24 Easy One-Pan Dinners Perfect for Busy Weeknights

When you want a comforting dinner that doesn’t leave you with a sink full of dishes, one-pot meals are always the answer. This roundup is packed with cozy, flavorful dishes that are easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends. Expect creamy textures, bold seasonings, and hearty ingredients that come together with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just want something warm and satisfying, these recipes make homemade comfort food feel totally doable.

Creamy One Pot Chicken Alfredo (dairy & gluten-free)

A skillet containing mixed pasta with chicken pieces, broccoli, sun-dried tomatoes, and green onions, stirred together with a creamy sauce. — Creamy One Pot Chicken Alfredo (dairy & gluten-free). Photo credit: Fit As A Mama Bear.

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This dish brings tender chicken and pasta together in a creamy sauce made entirely in one pot. The sauce coats every bite without separating as it cooks. Garlic and seasoning add depth throughout the dish. It finishes smooth and comforting with very little cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Creamy One Pot Chicken Alfredo (dairy & gluten-free)

The Best Gluten Free Hamburger Helper

A close-up of a wooden spoon holding a serving of macaroni with ground meat in a blue pot, with a red cloth in the background. — The Best Gluten Free Hamburger Helper. Photo credit: The Clean Happy Life.

This homemade version cooks ground beef and pasta in a rich, savory sauce. Everything simmers together so the flavors blend evenly. The pasta absorbs the sauce as it cooks. It delivers familiar comfort with a homemade touch.
Get the Recipe: The Best Gluten Free Hamburger Helper

Grandma’s Goulash: A Classic Comfort Food Recipe

A plate of cooked macaroni pasta mixed with ground meat and diced red peppers, served on a white plate with a gold fork beside it. — Grandma’s Goulash: A Classic Comfort Food Recipe. Photo credit: Recipes Made With Love.

This goulash combines ground meat, pasta, and tomato sauce in one hearty pot. The ingredients cook together until tender and well seasoned. Each spoonful brings nostalgic flavor. It works well for leftovers the next day.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Goulash: A Classic Comfort Food Recipe

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

A plate of penne pasta with pieces of chicken, creamy sauce, and garnished with parsley, placed on a white plate with another serving in the background. — Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: The Default Cook.

Chicken cooks until juicy before being folded into a creamy garlic sauce. The pasta holds the sauce well for balanced bites. Parmesan adds richness without overpowering the dish. It comes together smoothly on the stovetop.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

EASY Potato Sausage Recipe (Perfect Skillet Potatoes)

A frying pan filled with sautéed vegetables and sliced sausage, with a spatula resting in the pan, on a light marble surface. — EASY Potato Sausage Recipe (Perfect Skillet Potatoes). Photo credit: The Buttery Fairytale.

Potatoes cook until golden alongside savory sausage. The skillet allows the potatoes to crisp while staying tender inside. Seasoning brings everything together evenly. This dish works well as a main or a side.
Get the Recipe: EASY Potato Sausage Recipe (Perfect Skillet Potatoes)

Chuck Wagon Brisket and Beans

A close-up of a red pot filled with thick, hearty chili containing beans and vegetables in a rich, reddish-brown sauce. — Chuck Wagon Brisket and Beans. Photo credit: Dutch Oven Daddy.

Brisket cooks slowly until tender and full of flavor. Beans soak up the rich cooking liquid as everything simmers. The texture becomes thick and satisfying. It is a hearty dish meant for slow cooking.
Get the Recipe: Chuck Wagon Brisket and Beans

Creamy Vegan Sweet Potato & Black Bean Curry

A bowl of curry with black beans, sweet potatoes, spinach, and a creamy sauce, garnished with parsley. A serving spoon rests in the bowl; rice and seasonings are nearby. — Creamy Vegan Sweet Potato & Black Bean Curry. Photo credit: Hungry Whisk.

Sweet potatoes soften into the sauce while black beans add texture. The curry sauce coats every ingredient evenly. Spices bring warmth without overpowering the dish. It pairs well with rice or flatbread.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Sweet Potato & Black Bean Curry

Vegetarian minestrone soup with carrots, zucchini and creamy white beans

A bowl of vegetable soup with a spoon, garnished with fresh basil, surrounded by cherry tomatoes and flatbread on a light surface. — Vegetarian minestrone soup with carrots, zucchini and creamy white beans. Photo credit: Chop And Cheers.

