30 Simple and Healthy One-Pot Meals for Hectic Evenings
30 Simple and Healthy One-Pot Meals for Hectic Evenings
Rily's collection of easy-clean up meals that are just perfect for those crazy busy days.
As a mom with a busy career, I'm always looking for simple, nutritious, and delicious meals that keep everyone happy and healthy. On hectic weeknights, one-pot meals are my go-to! They're easy to prepare, packed with wholesome ingredients, and most importantly, they minimize clean-up—making my life a little bit easier.
I love that I can whip up a complete meal that satisfies my family's nutritional needs with just one pot or pan. From hearty soups to vibrant veggie-loaded dishes, one-pot meals are versatile and can be adapted to include fresh, seasonal ingredients. It's such a relief to know that after a long day, I can still offer my family something nutritious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Some of my favourite one-pot recipes from Rily have become household staples. They're filled with flavours everyone loves while also packing a nutritional punch—whether it's immune-boosting vegetables, fibre-rich grains, or plant-based proteins. Plus, the convenience of fewer dishes makes clean-up quick, giving me more time to spend with my family.
I'm excited to share some of these family-friendly, healthy, and oh-so-satisfying one-pot meals from Rily. If you're juggling a busy day or simply looking for a quick and nutritious option, these recipes will leave everyone well-fed, nourished, and ready for whatever tomorrow brings! I hope they become as much of a hit in your home as they are in mine.
One Pan Sausage & Winter Vegetables
Recipe by Julia Gibson
This one-pan meal combines savoury sausages with nutrient-packed Brussels sprouts, kale, beets, and acorn squash for a hearty, colourful dish. The vegetables are rich in fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants, while the sausages add a punch of protein. Tossed in a tangy, sweet mustard and honey glaze, this meal is a winter favourite. Best of all, it's easy to prepare and clean up, making it a perfect choice for a wholesome weeknight dinner.
One Pot Creamy Orzo with Vegetables
Recipe by Fran Allen
This creamy one-pot orzo dish is loaded with spring vegetables like asparagus, spinach, and peas, bringing freshness and nutrition to your dinner table. Hemp hearts and nutritional yeast boost protein and fibre while keeping it dairy-free. The best part? It's quick, easy, and leaves minimal clean-up behind. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe offers a healthy, plant-based option for busy weeknights without skimping on flavour or texture.
One Pot Pasta Puttanesca
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
Packed with rich, bold flavours, this one-pot pasta puttanesca is a weeknight wonder. Anchovies, capers, and kalamata olives offer a savoury depth, while tomatoes provide antioxidants and vitamin C. Using spelt linguine for added fibre, this dish is nutritious, satisfying, and ready in just 20 minutes. With minimal dishes to wash afterward, it's an ideal meal when you want something flavourful, healthy, and fast with little fuss.
Maple Coriander Sheet Pan Chicken
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
Sweet, smoky, and easy to prepare, this maple coriander sheet pan chicken is a fantastic one-pot meal for busy weeknights. Brussels sprouts and butternut squash provide essential vitamins and fibre, while chicken delivers essential protein. With a maple-lime glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, this dish bursts with flavour. It's a nutritious, hands-off meal that keeps clean-up to a minimum, leaving you with more time to relax.
One Pan Salmon & Asparagus
Recipe by Fran Allen
This one-pan salmon and asparagus dish is a springtime favourite for its simplicity and nutrient-dense ingredients. Omega-3-rich salmon pairs perfectly with fibre-packed asparagus and a bright, herbaceous mustard dressing. Ready in just 20 minutes, this meal is not only delicious but healthy, with minimal clean-up. Serve it with boiled new potatoes for a balanced meal or a big crunchy salad for extra greens on a busy weeknight.
