Welcome to these 30 easy and delicious onepot meals that will revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine.

Finding time to prepare healthy, homecooked meals can be a challenge, and so enters the hero of busy kitchens everywhere: one-pot meals.

These wholesome and easy meals combine convenience with flavor, allowing you to create satisfying dishes with minimal fuss and cleanup.

easy one pot meals with soups, chili, and risotto

These recipes use whole-food ingredients and lean protein, allowing you to enjoy nourishing, homecooked meals.

From hearty stews that warm you on chilly evenings to comforting curries perfect for fall dinners, onepot recipes offer something for every palate and occasion.

1. Vegetarian chili

vegetarian chili served in a white bowl

Vegetarian chili is a hearty, proteinpacked one-pot meal that combines a variety of beans, vegetables, and aromatic spices for a satisfying and flavorful dish.

As the ingredients simmer in a single pot, the chili develops rich flavors while minimizing cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep sessions.

2. Lentil Bolognese

Lentil Bolognese in a Dutch oven with a wooden spoon

This onepot lentil bolognese is the perfect recipe to make ahead of time, as its flavor improves as the sauce sits in the fridge.

The lentils add plantbased protein and fiber to your meal, which is delicious when served with pasta, focaccia, and gnocchi.

3. Chickpea curry

Chickpea Curry with a silver spoon

Curries are fantastic for meal planning, and this onepot chickpea curry is a 30minute meal with an Indian-inspired spice mix.

TIPFor the creamiest curry, blend chickpeas with an immersion blender. That quick trick makes all the difference.

4. Butternut squash soup

butternut squash soup with croutons

Make this onepot butternut squash soup for a cozy family dinner, or make it ahead and serve it for a quick lunch in the upcoming week.

It’s a healthy, creamy, comforting dish that freezes and stores in the fridge for 4-5 days.

TIP: pair it with crostini, croutons, or roasted chickpeas for a light dinner or appetizer.

5. Lentil vegetable soup

Lentil vegetable soup in a white bowl with lemon wedges on the side

Lentil spinach soup is a healthy onepot meal combining protein-rich lentils with nutrient-packed spinach.

This easy, balanced meal with essential vitamins and fiber is ready in 30 minutes and is convenient and satisfying.

6. Minestrone

minestrone soup in a large pot

Minestrone is a hearty Italian vegetable soup that epitomizes the convenience of one-pot cooking.

Packed with various vegetables, borlotti beans, and pasta, it offers a complete and satisfying meal in a single fussfree dinner.

7. Pasta e Ceci

Pasta e Ceci in a bowl with a hand holding a spoon

You’ll love this pasta e ceci (pasta with chickpeas) because it’s easy to make in one pot, takes 30 minutes, and uses affordable pantry staples.

Chickpeas are ideal for onepot meals due to their hearty texture and ability to absorb flavors. They also add fiber and magnesium and can potentially help control blood sugar.

8. Tuscan soup

Tuscan white bean soup with silver spoon and fresh herbs on the side

You can make this hearty and wholesome bean soup from scratch in less than 45 minutes and store it in the refrigerator for several days.

White beans are excellent for one-pot soups due to their creamy texture, which naturally thickens the broth and makes the soup extra satisfying.

9. Vegetable curry

vegetable curry served with rice, lime and cashews

Here is a vegan and glutenfree curry with chickpeas, peas, vegetables, and a rich Indian-inspired spice mix.

Chickpeas are an excellent addition to one-pot curries because of their mild flavor, absorbs rich and aromatic spices, and add plantbased protein to your meal.

10. Sweet potato soup

sweet potato soup with chili oil

This creamy sweet potato soup is a tasty and convenient onepot soup that can be made in 30 minutes with simple ingredients.

The sweet potatoes cooked with ginger, garlic, apple, and vinegar make the soup creamy, sweet, tangy, and aromatic.

11. Red lentil soup

Red lentil soup with garlic, lemon, bread, and rosemary

Split red lentils are an excellent choice for one-pot meals as they offer a creamy texture and a quick cooking time.

This soup is excellent as an easy weeknight dinner. It is meal-prep-friendly and delicious with a slice of toasted bread.

12. Chana masala

Chana masala with rice, kale, and cutlery

This one’s an easy one-pot recipe with chickpeas and spices you can make in 30 minutes.

Chana Masala is excellent for a quick and healthy dinner or meal-prepping as it gets better as it sits in the fridge.

13. Pasta e Fagioli

Pasta e Fagioli with a silver spoon and fresh rosemary

Pasta e fagioli makes the coziest family meal and an easy one-pot dinner idea.

You can make it with simple and affordable ingredients, yet it tastes fantastic and is incredibly warming and nourishing.

TIP: For a quick version, use canned beans, and you can make this recipe in about 30 minutes.

14. Chickpea stew

Chickpea stew with yogurt and chili oil on a plate with flowers

For this creamy chickpea stew, you need a few spices, staple ingredientsone pot, and about 30 minutes of cooking time.

