matter veggies you will have readily available. Even frozen greens work superbly. That is summertime cooking at its best—vibrant, zesty, and so easy it’s nearly stunning how good it’s.
Hero ingredient: What may very well be higher than ricotta?
Why We Love It: Whereas all of us have a gentle, nostalgic spot for the rooster noodle soup that might nurse us again to well being once we had been youthful, this spin is a couple of thousand occasions higher. Easy veggies like carrots and celery complement the hearty, scrumptious rooster and soba noodles with out overpowering these staple components.
Hero Ingredient: Turmeric not solely provides this soup its distinctive heat and spice however its good colour, too.
Why we adore it: Easy and engaging, this hearty dinner comes collectively in lower than quarter-hour. It’s crammed with end-of-summer flavors which might be 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 simple 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 right candy and salty chunk to each comforting spoonful.
Why We Love It: In case 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 just like “a savory rice and lentil oatmeal.” However in fact, 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 in every of my favourite brunch dishes, however makes for an unbelievable (and extremely simple) weeknight dinner. Tomatoes get cooked down with jalapeño and garlic and one of the best 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 at all times been my household’s go-to Christmas Eve foremost dish (surrounded by loads of sides). And whereas I really like the aplomb and celebration inherent in a multi-layered pasta meal, with regards to weeknight cooking, simple one-pot recipes are my choose. When fall comes round, this Skillet Eggplant Lasagna is on my biweekly to-make listing. It’s cozy (in fact), vegetarian (however nonetheless hearty!), and as Camille says “not the slightest bit nap-inducing.” Can your lasagna do 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 considering: Soup?! In the midst of summer season? However of us, that is the right 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 right 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: In case you’ve by no means had poblanos earlier than, you’re in for a deal with. They’re just like a inexperienced bell pepper, however with a smidge extra chunk. Roasting them on the sheet pan earlier than combining with the opposite components mellows their taste, and the result’s a deeply advanced 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 mixture of bell peppers, kale, pico de gallo, and crumbled cotija give this meal a enjoyable mixture of textures, colour, 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 deliver to the get together.
Hero ingredient: Retailer-bought pico de gallo lends a dimension of acidity and warmth to your dish. In fact, you’re at all times welcome to make your personal if you happen to’d like.
Why We Love It: When our photographer Michelle shared this recipe, our minds had been blown. With pesto, we’ve at all times 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 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 a little bit 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 traditional so good? Dietary yeast, y’all. It’s swapped rather than 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 components make this the best base for any proteins, extra veggies, or add-ins of your alternative. Tremendous reasonably priced, extremely fast, and endlessly adaptable. What extra may you need?
Hero ingredient: In the case of the greens, observe the rules of the season you’re in. This time of 12 months, I’m all about purslane. In case you haven’t found the inexperienced but, don’t be turned off by its “weed” moniker. In case you’re trying to eat extra sustainably, this can be 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 means to increase effort towards something is as little as it will get. Fortunately, simple one-pot recipes like this rooster and rice soup exist for a motive. As a result of the components cook dinner collectively in a single pot, the bone-in rooster breasts taste the soup superbly, lending a wealthy depth to each spoonful. It’s scrumptious (in fact), 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 contemporary thyme or oregano make for a surprisingly impactful addition.
Summer season Spaghetti with Tomatoes, Burrata, & Basil
Why we adore it: When summer season 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 positive to change into one in every of your favourite simple 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 rapidly and simply, with out skimping on taste. Whilst you’re welcome to make use of any mixture of veggies you’d like, with regards to pesto, we’re a fan of an all-green colour 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 really welcome addition to my plate.
Why we adore it: It doesn’t get a lot simpler than this straightforward recipe. A 15-minute one-pot meal that’s as fast and straightforward 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 with regards to taste, a easy garnish of lemon zest on the finish will brighten up your total bowl.
Why we adore it: This dish is the right fusion of our favourite fall flavors and conventional Indian delicacies. Scrumptious consolation meals made rapidly and utilizing wholesome components like chickpeas, kale, spices, and diced tomatoes. It’s a stunning and straightforward one-pot recipe that’s good for a busy weeknight and much more divine as leftovers the following day.
Hero ingredient: In the case of cozy season cooking, pumpkin is at all times the star.
Why we adore it: Everybody wants an excellent go-to salmon recipe, and Camille swears by this simple, principally hands-off method. It’s candy and citrusy and ideal served alongside your favourite roasted veggie and a grain. In the case of simple one-pot recipes, generally, simplicity is greatest.
Hero ingredient: When fennel is roasted low and gradual, the result’s a light, anise-like taste that good points an fringe of caramelized sweetness. In different phrases, perfection.
This publish was final up to date on July 30, 2025 to incorporate new insights.
