20 healthy one pot meals with just a few ingredients to prioritize more home-cooked meals even on the busiest of nights! I aim to cook dinner at last 5 nights a week and it’s recipes like these that are a lifesaver when you’re exhausted from a long day of work or just sick and tired of trying to get dinner on the table every night.
I talk a lot about consuming more home-cooked, well-balanced meals high in protein and fiber. However, the most common complaint or concern from moms is when it comes to deciding what’s for dinner. With limited time and busy schedules, dinner can be a challenge even with the best intentions.
I totally get the convenience of takeout and not having to add more to your plate after a long day. That’s why I am all about making dinner easier and what’s more low maintenance than a one pot meal? Most of these meals can be cooked in 30 minutes or less and there is less cleanup!
Shortcut Strategies
While I try to pick recipes that are macro-friendly, well-balanced meals, there are some recipes that could be paired with a grain like rice or quinoa. Now, cooking rice in another pot defeats the purpose of a one pot meal. Therefore, I recommend either batch cooking rice on a less busy night and refrigerating or you could buy a package of frozen cauliflower rice.
When it comes to adding veggies, pre-chop them the day prior or utilize frozen veggies to cut down on the prep time. However, most of these recipes take just 10 minutes of prep!
Also Read:
— 30 Breakfasts with 30 Grams of Protein
— Low Prep Dinners for Busy School Nights
— 28 High Protein Power Bowl Ideas
— Theme Nights to Decrease the Mental Load
Easy One Pot Meal Recipes
Save this post to help decrease the mental load of meal planning and schedule these recipes on the busiest of nights!
1. Egg Roll in a Bowl (Frozen Bananas)
An egg roll in a bowl is one of my go-to’s for quick and easy meals. I like to batch cook rice a day or two prior so it eliminates a step on busier nights. This recipe has 11 ingredients total including spices and is on the table in 20 minutes!
2. One Pot Linguine Pasta with Cauliflower, Lemon and Olives (Chef Ani)
I love a delicious, one pot pasta! This dish is packed with flavor with minimal ingredients. The only thing missing is a protein source. You could air fry some salmon at the same time you’re cooking this pasta, add a can of beans, saute some shrimp (which usually takes less than 10 minutes), use already cooked chicken from the day before or a rotisserie chicken.
3. One-Pot Butter Bean Stew (By the Forkful)
A simple Mediterranean-inspired stew with fiber-packed beans, spinach, tomatoes, garlic, onion and spices. This recipe has a good balance of protein and fiber and comes together in just 30 minutes! Try it on a meatless Monday or lazy Sunday.
4. Marry Me Chicken Orzo (The Peasant’s Daughter)
Chicken and orzo in a creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce with spinach. A one pan easy comfort meal with just 5 minutes of prep and 20 minutes total cooking time! Orzo is one of my favorites when I am throwing together a one pot meal because it always comes out delicious and there is less worry the noodles will get mushy.
5. One Pot Lemon Orzo with Shrimp (Chew Out Loud)
Another orzo dish (I am definitely partial to orzo) that’s packed with flavor and just 13 ingredients including spices and olive oil. Again, it’s a well-balanced meal with carbs, lean protein from the shrimp, diced tomatoes and broccoli. I, personally, would probably add more broccoli or cook another vegetable on the side!
Also try this easy Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Orzo from Athlete Lunch Box. 42 grams of protein per serving with just 10 minutes of prep!
6. One Pan Mushroom Sauce Chicken (The Oregon Dietitian)
A simple, 30-minute meal with chicken breast smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce made with red wine, broth, and coconut milk. Serve with roasted potatoes, over rice or pasta or eat as is. A wholesome, simple meal with big flavors.
7. Instant Pot Beef and Barley Soup (The Healthy Epicurean)
This beef and barley soup cooks quickly with the ease of an Instant Pot. The ultimate healthy comfort food with stovetop and slow cooker options available as well! Perfectly balanced with veggies, complex carbs and protein.
8. Sheet Pan Maple Curry Chicken Thighs & Squash (Fannetastic Food)
Okay, so this isn’t considered a “one pot” meal but you can’t beat the convenience of an easy sheet pan dinner. This recipe is very simple which I find appealing with just 9 total ingredients. It’s also a nutritious and well-balanced meal as is but you could choose to serve it over rice as well.
9. Mexican-Inspired Chili
A one-pot chili packed with flavor that uses a combination of fresh and canned ingredients. Therefore, it’s really easy to throw together in just one pot or even a slow cooker. It’s the perfect amount of spicy and high in protein and fiber. Plus, it makes some amazing leftovers!
10. Vegetarian Taco Bowl (By the Forkful)
Another healthy plant-based meal packed with protein, veggies, and fiber (the ultimate combination). This recipe uses vegan chicken. The rice is cooked all in one pot and each bowl is topped with cilantro, avocado and a creamy jalapeno sauce. Total cooking time is just 15 minutes!
11. Instant Pot Pizza Soup (Living Chirpy)
A hearty soup with pizza-inspired flavors! This recipe can be made in the Instant Pot or easily on the stove. 9 simple ingredients (excluding spices).
12. Chinese Shrimp and Cabbage Stir-Fry (Spoons of Flavor)
A Chinese takeout re-creation in less than 20 minutes from start to finish. Shrimp and cabbage are cooked in an authentic stir-fry sauce. Serve over rice or even a bag of frozen cauliflower rice for a quick and easy dinner!
13. Creamy Cajun Pasta with Sausage (Our Love Language is Food)
Andouille chicken sausage is combined with bell peppers, diced tomatoes, and pasta with bold, spicy Cajun flavors. There is a little bit of vegetable chopping but otherwise very little prep.
14. Baked Cod (Cinnamon and Sage)
A super healthy garlic and oil cod with refreshing flavors. Simple ingredients like fennel, garlic, cherry peppers, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta!
15. Chicken & Coconut Rice Casserole
A throw everything in a pan, well-balanced casserole with carrots, chicken, bell peppers, rice, coconut milk and Thai chili sauce. Add some chopped pecans when it’s baked for a nutritious yet decadent coconut chicken and rice dish. The perfect combination of sweet and spicy! This recipe does require already cooked chicken so it’s ideal if you have some leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken.
16. Easy Beef Burrito Bowl (On My Kid’s Plate)
Whenever I don’t have a dinner planned, I always resort to some kind of Mexican-inspired dish. They are the ultimate throw together meal because they’re easily customizable and I often have pantry staples that I can throw in. Add some black beans for additional fiber. Well-balanced, macro-friendly with just 5 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking!
17. Healthy One Pan Vegan Lasagna Soup (All Natural)
A vegan take on the cozy, comforting lasagna soup! Warm up with this soup that’s packed with veggies from the zucchini and mushrooms with a tofu ricotta for some plant-based protein.
18. One Pot BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potatoes (Evolving Table)
Cubed sweet potatoes and chicken are cooked together with broccoli in a tangy honey barbecue sauce. This recipe recommends marinating the chicken for at least 10-15 minutes or you can refrigerate overnight as well!
19. Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice (Budget Delicious)
This Instant Pot chicken fried rice is just 8 ingredients and is ready in under 30 minutes. A filling and budget-friendly meal that rivals the best takeout.
20. Easy Hamburger Stew (Small Town Woman)
Another budget-friendly meal featuring ground beef, onions, celery, carrots, green beans, tomatoes, corn, potatoes, and the perfect blend of spices. Easy to prep and then let your pot do the rest of the work for you while you clean the kitchen or help your kids out with their homework.
