5 Easy One-Pot Meals for Busy Weeknights

If you’re someone who’s always on the go but still wants to enjoy delicious, home-cooked meals, one-pot dishes are the perfect solution. These meals are ideal for busy weeknights when you don’t have time to spend hours in the kitchen. In this article, we’ll show you five simple and tasty one-pot meals that you can whip up in no time. With fewer dishes to clean and less cooking time, you’ll be able to enjoy a hearty dinner with minimal effort.

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1. One-Pot Chicken Alfredo

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless chicken breasts, chopped
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups fusilli or penne pasta
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped chicken and cook until browned.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bring to a boil.
4. Add the pasta and cook, stirring occasionally until tender.
5. Once the sauce thickens, stir in the Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve hot and enjoy a creamy, comforting meal!

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2. One-Pot Beef Stroganoff

Ingredients:

• 500g ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 2 cups pasta
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat some oil and brown the ground beef.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft.
3. Pour in the beef broth and sliced mushrooms, bringing the mixture to a boil.
4. Add the pasta and cook until the pasta is tender.
5. Stir in the sour cream and mix until creamy and smooth.
6. Serve with a sprinkle of parsley and enjoy a rich, savory dinner!

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3. One-Pot Vegetarian Chili

Ingredients:

• 1 can red kidney beans
• 1 can black beans
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat some oil and sauté the onion and bell pepper until soft.
2. Add the diced tomatoes, beans, and vegetable broth.
3. Stir in the chili powder and cumin, and let the mixture come to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Serve with a side of tortilla chips or over rice for a satisfying meal!

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4. One-Pot Chicken and Rice

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless chicken breasts, chopped
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 tsp poultry seasoning

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat some oil and sauté the chicken until browned.
2. Add the chopped onion and carrot, cooking until they soften.
3. Add the rice and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a boil.
4. Lower the heat and simmer until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
5. Serve with steamed vegetables on the side for a complete meal!

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5. One-Pot Shrimp Scampi

Ingredients:

• 500g shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup pasta
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, melt the butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
2. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and fully cooked.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, bringing to a simmer.
4. Add the pasta and cook until tender, stirring occasionally.
5. Serve with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and enjoy a zesty, flavorful dish!

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Conclusion

These easy one-pot meals are perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick, delicious, and fuss-free dinner. Not only will you save time cooking, but you’ll also reduce the cleanup with just one pot to wash. Feel free to get creative with the ingredients and add your own personal touch to these recipes. Enjoy a stress-free cooking experience and savor a hearty meal in no time!

Pro Tip: Customize these recipes based on the ingredients you have at home, allowing you to experiment and try new flavors while keeping things simple.