17 Healthy Dinner One Pot Recipe Ideas

One-pot meals are a lifesaver for busy weeknights—less cleanup, flavorful ingredients all in one vessel, and plenty of healthy options!

From hearty stews to nutrient-packed grain bowls, these 17 recipes prove you don’t need a pile of dishes to create a wholesome dinner.

1. One-Pot Chicken and Rice

This One-Pot Chicken and Rice features lean chicken, fluffy rice, and veggies for a comforting, all-in-one meal.

Recipe Metadata:

• Servings: 4
• Time to Make: ~30 minutes

Ingredients:

1. 1 tablespoon olive oil
2. 1 pound chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
3. 1 small onion, chopped
4. 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots)
5. 1 cup long-grain rice (uncooked)
6. 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium if possible)
7. Salt, pepper, and herbs (e.g., thyme, oregano) to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Warm olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then brown on all sides (about 5–6 minutes). Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté onion until translucent (2–3 minutes). Add mixed vegetables; cook briefly.
4. Stir in rice, chicken broth, herbs, and the browned chicken.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for ~20 minutes or until rice is tender.

2. One-Pot Lentil and Veggie Stew

Packed with plant protein and fiber, this One-Pot Lentil and Veggie Stew is a hearty, vegetarian-friendly dinner.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~35 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 1 tablespoon olive oil
2. 1 onion, chopped
3. 2 carrots, sliced
4. 2 celery stalks, sliced
5. 1 cup dry lentils (rinsed)
6. 4 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium if possible)
7. 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
8. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery for ~5 minutes.
2. Stir in lentils, broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for ~20–25 minutes or until lentils are tender.
4. Adjust seasoning before serving.

3. One-pot salmon and Quinoa

This One-Pot Salmon and Quinoa dish fuses protein-rich salmon and nutritious quinoa with fresh veggies for an easy, balanced meal.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~25 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 1 tablespoon olive oil
2. 1 pound salmon fillet (cut into chunks)
3. 1 small onion, chopped
4. 1 cup quinoa (rinsed)
5. 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
6. 1 cup chopped vegetables (e.g., zucchini, bell peppers)
7. Salt, pepper, and herbs (e.g., dill or parsley) to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Sauté onion in olive oil until translucent. Add chopped veggies; cook 2–3 minutes.
2. Stir in rinsed quinoa and broth. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover, and cook for ~12–15 minutes.
4. Gently place salmon chunks on top of the quinoa. Cover and cook for ~5 more minutes, or until salmon is opaque and quinoa is tender.
5. Sprinkle with fresh herbs before serving.

4. One-pot Spaghetti with Turkey Meat Sauce

Simplify pasta night with this One-Pot Spaghetti—turkey meat sauce and pasta cooked together, saving time and extra dishes.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~30 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 1 tablespoon olive oil
2. 1/2 pound ground turkey
3. 1 small onion, chopped
4. 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
5. 1 can (14–15 oz) crushed tomatoes (low-sodium if possible)
6. 2 cups water or broth
7. 8 ounces whole-wheat spaghetti, broken in half
8. Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot. Brown turkey with onion (and optional garlic). Drain if needed.
2. Stir in crushed tomatoes, water/broth, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Bring to a simmer; add spaghetti. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Cook ~10–12 minutes until pasta is al dente and sauce thickens. Add more liquid if needed.
5. Adjust seasoning before serving.

5. One-Pot Coconut Chickpea Curry

A quick Coconut Chickpea Curry made in one pot—aromatic spices, creamy coconut milk, and protein-packed chickpeas.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~25 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 1 tablespoon coconut oil (or olive oil)
2. 1 onion, diced
3. 1 tablespoon curry powder (or curry paste)
4. 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
5. 1 can (13.5–14 oz) coconut milk (lite or full-fat)
6. 1 cup chopped vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, spinach)
7. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Warm oil in a pot; sauté onion until softened. Stir in curry powder (or paste) for ~1 minute.
2. Add chickpeas, coconut milk, and veggies. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Simmer for ~10 minutes until veggies are tender.
4. Adjust spices to taste and serve over rice or quinoa if desired.

