20 Quick & Easy One‑Pot & One‑Pan Meals and Dinners

Life can get busy, and the last thing anyone wants is a sink full of dishes after dinner. That’s where one-pot and one-pan meals come in. These recipes are a lifesaver for home cooks and busy families, offering the perfect combination of quick prep, easy cleanup, and delicious results. With everything cooked in a single pot or pan, you can spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying a flavorful, satisfying meal with your loved ones.

This collection of 20 quick and easy one-pot and one-pan dinner recipes highlights the convenience of cooking with Red Gold tomato products. Packed with rich flavor and essential nutrients, these recipes make it simple to create wonderful meals that everyone will love. Whether you’re a parent juggling weeknight chaos, a professional looking for a no-fuss dinner, or a recipe blogger seeking inspiration, these dishes are designed to deliver big taste with minimal effort.

Why One Pot and One Pan Meals Are Perfect for Busy Families

One-pot meals and one-pan meals are perfect for anyone that’s busy. With fewer dishes to wash, these recipes make cleanup a breeze, giving you more time to relax after dinner. From sautéing to simmering, the layering of ingredients in a single pot or pan builds depth and complexity, all while keeping the process simple and efficient.

Red Gold’s tomato sauces and diced tomatoes are the perfect foundation for easy one-pot meals, adding a burst of flavor to every dish. Whether you’re whipping up a hearty pasta, a comforting soup, or a savory skillet dinner, these tomato-based products bring vibrant taste and wholesome goodness to your table. For families on the go, one-pot and one-pan meals are the ultimate solution for quick, delicious meals.

One Pot Pastas Dishes

When it comes to one-pot meal recipes, pasta and rice dishes are crowd-pleasers. These staples are not only versatile and comforting but also cook beautifully in a single pot, soaking up all the rich flavors of the ingredients they’re paired with. From creamy sauces to hearty broths, these easy one-pot meals are perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor.

Below, you’ll find 20 one-pot dinner ideas featuring Red Gold’s trusted tomato products. Each recipe is designed to minimize prep and cook time while delivering maximum taste. Whether you’re craving a classic pasta dish or a flavorful rice creation, these easy one-pot meals will become your go-to favorites for effortless weeknight cooking. Let’s dig in!

One‑Pot Soups, Stews & Chilis

There’s nothing more comforting than one-pot dishes featuring a warm bowl of soup, stew, or chili, especially when it’s made with the ease of a single pot. These hearty, one-pot dinner recipes are perfect for cozy nights, offering rich flavors and minimal cleanup.

One‑Pan Chicken & Meat Dinners 

These one-pan dinners are the ultimate solution for easy weeknight meals, featuring skillet chicken and hearty meat dishes that cook start to finish in just one pan. From juicy chicken to savory sausage, these recipes are packed with flavor and perfect for quick, no-fuss dinners.

Tips for Cooking the Best One‑Pot Meals 

Creating the best one-pot meals starts with choosing the right pot or pan. Use a deep skillet to ensure even cooking and enough space for layering ingredients. Properly layering flavors is key, starting with aromatics like onions and garlic, followed by proteins, grains, and liquids. Adjust liquid ratios to prevent sticking or overcooking, and always use high-quality canned tomatoes, like Red Gold’s clean label, low-sodium options, like diced tomatoes, to add richness and depth. Finally, prep ingredients in advance, so everything comes together effortlessly in one pot.

Why Tomatoes Make Great One‑Pot Recipes

Tomatoes are an excellent ingredient for one-pot recipes, offering a boost of nutrition with vitamins, antioxidants, and lycopene, which supports heart health. Their natural acidity and sweetness enhance the flavor of any dish, while quality canned tomatoes and sauces, save time without sacrificing quality. With low-sodium and clean label options, Red Gold tomatoes provide a wholesome, convenient way to add depth and richness to your favorite one-pot meals. 

Make One‑Pot Meals Your Weeknight Go‑To

One-pot and one-pan dinners are the ultimate solution for busy families, combining convenience, minimal cleanup, and great flavor. With these featured recipes and the help of Red Gold’s high-quality tomato products, weeknight cooking has never been easier. Explore even more delicious one-pot meal ideas by visiting our recipe collection, and don’t forget to share your favorites with friends and family.