This soup features vegetables simmered in a savory broth. White beans add body and a creamy texture. Each bowl offers a mix of vegetables in every bite. It is well suited for make ahead meals.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian minestrone soup with carrots, zucchini and creamy white beans

Homemade Hamburger Helper

A plate of creamy pasta shells with ground meat and garnished with chopped parsley, placed on a dark surface beside forks and a pepper shaker. — Homemade Hamburger Helper. Photo credit: My Rad Kitchen.

Ground beef cooks with pasta in a savory sauce built from scratch. The sauce thickens naturally as it simmers. Everything stays cohesive in one pan. It delivers familiar flavors with simple ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Hamburger Helper

One Pan Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta

A pan of wide egg noodles in a creamy mushroom sauce, with mushrooms visible, and a serving plated in the background. — One Pan Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta. Photo credit: Craving Something Healthy.

Chicken and mushrooms cook together before being tossed with pasta. The sauce develops depth as it simmers in the pan. Mushrooms add a savory note throughout. Cleanup stays easy with a single pan.
Get the Recipe: One Pan Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta

Easy Kimchi Beef Stew

A black bowl with stir-fried pork, onions, and kimchi, garnished with sliced green onions. Chopsticks and a small plate of kimchi are nearby. — Easy Kimchi Beef Stew. Photo credit: In the Kitch.

Beef simmers until tender in a bold, flavorful broth. Kimchi adds depth and richness as it cooks down. The stew thickens as the beef breaks apart. It delivers strong flavor in every spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Easy Kimchi Beef Stew

BEST One Pot Zucchini Mushroom Pasta {Creamy Vegan Recipe}

A pan of creamy spaghetti topped with sautéed mushrooms, roasted zucchini slices, and chopped herbs on a wooden table. — BEST One Pot Zucchini Mushroom Pasta {Creamy Vegan Recipe}. Photo credit: The Buttery Fairytale.

Zucchini and mushrooms cook down into a silky sauce. The pasta absorbs the flavors as it cooks in the pot. Each bite feels balanced and comforting. The dish finishes smooth without extra steps.
Get the Recipe: BEST One Pot Zucchini Mushroom Pasta {Creamy Vegan Recipe}

Mexican Chicken and Rice

A white cast iron pot filled with a baked dish of rice, black beans, corn, tomatoes, chicken, and melted cheese, garnished with chopped herbs. — Mexican Chicken and Rice. Photo credit: A One Pot Wonder.

Chicken cooks directly with rice and seasoning in one pot. The rice absorbs the cooking liquid for full flavor. Each serving includes tender chicken and fluffy rice. It works well as a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Chicken and Rice

One Pot Beef Enchilada Pasta Recipe

Close-up of rotini pasta mixed with ground beef and tomato sauce, garnished with chopped parsley. — One Pot Beef Enchilada Pasta Recipe. Photo credit: The Slow Roasted Italian.

Ground beef cooks in enchilada sauce with pasta added directly to the pot. The sauce thickens as the pasta cooks. Cheese melts throughout for a cohesive finish. It serves easily straight from the pot.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Beef Enchilada Pasta Recipe

Creamy Taco Soup (Easy One-Pot Family Dinner)

A bowl of creamy soup containing corn, beans, and herbs, topped with shredded cheese, salsa, and a dollop of sour cream, placed on a wooden surface next to a beige napkin. — Creamy Taco Soup (Easy One-Pot Family Dinner). Photo credit: Natural Rooted Home.

This soup combines ground meat, beans, and seasoning in a creamy broth. Everything simmers together for even flavor. The texture stays thick and comforting. It is easy to portion and reheat.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Taco Soup (Easy One-Pot Family Dinner)

Egg Roll in a Bowl—an Easy One Pan Family-friendly Meal

A black bowl filled with a stir-fry of ground meat, chopped cabbage, carrots, and sliced green onions sits on a counter with a pan and wooden spoon in the background. — Egg Roll in a Bowl—an Easy One Pan Family-friendly Meal. Photo credit: Whole New Mom.

