• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Parallel Plates
  • About
  • Contact
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Soups
    • Sides
    • Desserts
  • Resources
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Contact
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Soups
    • Sides
    • Desserts
  • Resources
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Contact
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Soups
    • Sides
    • Desserts
  • Resources
×
Home » Dinner

27 One-Pot Dinners for When You’re Too Tired to Clean Up

Published: Sep 22, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

One-pot dinners are a great way to keep your meals simple without sacrificing flavor, especially when you’re too tired to deal with a pile of dishes. These recipes are quick to throw together, packed with the good stuff, and perfect for nights when you just need something easy. Whether it's a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend, these dishes make life easier with less cleanup and more time to relax.

An overhead image of cooked cabbage curry in a round plate.
Easy Cabbage Curry. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

An overhead image of sun dried tomato pasta in a rectangular dish.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This creamy sun-dried tomato pasta comes together in just 30 minutes, using only one pot. With sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, ricotta cheese, and parmesan, it’s perfect for a quick summer meal without the hassle of multiple dishes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

Cabbage Soup (Easy, One Pot)

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

Enjoy the simplicity of this vegan cabbage soup, packed with nutrients and bold flavors. As a one-pot meal, it's a great choice for effortless weeknight dinners with minimal cleanup, making it a practical option for fall.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Soup (Easy, One Pot)

Leek and Mushroom Pasta

An overhead image of cooked leek mushroom pasta in a pan.
Leek and Mushroom Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This light and creamy leek and mushroom pasta is ready in just 40 minutes. With fresh herbs, ricotta, and parmesan, it’s a flavorful one-pot meal, keeping both prep time and dishwashing to a minimum—ideal for summer dinners.
Get the Recipe: Leek and Mushroom Pasta

Pinto Bean Soup

An overhead image of pinto bean soup in a green bowl with a spoon on the side.
Pinto Bean Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A hearty pinto bean soup that’s perfect for chilly fall days, this straightforward one-pot dish brings comfort to the table with minimal effort. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare and clean up after a busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Pinto Bean Soup

One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Straight view of cooked one-pot lemon ricotta pasta garnished with rocket and fresh basil leaves placed in a white plate with a fork on the side.
One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Classic lemon ricotta pasta, made in one pot and ready in just 15 minutes, works for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual dinner, this summer meal is easy to prepare and leaves you with fewer dishes.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Spicy Alfredo Pasta

An overhead iimage of two spicy alfredo pasta in a white plate.
Spicy Alfredo Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Spicy Alfredo pasta, made in one pot, blends a creamy red pepper base with herbs, adding warmth to your fall menu. It's a simple option for those nights when you want to avoid extra dishes but still crave something flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Alfredo Pasta

Easy Cabbage Curry

An overhead image of cooked cabbage curry in a round plate.
Easy Cabbage Curry. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This cabbage curry is a quick one-pot dish ready in just 25 minutes. Its simplicity makes it an excellent choice for fast weeknight dinners, especially when you want to keep the cleanup as effortless as possible.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cabbage Curry

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

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

Hungarian Mushroom Soup is a one-pot, rich, and comforting dish that’s ready in 45 minutes. It’s a great choice for fall dinners, providing hearty flavors with minimal post-dinner cleanup, perfect for cool autumn evenings.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Creamy Roasted Eggplant Soup

3 bowls of creamy roasted eggplant soup.
Creamy Roasted Eggplant Soup. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

This creamy roasted eggplant soup is a flavorful addition to your fall menu. As a one-pot dish, it’s an easy way to add depth to your meal while keeping cleanup simple and stress-free afterward.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Roasted Eggplant Soup

Keto Tom Kha Gai Soup

A creamy Keto Tom Kha Gai soup served in a bowl with fresh cilantro leaves for garnish.
Keto Tom Kha Gai Soup. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Tom kha soup, a fragrant mix of chicken and mushrooms simmered in coconut broth, is ready in less than 30 minutes. It’s a one-pot meal that brings refreshing flavors to your summer dinner, with little effort or mess.
Get the Recipe: Keto Tom Kha Gai Soup

Chicken Curry

Chicken curry in a white bowl on a wooden cutting board.
Chicken Curry. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

One-pot chicken curry is simple to make and packed with flavor, bringing spice and ease to your weeknight routine. This dish is perfect for summer dinners when you need something quick with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Curry

Pumpkin Chickpea Curry with Coconut Milk

Overhead image of pumpkin chickpea curry with coconut milk with rics on a plate.
Pumpkin Chickpea Curry with Coconut Milk. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Pumpkin chickpea curry with coconut milk is a creamy, comforting one-pot meal that’s ready in under 20 minutes. It’s a great choice for fall dinners, offering fast cooking and easy cleanup for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Chickpea Curry with Coconut Milk

Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese with ground turkey in a pot.
Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This one-pot turkey mac and cheese is packed with spinach, peppers, and cheddar, bringing a grownup twist to a classic dish. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s an easy and wholesome option for quick summer dinners.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

