One-pot meals are a game-changer for busy cooks who want delicious, home-cooked food without the hassle of multiple dishes. With everything cooked in a single pot or pan, these meals are easy to prepare, full of flavor, and require minimal cleanup. Here are two satisfying one-pot recipes that will save you time in the kitchen.

1. One-Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice

This dish combines juicy, seasoned chicken with buttery, garlicky rice for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup rice (long-grain or jasmine)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 small onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt and pepper
• ½ cup frozen peas (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat butter in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika, then sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the pot.
3. In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
4. Stir in the rice, then add the chicken broth. Place the chicken back on top.
5. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes until the rice is tender. Add peas in the last 5 minutes.
6. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Why It’s Great:

• Everything cooks in one pot for easy cleanup.
• The rice absorbs the rich, garlicky butter flavor.
• Perfect for meal prep and leftovers.

2. One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Pasta

A creamy, cheesy pasta dish loaded with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and savory flavors—all made in one pot.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb chicken breast (sliced into strips)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chicken and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown, then remove.
2. In the same pot, sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for 1-2 minutes.
3. Add pasta and chicken broth, then bring to a boil. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Pour in heavy cream, stir in parmesan, and add spinach. Let simmer until the sauce thickens.
5. Return the chicken to the pot, mix well, and serve hot.

Why It’s Great:

• Creamy, indulgent, and packed with flavor.
• No need to boil pasta separately—less mess!
• Customizable with mushrooms, shrimp, or extra veggies.