28 Best One-Pot Meals Recipes

One pot meals are a lifesaver for busy weeknights when you don't have the energy or time to spend hours in the kitchen. These recipes, which can be made in one pot or pan, are a great way to get a healthy, flavorful, and quick meal on the table.

From rice and pasta dishes to chicken, salmon, shrimp, and vegetable-based meals, there is a one pot recipe for every taste and preference. Not only are these recipes easy to make, but they also minimize clean-up, making them the perfect solution for solo cooks or those looking for quick and easy meals for one.

Image collage of one pot meals in different bowls.

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Whether you're in the mood for a comforting one pot dish or a more exotic recipe, there are plenty of options to choose from. So next time you're in a rush for your lunch or dinner, don't reach for takeout. Instead, try one of these delicious one pot meals that are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling satisfied.

With easy step-by-step instructions, photos, and videos, our one-pot meal recipes are designed to make the cooking process simple and clear. So why wait? Let's jump right in and start cooking!

You could also find different collections of recipes below and more at recipe collections.

Chicken and Rice

Chicken and Rice is a rich, flavor-loaded, and easy-to-make one-pot meal. It is usually made with chicken thighs, basmati rice or white rice, basic seasonings, and aromatics. The chicken thighs are usually seasoned with spice powders, pan-fried, and then cooked along with a flavorful aromatic rice. This One Pot Chicken and Rice is one of the best and easy-to-make rice dishes that taste great on their own. However, you can also serve it with roasted and baked vegetables, salads, and other side dishes of your choice for lunch and dinner.

Baked Chicken and Rice

The Oven Baked Chicken and Rice recipe is a flavorful and easy one-pot meal that is loaded with the delicious flavors of buttery rice and juicy chicken. This dish is typically made with chicken thighs, rice, chicken broth, and seasonings, and it is one of the best rice recipes that can be enjoyed for both lunch and dinner.

White Chicken Chili

White Chicken Chili is a rich, creamy, flavor-loaded, and comforting Mexican American dish that has origins in North Mexico and Southern Texas. It is usually made with chicken breast, white beans, green chilis, and other basic aromatics. White Chicken Chili is one of the easy and best chili recipes that has a similar comforting flavor and taste to classic beef chili. It tastes great for lunch and dinner along with avocado, sour cream, tortilla chips, and cheese blends as its toppings.

Turkey Chili

Turkey Chili is a healthy, hearty, and filling Mexican-American dish. It is typically made with ground turkey, vegetables, basic aromatics, and flavorful chili seasoning. This homemade Turkey Chili is one of the best comfort foods, making it a perfect meal for lunch or dinner. The best part is that it makes for a perfect one-pot meal for busy weeknight dinners.

Vegetarian Chili

Vegetarian Chili is a rich, creamy, and moderately spiced Mexican American dish loaded with fresh flavor and taste. It is usually made with veggies, beans, aromatics, cream cheese, veg broth, and a perfect chili seasoning. This homemade veggie chili is one of the easy and best chili recipes that has unique flavors similar to classic chili. It is usually served with simple and delicious toppings like avocado, tortilla chips, cheese blend, coriander leaves, and sour cream for lunch and dinner.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken Noodle Soup is a classic comfort food that is packed with essential healthy nutrients and vitamins. It is made with ingredients such as chicken, noodles, vegetables, chicken broth, basic seasonings, and aromatics. This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is one of the best and most comforting soup dishes that can be perfect for both lunch and dinner. The soup can be served on its own or accompanied by sides such as roasted or baked vegetables, bread, or sandwiches.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup is a warm, healthy, and comforting Mexican dish. It is usually made with chicken breast, beans, corn, tomatoes, broth, basic seasonings, and aromatics. This Mexican Tortilla Soup is one of the best and easy-to-make soup recipes that is perfect comfort food made in one pot. It is usually served with homemade tortilla strips, avocado, and lime wedges, making it suitable for both lunch and dinner or a crowd-pleasing party.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a classic Italian dish that is both hearty and creamy. This soup is typically made with chicken, gnocchi, chicken broth, heavy cream, garlic, and herbs, which work together to create its signature flavor. Some variations of the soup may include spinach, carrots, or celery to add more texture and depth of flavor. This Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup is one of the best soup recipes to make in under 30 minutes. It is a satisfying main course that pairs well with crusty bread, roasted or baked vegetables, or a side salad.

Chicken and Rice Soup

Chicken and Rice Soup is a healthy and hearty classic one-pot meal that is loaded with nutrition. This flavorful soup is typically made with tender chicken breast, vegetables, aromatics, and basic seasonings. Homemade Chicken Rice Soup is one of the best soup recipes that are perfect for both lunch and dinner. Also, it is a great comfort food when you're under the weather.

Creamy Salmon Pasta

Salmon Pasta is a rich, creamy and flavorful Italian seafood pasta dish. It is usually made with angel hair pasta, milk, basic seasonings, and a delicious pan-seared salmon. This Creamy Salmon Pasta is one of the best pasta dishes that can be made in under 30 minutes. And it is perfect to serve for lunch and dinner on a busy weekday, weekend, or on a regular day to satisfy your craving.

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon is a juicy, flaky, and fork-tender Italian dish. It is prepared with fresh salmon fillets and rich garlic butter sauce. This Oven Baked Garlic Butter Salmon is one of the best seafood dishes to enjoy for lunch or dinner. The best part is it can be baked along with veggies and comes together in under 30 minutes.

Pesto Chicken Pasta

Pesto Chicken Pasta is a rich, creamy, and delightful one-pot dish that brings together tender chicken breast, flavorful pesto sauce, penne pasta, basic seasonings, Parmesan cheese, nuts, and herbs. This pasta dish is a perfect comfort food when you're craving authentic Italian flavors. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a side salad, roasted or baked vegetables, or sautéed dishes for both lunch and dinner.

