29 Easy One-Pot Dinners: Quick Recipes For Busy Nights

29 Easy One-Pot Dinners are the answer to busy weeknights and minimal cleanup! Seriously, who doesn’t love a delicious, flavorful meal that comes together in just one pot? These recipes are not only incredibly easy and convenient, but they are also bursting with flavor! I’m so excited to share these culinary secrets with you here at RecipesOfDay. Think of your favorite comforting Food, now imagine making it with less dishes!

These one pot wonders are inspired by my own hectic life juggling work, family, and my passion for cooking. Sometimes, the thought of a mountain of dirty dishes after dinner is enough to order takeout. But with these 29 Easy One-Pot Dinners, you can enjoy a home cooked meal without all the fuss.

Why You Will Love This 29 Easy One-Pot Dinners Recipe

One pot meals are a lifesaver. Imagine coming home after a long day and knowing that dinner is just minutes away, without endless chopping, stirring, and scrubbing.

These recipes are designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. From hearty pasta dishes to flavorful stews, each recipe offers a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Plus, most of these dinners are easily customizable, allowing you to swap in your favorite vegetables and proteins.

What makes this collection of recipes special is its diversity. We’re not just talking about pasta here. From globally inspired curries to cozy soups, our 29 Easy One-Pot Dinners selection provides something for every palate and dietary preference.

Ingredients Needed for This 29 Easy One-Pot Dinners Recipe

Here are the ingredients for a Creamy Tomato and Basil Pasta, a comforting and flavorful one pot meal. This will serve as a detailed example; remember that this article contains 29 different recipes so ingredients will vary!

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

How to Make This 29 Easy One-Pot Dinners Recipe

29 Easy One-Pot Dinners - Process or ingredients
Preparation process
  1. 1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  1. 2. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
  1. 3. Incorporate Pasta and Seasonings: Add the pasta, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
  1. 4. Simmer and Cook: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  1. 5. Finish with Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until well combined. Cook for another minute until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
  1. 6. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.

How to Serve This 29 Easy One-Pot Dinners Recipe

This Creamy Tomato and Basil Pasta is delicious on its own. For a more complete meal, serve it with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.

You can also top it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage for added protein. For a vegetarian option, consider adding roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.

Plating is simple. Just spoon the pasta into bowls, garnish with fresh basil, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. A drizzle of olive oil can also elevate the presentation.

How to Store This 29 Easy One-Pot Dinners Recipe

Let the pasta cool completely before storing. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days. The sauce may thicken slightly in the refrigerator, so you may need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating.

Freezing is not recommended, as the pasta may become mushy when thawed. However, if you must freeze it, use a freezer safe container and consume within 1 to 2 months.

Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through.

Tips to Make This 29 Easy One-Pot Dinners Recipe

  • Pasta Choice: Use short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or farfalle for best results. Long pasta like spaghetti can be used, but it may require more stirring to prevent sticking.
  • Broth Flavor: Use a high quality vegetable broth for the best flavor. Chicken broth or beef broth can also be used if you prefer.
  • Creaminess: For an extra creamy sauce, add a tablespoon of cream cheese along with the heavy cream.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste. Omit them altogether if you prefer a mild flavor.
  • Don’t Overcook: Monitor the pasta carefully while it simmers to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Helpful Notes for This 29 Easy One-Pot Dinners Recipe

The quality of your crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce will significantly impact the final flavor of the dish. Opt for high quality, preferably Italian canned tomatoes.

Using fresh garlic is highly recommended for the best flavor. However, if you’re short on time, you can use garlic powder.

A Dutch oven or other heavy bottomed pot is ideal for this recipe, as it will distribute heat evenly and prevent sticking.

Don’t forget to check out my other easy recipes, like Easy Crock Pot Corned Beef And Cabbage 2, Easy Crock Pot Corned Beef And Cabbage Recipe, or even the original Easy Crock Pot Corned Beef And Cabbage for more simple and delicious meal ideas!

Variation of This 29 Easy One-Pot Dinners Recipe

  • Spicy Tomato Pasta: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pot along with the pasta for a spicy kick. You can also use a spicy tomato sauce.
  • Vegetarian Pasta: Add chopped vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms to the pot along with the onion and garlic.
  • Meat Lovers Pasta: Add cooked sausage, ground beef, or shredded chicken to the pot along with the pasta.
  • Pesto Pasta: Stir in a few tablespoons of pesto sauce at the end for a burst of fresh flavor.
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What are the benefits of cooking one-pot meals?

One-pot meals are quick, easy to prepare, and result in minimal cleanup, making them perfect for busy weeknights. They also allow flavors to meld together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.

Are one-pot dinners healthy?

Yes, one-pot dinners can be a healthy option! You can easily incorporate vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains into your one-pot recipes, creating a balanced and nutritious meal.

What kind of pots are best for one-pot cooking?

Dutch ovens, large skillets (especially cast iron), and stockpots are excellent choices for one-pot cooking. The pot should be large enough to hold all the ingredients comfortably, allowing for even cooking.

Can I prepare one-pot meals in advance?

Many one-pot meals can be prepped in advance, making them even more convenient. You can chop vegetables, measure out spices, and even cook the meal partially ahead of time, finishing it just before serving.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy trying out these 29 Easy One-Pot Dinners as much as I love creating them! From simple pasta dishes to hearty stews, there’s something for everyone in this collection. So go ahead, grab your favorite pot and start cooking, and experience the joy of delicious, hassle free meals. This Creamy Tomato and Basil Pasta will be ready and waiting for you to try.

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29 Easy One-Pot Dinners: Quick Recipes For Busy Nights


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  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A creamy, flavorful, and easy one pot pasta dish with tomatoes, basil, and parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
  3. Add the pasta, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until well combined. Cook for another minute until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
  6. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Pasta
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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