Today, on Redhead Mom, I’m sharing a partnered guest post about quick and easy one-pot meals for busy weeknights.
Weeknights are always challenging, especially when you have a busy schedule and little time to prepare dinner. It may be tempting to order takeout or make a simple sandwich to avoid long cooking sessions followed by clean-up. However, you don’t have to sacrifice healthy and delicious dinners just because you’re too tired or don’t have enough time.
One-pot meals are convenient and time-saving solutions for busy weeknights. They require minimal preparation, use only one pot or pan, and are usually ready within an hour. Plus, with only one pot to clean up after, you’ll have more time to relax or spend with your loved ones.
Here are some quick and easy one-pot meals that will make your weeknights much easier.
Instant Pot Turnip Greens
This Southern-style one-pot meal will be your new go-to for busy weeknights. It’s super delicious and can be prepared in 40 minutes with the pot.
You need:
- Vegetable oil
- Diced ham
- Small onion
- Collard greens
- Fine sea salt
- Fresh ground black pepper
- Water (or ham broth or chicken broth)
Brown the ham and sauté the onion. Heat vegetable oil until it shimmers, then add the diced ham. Cook until it’s nicely browned. Stir in the onion and cook until soft. Pour in water, add the turnip greens in stages, seasoning with salt and pepper. After mixing, pressure cook for 20 minutes and then quickly release the steam.
Follow this instant pot turnip greens recipe and quickly serve dinner on the table.
One-Pot Chicken Alfredo
This creamy and flavorful dish is truly a one-pot wonder. The juicy chicken, tender pasta, and rich, homemade alfredo sauce will make you forget about ordering takeout.
You need:
- Chicken breast
- Fettuccine pasta
- Heavy cream
- Butter
- Garlic
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Heat a large skillet or pot over medium heat and add butter, garlic, and chicken breast. Cook until the chicken is browned on both sides. Add fettuccine pasta, heavy cream, and water to the pot. Bring it to a simmer and let the pasta cook until it’s al dente. Stir parmesan cheese until it melts and creates a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the chicken alfredo in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley.
One-Pot Beef Stroganoff
This classic comfort food is even better when made in one pot. It saves time and clean-up, and the flavors develop beautifully when all the ingredients are cooked together.
You need:
- Beef stew meat (cut into cubes)
- Egg noodles
- Onion
- Garlic
- Mushrooms
- Beef broth
- Sour cream
- Flour
- Olive oil
- Worcestershire sauce
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef stew meat on all sides. Set aside. In the same pot, cook chopped onion, garlic, and mushrooms until softened. Return the beef to the pot, add egg noodles, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the noodles are cooked. Mix sour cream and flour, add to the pot, and stir until the sauce thickens. Your one-pot beef stroganoff is ready to be served.
Vegetarian Ratatouille
Ratatouille is a traditional French dish made with summer vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, and peppers. It is flavorful and healthy, and it can be made in just one pot.
You need:
- Zucchini
- Eggplant
- Bell peppers (any color)
- Onion
- Garlic
- Diced tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Olive oil
- Fresh herbs (thyme, oregano, basil)
Start by heating olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until fragrant. Then, add the diced zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and any other vegetables you like. Cook until the vegetables are tender. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and fresh herbs. Let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve your ratatouille as a side dish or over rice for a hearty meal.
One-Pot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice
Are you craving some wholesome Asian flavors? This one-pot teriyaki chicken and rice dish will make you go “yum” in just one bite.
You need:
- Boneless chicken breasts
- Rice
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Rice vinegar
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Broccoli florets
- Carrots
Chop boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and cook them in a large pot until they are almost cooked. Then, add rice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic and ginger. Stir well and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Add broccoli florets and carrots to the pot and continue cooking until the vegetables are tender and the rice is fully cooked. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful one-pot teriyaki chicken and rice dish.
One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Orzo
When seafood cravings hit, this easy one-pot lemon garlic shrimp and orzo recipe will satisfy your taste buds without creating a mess in the kitchen.
You need:
- Shrimp
- Orzo pasta
- Olive oil
- Garlic cloves
- Lemon juice
- Chicken broth
Cook minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add orzo pasta, and cook for a few minutes until it turns slightly golden. Pour chicken broth and lemon juice, and wait for it to boil. Once boiled, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes until the orzo is nearly cooked. Add shrimp to the pot and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they turn pink.
One-Pot Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup
A warm bowl of soup on a busy day is all you need to feel cozy and satisfied. This one-pot creamy tomato tortellini soup is rich in flavors and can be made in 30 minutes.
You need:
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Garlic cloves
- Crushed tomatoes
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Tortellini pasta
Heat olive oil on medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion. Cook until the onion turns translucent, then add crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Let it simmer for 10 minutes before adding heavy cream and tortellini pasta. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the pasta and soup are cooked to el dente.
Conclusion:
Your busy weeknights must no longer be filled with unhealthy takeout options or boring sandwiches. With these quick and easy one-pot meals, you can have a delicious and nutritious dinner and still have time to relax or spend with your loved ones. So, prepare instant pot turnip greens to munch on a tasty, wholesome meal or, one-pot chicken alfredo for a rich and creamy pasta dish. Other one-pot dishes such as beef stroganoff, vegetarian ratatouille, lemon garlic shrimp and orzo, or teriyaki chicken and rice are great meal rotation options for a hassle-free weeknight dinner.
