23 one-pot dinners you haven’t tried yet

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One-pot dinners are lifesavers for busy nights, and this collection of recipes is here to break your routine. If you’re tired of the same old meals, these dishes will bring some fresh excitement to your kitchen. Get ready for great flavors and easy cleanup — your weeknights just got a little more interesting!

Creamy chicken dish garnished with bacon and herbs in a skillet.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. 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.

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach is perfect for those nights when you’re exhausted but still need a good meal. This one-pan dish features shrimp, spinach, tomatoes, and onions in a light garlic coconut milk sauce. Ready in about 25 minutes, it’s quick and keeps your kitchen tidy. Serve it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

For those days when even setting the table feels like a mountain to climb, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are your lifesaver. In just 20 minutes, you can whip this up — chicken pieces coated in cornstarch, fried to golden perfection, and tossed in a rich, buttery garlic sauce. It’s quick, simple, and leaves hardly any mess behind. Pair it with some fresh veggies for a well-rounded meal. And the bonus? Your dishwasher gets a well-deserved rest, too.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Reuben Bowls

A bowl of coleslaw with creamy dressing, garnished with green onions, served in a ceramic bowl with a fork.
Reuben Bowls. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Reuben Bowls are a quick and tasty option, ready in just 30 minutes. Brown some deli corned beef, mix it with coleslaw or shredded cabbage, add sauerkraut, melt Swiss cheese on top, and drizzle with homemade or store-bought Thousand Island dressing. Perfect for a speedy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Bowls

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.

When time is tight, Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts is a lifesaver. Chicken thighs and artichoke hearts are cooked in a creamy sauce, ready in about 30 minutes. It’s a hearty dish that goes well with any simple sides you have. This meal keeps your kitchen tidy and your evening stress-free. Your dishwasher might get a night off, but that’s a worry for another time.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

White Bean Soup

A bowl of white bean soup with carrots and croutons.
White Bean Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

White Bean Soup is a simple, one-pot meal that comes together in 40 minutes. It’s great for weeknight dinners when you want to add extra fiber and veggies to your diet. Easy to prepare and nutritious, it’s a comforting choice for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

A spoon is serving Hungarian mushroom soup into a bowl.
Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Hungarian Mushroom Soup is perfect for nights when you crave comfort without the hassle of cleanup. Ready in 45 minutes, this soup combines mushrooms, sour cream, milk, and spices in a single pot. It’s rich and creamy, ideal with a slice of toasted bread. Perfect for a cold evening, it fills you up without making a mess in the kitchen. It’s so easy to make, you might skip the takeout.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

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.

If you prefer a low-effort dinner, Baked Ravioli is perfect for you. This dish simplifies the lasagna concept into a single baking dish, ready in about an hour. Layers of cheese ravioli are covered in marinara sauce and topped with melted cheese. It’s an easy and comforting meal that ends a busy day without a mess in the kitchen. This one-dish recipe helps keep things easy on those hectic evenings.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

Creamy Dijon Chicken

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

If your evenings are more about juggling tasks than unwinding, Creamy Dijon Chicken is here to bring a little comfort to your dinner table. Tender chicken thighs and crispy bacon come together in a rich, creamy mustard sauce — all ready in just 30 minutes. Serve it over mashed potatoes or with some veggies on the side. It’s the perfect meal for when you need something hearty with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

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

When making a traditional pot pie feels overwhelming, Chicken Pot Pie Soup is an easier alternative. Combine chicken, potatoes, carrots, corn, and other ingredients in a pot, let it simmer, and enjoy all the classic flavors in about an hour. It’s a comforting and hearty meal without the hassle. With just one pot to clean, you might even have time to catch up on that popular show. This soup simplifies dinner while keeping it cozy.
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.

