11 Quick 20-Minute One Pot Meals

In the hustle and bustle of life, who wouldn’t welcome a cooking method that saves time while delivering delectable meals? Enter one pot meals, a haven for busy individuals seeking culinary delight without the clutter of multiple dishware.

They’re a game changer, offering delicious dishes within just 20 minutes—perfect for weeknight dinners, rushed lunchtimes, or when you’re simply craving a hearty meal without the fuss. In this article, I’ll share 11 quick 20-minute one pot meals that have become my go-to saviors.

Each recipe brings its unique taste and simplicity, promising minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Ready your pots and let’s cook up some magic!

1. Quick Chicken and Rice One Pot Meal

Nothing beats the inviting aroma of chicken and rice wafting through the kitchen. This dish is not just a meal; it’s comfort on a plate. It brings back memories of my childhood, where the combination of tender chicken and fluffy rice was a staple.

This one pot version retains all that nostalgic flavor yet demands just a slice of your time.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 lbs boneless chicken breast, cubed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chicken cubes and cook until browned.
2. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
3. Stir in rice, chicken broth, and peas. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cover and let simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is tender and cooked through.

2. 20-Minute Lentil Soup One Pot Meal

Lentil soup is like a hug in a bowl, offering warmth and nourishment. I vividly remember a cold winter’s night when this soup was the only thing that could warm me up, providing both comfort and flavor with each spoonful.

And the best part? It’s packed with protein and fiber, making it a wholesome choice.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté onion and carrots over medium heat until tender.
2. Stir in lentils, cumin, vegetable broth, and season with salt and pepper.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 15 minutes until lentils are soft.

3. One Pot Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil

This pasta is a burst of freshness, reminiscent of summer days. Whenever I make this, I’m transported back to family gatherings under the sun, where the vibrant flavors of tomatoes and basil were always on the menu. A dish that’s simple yet spectacular.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 5 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
• 3 cups water
• 3 garlic cloves, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine spaghetti, tomatoes, basil, garlic, and water in a large pot.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Bring to a boil and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is al dente and water is absorbed.

4. Spicy Sausage and Potato One Pot Meal

Every time I prepare this dish, I’m reminded of cozy evenings surrounded by loved ones. The spiciness of the sausage is balanced perfectly by tender potatoes, creating a meal that’s both hearty and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb spicy Italian sausage, sliced
• 4 potatoes, diced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, cook sausage over medium heat until browned.
2. Add diced potatoes and chopped onion, stirring to combine.
3. Pour in chicken broth, season with salt and pepper, and cover.
4. Simmer for 18 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.

5. Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry One Pot Meal

This stir-fry is my answer to take-out cravings, delivering a fresh and fast meal. Stir-fries have always been my weeknight heroes, offering flexibility with whatever vegetables are on hand.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken breast, sliced
• 3 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, broccoli)
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 garlic clove, minced

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until golden brown.
3. Stir in vegetables, ginger, and garlic, cooking until vegetables are tender.
4. Pour in soy sauce and toss everything to coat evenly.
5. Serve hot.

6. Black Bean and Corn One Pot Meal

This dish brings the flavor of the Southwest directly to my kitchen. It’s a vibrant blend of colors and textures that never fails to delight my family, reminiscent of warm, sunny days.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 cup salsa (mild or spicy, based on preference)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin (optional, for extra depth)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot over medium heat, combine black beans, corn, salsa, chili powder, and cumin.
2. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
3. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, and season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve hot.

7. One Pot Chicken and Mushroom Risotto

Risotto makes me think of festive gatherings and jeery dinners. Its creamy, rich texture pairs perfectly with chicken and mushrooms, comforting the soul with every bite.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup arborio rice
• 1 lb chicken breast, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Stir in mushrooms and garlic.
3. Stir in arborio rice, letting it toast for 1 minute.
4. Gradually add chicken broth, ½ cup at a time, stirring frequently until absorbed before adding more.
5. Once the rice is tender and creamy (about 15 minutes), stir in Parmesan cheese.
6. Season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.

8. Quick and Easy Chili One Pot Meal

Chili is my quintessential comfort food when the temperature dips. Rich and hearty, it fills the kitchen with the aroma of spices, making any day feel cozy and warm.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
• 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (for extra richness)
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
2. Stir in kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Serve hot, optionally topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.

9. Shrimp and Vegetable One Pot Meal

This dish transports me to coastal adventures. Light, yet satisfying, it’s perfect for those days when you crave something fresh from the sea.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., snap peas, bell peppers, zucchini)
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink. Remove from pot and set aside.
2. Add mixed vegetables and garlic to the same pot, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.
3. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice. Stir and let cook for 3 more minutes.
4. Return shrimp to the pot, toss everything together, and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
5. Serve hot as-is or over rice or quinoa.

10. Chicken Fajita One Pot Meal

This meal is a fiesta of flavors, bringing Mexican-inspired joy to my table. Fajitas remind me of summer nights with friends, sharing laughter and delicious food.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken breast, sliced into strips
• 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth (optional, for juicier fajitas)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add sliced chicken and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Stir in bell peppers, onion, and fajita seasoning. Cook for another 5 minutes until vegetables are tender.
4. (Optional) Add chicken broth for extra moisture and let simmer for 2 minutes.
5. Serve hot in tortillas or over rice.

11. Vegan Quinoa and Black Bean One Pot Meal

This vegan meal is wholesome and satisfying, a testament that plant-based diets can be rich in flavor and creativity. The quinoa and black beans meld together to create a protein-rich dish with an irresistible taste.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot over medium heat, combine quinoa, black beans, corn, vegetable broth, cumin, chili powder, and diced tomatoes.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes until quinoa is fully cooked and fluffy.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, optionally topped with avocado slices or fresh cilantro.

Tips for Optimizing Your One Pot Meals

Use the Right Pot

Opt for a pot or pan that suits your dish’s portion size to ensure even cooking—anything from a Dutch oven to a large skillet could work.

Prep Ingredients in Advance

Chop, dice, and measure ingredients before starting to streamline the cooking process.

Add Aromatics First

Start with garlic, onions, and spices when heating to release their flavors early, enhancing the overall dish.

Final Thoughts

One pot meals aren’t just about convenience—they’re a culinary art. These recipes promise minimal effort with maximum flavor, inviting you to explore and indulge in swift kitchen magic.

I encourage you to try these recipes and share your culinary experiences. For more one pot wonders, delve into our additional resources, and keep experimenting in your kitchen.

Enjoy creating and sharing these dishes. Cooking might be fast, but the memories you’ll create will surely linger.