6. One-Pot Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Sweet potatoes bring a natural sweetness to this Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet, a hearty yet healthy one-pan dinner.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~25 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 1 tablespoon olive oil
2. 1 pound lean ground beef
3. 1 small onion, chopped
4. 2 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
5. 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
6. Salt and pepper to taste
7. 1 cup diced tomatoes (optional)

Recipe Steps:

1. In a skillet, brown ground beef with onion. Drain if needed.
2. Add sweet potatoes, seasoning, and optional diced tomatoes.
3. Cover and cook over medium heat for ~15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sweet potatoes are tender.
4. Adjust seasoning before serving.

7. One-pot Shrimp and Rice

Light but satisfying, this Shrimp and Rice dish features fresh shrimp cooked alongside fragrant rice, veggies, and herbs.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~25 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 1 tablespoon olive oil
2. 1/2 onion, chopped
3. 1 cup long-grain rice
4. 2 cups broth (seafood or chicken)
5. 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
6. 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, diced peppers)
7. Salt, pepper, and herbs (e.g., parsley) to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Sauté onion in oil. Stir in rice and broth. Bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer ~12–15 minutes.
3. Layer shrimp and veggies on top of rice; cover and cook ~5 more minutes until shrimp is opaque.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.

8. One-Pot Minestrone Soup

This Minestrone Soup is a classic Italian-style stew loaded with beans, pasta, and vegetables—an easy way to get in more produce.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~30 minutes
• Servings: 6

Ingredients:

1. 1 tablespoon olive oil
2. 1 onion, chopped
3. 2 carrots, sliced
4. 2 celery stalks, sliced
5. 1 can (14–15 oz) diced tomatoes
6. 4 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium)
7. 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans or cannellini, drained
8. 1 cup small pasta (e.g., ditalini)
9. Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. In a large pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery in olive oil for ~5 minutes.
2. Stir in tomatoes, broth, beans, pasta, and seasonings.
3. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for ~10–12 minutes until pasta is cooked.
4. Adjust seasoning and serve hot.

9. One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta

Spice up dinner with this Chicken Fajita Pasta, merging Tex-Mex flavors and pasta in a single pan.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~30 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 1 tablespoon olive oil
2. 1 pound chicken breast, sliced
3. 1 bell pepper, sliced
4. 1/2 onion, sliced
5. 2 teaspoons fajita seasoning
6. 8 ounces whole-wheat penne or fusilli
7. 2 cups chicken broth
8. 1/2 cup low-fat milk (or evaporated milk)

Recipe Steps:

1. In a large skillet, sauté chicken with bell pepper and onion; add fajita seasoning.
2. Stir in pasta, chicken broth, and milk.
3. Bring to a simmer; cover and cook ~10–12 minutes until pasta is al dente.
4. Optionally top with cheese or cilantro before serving.

10. One-Pot Turkey Chili

This One-Pot Turkey Chili is a leaner take on a classic, using ground turkey, beans, and tomato sauce for a warming dish.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~35 minutes
• Servings: 4–5

Ingredients:

1. 1 tablespoon olive oil
2. 1 pound ground turkey
3. 1 onion, chopped
4. 2 tablespoons chili powder
5. 1 teaspoon cumin
6. 1 can (14–15 oz) diced tomatoes
7. 1 can (14–15 oz) beans (kidney or black), drained
8. 1 cup chicken broth
9. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. In a pot, brown turkey with onion; drain if necessary.
2. Stir in chili powder, cumin, tomatoes, beans, and broth.
3. Simmer ~20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Season to taste. Serve with toppings like avocado or shredded cheese.

11. One-Pot Vegetable Curry with Rice

If you’re craving a vegetarian meal, this Vegetable Curry with Rice cooks together for minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~30 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 1 tablespoon coconut oil
2. 1 onion, chopped
3. 2 tablespoons curry powder or paste
4. 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., carrots, peppers)
5. 1/2 cup rice (rinsed)
6. 2 cups vegetable broth
7. 1/2 cup coconut milk (optional)
8. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Sauté onion in oil; stir in curry powder/paste for ~1 minute.
2. Add vegetables, rice, broth, and optional coconut milk.
3. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and cover. Cook ~15–20 minutes until rice is tender.
4. Season as desired and garnish with fresh cilantro.