Ground meat cooks with cabbage and vegetables in a single skillet. Seasoning brings classic egg roll flavors to the dish. Everything stays crisp yet tender. It is quick and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Egg Roll in a Bowl—an Easy One Pan Family-friendly Meal

Instant Pot Blueberry Oatmeal

A bowl of oatmeal with blueberries and milk sits on a table; a hand holds a spoonful above the bowl. Brown sugar and potted plants are in the background. — Instant Pot Blueberry Oatmeal. Photo credit: Stretch And Folds.

Oats cook evenly under pressure for a creamy texture. Blueberries soften and release their juices throughout. The result is thick and comforting. It holds well for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Blueberry Oatmeal

Coconut Milk Curry Lentils

A white bowl containing yellow lentil curry, white rice, lime wedges, and a piece of flatbread, with fresh limes and naan on the table. — Coconut Milk Curry Lentils. Photo credit: My Rad Kitchen.

Lentils simmer in coconut milk until tender. The sauce thickens as the lentils cook. Spices blend smoothly into the dish. It works well over rice or on its own.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Milk Curry Lentils

Cheese Tortellini Soup

A copper pan filled with tortellini soup in tomato broth, mixed with greens and herbs, is placed on a patterned blue and white surface. — Cheese Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Kitchen Ready Betty.

Tortellini cook directly in a flavorful broth. The pasta stays tender without falling apart. Each bowl offers pasta and broth in balance. It comes together quickly.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Tortellini Soup

No-Peek Chicken and Rice with Mushrooms (From Scratch!)

A glass baking dish with two seasoned chicken breasts, whole mushrooms, and rice, placed on a woven mat with a striped towel nearby. — No-Peek Chicken and Rice with Mushrooms (From Scratch!). Photo credit: The Default Cook.

Chicken and rice bake together without stirring. Mushrooms release flavor as they cook. The rice absorbs the cooking liquid evenly. The finished dish is tender and cohesive.
Get the Recipe: No-Peek Chicken and Rice with Mushrooms (From Scratch!)

Quick & Creamy 5-Ingredient Chickpea Curry

A bowl of chickpea curry garnished with cilantro, placed on a pink surface next to naan bread, a yellow napkin, salt and pepper shakers, and a glass of water. — Quick & Creamy 5-Ingredient Chickpea Curry. Photo credit: Hungry Whisk.

Chickpeas simmer in a creamy sauce built from simple ingredients. The sauce thickens quickly on the stovetop. Each bite is coated evenly. It is fast without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Quick & Creamy 5-Ingredient Chickpea Curry

Creamy Mexican Taco Pasta

A blue pot filled with creamy tomato pasta topped with sour cream, diced tomatoes, and fresh parsley, with a wooden spoon resting inside. — Creamy Mexican Taco Pasta. Photo credit: The Clean Happy Life.

Pasta cooks in a seasoned sauce with ground meat. The sauce clings to every piece of pasta. Cheese melts throughout the dish. It works well for family style serving.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mexican Taco Pasta

One Pot Pappardelle Pasta Primavera

A skillet filled with pappardelle pasta, asparagus, spinach, tomatoes, and mushrooms, with a sliced lemon and plates in the background. — One Pot Pappardelle Pasta Primavera. Photo credit: Craving Something Healthy.

Wide noodles cook directly with vegetables and sauce. The vegetables stay tender with a slight bite. The sauce coats the pasta evenly. Everything finishes together in one pot.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Pappardelle Pasta Primavera

EASY One Pot Burrito Bowl Recipe

A pan filled with a cooked casserole topped with melted cheese, diced tomatoes, green onions, cilantro, and corn. — EASY One Pot Burrito Bowl Recipe. Photo credit: I Heart Naptime.

Rice cooks with seasoning, beans, and protein in a single pot. Each ingredient absorbs flavor as it simmers. The texture stays fluffy and cohesive. It is easy to customize when serving.
Get the Recipe: EASY One Pot Burrito Bowl Recipe