Turkey & Sundried Tomato Ziti
Recipe by Megan Horsley
This comforting one-pot turkey and sundried tomato ziti is packed with flavour and nutrition. Ground turkey offers lean protein, while kale and brown rice pasta provide fibre and essential nutrients. The sundried tomatoes add a burst of tanginess, perfectly balanced by mozzarella for a creamy finish. Best of all, this hearty dish comes together in one pot, making clean-up a breeze, and it's perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers.
One Pan Crispy Chicken & Artichokes
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
Crispy chicken thighs and tender artichokes come together in this simple, flavourful one-pan dish. Artichokes are a great source of fibre and antioxidants, while Castelvetrano olives add a burst of briny flavour. Fresh herbs and lemon elevate the dish, making it feel fancy with minimal effort. This grain-free, dairy-free meal is nutritious, delicious, and leaves you with just one pan to clean at the end of the night.
Breakfast Skillet
Recipe by Fran Allen
This hearty breakfast skillet is a delicious way to start the day, bringing together parboiled potatoes, sausages, and colourful veggies like red bell pepper and onion. The protein-packed eggs round out the meal, making it a satisfying option for any time of day. Best of all, it comes together in one skillet, using leftovers you might have on hand and keeping clean-up simple. Customize with your favourite veggies and spices for endless possibilities.
One Pan Mediterranean Cod
Recipe by Julia Gibson
Flaky cod and crispy cauliflower come together in this nutritious, one-pan Mediterranean meal. A garlicky tomato sauce infused with olives and lemon provides bold, zesty flavours, while almonds add crunch and healthy fats. Loaded with protein, fibre, and antioxidants, this dish is as healthy as it is delicious. Simple to prepare and even simpler to clean up, this is an easy weeknight option that brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table.
Coconut Thyme Chicken & Rice
Recipe by Megan Horsley
This one-pot wonder is packed with flavour and nutrition. The combination of coconut milk, thyme, and tender chicken thighs creates a creamy, savoury dish that's rich in healthy fats and protein. Brown basmati rice adds a whole grain touch with fibre and nutrients like magnesium and selenium, while kale brings in powerful antioxidants and vitamins. With minimal clean-up, this wholesome meal is perfect for busy weeknights and guarantees a balanced, satisfying dinner for the whole family.
Turkey Bean Chili
Recipe by Tina Gravalos
This hearty one-pot chili delivers flavour and nutrition in every bite while keeping clean-up easy. Lean ground turkey provides a protein punch, while fibre-rich black and kidney beans support heart health and digestion. Loaded with vegetables like carrots, onions, and celery, this chili is also a great source of vitamins and antioxidants. The aromatic blend of spices, including cumin and chili powder, adds warmth and complexity, making this dish a deliciously wholesome comfort meal perfect for cooler days.
Bolognese
Recipe by Tina Gravalos
A classic one-pot meal, this Bolognese sauce is both comforting and nutritious. Lean ground beef delivers protein and iron, while finely chopped vegetables like carrots, onions, and celery boost the fibre and vitamin content. The slow-cooking method enhances the rich flavours while adding whole milk gives a creamy touch. With minimal clean-up, this savoury Bolognese pairs perfectly with your favourite pasta for a balanced, satisfying meal the entire family will enjoy.
Peruvian Chicken
Recipe by Julia Gibson
This one-pan meal combines roasted chicken with hearty vegetables for a well-balanced, nutrient-rich dinner. The whole chicken is seasoned with cumin and paprika, offering anti-inflammatory benefits, while the olive oil provides heart-healthy fats. Russet potatoes and broccoli add fibre, vitamins, and minerals, making this dish not only delicious but wholesome, too. Paired with a vibrant cilantro yogurt sauce, this easy-to-make meal delivers both flavour and nutrition with minimal effort in the kitchen.
One Pot Chipotle Black Bean Soup
Recipe by Kelsey Russell-Murray
This hearty chipotle black bean soup is a nutritious, plant-based meal that's perfect for busy nights. Packed with protein and fibre from black beans and bursting with antioxidants from red bell peppers, this soup is both delicious and gut-healthy. With smoky flavours from cumin and chili powder, it's a satisfying dish that's ready in just one pot, keeping clean-up minimal. Enjoy a bowl for a warm, wholesome meal that's as nourishing as it is easy to make.
Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma
Recipe by Fran Allen
This sheet pan chicken shawarma is a quick and flavourful weeknight dinner that's packed with nutrition. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are seasoned with za'atar and turmeric for added anti-inflammatory benefits, while red onions and a drizzle of tahini provide fibre and healthy fats. With everything roasted in one pan, clean-up is a breeze, making it a convenient yet wholesome meal. Serve with a pita or a fresh salad for a complete, nutritious dinner full of bold flavours.
Sheet Pan Polenta with Sausage
Recipe by Fran Allen
This easy sheet pan meal combines crispy polenta, juicy Italian sausage, and roasted vegetables for a comforting, balanced dinner. Polenta provides a gluten-free, fibre-rich base, while sausage adds protein and savoury flavour. Roasted cherry tomatoes, red onions, and rapini offer vitamins, antioxidants, and a boost of fibre, making this a nutritious one-pan dinner that's easy to prepare and even easier to clean up. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal with minimal effort required.
Whole Roasted Chicken with Fennel
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
This one-skillet meal is a delicious, nutrient-packed dinner that's perfect for cozy nights. A spatchcocked chicken is roasted alongside carrots, fennel, and garlic, providing a mix of protein, fibre, and antioxidants. Fennel adds a unique flavour while offering digestive health benefits, and garlic and thyme deliver immune-boosting properties. With everything cooked in one pan, clean-up is quick and easy, making this dish a go-to for a wholesome, flavorful meal with minimal fuss.
Creamy Lemon Orzo with Shrimp
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
This creamy one-pot orzo dish with shrimp is a simple yet elegant weeknight meal. Shrimp provides a lean source of protein and essential nutrients like selenium and omega-3 fatty acids, while orzo makes it a satisfying, hearty meal. Fresh spinach adds a nutrient boost with iron and vitamins, and the lemon zest brightens up the dish with its tangy flavour. With minimal clean-up, this dish is both wholesome and quick, making it perfect for busy nights.
Spicy Turkey & Bean Chili
Recipe by Julia Gibson
This one-pot turkey and bean chili is packed with nutritious ingredients and bold flavours. Lean turkey provides a high-quality protein source, while black beans and kidney beans offer fibre and essential nutrients like folate and iron. Loaded with veggies like sweet potatoes and bell peppers, this chili is full of antioxidants and vitamins. A generous blend of spices adds warmth and depth, making this an easy-to-make, satisfying meal that leaves you with minimal clean-up.
Shepherds Pie Skillet
Recipe by Julia Gibson
This Shepherd's Pie Skillet is a quick, one-pot version of the classic comfort food. Packed with nutritious vegetables like carrots, celery, and peas, this dish provides fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Ground beef adds protein and iron, while fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary bring antioxidant benefits. With just one skillet, you can enjoy all the traditional flavours without the hassle of multiple dishes, making clean-up easy and the meal wholesome.
Huevos Rancheros
Recipe by Kelsey Russell-Murray
This one-dish Huevos Rancheros is a high-protein, fibre-rich meal that's perfect for any time of day. The black beans and eggs provide protein and essential nutrients, while the avocado offers healthy fats. Made in one pan, this dish combines warm tortillas, refried beans, cheese, and salsa for a hearty, flavourful bite that's easy to clean up after. Loaded with gut-healthy prebiotics and antioxidants, this meal is as nutritious as it is delicious.
Sheet Pan Lamb Meatballs
Recipe by Fran Allen
These Sheet Pan Lamb Meatballs are a delicious one-pan meal that delivers a balanced blend of lean protein and vibrant veggies. Lamb provides a rich source of iron and healthy fats, while tomatoes and red onion offer vitamins A and C. Flavored with za'atar and sumac, the Mediterranean spices enhance the dish's antioxidant properties. With minimal prep and just one sheet pan, this meal is simple, nutritious, and leaves you with little clean-up.