Uzbek Chicken Plov

Close-up image of uzbek chicken plov.
Uzbek Chicken Plov. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Uzbek Chicken Plov combines chicken, rice, and spices in one pot, making it an easy-to-clean, flavorful meal perfect for fall family dinners. With minimal effort, it’s a great way to enjoy a hearty dish.
Get the Recipe: Uzbek Chicken Plov

Slow Cooker Chili Mac

Cheese covered slow cooker chili mac in the crock pot with a wooden spoon.
Slow Cooker Chili Mac. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Slow Cooker Chili Mac combines the best of chili and mac & cheese into one effortless dish. Perfect for fall, this comforting meal requires little prep and keeps cleanup to a minimum, making it a must for cozy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chili Mac

Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Image shows a closeup of a spoon holding some Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole with the full skillet behind it.
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole brings seasoned ground beef, rice, and melted cheese together in one pot. This hearty fall dish offers comfort without leaving a mess of dishes behind, perfect for a simple family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Stew

An image of Vegetarian Stew.
Stew. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This stew is a hearty, one-pot meal filled with vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and celery. Ready in under an hour, it’s a comforting fall option that keeps cleanup minimal and meal prep easy.
Get the Recipe: Stew

Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

Olive Garden Minestrone Soup in a white bowl topped with basil.
Instant Pot Minestrone Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Instant Pot Minestrone Soup is a one-pot, nutritious meal packed with vegetables and ready in 30 minutes. It’s a great summer option when you want something quick and wholesome without the extra dishes.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice

Cilantro lime chicken on a plate next to avocado and cilantro garnish.
Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Cilantro lime chicken and rice is a one-pot meal that’s ready in no time, combining juicy chicken, tender rice, and a hint of spice. It’s a simple choice for summer nights when you need an easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice

Curried Butternut Squash Soup in Instant Pot

Curried butternut squash soup in a bowl.
Curried Butternut Squash Soup in Instant Pot. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Curried Butternut Squash Soup, made in the Instant Pot, is a warm and filling one-pot dish. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a great choice for fall dinners when you want something quick without the hassle of cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Curried Butternut Squash Soup in Instant Pot

Quick Skillet Shrimp Fajitas

Shrimp and peppers in a skillet with serving spoon.
Quick Skillet Shrimp Fajitas. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Quick Skillet Shrimp Fajitas are a flavorful, one-pot meal the whole family will enjoy. Ready in minutes, this summer dinner keeps both prep and dishes light, making it an easy choice for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Quick Skillet Shrimp Fajitas

Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole

Chicken casserole with baked cheese inside a white dish.
Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

The Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole, made in one pot with broccoli, bacon, and ranch, is a rich and creamy dish. It’s a quick fall meal that minimizes cleanup, perfect for nights when you don’t want to spend time washing up.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Close-up image of chicken pot pie soup in a bowl.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Chicken Pot Pie Soup is a creamy, one-pot dish topped with biscuits, bringing comfort to your fall meals. It’s simple to prepare and requires little cleanup, making it a practical choice for busy evenings.
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.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is a straightforward one-pot dinner ready in 45 minutes. Without the need to stuff vegetables, it’s a perfect meal for summer weeknights when you want something quick and easy.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Cabbage Vegetable Soup

Cabbage vegetable soup in a white pot.
Cabbage Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Cabbage Vegetable Soup is a practical one-pot choice for fall meals, filled with nutritious vegetables. It’s easy to make, freezer-friendly and keeps both meal prep and cleanup stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Vegetable Soup

Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Rice

Chicken, sausage, and rice in instant pot with wooden spoon.
Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Rice. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Rice is a one-pot dish packed with bold flavors. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a quick and flavorful summer dinner that won’t leave you with a pile of dishes to clean afterward.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Rice

Beer Cheese Soup

Soup with bacon, beer and cheese in a bowl.
Beer Cheese Soup. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Beer cheese soup brings creamy, cheesy comfort to your fall meal lineup. This one-pot dish is ready in 30 minutes, perfect for a simple lunch or dinner when you want fewer dishes to handle afterward.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Soup

More Dinner

  • Barbacoa tacos on a tray topped with peppers and onions.
    The slow cooker pays off with these 26 dinners
  • Slices of Holiday Beef Wellington on a wooden board.
    40 dinners that make Valentine’s night unforgettable
  • Overhead image of sliced italian steak with sauce on a plate.
    39 steak dinners that make any night feel special
  • An image of a sheet pan piri piri or peri peri chicken with green beans and sweet potatoes.
    20 sheet pan dinners that let the oven do all the work for you

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Close up headshot

Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

More about me →

Popular

  • Blackstone Chicken Breast with green beans on a white plate with a fork.
    The april dinner reset: 19 light meals that don’t sacrifice flavor
  • An image of champagne chicken on a pan and a plate.
    Stop overthinking dinner: 17 easy recipes that just work
  • Beef Lo Mein top view.
    14 easy recipes that taste like you ordered takeout
  • An overview of two Spring Gyros with a bowl of Apricot Salsa next to them.
    The spring shortcut list: 19 dinners with minimal prep, maximum flavor

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure & Terms of Use
  • Cookie Policy
  • Accessibility Policy

Newsletter

  • Sign Up!

Contact

  • Contact

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2024 Black Bicycle LLC