One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta

One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a rich, creamy, and delicious Italian dish made with a silky smooth garlic parmesan sauce. This creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta is one of the easy-to-make meals that can be served for lunch and dinner. And the best part is, it comes all together in just under 30 minutes.

Green Bean Casserole

Green Bean Casserole is a creamy, rich, and classic American comfort food known for its delicious flavors. It is often made with simple ingredients like fresh or canned green beans, cream of mushrooms, fried onions, cheese, and basic seasonings all in a one-pot preparation. This homemade Green Bean Casserole is one of the easy-to-make holiday side dishes that pairs perfectly with roasted or baked meats, such as turkey or roasted whole chicken. It also tastes great with mac 'n' cheese and simple side salads.

Spanish Rice (Mexican Rice)

Spanish Rice or Mexican Rice is an easy, and flavor-packed authentic rice dish. It is traditionally prepared with long grain rice and a special tomato seasoning mix. This Spanish Rice is one of the popular Mexican restaurant takeout dishes and is usually enjoyed with the dishes like chicken, steak, fish etc for lunch or dinner.

Fried Rice

Fried Rice is a fluffy, crisp, and traditional Chinese rice dish that has its origin in Sui Dynasty. It is usually made with cooked cold rice or leftover rice that is stir-fried in a high-heat wok with veggies, eggs, and basic aromatics and seasonings. This homemade Chinese Fried Rice is one of the easy and best rice dishes that taste great with stir fry dishes, and starters for lunch and dinner. The best part is, it is easily customizable, and it takes only under 30 minutes to make the entire dish.

Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken Fried Rice is a classic Chinese dish that combines ease, speed, and bold flavors in one delicious package. It is typically made with boneless chicken, aromatic vegetables, rice, and basic seasonings. This homemade Chicken Fried Rice recipe is one of the best stir-fry dishes to try and can be ready in under 30 minutes. With just a few simple ingredients and a few short steps, you can enjoy a comforting lunch or dinner.

Shrimp Fried Rice

Shrimp Fried Rice is a simple and classic Chinese dish loaded with a savory and sweet flavor. Made with succulent shrimp, fresh veggies, fragrant aromatics, and essential seasonings. It is a staple in many Asian homes and restaurants. This recipe for Shrimp Fried Rice stands out among the best, as it can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, making it a versatile choice for lunch and dinner. Enjoy it as a standalone dish or as a delectable accompaniment to your favorite stir-fries or Asian-inspired meals.

Schezwan Fried Rice

Schezwan fried rice is a flavorful one pan Indo-Chinese rice meal that is made of basmati rice, veggies, eggs, and chicken. This recipe uses Szechuan sauce and soy sauce which is unique from regular fried rice recipes. It can be served for lunch and dinner.

Egg Fried Rice

Egg fried rice is a quick and flavour filled indo-chinese dish which can be prepared under 20 minutes. This recipe was prepared with basmati rice, veggies, eggs, sauce, and Indian masala. This tasty fried rice can be best served for lunch and dinner.

Vegetable Biryani (Veg Biryani)

Vegetable or Veg biryani is a spicy, aromatic, and protein-rich rice dish which is popular in Indian subcontinent and other neighboring countries. This vegetable biryani is tasty, flavorful and nutrition rich one pot wholesome meal for biryani lovers and can be served for lunch/dinner.

Mushroom Biryani (Kalan Biryani)

Mushroom Biryani or Kalan biryani is an aromatic and flavor-filled meal prepared with basmati rice and it is authentic to South India, especially in Chettinad cuisine from Tamilnadu. This tasty biryani is served for lunch or dinner with raita.

Chicken Biryani

Chicken biryani is one of the age-old, delicious, and authentic dishes from Mughals. This chicken Biryani is prepared with basmati rice, indian spices and herbs. It is an aromatic and flavorsome dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or on a regular day!

Prawn Biryani (Shrimp Biryani)

Prawn or Shrimp biryani is a tasty and aromatic one-pot South Indian meal in which fresh prawns are cooked with basmati rice, Indian spices, and herbs. It tastes great on its own and even better when it is served with South Indian chicken curries. It is also called Eral Biryani in South India.

Output of Shrimp/Prawn Biryani, Eral Biriyani

Mutton Biryani (Lamb Biryani)

In this one-pot south Indian mutton biryani, tender goat meat is slow-cooked with onion, tomato, and Indian spices and seeraga samba rice.

Matar Pulao (Peas Pulao)

Matar or Peas Pulao is a simple yet delicious one-pot Indian vegetarian meal made with basmati rice, green peas, and a few Indian whole spices and herbs. It is an easy and tasty dish that can be done in under 30 minutes and can be served for lunch, dinner, or a party.

Matar pulao/green peas pulao prepared in pressure cooker

Pudina Rice (Mint Pulao)

Pudina rice or Mint pulao is a wholesome one-pot Indian meal. This rice dish is usually prepared with fresh mint leaves, ginger, garlic, Indian spices, and masalas. And it is a perfect vegan-friendly dish that can be served for lunch, dinner, and as a lunch box meal. This Pudina/mint rice tastes great with side dishes like vegetable korma, chicken Chettinad, egg curries, and similar other dishes.

Khichdi

khichdi is a tasty, quick and healthy one-pot Indian dish. It is prepared with dal, cracked wheat, Indian whole spices, tomato, ginger garlic paste, chili powder, and Indian herbs. This Khichdi is a perfect vegan-friendly dish and can be served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

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