When even simple tasks feel overwhelming, Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is a lifesaver. This dish turns the classic stuffed bell pepper into an easy one-pot meal, combining ground beef, rice, bell peppers, and seasonings, all topped with cheddar cheese. Ready in 45 minutes, it’s a great choice for a busy weeknight. With just one pot to clean, you can relax after dinner. It’s hearty and cheesy without the hassle of multiple dishes.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Chicken Tortellini Soup

A bowl of chicken tortellini soup with vegetables and herbs.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Chicken Tortellini Soup is a breeze to make, coming together in one pot in just 40 minutes. It’s a filling, nutrient-dense option that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Simple and hearty, this soup makes dinner preparation easy and enjoyable. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Cabbage and Sausage

A pan of cabbage and sausage garnished with fresh herbs.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cabbage and Sausage is a straightforward, one-pan meal for those busy days. Ready in under 30 minutes, it pairs crunchy cabbage with flavorful sausage for a quick and filling dinner. Serve it with potatoes or rice to make it more substantial. It’s a simple, hearty option that won’t leave you with a pile of dishes. Perfect for when you need a good meal without much effort or cleanup.
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.

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken is a lifesaver on busy evenings. This one-pan dish features chicken thighs in a creamy, garlicky sun-dried tomato sauce, ready in 30 minutes. Perfect for pairing with pasta or rice, it also works well on its own for those watching their carbs.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken

Sausage Curry

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

When time is short but you need a filling meal, Sausage Curry is the answer. This one-pan dish combines sausages with sweet potatoes, carrots, and onions in a curry sauce, ready in 45 minutes. Serve it with rice or naan for a complete meal. It’s straightforward and hearty, keeping your kitchen clean with just one pot to wash.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

A bowl of soup with sour cream and parsley.
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is perfect for those evenings when you need to unwind. This one-pot dish simmers sweet potatoes, red peppers, and onions into a creamy soup. A dollop of sour cream on top adds a nice touch. It’s a nutritious and easy dinner that fills you up with minimal effort, giving your dishwasher a break.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is a comforting choice for a quick and impressive dinner. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy tender chicken and mushrooms in a creamy sauce. Whether you serve it over pasta or on its own, this dish is easy to make and requires minimal cleanup, letting you relax and enjoy your evening.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Green Chile Chicken

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

When you’re pressed for time, Green Chile Chicken is a wonderful, hearty option. This dish brings together chicken, green chilies, jalapeños, and cheeses in one pot, ready in just 20 minutes. It’s a creamy and spicy meal that makes dinner prep a breeze, giving you more time to unwind after a busy day. Pair it with a side of rice or warm tortillas to round out the meal.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken

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.

When you need a simple meal, Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is here to help. This one-pot dish combines spicy Italian sausage with creamy cheese and tomatoes, ready in just 30 minutes. It offers a rich, hearty soup with a touch of spice. With only one pot to clean, it’s perfect for a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Garlic Chicken makes dinner easy and delicious. In just 30 minutes, chicken breasts, garlic, and Parmesan come together in a creamy sauce. This dish uses simple ingredients to create a flavorful meal that pairs well with any side. Cleanup is quick, making it a great choice for a relaxing evening.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Chicken Corn Soup

A bowl of creamy soup with vegetables and chunks of chicken, garnished with parsley. A spoon is lifting a portion from the bowl.
Chicken Corn Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Corn Soup is a comforting end to a long day. This cozy soup combines chicken, corn, and potatoes in a flavorful broth, simmering in one pot for about an hour. It’s a hearty and warming dish that’s easy to prepare. With only one pot to clean, it’s perfect for those busy times when you need a moment to relax.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn 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.

When dinner needs to be quick and filling, Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is a great choice. Ground beef, cauliflower rice, and cheese come together in one skillet, ready in just 30 minutes. This low-carb meal is hearty and simple to make, with minimal cleanup. Perfect for evenings when you want to unwind without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

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.

When your schedule is packed, Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is a quick and nutritious solution. Arrange sausages and veggies on a sheet pan and bake for 30 minutes. It’s a flexible meal that works with whatever you have in the fridge. With only one pan to wash, you can spend more time on other things, giving your dishwasher a night off.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A pan full of bacon and cabbage with a wooden spoon.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a simple and flavorful meal, Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a wonderful option. In just 25 minutes, crispy bacon and tender cabbage come together in one pan. It’s a quick and hearty dish with easy cleanup, ideal for those busy days when you need a break. This meal brings a touch of comfort to your evening without adding to your workload.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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