20 One-Pot Recipes To Keep Your Kitchen (And Life) in Order

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20 One-Pot Recipes To Keep Your Kitchen (And Life) in Order

If you’re all about keeping your kitchen mess to a minimum and streamlining your meal prep, you’ll be all over these 20 one-pot recipes. They’re great for anyone who wants to whip up a good meal without turning their kitchen into a disaster zone. Think less cleaning, more eating, and a whole lot of flavor packed into a single pot. And let’s be honest, fewer dishes means more time to kick back after dinner — because who needs the extra work?

Chicken pot pie soup with peas and carrots in a bowl.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Dijon Chicken

A pan of creamy dijon chicken with herbs and bacon.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Great for a quick, impressive meal, this dish features chicken thighs cooked in a creamy mustard sauce, ready in 30 minutes. The sauce is rich and flavorful, making it perfect to serve over mashed potatoes, which will soak up every bit of the sauce. Cooked in one pan, this meal is great for a standout lunch or dinner with minimal effort and cleanup. It’s perfect for when you want a rich and hearty meal that looks like you’ve spent a lot of time on it, but it’s actually quick and simple.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Tuscan garlic shrimp and spinach with tomatoes in a pan.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Perfect for impressing with no hassle, this dish combines shrimp, spinach, tomatoes, and onions, all cooked in one pan in just 30 minutes. The sauce made with coconut milk, unsalted chicken stock, garlic, and spices gives it a great flavor while keeping it light. Serve this with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to add a touch of gourmet flair to your meal without the mess. It’s a great way to show off your cooking skills and have a fancy meal ready quickly. This dish is easy, yet it looks like you put in a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A plate of garlic butter chicken bites.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Perfect for busy days, these chicken bites are ready in just 20 minutes. You simply coat chopped chicken breasts in cornstarch and salt, cook them in a pan, then toss them in a delicious garlic butter sauce. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to give it a bit of spice. Pair these bites with roasted potatoes or veggies for a complete and easy meal. This recipe shows you have cooking skills even on a tight schedule. It’s quick, flavorful, and looks great on the plate.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

A bowl of Hungarian mushroom soup with a gold spoon.
Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Hungarian Mushroom Soup is a one-pot wonder, ready in 45 minutes. It combines mushrooms, sour cream, milk, broth, onions, and spices to create a hearty and flavorful meal. Serve it with a slice of toasted sourdough bread for a complete and comforting meal. This dish is perfect for a chilly day and ensures you have a cozy meal with minimal time in the kitchen. It’s a great way to show you how to make a classic and delicious soup without spending hours cooking it.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner with a spoon.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner makes evenings easy with a 30-minute cooking time. You just place sausages and a mix of vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and zucchini on a single pan and bake. This recipe is customizable with any veggies you prefer and requires minimal cleanup, making it perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal. Serve it with crusty bread to complete this easy dinner. This dish makes you look like a pro with hardly any work, and it’s healthy, too.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Creamy chicken thighs with artichoke hearts in a pan.
Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts dish is great for fooling everyone into thinking you’re a pro in the kitchen. In just 30 minutes, you get tender chicken thighs cooked with artichoke hearts in a rich and creamy sauce. It’s hearty, and the flavors combine perfectly, making it a great match for roasted veggies or a fresh salad. This one-pan recipe means less mess and more time to relax. You’ll impress with minimal effort and have an easy cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Baked Ravioli

A close-up of a cheesy baked ravioli garnished with herbs, with a fork lifting a portion to show the melted cheese.
Baked Ravioli. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Baked Ravioli is perfect for creating a meal that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen. In just 60 minutes, you layer frozen cheese ravioli with marinara sauce and loads of melted cheese, delivering that lasagna vibe without the hassle. The flavors are rich and cheesy, making it a hit for any dinner. Pair it with garlic bread to enhance the meal. This one-pan wonder is all about making you look good with very little effort. Cleanup is a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken pot pie soup in a bowl with peas and carrots.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

It turns classic chicken pot pie into a simple one-pot soup in about an hour. Combine chicken, carrots, celery and a creamy base to recreate those familiar, comforting flavors. Serve with bread or crackers to make it a hearty and easy dinner. It’s a clever way to serve a comforting classic without all the hassle of making a pie crust. Your friends will be impressed with this cozy and delicious dish.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Stuffed bell pepper casserole in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is a great one-pot dinner option that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. It brings all the flavors of traditional stuffed bell peppers into a simpler, effortless casserole. You mix ground beef, rice, bell peppers, broth, and seasonings in one skillet, then broil with shredded cheddar on top. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s hearty and packed with flavor. This casserole is straightforward to make and clean up, making you look like you’ve got it all together in the kitchen. It’s a great choice for a filling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Cabbage and Sausage

