20 One-Pot Meals to Fool Everyone Into Thinking You’ve Got It Together

Photo of author

| Published:

20 One-Pot Meals to Fool Everyone Into Thinking You’ve Got It Together

Let’s be real, the last thing anyone wants after a long day is to juggle pots and pans like some sort of kitchen circus act. Enter the life-saving grace of one-pot meals: the culinary superhero for the rest of us. With these 20 one-pot wonders, you’ll not only dodge the avalanche of dirty dishes, but you’ll also trick your dinner guests into thinking you’ve got your act together.

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

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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

This dish merges shrimp, spinach, tomatoes, onions, and a delicious sauce, all cooked in one pan within 30 minutes. With a sauce made of different spices, coconut milk, broth, and garlic, you’re ensured a flavorful yet light meal. Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to bring a touch of gourmet to your dining table — without extensive prep or cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Creamy Dijon Chicken

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

Creamy Dijon Chicken is a quick, one-pan meal that’s ready in 30 minutes. Chicken thighs are cooked in a creamy mustard sauce, creating a rich taste without extensive prep. Serve over mashed potatoes to catch every bit of the sauce. This recipe makes a quick meal that only requires half an hour and a single pan, great for when you want an impressive lunch or dinner without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

Ready in just 20 minutes, these garlic butter chicken bites are a quick, one-pan solution to a busy day. All you need to do is coat chopped chicken breasts in cornstarch and salt, cook them in a pan, then toss them in a delicious garlic butter sauce. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can spice things up. Pair with roasted potatoes or veggies for a well-rounded meal.
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.

For an easy yet hearty meal, create this Hungarian Mushroom Soup in a single pot. This recipe simmers mushrooms, sour cream, milk, broth, onions, and spices for a meal that’s ready in 45 minutes. Serve with a slice of toasted sourdough for a complete, comforting meal. This dish is best for a chilly day, ensuring comfort with minimal kitchen time.
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 simplifies your evening with a 30-minute cook time. Just place sausages and vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, and zucchini on a single pan and bake. This recipe is customizable with any veggies you prefer and requires minimal cleanup, perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal. Serve with crusty bread to complete this easy dinner.
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.

Enjoy a hearty meal in just 30 minutes with this one-pan recipe. Tender chicken thighs are cooked with artichoke hearts in a creamy sauce, delivering a filling and flavorful dish. This dish is best served alongside roasted veggies or a simple salad for a complete meal that’s easy to prepare and even easier to clean up.
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 makes your dinner routine effortless with only one pan and 60 minutes of cooking time. It layers frozen cheese ravioli with marinara sauce and melted cheese, creating a dish that’s as simple as it is good. It’s a straightforward way to enjoy the taste of lasagna with less work. You can even pair it with some garlic bread for the full lasagna experience.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Stuffed bell pepper casserole in a pot.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This casserole remixes the classic stuffed bell pepper into a single-pot meal, creating a hearty meal with simple steps. Combine ground beef, rice, bell peppers, broth, and seasonings in a skillet then broil with shredded cheddar on top. You can enjoy this casserole in just 45 minutes. It’s a straightforward dish with easy cleanup, making your cooking experience extra breezy.
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.

Combine cabbage and sausage in a single pan for a meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. It’s designed for those seeking a hearty meal without the long prep or cleanup time. Pair this with potatoes or rice for a filling and quick meal. You can also store any leftovers for up 3 days in the fridge, just make sure you’re using an airtight container.
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.

In just 30 minutes, you can create a hearty dish with this one-pan Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Ingredients like chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, and heavy cream are combined to make a flavorful meal. Serve it over pasta or rice to make an even more filling lunch or dinner. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also simplifies cleanup with the convenience of one-pot meals.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Sausage Curry

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

Prepare a flavorful Sausage Curry in just one pan by combining Italian sausage, peas, sweet potatoes, and carrots onions in a curry sauce. The said sauce is made of tomato paste, coconut aminos, and heavy cream. Ready in 45 minutes, this delicious dish goes well with rice or naan for a complete meal. It’s an effortless way to spice up dinner with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken pot pie soup in a white bowl with a spoon.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Transform the comforting chicken pot pie into a simple one-pot soup, ready in about an hour. It combines chicken, veggies, and a creamy base to recreate the pie’s favorite flavors. Serve with bread or crackers to complete the comforting dish, perfect for a filling dinner that’s easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

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.

Whip up this Creamy Ground Beef Skillet in no time, combining ground beef, cauliflower rice, cheeses, and mushrooms. Ready in about 30 minutes, this dish only requires one skillet, making it a low-effort meal that’s easy to clean up after. Serve with vegetables for an even more filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

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.

This Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is your go-to for a quick, comforting meal, ready in 30 minutes with just a handful of ingredients including Italian sausage, cream cheese, and tomatoes. Serve it hot with a side of garlic bread for dipping. This simple, cozy meal minimizes kitchen time and cleanup, making it a comforting choice for a relaxing evening.
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.

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup combines sweet potatoes, red bell peppers, and onions in broth and heavy cream, creating a savory one-pot soup. Puree for a smooth texture and top with sour cream, then serve with fresh bread for a full meal. This recipe is easy to prepare in one pot, and is customizable — you can add more vegetables for texture or some diced jalapeño for more spice.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Green Chile Chicken

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

Green Chile Chicken makes a flavorful and quick meal, combining chicken, green chiles, cheeses, and spices using only one skillet. Ready in 20 minutes, this dish is a time-saver. The steps are simple — sauté the jalapeños, stir in the other ingredients, and top with shredded cheese. Garnish with chopped green onions and sour cream for added color and taste, then serve with tortillas for a fun lunch or dinner!
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken

Chicken Corn Soup

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

Enjoy the ultimate comfort dish with Chicken Corn Soup, ready in a single pot. It blends tender chicken, corn, and vegetables in a flavorful broth. Pair it with crusty bread for a complete and more filling meal. This soup is a great choice for when you only have an hour to spend in the kitchen, making a delicious and nourishing dish with minimal effort.
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.

In about 30 minutes, this one-pot recipe creates a creamy dish that’s easy to prepare. The main ingredients include chicken, garlic, and Parmesan cheese — a combination that is known to make delicious, flavorful meals. Cook everything in one pan to enhance the chicken’s flavor and make cleanup quick. Serve with rice, potatoes, pasta, or vegetables for a filling meal without the hassle.
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 simple dish combines cabbage and bacon for a meal that comes together in 25 minutes. Fry everything in one pan and enjoy it as a hearty main dish or a savory side. You can add ground cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a hint of spice. It’s a straightforward, flavorful option for a quick lunch or dinner without the need for multiple pots and pans.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

In just 30 minutes, you can prepare Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce using only one pan. Cook tender chicken and mushrooms in a rich, creamy sauce made of sun-dried tomatoes, cream, and broth. Add fresh parsley, garlic, and Parmesan cheese to enhance the dish’s flavors. This recipe is a testament to the simplicity and elegance of one-pan meals, perfect for an effortless gourmet dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.