One-Pot Meals for the Soul: Easy Recipes You’ll Love

Having a stack of one-pot recipes is crucial for this busy time of year, and when you think about the benefits, it’s hard to deny that one-pot recipes are fantastic. They simplify everything in the kitchen, from preparation to cooking and to cleaning up. They’re a time-saving genius hack that provides a rich and delicious meal without a counter and sink filled with dishes. One-pot meals are versatile and convenient. They’re quick, easy, and taste terrific. They offer all the elegance of a home-cooked meal without the mess. Not convinced yet? Today we’re sharing some one-pot meals that are simple to make, offer easy clean-up, and taste so good. We’ll have you sold on one-pot meals by the end of our article, that’s for sure!

One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Salmon

Prep: 15 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

One-pan creamy Tuscan salmon combines the tangy flavour of sun-dried tomatoes with a creamy sauce and salmon fillets. 

Ingredients

Crusty bread to serve

¼ cup small fresh basil leaves

1 tbsp drained baby capers

80 grams of baby spinach

300 ml. cooking cream

3 crushed garlic cloves

1 brown onion chopped finely

4 x 130 grams skinless salmon fillets

1 ½ tbsp oil reserved from semi-dried tomatoes in oil

½ cup semi-dried tomatoes chopped and in oil

How To Make One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Salmon

1. Heat half the reserved oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the salmon for one minute on each side for it to become golden.
3. Transfer the salmon to a plate.
4. Heat the rest of the reserved oil in the same pan over medium high heat.
5. Cook the onion and garlic, stirring for 5 minutes, until they become softened.
6. Add the cream and ⅓ cup of water.
7. Allow the contents of the pan to come to a boil and then return the salmon to it.
8. Add the sun-dried tomatoes.
9. Reduce heat and simmer for approximately 3 minutes.
10. Stir through the spinach and capers.
11. Cook until the spinach becomes wilted (just a couple of minutes).
12. Scatter over the basil.
13. Serve with crusty bread.

Homemade Hamburger Helper

Prep: 5 minutes

Cooking: 25 minutes

Homemade hamburger helper is better than the original. It’s savoury, juicy, and ultra-delicious.

Ingredients

1 ½ cups shredded cheese

1 ½ cups tomato sauce

2 ¾ cups dry, uncooked macaroni noodles

1 ½ cups beef broth

1 ¾ cup milk

¼ cup frozen spinach thawed and squeezed dry

⅛ tsp red pepper flakes

1 lb. lean ground beef

½ medium diced onion

1 red bell pepper died

2 cloves minced garlic

1 teaspoon salt

1 tsp. Italian seasoning

½ tsp paprika

½ tsp ground mustard

How To Make Homemade Hamburger Helper

1. In a large pot, add the beef, onion, and peppers and cook until they are softened and the beef is browned.
2. Add salt, paprika, garlic, Italian seasoning, mustard, spinach, and red pepper flakes, and cook for 1-2 minutes.
3. Add milk, broth, tomato sauce, and macaroni and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring often.
5. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese and sprinkle the rest on top. Cover and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
6. Dive into ooey gooey deliciousness!

Italian Chicken Skillet Supper

Prep: 20 minutes

Cooking: 10 minutes

Simple, wholesome, and absolutely delicious, Italian chicken skillet supper is the perfect one-pot meal.

Ingredients

2 tsp shredded Romano cheese

1 ½ tsp. spicy brown mustard

½ cup chicken broth

1 tbsp all-purpose flour

2 cups fresh baby spinach

1 teaspoon pine nuts

¼ cup chopped sweet red pepper

½ medium chopped onion

¼ pound small fresh sliced mushrooms

1 tsp olive oil

2 tsp butter

¼ tsp pepper

¼ teaspoon garlic salt

2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

How To Make Italian Chicken Skillet Supper

1. Gently flatten the chicken breasts.
2. Sprinkle with garlic salt and pepper.
3. In a large, nonstick skillet, cook the chicken in oil and butter for 3-4 minutes each side; remove and keep warm.
4. In the same skillet, sauté the mushrooms, onions, and pine nuts until tender.
5. Add spinach and cook and stir until wilted, which will only take a couple minutes.
6. Slowly stir in broth and mustard.
7. Boil, reduce heat, cook, and stir until thickened (2 minutes approximately).
8. Return the chicken to the skillet and sprinkle with cheese.
9. Serve and enjoy!

One-Pot Chicken and Rice

Prepare: 10 minutes

Cook: 25 minutes

One-pot chicken and rice is a cosy and comforting meal.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound chicken thighs (boneless, skinless), cut into bite-sized pieces

1 onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup rice (long-grain or basmati)

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or your favourite mixed veggies)

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

How to Make One-Pot Chicken and Rice

1. In a large pot or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the rice to the pot, stirring to combine with the chicken and veggies.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
7. Stir in the frozen peas and carrots. Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
8. Fluff the rice with a fork, adjust the seasoning if needed, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Final Thoughts

There’s no denying that the benefits of one-pot meals are massive. From the easy clean-up to being able to enjoy a healthy, simple meal, the benefits are never-ending! Whether you’re making one-pan creamy Tuscan salmon, homemade hamburger helper, Italian chicken skillet supper, or one-pot chicken and rice, you’re guaranteed a fantastic meal. Which one are you most excited to try? Let us know below!