21 One-Pan Meals That Just Work

Tired of juggling too many pots on a busy weeknight? These 21 one-pan meals are ready in 30 minutes or less, and use simple ingredients to bring big flavor without the cleanup.

You might also enjoy our easy pasta recipes, high protein dinner ideas and easy meal-prep ideas.

Here in our small town in Italy, Louise and I are always juggling recipe testing, market runs, and last-minute dinners, and honestly, one-pan meals save us more often than not.

These 21 recipes are the real dishes we lean on when time is tight and the sink is already full.

Louise and I spent years developing reliable, approachable plant-based recipes for our beloved readers each month.

So, this collection delivers real meals, cooked and tested in our kitchen, that you can get on the table fast ⏰.

One-Pot Soups & Stews

Cozy, hearty, and made for meal prep, these one-pot wonders are perfect for back to school prep, or anytime you want comfort in a bowl.

Curry Lentil Soup
Cozy, spiced, and protein-packed, this one-pot soup is a weeknight lifesaver with red lentils and pantry staples.

Black Bean Soup
A thick, smoky, fiber-rich soup made with canned beans, I recommend topping it with pico de gallo and lime for extra punch.

Chickpea Stew
Rustic and satisfying with garlic, tomatoes, and spices, this is the kind of dish that gets better by the day.

Turkish Lentil Soup
Silky-smooth and gently spiced, this red lentil soup is fast, protein-packed, and deeply flavorful.

Indian Rajma (Kidney Bean Curry)
Hearty and easy to make, this North Indian staple simmers kidney beans in a rich, spiced tomato gravy.

African Peanut Stew
Creamy, bold, and full of depth, our West African–inspired stew is made with peanut butter, canned chickpeas, and sweet potatoes.

Dal Makhani (black lentil curry)
Creamy black lentils slow-simmered in a tomato base with rich Indian flavor (without the takeout).

Potato Leek Soup
Soft, creamy, and comforting, our simple blend of potatoes and leeks needs no dairy to feel luxurious.

Kale Soup
Light, nourishing, and packed with greens, my Nonna’s kale soup is great as a clean-out-the-fridge or post-holiday reset.

Tofu Soup
Clean, brothy, and warming, this tofu and veggie soup is perfect when you want something light yet filling.

Pasta & Rice One-Pan Meals

Comfort food with a Mediterranean diet spin, these dishes are quick, satisfying, and built around your pantry staples.

Creamy Lemon Orzo
A bright, velvety pasta dish made in one pot; lemon, garlic, and herbs make it both cozy and refreshing.

Lentil Pasta
Pasta tossed in a rich lentil and tomato sauce; easy, hearty, and high in protein (21 grams per portion).

Pasta e Fagioli
Classic Italian one-pot with pasta and beans simmered in a herby tomato broth, it’s just pure comfort.

Mexican Rice
A quick and flavorful tomato-spiced rice dish, it’s great as a side or simple main with guacamole and sour cream.

Mushroom Risotto
Creamy, earthy, and deeply satisfying, no endless stirring needed, just bold flavor and tender rice.

Skillets, Bakes & Stir-Fries

Fast meals with minimal cleanup, perfect for weeknights, solo dinners, or prepping a few portions ahead.

Butter Bean Skillet
Creamy butter beans in a savory tomato base with Mediterranean spices, one skillet, all the comfort.

Marry Me Chickpeas
A rich, creamy chickpea dish inspired by the viral recipe, loaded with garlic, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes.

Tofu Stir Fry
Crispy tofu and colorful veggies tossed in a bold, savory sauce, it’s ready in under 25 minutes. Serve with cooked basmati rice or naan bread on the side.

Veggie Frittata
A veggie-loaded baked chickpea flour dish you can slice up for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, hot or cold.

Ready to Cook?

Whether you’re after a cozy soup, a quick skillet dinner, or a creamy bowl of pasta, these recipes are here to make your everyday cooking feel easy and satisfying.

Pro tip: Pick 2–3 recipes and batch-cook them for the week—many of these dishes taste even better the next day.

Let us know which one you try first! And if you’re looking for more, check out our One-Pot Meals, 30-Minute Dinners, or Meal Prep Favorites for more easy dinner ideas.