Ditch the Dishes: 5 One-Pot Meals That’ll Save Your Weeknights

Tired of spending hours in the kitchen? These one-pot meals are quick, fuss-free, and packed with flavor! Whether you’re a foodie in London or a traveler in New York, these easy recipes will save you time and dishes.

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A delicious spread of 5 One-Pot Meals, including creamy pasta, hearty stew, spicy curry, lemon herb chicken, and vegetarian chilli, perfect for effortless cooking.

Let’s be honest: after a long day of work or exploring a new city, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen washing up. Whether you’re a foodie in London or a traveller in New York, one-pot meals are here to save the day.

Why one-pot meals? Because they’re quick, fuss-free, and require minimal cleanup—perfect for those nights when you’re too tired to cook but still want something delicious. Plus, they’re a lifesaver for travellers staying in Airbnb kitchens with limited utensils. So, grab your favourite pot (or that one pan you always use), and let’s dive into these mouth-watering dishes that’ll have you eating in no time.

Here are some irresistible one-pot recipes you’ll definitely want to try!

1. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta: The Lazy Foodie’s Dream Come True

A bowl of creamy garlic parmesan pasta, one of the 5 One-Pot Meals, topped with fresh parsley and ready in just 20 minutes.

Imagine a dish that’s as comforting as your favourite blanket on a rainy day. This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate one-pot wonder, combining al dente spaghetti with a rich, cheesy sauce that’s infused with the warmth of garlic. It’s the kind of meal you can whip up in 20 minutes flat, making it perfect for those nights when you’re too tired to cook but still crave something indulgent. Whether you’re a pasta purist or a cheese lover, this recipe will have you coming back for seconds.

A bowl of creamy garlic parmesan pasta, one of the 5 One-Pot Meals, topped with fresh parsley and ready in just 20 minutes.
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5 from 1 vote

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

This dish is a lifesaver for pasta lovers. It’s creamy, cheesy, and ready in just 20 minutes.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Italian pasta recipe, one-pot pasta
Servings: 2
Calories: 450kcal
Author: Toppo

Ingredients

  • 200 g spaghetti
  • 100 ml double cream
  • 50 g grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • In a large pot, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions.
  • Drain the pasta, reserving a bit of the pasta water.
  • In the same pot, heat the double cream and minced garlic over medium heat.
  • Stir in the grated Parmesan until melted and creamy.
  • Toss the cooked spaghetti in the sauce, adding a splash of pasta water if needed.
  • Season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

Notes

This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re cooking for one or hosting a last-minute dinner. For an extra touch, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top.

For this recipe, I recommend using a Tefal Non-Stick Pot and a Microplane Grater. These tools make cooking and grating a breeze, and they’re perfect for future recipes like soups, sauces, and more!

Restaurant Recommendation:

If you’re in London and craving pasta, head to Padella in Borough Market. Their pappardelle with beef ragu is worth every penny.

2. Hearty Beef Stew: The Ultimate Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays

A hearty beef stew, part of the 5 One-Pot Meals, with tender meat, carrots, and potatoes, served in a rustic bowl.

There’s something magical about a pot of Hearty Beef Stew simmering on the stove. Tender chunks of beef, soft carrots, and buttery potatoes swim in a rich, flavourful broth that’s been kissed with thyme and tomato paste. This dish is the epitome of comfort food, ideal for chilly evenings or when you need a hug in a bowl. Plus, it’s a set-it-and-forget-it kind of meal—perfect for busy foodies and travellers alike. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that delicious sauce.

A hearty beef stew, part of the 5 One-Pot Meals, with tender meat, carrots, and potatoes, served in a rustic bowl.
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5 from 1 vote

Hearty Beef Stew

This hearty stew is perfect for chilly evenings. It’s rich, comforting, and requires minimal effort.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time1 hour 40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, European
Keyword: comfort food recipes, easy stew recipe, hearty beef stew, one-pot stew
Servings: 4
Calories: 400kcal
Author: Toppo

Ingredients

  • 500 g beef stew meat
  • 2 carrots chopped
  • 2 potatoes chopped
  • 1 onion diced
  • 500 ml beef stock
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp thyme

Instructions

  • In a large pot, brown the beef stew meat over medium heat.
  • Add the carrots, potatoes, and onion, and cook for 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the beef stock, tomato paste, and thyme.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1.5-2 hours until the meat is tender.
  • Serve with crusty bread.

Notes

This stew is perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd. It’s also a great way to use up leftover veggies.

Le Creuset Dutch Oven is a must-have for this stew—it’s durable, easy to clean, and perfect for slow-cooking meals like chilli, curries, and even bread!


3. Vegan Comfort Food Alert: Spicy Chickpea Curry That’s Too Good to Share

A bowl of spicy chickpea curry, one of the 5 One-Pot Meals, served with fluffy rice and garnished with fresh coriander.

If you’re looking for a meal that’s both healthy and bursting with flavour, this Spicy Chickpea Curry is your answer. Packed with protein-rich chickpeas, aromatic spices, and a tangy tomato base, this vegan curry is ready in just 30 minutes. It’s the perfect dish for when you want something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Pair it with fluffy rice or warm naan bread for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple.

A bowl of spicy chickpea curry, one of the 5 One-Pot Meals, served with fluffy rice and garnished with fresh coriander.
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Spicy Chickpea Curry

This vegan curry is packed with flavour and ready in just 30 minutes.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: one-pot curry, vegan curry recipe
Servings: 2
Calories: 300kcal
Author: Toppo

Ingredients

  • 1 can chickpeas drained
  • 1 onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tin chopped tomatoes
  • 1 tsp curry powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chilli flakes

Instructions

  • In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
  • Add the chickpeas, chopped tomatoes, and spices.
  • Simmer for 20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  • Serve with rice or naan bread.