It’s a flavorful, creamy, nourishing home-cooked meal you can serve with store-bought or homemade pita or Naan bread.

15. Sweet potato chili

sweet potato chili in a bowl on rice and topped with jalapeรฑos, cilantro, lime, sour cream, avocado, and corn.

This onepot sweet potato chili offers Mexican-inspired flavors and a creamy texture.

It’s a wholesome make-ahead dinner that keeps in the fridge for days. Serve the chili with sliced avocado, sour creamlime, and hot sauce.

16. Lentil curry

lentil curry topped with cilantro, yogurt, lemon juice, and brown rice

Lentil curry is an easy, tasty, and healthy meal that can be made in about 30 minutes with simple ingredients in one pot.

Our recipe is with split red lentils and makes a simple yet satisfying and flavorful dinner for the whole family.

17. Mushroom risotto

mushroom risotto on a plate without toppings

Mushroom risotto is a creamy and tasty one-pot dish that qualifies as Italian comfort food.

TIP: Use a mix of white button mushrooms and portobello mushrooms. You can use most mushroom varieties based on what you can find where you live.

18. Bean stew

Bean stew with couscous and fork

Here’s an excellent recipe for a quick and fulfilling weeknight dinner, ready in just over 30 minutes.

This Tuscan bean stew is excellent as a meal prep recipe. It keeps well for days and freezes for up to three months.

TIP: Serve it with rice, couscous, polenta, or a slice of toasted bread.

19. Cauliflower curry

Cauliflower Curry with a spoon

Cauliflower curry is so easy and satisfying you’ll want to make it every week.

Simple ingredients and spices yield a tasty and creamy dish that simmers together in one pot.

20. Split pea soup

Split peas soup with spinach and hand

The next item on our list is an easy one-pot dinner made with protein-rich dried split peas and a few other simple ingredients.

Dried split peas are packed with protein and fiber, perfect for adding hearty thickness and earthy flavor to your onepot meal.

21. Potato leek soup

potato leek soup with a white spoon and garlic bread on the side

You will love this potato leek soup because it is easy to make in one pot, with simple ingredients, and in about 30 minutes.

It’s light, healthy, and delicious. The creamy texture comes from leek, potatoes, and Greek-style yogurt.

22. Lentil soup

warm lentil soup in a white bowl

This hearty, protein-packed soup is easy to make in a single pot. Italian lentil soup is brimming with vegetables and aromatic herbs, and it’s a complete meal when served with bread or rice.

It’s excellent for busy weeknights; it can be made in large batches for easy meal prep.

23. Chickpea salad

chickpea salad on a plate

This refreshing nocook dish is ideal for hot summer days (or lazy Sundays) when you want to avoid the stove.

Chickpea salad is a protein-rich, vegetarian option that requires minimal prep and no cooking. It’s excellent for makeahead lunches and light dinners.

24. Spinach stew

Chickpea Spinach Stew on rice with spoon

This one-pot spinach stew is excellent with rice or warm pita bread for lunch or dinner, and it’s also a great recipe for meal prep

It’s an easy, healthy, and satisfying dish with spinach, chickpeas, and cumin. It makes an excellent weeknight dinner or hearty lunch.

25. Vegetable soup

Vegetable soup with silver spoon

We end this list with a white bean vegetable soup that is easy to makeinfinitely tastycomforting, and perfect for meal prep.

It’s excellent to make ahead, perfect for cold winter days, and one of the best meals to feed your family.

26. Tofu soup

tofu soup recipe with white spoon

This nourishing Asianinspired soup is a onepot wonder that combines protein-rich tofu with a flavorful broth.

It’s a quick meal that can be customized with various vegetables and is perfect for chilly evenings with just one pot to clean.

27. Zucchini pasta

Zucchini Pasta with fork and pine nuts

Next on our list is a clever onepot pasta dish incorporating vegetables into a comforting meal. Grated zucchini cooks alongside the pasta, creating a creamy sauce without butter.

It’s an excellent way to use surplus zucchini while preparing a nutritious and light dinner.

28. Black bean soup

black bean soup with nachos and a spoon

This filling soup is a onepot solution for a comforting, proteinrich meal.

It’s an excellent way to turn pantry staples like black beans and canned tomatoes into a wholesome dinner.

29. Fregola pasta

Fregola in a white bowl with a silver fork

This one-pot Mediterraneaninspired dish combines tiny pasta with colorful vegetables.

Fregola pasta with vegetables is a versatile recipe that can accommodate whatever veggies you have. It’s an allinone meal that eliminates the need for separate side dishes.

30. Refried beans

refried beans in a bowl topped with fresh cilantro

This classic Mexican staple transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, flavorful dish.

Refried beans is a budgetfriendlyonepot meal that satisfies and can be a main dish, side dish, or base for other meals, such as burritos and tostadas.

