One Pot Less Mess Meals

Let’s face it: after a long day, the last thing most of us want to do is spend hours in the kitchen preparing a complicated meal, only to be left with a mountain of dishes to wash up. That’s where a one pot less mess meals and dinners come to the rescue! They are the perfect solution for busy weeknights, combining convenience, flavour, and minimal clean-up. In this blog, we’ll share some of the best one-pot weeknight dinners that are quick to prepare, use simple ingredients, and taste absolutely amazing.

Why One-Pot Meals Are a Weeknight Hero

The beauty of one-pot cooking is its simplicity. With just a single pot or pan, you can create a wholesome, satisfying meal with fewer dishes to wash up later. Whether you prefer using a large skillet, a Dutch oven, or a slow cooker, the options are endless. Here are some reasons why you’ll love these meals:

• Less clean-up: One-pot meals mean fewer pans and utensils to scrub afterwards, leaving you more time to relax.
• Time-saving: These meals typically come together quickly, perfect for those evenings when you need dinner on the table in 30 minutes or less.
• Versatility: You can adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences, making it easy to cater to your family’s tastes or dietary needs.
• Flavour-packed: Cooking everything in one pot allows the flavours to meld together beautifully, creating rich, satisfying dishes.

Three Delicious One-Pot Dinners for Busy Weeknights

1. Creamy One-Pot Chicken Alfredo

This indulgent dish combines tender chicken, pasta, and a creamy Alfredo sauce – all made in one pot! It’s a family favourite that’s not only rich and comforting but also incredibly easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 250g pasta (penne or fettuccine works well)
• 500ml chicken broth
• 250ml cream
• 100g grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or skillet, cook the diced chicken over medium heat until browned. Set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté garlic until fragrant, then add the pasta, chicken broth, and cream. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened (about 10-12 minutes).
4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cooked chicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

2. One-Pot Vegetable Curry

For a plant-based option that’s bursting with flavour, this vegetable curry is a must-try. It’s filled with colourful veggies and cooked in a fragrant coconut curry sauce, making it both hearty and healthy.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• 1 courgette, sliced
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 400ml coconut milk
• 400g canned tomatoes
• Fresh coriander for garnish
• Rice or naan for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
2. Stir in the curry powder and cumin, cooking for another minute.
3. Add the chopped carrot, courgette, chickpeas, coconut milk, and canned tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer.
4. Cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened.
5. Serve with rice or naan, garnished with fresh coriander.

3. One-Pot Mexican Rice and Beans

This vibrant and satisfying dish is packed with protein and fibre, making it a perfect weeknight dinner for those looking for a nutritious meal with a kick of flavour.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 150g long-grain rice
• 400g canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• 400g canned tomatoes
• 250ml vegetable broth
• 1 cup frozen corn
• Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh coriander for garnish
• Sour cream and avocado for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until softened.
2. Stir in the cumin and paprika, followed by the rice. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Add the black beans, canned tomatoes, vegetable broth, and frozen corn. Stir to combine.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
5. Squeeze lime juice over the dish, garnish with fresh coriander, and serve with sour cream and avocado if desired.

Tips for Perfect One-Pot Meals:

• Choose the right pot: Depending on the recipe, you may need a deep pot, a large skillet or a slow cooker. Make sure it’s large enough to hold all your ingredients comfortably.
• Layer the flavours: Start by sautéing onions, garlic or spices to build a flavourful base before adding other ingredients.
• Don’t rush: Allow enough time for the flavours to develop and the ingredients to cook properly. Simmering for a few extra minutes can make all the difference.
• Use high-quality ingredients: Since you’re using fewer components, ensure that each ingredient shines. Fresh vegetables, good-quality broth and fragrant spices can elevate a simple dish.

One-pot meals are the ultimate weeknight dinner saviour. They offer a perfect blend of ease, speed, and deliciousness, making them ideal for those evenings when you’re short on time or energy. Whether you’re craving creamy pasta, a hearty vegetable curry, or a spicy rice dish, these recipes are sure to become staples in your kitchen. So, grab your favourite pot and get cooking – your future self (and your washing-up routine) will thank you!

Let us know in the comments which one-pot recipe is your favourite, or share your own go-to weeknight dinner ideas. Happy cooking!