One Pan Shakshuka
Recipe by Fran Allen
This One Pan Shakshuka is a flavourful, nutritious dish packed with vegetables, protein, and healthy fats. The combination of tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions brings an array of vitamins and antioxidants, while the eggs provide protein to keep you full. The warm spices like cumin and paprika add depth and flavour. With minimal effort and only one pan to clean, this dish is perfect for a quick, healthy meal that doesn't sacrifice taste.
Sheet Pan Cauliflower Nachos
Recipe by Tina Gravalos
Enjoy all the fun of nachos with a healthy twist! These Sheet Pan Cauliflower Nachos swap traditional tortilla chips for nutrient-dense cauliflower, rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. Ground turkey adds a lean source of protein, while colourful bell peppers and onions provide a variety of vitamins. Topped with cheese and jalapenos, this one-pan dish is full of flavour, easy to prepare, and even easier to clean up—perfect for busy weeknights.
Sheet Pan Roast Chicken & Mushrooms
Recipe by Fran Allen
This Sheet Pan Roast Chicken & Mushrooms brings together the earthy flavours of mushrooms and tender chicken thighs in one easy, nutrient-packed meal. The mushrooms are loaded with antioxidants and B vitamins, while the chicken provides high-quality protein. A touch of balsamic vinegar and fresh thyme adds a burst of flavour without extra work. With just one sheet pan, you can create a delicious, wholesome dinner with minimal clean-up required.
One Pan Chicken Fajitas
Recipe by Tina Gravalos
These One Pan Chicken Fajitas are a quick, nutritious option for any weeknight meal. Packed with protein from chicken and a variety of colourful bell peppers, this dish delivers essential vitamins like A and C. The fajitas are seasoned with chili and chipotle powders for added flavour and spice. With everything cooked on a single sheet pan, clean-up is minimal, making it a go-to for busy nights when you want something healthy and satisfying.
Gochujang Salmon with Squash
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
This Gochujang Salmon with Squash is a one-pan wonder packed with protein and healthy fats from the salmon and vitamin-rich butternut squash. The gochujang glaze adds a spicy, umami kick, while quinoa provides a nutritious base rich in fibre and essential amino acids. With everything roasted on one sheet pan, clean-up is simple, making this a perfect quick, healthy dinner option for busy nights.
Smoky Chicken with Roasted Veggies
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
This Smoky Chicken with Roasted Veggies is a wholesome one-pan meal that balances protein from chicken thighs with fibre-rich vegetables like squash and Brussels sprouts. The smoked paprika adds a rich depth of flavour, while the veggies bring vitamins and antioxidants. With just one sheet pan, this meal is easy to prepare and perfect for busy nights when you want something nourishing with minimal clean-up.
Radicchio Salad with Spiced Squash
Recipe by Julia Gibson
This Radicchio Salad with Spiced Squash is a colourful, nutrient-dense dish that's as delicious as it is healthy. The delicata squash adds a sweet, caramelized flavour packed with vitamins A and C, while the radicchio provides fibre and antioxidants. Toasted walnuts contribute healthy fats and crunch. With a bright, tangy tahini dressing, this salad offers a well-rounded blend of flavours and nutrients, perfect for autumn dinners. Easy to prepare and clean up with just one bowl.
Spicy Peanut Sweet Potato Kale Soup
Recipe by Kelsey Russell-Murray
Spicy Peanut Sweet Potato Kale Soup is a hearty, flavourful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Combining the richness of peanut butter with the spice of sriracha, this creamy soup is a satisfying and nutrient-rich meal. Sweet potatoes and kale provide fibre and antioxidants, while coconut milk adds a creamy texture. Ideal for those with PCOS or diabetes, this low glycemic, anti-inflammatory soup can be customized to your spice tolerance.
