One-pot meals are the ultimate solution for easy weeknight dinners. They require minimal effort and cleanup, allowing you to spend less time cooking and more time enjoying your meal. One of my favorite one-pot dishes is pasta fagioli, a hearty Italian soup with pasta and beans. Simply sauté some onion and garlic, add chicken or vegetable broth, beans, tomatoes, and small pasta like ditalini. Simmer until the pasta is tender and you have a comforting meal in under 30 minutes.
Jambalaya is a flavorful Creole one-pot dish of rice, vegetables and meat or seafood. Start by browning andouille sausage and chicken, then add bell peppers, celery, onions, garlic and Cajun spices. Add rice, broth and tomatoes and simmer until the rice absorbs all the liquid. Shrimp or crawfish are also great additions.
Chili is a classic one-pot meal perfect for feeding a crowd. Brown ground beef or turkey, then add beans, corn, tomatoes, and chili spices like cumin, oregano, garlic and onion. Simmer for at least 30 minutes so the flavors blend and intensify. Serve your chili with cornbread, rice, tortilla chips or cornbread.
Risotto is a creamy Italian rice dish that can be made with almost any add-ins. Start by sautéing onions and garlic, then add rice and stir to coat with oil. Add broth one ladle at a time, stirring frequently, until the rice becomes creamy. Stir in parmesan cheese, fresh herbs and vegetables like asparagus, mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes. For heartier fare, add diced ham, sausage or grilled chicken.
A curry over rice is a fragrant one-pot meal. Sauté onions, garlic and curry spices, then add coconut milk and chopped vegetables like bell peppers, carrots and cauliflower. Simmer until crisp-tender, then stir in chicken, shrimp or tofu. Serve over rice or with naan bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
