17 One-Pot Meals That Busy Parents Need To Try

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17 One-Pot Meals That Busy Parents Need To Try

Starting with one-pot meals is a smart move for any busy parent. These 17 recipes are all about making your life easier without skimping on flavor. Think less time in the kitchen, less cleaning, and more enjoying a good meal with your family. We’re talking about dishes that are straightforward but are still extra flavorful and filling.

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

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

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

Chicken Pot Pie Soup is your go-to for a hearty family meal. Knock it out in an hour, and you’ve got a warm, one-pot wonder that everyone at the table will love. It’s the perfect answer for those busy, chilly nights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Cabbage and Sausage

Cabbage and sausage in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When you’re pressed for time, Cabbage and Sausage is your hero. Whip this up in less than 30 minutes in a single pot. It’s straightforward, filling, and just what you need for a no-fuss dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white dish with chicken breasts in a creamy garlic sauce.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Garlic Chicken is the busy parent’s dream. Spend just 30 minutes in the kitchen, and you’ve got a delicious one-pan meal. Chicken, garlic, Parmesan sauce — it’s all there, simple and delicious, perfect for any hectic weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

A pot of soup with parmesan cheese and parsley.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Dive into Creamy Italian Sausage Soup for a quick, comforting dinner. In just 30 minutes, this one-pot meal brings together sausage, cream cheese, and tomatoes. It’s a smart pick for parents who need a warm, flavorful meal on the fly.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

A baking sheet filled with vegetables and sausages.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is all about simplicity. Toss everything on a sheet pan, bake for 30 minutes, and you’re done. It’s a great way to serve up a hearty meal on those nights when you’re short on time but still want something good.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A person is holding a wooden spoon full of chicken bites in a garlic butter sauce.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In just 20 minutes, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are ready to hit the table. This quick pan-cooked chicken, zesty with garlic butter sauce, is just the thing for a rapid and easy dinner. Pair it with noodles, rice, or veggies for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

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

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is a great option for a warm, filling dinner. Prepare this one-pot soup in about an hour for a comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for a busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

A plate of stuffed bell pepper casserole with a spoon.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is a lifesaver for busy parents. Ready in just 45 minutes, this one-pot meal is easy, even for beginners. It’s packed with flavor and makes for a hearty dinner on hectic nights.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

A skillet full of meat and rice with a spoon.
Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Whip up the Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice in just 30 minutes. This one-pan meal is a game-changer for tired parents. It combines ground beef, cauliflower rice, cheddar cheese, and mushrooms into a hearty dinner that’s both quick and flavorsome.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Green Chile Chicken

A pan full of chicken in a sauce with a wooden spoon.
Green Chile Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Green Chile Chicken is the answer to a speedy, flavorful meal. Ready in 20 minutes, this skillet dish uses leftover chicken thighs or rotisserie chicken with green chiles. It’s a great way to turn leftovers into a quick dinner winner.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken

Chicken Corn Soup

A bowl of chicken corn soup with carrots and parsley.
Chicken Corn Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Corn Soup is a go-to for a comforting dinner in a pinch. This one-pot meal, ready in less than an hour, blends chicken, veggies, and broth into a heartwarming soup that’s perfect for busy parents needing a complete, hassle-free meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Creamy Dijon Chicken

A pan with chicken, spinach and bacon in it.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Get dinner sorted in 30 minutes with Creamy Dijon Chicken. This one-pan dish is easy and quick, featuring chicken in a creamy Dijon mustard sauce. It’s a great choice for those evenings when you’re short on time but want something really good.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Sausage Curry

A skillet filled with carrots and sausages.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Spice up your dinner routine with Sausage Curry. Ready quickly in one pan, this dish mixes sausage, veggies, and a robust curry sauce. It’s a great meal for busy weeknights when you’re looking for something a bit different but still easy.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A pan with bacon and cabbage in it.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a straightforward, quick 30-minute dish. It combines the hearty flavors of cabbage and bacon in a skillet. This meal is perfect for an easy, no-stress dinner on a busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

Prepare Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce in about 30 minutes for a quick and easy dinner. This one-pan meal features chicken breasts in a rich mushroom sauce. It’s a smart choice for a weeknight for a simple and memorable meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

A pan with shrimp, tomatoes and spinach in it.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach is ready in just 30 minutes. This one-pan meal is a perfect choice for parents needing a quick dinner. Shrimp, spinach, and tomatoes come together in a dish that’s not only quick to make but also full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

A pan filled with chicken in a creamy sauce with artichoke hearts.
Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Try Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts for a quick dinner fix. It takes about 30 minutes to make in one pan. The artichoke hearts pair nicely with the creamy sauce, creating a simple yet delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

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