12. One-pot ground Turkey and Cauliflower Rice

For a low-carb option, try Ground Turkey and Cauliflower Rice—a lighter skillet meal with veggies and lean protein.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~20 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 1 tablespoon olive oil
2. 1 pound ground turkey
3. 1 small onion, chopped
4. 2 cups cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen)
5. 1 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
6. Seasonings: salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Brown turkey with onion in oil; drain if needed.
2. Add cauliflower rice, optional diced tomatoes, and seasonings.
3. Cook ~5–7 minutes until cauliflower rice is tender.
4. Adjust seasoning before serving.

13. One-Pot Seafood Paella-Inspired Dish

A quicker version of paella, this Seafood Paella-Inspired Dish uses simple ingredients but retains that classic saffron-infused vibe.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~30 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 1 tablespoon olive oil
2. 1/2 onion, chopped
3. 1 teaspoon paprika
4. 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads (optional)
5. 1 cup arborio or short-grain rice
6. 2 cups seafood or chicken broth
7. 1/2 pound mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, fish)
8. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Sauté onion in oil; add paprika and optional saffron. Stir in rice.
2. Pour in broth; bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for ~15 minutes.
3. Add seafood on top of rice; cover and cook ~5–7 minutes more or until seafood is done.
4. Season to taste and garnish with parsley or lemon wedges.

14. One-Pot Sausage and Bean Soup

Cozy up with this Sausage and Bean Soup, combining flavorful sausage, beans, and veggies in a single pot.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~30 minutes
• Servings: 4–5

Ingredients:

1. 1 tablespoon olive oil
2. 8 oz sausage (chicken, turkey, or lean pork), sliced
3. 1 onion, chopped
4. 2 carrots, sliced
5. 1 can (14–15 oz) beans (e.g., white beans), drained
6. 4 cups broth (chicken or vegetable)
7. Salt, pepper, and herbs (thyme, rosemary) to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Brown sausage in oil; add onion and carrots. Sauté ~5 minutes.
2. Stir in beans and broth. Add herbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Simmer ~15–20 minutes until carrots are tender.
4. Adjust seasoning and serve warm.

15. One-Pot Chicken and Veggie Couscous

Use quick-cooking couscous to your advantage in this Chicken and Veggie Couscous—a fast, delicious weeknight solution.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~20 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 1 tablespoon olive oil
2. 1 pound chicken breast, diced
3. 1 cup chopped vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers)
4. 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
5. 1 cup whole-wheat couscous
6. Salt, pepper, and herbs (basil, oregano) to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Sauté chicken in oil until browned. Add veggies; cook 2–3 more minutes.
2. Pour in broth; bring to a boil.
3. Stir in couscous; cover and remove from heat. Let sit for 5 minutes.
4. Fluff with a fork; season to taste.

16. One-Pot Turkey Meatball and Orzo Soup

Homemade meatballs and orzo cook together in this comforting Turkey Meatball and Orzo Soup—perfect for chilly evenings.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~30 minutes
• Servings: 4–5

Ingredients:

1. 1/2 pound ground turkey
2. 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat)
3. 1 egg, beaten
4. 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
5. 6 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
6. 1/2 cup orzo pasta (uncooked)
7. 2 cups spinach or kale

Recipe Steps:

1. Mix turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; form small meatballs.
2. In a pot, bring broth to a gentle boil; carefully drop in meatballs.
3. Add orzo; simmer for ~10–12 minutes.
4. Stir in spinach/kale just before serving for a few minutes until wilted.

17. One-Pot Creamy Mushroom and Brown Rice

Satisfy a craving for comfort with this Creamy Mushroom and Brown Rice—rich flavors, fewer dishes.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~40 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
2. 1 onion, chopped
3. 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
4. 1 cup brown rice (rinsed)
5. 2 1/2 cups broth (chicken or veggie)
6. 1/4 cup milk or half-and-half (optional for creaminess)
7. Salt, pepper, herbs (thyme) to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Sauté onion and mushrooms in butter/oil until lightly browned.
2. Stir in brown rice and broth. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and cover for ~30 minutes.
3. Stir in optional milk for creaminess, plus salt, pepper, and thyme.
4. Cook a few more minutes until the rice is tender.