20 One Pot Recipes Perfect for Busy Nights

One pot and one pan meals make dinner simpler without sacrificing flavor. This collection focuses on hearty, satisfying dishes that come together with minimal cleanup. From cheesy pastas to savory skillet meals, each recipe is designed to be practical and full of comfort. These dishes are ideal for busy days when you want something filling and homemade.

One Pot French Onion Pasta

A plate of rigatoni pasta with shredded cheese and herbs, next to a fork on a white dish. An onion and parsley are in the background. — One Pot French Onion Pasta. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

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Caramelized onions create a deep, savory base for this pasta dish. The pasta cooks directly in the broth, soaking up all the flavor. Melted cheese adds richness and a creamy finish. It delivers classic French onion flavors in a comforting pasta form.
Get the Recipe: One Pot French Onion Pasta

One Pan Tomato Basil Pasta

A bowl of spaghetti topped with grated cheese, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and a basil leaf, with a fork in the bowl and small bowls of chili flakes and pepper on the side. — One Pan Tomato Basil Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Tomatoes break down into a light sauce as the pasta cooks. Fresh basil adds brightness and aroma. Garlic and olive oil round out the simple flavors. The result is a clean, satisfying dish with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: One Pan Tomato Basil Pasta

One Pot Chicken and Olive Skillet

Chicken cooks until tender alongside briny olives and aromatics. The skillet method locks in flavor while keeping the dish simple. Herbs add balance and depth. Each bite is savory with a hint of Mediterranean flair.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Chicken and Olive Skillet

One Pot Chicken Stew

A pot of creamy chicken stew with sliced potatoes, carrots, peas, celery, and herbs, sits on a white table next to bread and pepper shakers. — One Pot Chicken Stew. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Chunks of chicken simmer with vegetables in a rich broth. Potatoes and carrots add heartiness. The stew thickens naturally as it cooks. It delivers classic comfort in a single pot.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Chicken Stew

One Pot Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes

Pasta cooks directly with tomatoes, garlic, and broth. Spinach wilts in at the end, adding color and texture. The sauce forms naturally as the pasta releases starch. It is light, flavorful, and easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes

One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

A bowl of creamy pasta garnished with fresh arugula, placed on a napkin with a fork beside it; lemon wedges are visible in the background. — One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Pasta cooks until tender, then is finished with lemon and ricotta. The ricotta creates a creamy sauce without heaviness. Lemon adds brightness to balance the richness. It is smooth, fresh, and comforting.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Easy Beef and Potato Bake – One Pot Meal

A bowl of beef stew with sliced potatoes, carrots, and gravy, with a fork resting on the edge, next to a pot of stew. — Easy Beef and Potato Bake – One Pot Meal. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

Beef and potatoes cook together until tender in one dish. Seasonings infuse the layers as they bake. The potatoes absorb the savory juices from the beef. This meal is filling and straightforward.
Get the Recipe: Easy Beef and Potato Bake – One Pot Meal

One Pan Fajita Rice Casserole

A bowl of rice mixed with vegetables, topped with avocado cubes and tortilla chips, placed on a woven mat with sliced tomato, avocado, green onions, and a black-and-white napkin nearby. — One Pan Fajita Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Rice cooks with peppers, onions, and seasoned protein in one pan. The spices infuse every grain as the liquid absorbs. Everything finishes tender and well blended. It brings bold flavor with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: One Pan Fajita Rice Casserole

Quick & Easy One Pot Pasta with Mediterranean Meatballs

Meatballs simmer directly in the sauce with pasta. Herbs and garlic give the dish a savory backbone. The pasta absorbs the seasoned liquid as it cooks. Each serving is rich and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Quick & Easy One Pot Pasta with Mediterranean Meatballs

Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta in One Pot

A close-up of creamy macaroni and cheese garnished with parsley. — Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta in One Pot. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Italian sausage cooks with peppers and onions for a savory base. Pasta finishes cooking in the same pot with broth and seasoning. The sausage flavor carries through the entire dish. It is hearty and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta in One Pot

One Pot Cheesy Sausage and Rice Casserole

A close-up of a plate of cheesy sausage jambalaya, featuring sliced sausage, melted cheese, and rice, garnished with herbs. — One Pot Cheesy Sausage and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Rice cooks alongside sausage in a flavorful broth. Cheese melts in at the end, creating a creamy texture. The sausage adds savory richness throughout. Each bite is filling and warm.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Cheesy Sausage and Rice Casserole

The BEST One Pot Taco Macaroni and Cheese

A skillet filled with cheesy taco pasta topped with diced tomatoes and green onions, surrounded by ingredients like a tomato, green onions, and pasta on a white countertop. — The BEST One Pot Taco Macaroni and Cheese. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

Macaroni cooks directly in a taco seasoned sauce. Cheese creates a creamy, cohesive finish. The pasta absorbs all the seasoning as it cooks. This dish is rich, bold, and comforting.
Get the Recipe: The BEST One Pot Taco Macaroni and Cheese

One Pot Chicken and Rice with Brussels Sprouts and Bacon

Chicken and rice cook together with bacon for added depth. Brussels sprouts soften while soaking up the savory flavors. The rice becomes tender and fragrant. It is a complete meal in one pot.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Chicken and Rice with Brussels Sprouts and Bacon

One Pan Chicken Drumsticks and Rice

Plate with chicken drumsticks on a bed of seasoned rice, placed on a checkered tablecloth with a white napkin and a fork nearby. — One Pan Chicken Drumsticks and Rice. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Chicken drumsticks cook directly over seasoned rice. The rice absorbs the juices from the chicken as it cooks. Everything finishes tender and well flavored. This dish is hearty and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: One Pan Chicken Drumsticks and Rice

Easy One Pot Cabbage Soup

An overhead image of two cabbage soups in a white serving bowl. — Easy One Pot Cabbage Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Cabbage simmers with vegetables in a savory broth. The flavors develop as the soup cooks in one pot. The texture remains light yet filling. It is simple and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Easy One Pot Cabbage Soup