More easy one-pot meals

If you love quick meals with wholesome ingredients, try these onepot meals from around the world:

Turkish red lentil soup with fresh parsley and chilil oil

For many more dinner ideas, check out our mains category page.

easy one pot dinner ideas

30 One-Pot Meals: zucchini pasta

By: Nico Pallotta
5 from 1 vote
Zucchini pasta, as in pasta with zucchini, is a creamy and easy one-pot recipe to have as a tasty weeknight dinner for the whole family.
You can make it with grated zucchini, fresh herbs, lemon zest, parmesan cheese, and a dollop of creamy greek or non-dairy yogurt.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main
Cuisine: American Italian

Equipment

  • Box grater

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 6 cups (27 oz) zucchini grated with the large holes of a box grater
  • 1 teaspoon oregano or thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt or more to taste
  • ยฝ teaspoon black pepper
  • 12 ounces pasta rotini, fusilli, farfalle, penne, or other
  • 3 cups vegetable broth start with 2 cups or 500 g and add more if necessary
  • ยฝ cup parmesan cheese grated, or dairy-free cheese
  • ยฝ cup greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt
  • ยผ packed cup basil leaves

Garnish with

  • 1 medium lemon the grated zest
  • 2 tablespoons pinenuts

Instructions 

  • Grate the zucchini with the large holes of a box grater.
    6 cups (27 oz) zucchini
    grated zucchini
  • Warm up olive oil in a large skillet, then add finely chopped onion and fry it for 3 minutes.
    Add grated garlic and fry for one more minute.
    Add the shredded zucchini, season them with salt and pepper, and cook on high heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 yellow onion, 4 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, ยฝ teaspoon black pepper
    Skillet with grated zucchini
  • Add pasta, vegetable broth, and oregano, and cook on medium-low heat for about 10 to 12 minutes or until the pasta is creamy and al dente.
    1 teaspoon oregano, 12 ounces pasta, 3 cups vegetable broth
    pasta and grated zucchini in a skillet
  • Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the dish.
    If the pot dries, add more liquid until the pasta is ready.
    pasta, zucchini and vegetable broth
  • Turn the heat off, taste, and adjust for salt.
    Add grated parmesan cheese (or dairy-free cheese), greek yogurt (or non-dairy yogurt), and a handful of chopped fresh basil.
    ยฝ cup parmesan cheese, ยฝ cup greek yogurt, ยผ packed cup basil leaves
    yogurt, parmesan cheese and zucchini pasta
  • Stir gently until cheese and yogurt melt into the zucchini pasta.
    Zucchini Pasta ready to serve
  • Serve immediately with grated lemon zest and optionally toasted pine nuts.
    1 medium lemon, 2 tablespoons pinenuts
    Zucchini Pasta with a fork

Video

20-minute Zucchini Pasta

Notes

Nutritional informationย is an estimate for 1 large serving of zucchini pasta out of 4 servings.
VARIATIONS
Check out the “variation” chapter above for more zucchini pasta ideas.
SUBSTITUTIONS
Green zucchini:ย sub globe zucchini, yellow crookneck, yellow squash, grey zucchini, or other.
Pasta:ย you can use any pasta shape.
Extra virgin olive oil:ย sub another vegetable oil.
Oregano:ย sub dried oregano, fresh or dried thyme, or Italian seasoning.
Vegetable broth:ย sub water and more salt.
Parmesan:ย sub pecorino romano or a non-dairy cheese.
Greek yogurt:ย sub non-dairy yogurt, butter, or non-dairy butter.
Pine nuts:ย sub pistachios, chopped almonds, or walnuts.
MAKE AHEAD & STORAGE
Make ahead:ย this one’s not a good recipe to make ahead as the pasta loses its oomph soon after it’s cooked.
Refrigerator:ย let the pasta cool down completely at room temperature, then transfer it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for two days.
Reheat:ย warm leftovers in the microwave. Do not reheat multiple times, as the pasta will overcook.
Freezer:ย this recipe is not suitable for freezing.

Nutrition

Calories: 528kcal, Carbohydrates: 77g, Protein: 21g, Fat: 16g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 12mg, Potassium: 683mg, Dietary Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 8g, Vitamin A: 398IU, Vitamin B6: 0.4mg, Vitamin C: 39mg, Vitamin E: 2mg, Vitamin K: 20ยตg, Calcium: 208mg, Folate: 56ยตg, Iron: 3mg, Manganese: 2mg, Magnesium: 94mg, Zinc: 3mg
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below or mention @nicoandlouise on Instagram. We are also on Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, and TikTok.

If you liked these one-pot meals, you might also enjoy:


Nico and Louise in the kitchen

Hi! We are Nico & Louise

Welcome to The Plant-Based School, a food blog with easy, tasty, and wholesome recipes.

Our aim is to help you and your family eat more veggies through delicious recipes with simple ingredients.

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