Notes

This curry is quick, healthy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

This curry comes together beautifully in a Calphalon Non-Stick Saucepan. It’s also great for making risottos, soups, and pasta dishes. Pair it with an Instant Pot Rice Cooker for perfectly fluffy rice every time!

Restaurant Recommendation:

If you’re in London, head to Dishoom for their famous black daal.


4. Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice: The One-Pot Meal That’s Basically a Hug

Lemon herb chicken and rice, a zesty One-Pot Meal, served in a skillet with lemon slices and fresh herbs.

This Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is the definition of effortless cooking. Juicy chicken breasts, fragrant herbs, and zesty lemon come together in one pot to create a dish that’s both light and comforting. The rice soaks up all the delicious flavours, making every bite a delight. It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself after a long day. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover herbs you have in the fridge.

Lemon herb chicken and rice, a zesty One-Pot Meal, served in a skillet with lemon slices and fresh herbs.
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

This dish is a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: lemon herb chicken and rice, Mediterranean chicken, one-pot chicken recipe
Servings: 2
Calories: 500kcal
Author: Toppo

Ingredients

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 200 g rice
  • 500 ml chicken stock
  • 1 lemon sliced
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 tsp rosemary

Instructions

  • In a large pot, brown the chicken breasts over medium heat.
  • Add the rice, chicken stock, lemon slices, and herbs.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes until the rice is cooked.
  • Serve with a side of steamed veggies.

Notes

This dish is quick, easy, and packed with flavour.

Lodge Cast Iron Skillet is perfect for this one-pot meal—it’s versatile enough for searing, baking, and even frying. Plus, it’s a kitchen staple you’ll use for years to come!

Restaurant Recommendation:

If you’re in New York, try the lemon herb chicken at The Smith.


5. Vegetarian Chilli: The Meatless Marvel That’ll Warm Your Soul

A bowl of vegetarian chilli, one of the 5 One-Pot Meals, topped with avocado and coriander, served with tortilla chips.

Who says chilli has to have meat to be hearty? This Vegetarian Chilli is a flavour-packed One-Pot Meal loaded with kidney beans, black beans, and a smoky blend of spices that’ll warm you from the inside out. It’s the perfect dish for a cosy night in or for feeding a crowd on game day. Serve it with rice, tortilla chips, or a dollop of sour cream for a meal that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies without sacrificing flavour.

A bowl of vegetarian chilli, one of the 5 One-Pot Meals, topped with avocado and coriander, served with tortilla chips.
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Vegetarian Chilli

This vegetarian chilli is hearty, healthy, and perfect for a cosy night in.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Keyword: easy Mexican recipes, healthy chilli recipe, vegetarian chilli
Servings: 4
Calories: 350kcal
Author: Toppo

Ingredients

  • 1 can kidney beans drained
  • 1 can black beans drained
  • 1 onion diced
  • 1 tin chopped tomatoes
  • 1 tsp chilli powder
  • 1 tsp cumin

Instructions

  • In a large pot, sauté the onion until softened.
  • Add the beans, chopped tomatoes, and spices.
  • Simmer for 30 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  • Serve with rice or tortilla chips.

Notes

This chilli is perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

This chilli is a breeze to make in a Crock-Pot Slow Cooker. It’s also ideal for meal prepping, cooking roasts, and even making desserts like bread pudding. A true kitchen MVP!

Restaurant Recommendation:

If you’re in London, head to Wahaca for their delicious vegetarian chilli.

Your Turn to Cook!

Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated, and these 5 one-pot meals are proof of that. Whether you’re a busy foodie, a traveller with a tiny kitchen, or just someone who hates washing up, these recipes are here to make your life easier—and tastier!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your favourite pot, pick a recipe, and get cooking. Trust me, your taste buds (and your sink) will thank you.

I’d love to hear which recipe you tried first! Did you go for the creamy pasta, the hearty stew, or maybe the spicy curry? Let me know in the comments below! And if you’re craving more easy recipes, check out my guide to Easy 3-Ingredient Recipes for Busy Weeknights.

Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share this post with your fellow food lovers! 😊

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2 responses to “Ditch the Dishes: 5 One-Pot Meals That’ll Save Your Weeknights”

  1. 5 stars
    I tried the Vegetarian Chili recipe last night, and it was an absolute hit! The spices and hearty beans made it so satisfying, and I loved how easy it was to throw everything into one pot. I served it with a dollop of sour cream and some avocado slices.
    I’m definitely adding this to my weekly meal rotation. Has anyone else tried it? I’d love to hear your favourite toppings or twists on the recipe!

    P.S. I can’t wait to try the other one-pot meals on this list. The creamy garlic parmesan pasta is next on my list- any tips for making it extra creamy?

    1. Thank you so much for trying the Vegetarian Chilli recipe and sharing your experience! I’m thrilled to hear it was a hit at your house—avocado slices and sour cream sound like the perfect additions.

      As for the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta, here’s a little tip: add a splash of the pasta cooking water to the sauce just before tossing it with the spaghetti. It helps the sauce cling to the pasta and makes it extra creamy! Let me know how it turns out.

      I’d also love to hear from other readers—what’s your go-to topping or twist for the Vegetarian Chilli? Keep the ideas coming!

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