A pan of cabbage and sausage garnished with fresh herbs.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cabbage and Sausage is a perfect one-pan meal for those who want a quick yet hearty dinner. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish combines tender cabbage and delicious sausage, creating a hearty meal. Pair it with potatoes or rice for a complete dinner. It’s quick to prepare, and clean-up is simple, making it look like you’ve mastered the art of easy cooking. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, keeping things convenient. This comforting recipe is a modern take on a classic, perfect for any time you need a filling meal fast.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

A skillet of creamy sun dried tomato chicken with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is a great one-pan meal that’s both quick and impressive. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have succulent chicken thighs cooked with flavorful sun-dried tomatoes and a rich, creamy sauce. Serve it over pasta or rice for a complete meal that’s full of taste. This recipe is easy to follow and makes cleanup a breeze, showing off your cooking skills with minimal effort. It’s perfect for a standout lunch or dinner. This meal combines preparation with a rich, delicious taste, making it a great addition to your cooking repertoire.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Sausage Curry

Sausage curry in a skillet garnished with herbs.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Mix sausage, sweet potatoes, carrots, and yellow onions in a curry sauce made with tomato paste, coconut aminos, and heavy cream. It’s a flavorful mix that’s ready in 45 minutes. Pair it with rice or naan for a complete meal that looks like you spent hours on it. This dish is a simple way to make dinner exciting with minimal cleanup and effort. Your guests will think you’ve mastered the art of curry.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce in a pan.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is perfect to fool anyone into thinking you’ve got more cooking skills than you show. In just 30 minutes, you can cook tender chicken and mushrooms in a rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and broth all in one pan. Add fresh parsley, garlic, and Parmesan to boost the flavor. This recipe showcases the simplicity and elegance of one-pan meals, making it a great choice for an effortless gourmet dinner. It’s a dish that’s easy to prepare but looks and tastes like you spent a lot of time on it. This recipe is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a fancy meal without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Green Chile Chicken

Green chile chicken in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Green Chile Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish combines chicken, green chilis, cheddar cheese, and spices in one skillet. It’s ready in just 20 minutes, which makes it a great time-saver. You sauté the jalapeños, mix the chicken and green chiles and top with shredded cheese. Garnish with chopped green onions and sour cream for a bit of color and extra flavor. Serve it with tortillas for a meal that looks and tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did. This dish is simple but packs a punch of flavor, making it a solid choice for a quick lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Italian sausage soup in a pot with a spoon and garnishes on the side.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in 30 minutes, mix Italian sausage, cream cheese, and tomatoes for a rich and comforting soup. Pair with garlic bread for dipping to make it even more filling. This simple meal cuts down on kitchen time and cleanup and is perfect for a relaxing evening. It’s a cozy dish that looks and tastes like you’ve spent hours preparing it. Your guests will love the rich flavors and creamy texture.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Two bowls of sweet potato and red pepper soup with sour cream and parsley.
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Combine sweet potatoes, red bell peppers, onions in broth and heavy cream for a smooth and delicious soup. Puree it and top it with sour cream, then serve with fresh bread for a full meal. It’s a great way to show off your cooking skills with a simple and flavorful dish. Your guests will be impressed by the bright colors and rich taste.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Chicken Corn Soup

Two bowls of chicken corn soup garnished with parsley.
Chicken Corn Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish is a comforting combination of chicken, corn, creamed corn, and potatoes in a flavorful broth, all cooked in one pot. It’s ready in about an hour, so it’s perfect when you’re short on time but want a meal that seems like you spent all day on. Pair it with crusty bread to make it even more filling. This soup is hearty and filling, which makes it a great choice for a quick and easy dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. With minimal effort, you can create a delicious and impressive meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Garlic Chicken is an awesome pick for meals that will make anyone think you have everything under control. This one-pot dish takes about 30 minutes and combines chicken breast, garlic, and Parmesan cheese into a creamy, flavorful meal. You cook everything in one pan, making cleanup a breeze and enhancing the chicken and garlic flavors. Serve it with rice, potatoes, pasta, or veggies for a meal that’s both hearty and simple to prepare. This dish is perfect for those nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s an effortless recipe that delivers big on taste and looks like you’ve got some serious cooking skills.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A pan full of bacon and cabbage with a wooden spoon.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish combines cabbage and bacon into a savory meal in just 25 minutes. You fry everything in one pan, which makes it a quick and easy option for a hearty main dish or a flavorful side. Add ground cayenne or red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice. This simple recipe delivers on flavor, making it perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. It’s a simple dish packed with flavor and doesn’t require much effort or cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is always a favorite one-pot meal. Combine ground beef, cauliflower rice, cheddar cheese, and mushrooms in one skillet for a quick 30-minute meal. It’s a hearty dish that’s low on carbs but high on flavor. Serve with veggies to round out the meal. This dish makes you look like a pro in the kitchen with minimal effort and cleanup. It’s a great way to enjoy a comforting meal without spending too much time cooking.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

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