We all love a delicious meal, but the thought of scrubbing pots and pans after cooking can sometimes take away the enjoyment. One-pot meals are a game-changer, offering both convenience and simplicity. With only one pot to clean, you can enjoy your meal without worrying about a mountain of dishes. From hearty stews to flavorful pastas, here are four incredible one-pot meals that are easy to prepare, easy to clean up, and most importantly, absolutely delicious.

1. One-Pot Chicken Alfredo

Creamy, comforting, and full of flavor, this One-Pot Chicken Alfredo combines tender chicken, pasta, and a rich, velvety sauce. The best part? Everything is cooked in one pot, making it the perfect weeknight meal when you’re short on time but still want something indulgent.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz fettuccine pasta
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

How to make it:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chicken cubes and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the fettuccine pasta, pushing it into the broth. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Return the cooked chicken to the pot and toss everything together until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve!

This One-Pot Chicken Alfredo is rich, creamy, and full of comforting flavors. The best part is that all the ingredients are cooked in one pot, making both preparation and cleanup a breeze.

2. One-Pot Beef and Vegetable Stew

A hearty beef stew packed with tender vegetables, this one-pot meal is perfect for cooler weather or when you’re craving a wholesome, filling meal. The rich broth and succulent beef make this stew an instant favorite, and it’s easy to make with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb stew beef, cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to make it:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the cubed stew beef and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the carrots, potatoes, and green beans to the pot, stirring to combine. Pour in the beef broth and add the thyme and bay leaf.
4. Bring to a simmer and cover. Cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are soft.
5. Remove the bay leaf, taste for seasoning, and adjust if necessary. Serve hot and enjoy the warmth and heartiness of this easy, one-pot beef stew!

This One-Pot Beef and Vegetable Stew is perfect for a cozy dinner. The tender beef and rich vegetables are so flavorful, and the cleanup is as simple as washing one pot.

3. One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Rice

When you’re craving a light yet satisfying meal, this One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Rice is the answer. The shrimp is perfectly cooked with a fragrant lemon garlic sauce, while the rice absorbs all the flavors from the shrimp and seasonings. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a weekday dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

How to make it:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the shrimp and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the rice, chicken broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
5. Once the rice is done, return the cooked shrimp to the pot and toss everything together. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish.

This One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Rice is a flavorful and fresh dish, perfect for when you want something light but filling. The best part is that everything is cooked in one pot, making cleanup a breeze!

4. One-Pot Vegetarian Chili

For a meat-free meal that’s packed with flavor and protein, this One-Pot Vegetarian Chili is a winner. Full of beans, vegetables, and spices, this chili is hearty, satisfying, and perfect for anyone following a plant-based diet. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make and easy to clean up.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to make it:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, vegetable broth, chili powder, and cumin. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded together and the chili has thickened.
5. Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt, pepper, or extra chili powder if desired. Serve hot with optional toppings like sour cream, cheese, or avocado.

This One-Pot Vegetarian Chili is a delicious and comforting option that’s packed with nutrients and full of flavor. Whether you’re vegetarian or just craving a healthy meal, this chili will satisfy your hunger with minimal cleanup.