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As we try to balance work, school, and family life, cooking meals often falls by the wayside. That’s where one-pot meals come into the picture, offering an easy and delicious solution for busy families.
By putting all ingredients into a single pot, we not only save time on preparation and cooking but also reduce the number of dishes needed to wash later.
One-pot meals are not just stews but come in various forms like casseroles, pasta, and more.
Whether you’re in the mood for something creamy, spicy, or saviour, the versatility of one-pot cooking caters to all tastes and dietary needs.
One-pot cooking is a great way to make comfort food you can share with the whole family. As the kitchen fills with the familiar aroma of family cooking from a meal lovingly prepared in just one pot. Nothing beats the convenience of a good meal when a busy life doesn’t slow down.
Choosing the Right Equipment
When I make my one-pot meals I usually use a giant sautee pot with a lid, but Slow cookers, Crock-Pots, and Instant Pots are great for making a meal to cook throughout the day without needing to watch the meal cook.
Essential Ingredients for Every Pantry
We always make sure our pantry is stocked with a variety of dry pasta, and rice — they’re the perfect base for many one-pot meals. Canned tomatoes, powdered stocks, and a selection of beans are also indispensable for adding body and richness to our meals. Cooking cream, whole garlic and butter are important to keep in hand for meals.
Herbs and spices are the most important part of turning a simple one-pot dish into a masterpiece. We keep a good range of dried ingredients, like parsley, basil and oregano, but never forget the classic salt and pepper. Garlic and onion powder are essential go-to as well.
By sticking to these basics, we keep our one-pot cooking easy, and tasty every time.
One Pot Cheesy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
One-Pot Cheesy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 3 cups pasta penne, fusilli, or your choice
- 1 crown of broccoli cut into small florets
- 1 medium onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or your preferred blend
- 1 cup cooking cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons margarine or butter softened
- Cajun seasoning to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups reserved pasta water
- Oil for cooking
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions. Reserve 2 cups of pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
- Dice the onion and cut the broccoli into small florets.
- Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise and season with Cajun seasoning and pepper.
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from the pan, shred using two forks, and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt the margarine or butter. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Add the garlic and onion, cooking until softened and fragrant.
- Pour in the cooking cream and bring to a gentle boil. Stir in the shredded cheese and season with pepper to taste. Slowly add half of the reserved pasta water, stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Add the cooked chicken, broccoli, and pasta to the pan. Toss everything together, cover, and cook over medium heat until the broccoli is tender but still crisp (al dente), about 3-5 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning if needed. Add more pasta water to reach your desired sauce consistency.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
This recipe is sure to be loved by kids, it’s easy and healthy.
Comforting Classics
Nutrient-Rich One-Pot Wonders
When we’re looking to feed our families, one-pot meals are our best friends. They’re not just about ease and convenience; we can pack them full of nutrients too.
Let’s dive into how we can amp up the health factor with vegetables, legumes, grains, and proteins, creating balanced meals that are both delicious and nourishing.
Incorporating Veggies and Legumes
Veggies are essential to our one-pot meals, bringing in a spectrum of vitamins, minerals, and fibre. We love tossing in some broccoli or spinach for a quick nutrient boost. Peas and potatoes are fantastic too, not just for their comforting texture but for their heartiness which helps us feel full longer.
- Garlic and ginger, while often used in smaller amounts, are packed with antioxidants and offer a burst of flavour, making them key ingredients in dishes like shrimp curry.
Legumes, such as chickpeas or beans, are not only rich in protein but are also great sources of iron and fibre. Adding them to a one-pot meal such as a chilli or a stew ensures we’re getting a good dose of slow-releasing energy, which is perfect for keeping us powering through the day.
Grains and Proteins for Balanced Meals
Grains like rice and orzo pasta serve as the base for many one-pot dishes, giving us the carbohydrates we need for energy. When we use whole grains, we’re also upping our intake of B vitamins and fibre, which are important for overall health.
| Protein Sources | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Chicken | Lean & versatile |
| Shrimp | High in omega-3s |
| Lentils | Plant-based & full of iron |
One-pot meals can be a great way to bring in lean proteins, which are fundamental for muscle repair and growth. A shrimp curry, for instance, is not only comforting but it provides us with essential omega-3 fatty acids.
In our one-pots, we also make room for the likes of fried rice, which can be a full meal on its own with the right mix of veggies and a protein like eggs or chicken. The combination of a whole grain with a protein ensures that our meal is balanced and satiating.
One-Pot Cooking Tips and Techniques
One-pot meals are our favourite way to deliver a comforting, delicious dinner with minimal fuss. We’ll share savvy strategies to amplify your cooking efficiency and the best practices for breezy clean-up and storage.
Efficient Cooking Strategies
In one-pot cooking, layering is your friend. To ensure everything cooks to perfection, start with ingredients that take longer to cook, like meat or tough vegetables, and add quicker-cooking items like leafy greens or delicate herbs towards the end. Consider meatless options like beans or lentils for a hearty base—these offer plenty of flavours and reduce hands-on time.
- Prep Before You Start: Assemble all your ingredients, pre-cut and measured, before you turn on the heat. This mise en place approach makes the process smoother.
- Sear for Flavour: If you’re including meat, sear it first to lock in flavours and give your meal a delicious base.
Easy Cleanup and Storage Tips
Our one-pot dinner isn’t just about ease of cooking; it’s about ease of cleanup too. Since we’re all using just one pan or pot, there’s less to wash up afterward.
- Soak While You Eat: Fill the used pot with water and let it soak while you enjoy your meal; this will make cleanup afterward much easier.
- Store in the Same Pot: If there are leftovers, sometimes you can store them in the same pot you cooked in. If your pot isn’t storage-friendly, transfer everything to a mixing bowl with a lid to keep it fresh.
For easy one-pot meals like a sheet-pan dinner, a simple foil or parchment paper lining minimizes mess and keeps your pans in great shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
In our experience, having a go-to list of one-pot meals can save time and please everyone at the dinner table. Let us tackle some common questions to help you get started.
What are some simple one-pot recipes that the whole family will enjoy?
One-pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta makes a delightful dinner that’s both comforting and easy to clean up. Another hit is our Garlicky Shrimp & Rice dish, which is flavourful and simple to prepare.
Can you suggest some vegetarian one-pot meals suitable for family dinners?
Certainly! A One-Pot Vegetable Stew brimming with seasonal veggies can be quite satisfying. Additionally, a pot of Cheesy Tomato and Lentil Bake offers a comforting and heartening vegetarian option that’s full of protein.
What are your top picks for easy-to-make one-pot meals that kids love?
Kids often love the simplicity of a classic One-Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs. Another favourite is the One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta, with all the flavours of tacos in an easy pasta form.
How can I prepare a healthy one-pot dinner for my family?
Opting for whole grain options and loading up on veggies is our secret. Try a Quinoa Vegetable Pilaf or a Hearty Turkey and Bean Chili for meals that are both wholesome and hearty.
Could you recommend one-pot dishes that are perfect for entertaining guests?
Absolutely, a One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice can be quite the showstopper, offering a balanced combination of flavours that impresses guests. For seafood lovers, a pot of seafood paella brings elegance to your dining experience without hassle.
What are affordable one-pot meals that can feed a large crowd?
A large batch of Classic Beef Stew can go a long way and satisfy a hungry crowd without breaking the bank. The same goes for Chicken & Sausage Gumbo. These dishes are not only cost-effective but also scale easily for more guests.
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