One-pot meals are comfort food's compatriots and when the work week ramps up, cozy and easy are what we're looking for at home. Comfort also means freedom from stress which is another characteristic of meals made with just one pan or one pot because what's more comfortable that than having just one pot to clean? For one, it makes meal prep simple. But we don't need to list all the benefits of one-pot meals, so without further ado, we cobbled together a list of our favorite one-pot meals. From vibrantly flavored stews to poetic pasta, these are easy and exquisite meals to compel any cook looking for simple and satisfying weeknight meals.

Quick Paella

This non-traditional version of paella may be even better than the classic. Garlic, kielbasa, shrimp, clams, and saffron bring the flavors together over rice. Feel free to add chopped onions, bell peppers, or any other vegetables you have on hand for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition. Top it off with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat. This recipe is delicious all year round, and you don't need to add anything else to make it a meal!

Quick Paella by Epicurious

Chicken Curry

Perfect for a cozy night, this one-pot chicken dish combines Indian flavors like curry powder and garam masala, with crushed tomatoes and garlic for a sauce to smother the chicken. This recipe calls for chicken breasts, but you could use chicken thighs if you prefer. Serve it over rice or with warm naan to complete the meal. Feel free to double the recipe to make a big batch that you can freeze for whenever you need a quick dinner, or to enjoy for easy lunches all week long.

Chicken Curry by Martha Stewart

One Pot Delicious Pasta With Creamy Rosee Sauce

If you're looking for your next Sunday dinner recipe inspiration, look no further. This comforting one-pot pasta is full of flavor thanks to the Italian seasoning. A combination of ground beef and prosciutto pack the protein, plus it sneaks in vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach. Serve it with crusty bread and don't forget a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan. It's great for enjoying with friends or family around a big table with a bottle of wine.

One Pot Delicious Pasta With Creamy Rosee Sauce by I Adore Food

Braised Pork Chops And Fennel

This may look like a fancy dinner recipe, but it's deceptively easy. It takes less than 45 minutes to make, and all you need is one pan. The flavors from the fresh thyme, lemon, and garlic are delicious, the pork chops are juicy, and the fennel is tender. Plus the braising liquid turns into a delicious sauce to soak up with a piece of bread. Serve on a chilly winter night by the fire, or for a special holiday dinner.

Braised Pork Chops and Fennel by Chowhound

Risotto with Fresh Mozzarella, Grape Tomatoes, And Basil

Want a cozy one-pot Italian dish that isn't pasta? This is your recipe! In less than an hour, you can make creamy risotto, complete with fresh mozzarella cheese, sweet grape tomatoes, and chopped basil — simple ingredients that yield big, rich flavors. Feel free to add in some protein like Italian sausage or chicken, or simply enjoy as is. It's delicious for an easy weeknight dinner, but elegant enough for a holiday meal. Risotto is not something people make all that often for themselves, so why not delight your dinner party guests with something different?

Risotto with Fresh Mozzarella, Grape Tomatoes, and Basil by MyRecipes

One-Pot Sausages And Lentils With Sweet Roasted Shallots

This recipe is one-pot, half-hour version of a French classic! Sausage and shallots are roasted until crispy before lentils, wine, and a pinch of herbes de Provence are added. With just about 30 minutes in the oven, the end result is a hearty stew-like dish, that pairs well with a green salad and crusty bread and a good French wine. This recipe serves as a reminder that great French food doesn't require a fancy kitchen.

One-Pot Sausages And Lentils With Sweet Roasted Shallots by Serious Eats

Sunday Night Stew

The ultimate comfort food — there's nothing quite like beef stew simmering on the stovetop come Sunday afternoon. Done in time for dinner, this recipe requires just 15 minutes of prep time before letting it simmer for a few hours. IT requires a little bit of meat cutting before joining the beef with earthy vegetables like onions, carrots, and turnips to create a hearty stew. Accompanied by creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes, it's a crowd-pleaser all winter long.

Sunday Night Stew by The Pioneer Woman

Beef Pineapple Curry

An Asian classic, curry is an excellent option for one-pot meals. This vibrant recipe combines red Thai curry paste, dried red chilies, sweet pineapple, and coconut milk to create a delicious sauce. This recipe calls for beef but you can swap it with chicken, fish, or shrimp. Serve over rice and top with fresh basil to complete the meal. This dish is great any time of year and is especially ideal for meal prepping to enjoy over the week.

Beef Pineapple Curry by Let's Dish

Cornbread And Beef Skillet Pie

This all-American dish is pure comfort food. Vegetables, ground beef, and biscuits come together for a cozy combination of flavors. The real highlight of this recipe are those cornbread biscuits, which sound complicated but are actually very easy. Simply combine flour, cornmeal, water, egg, sour cream, and baking soda, before forming it all into balls and dropping them on top of the meat. 15-20 minutes later, the biscuits are golden brown and tender. This dish is perfect on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad.

Cornbread and Beef Skillet Pie by Serious Eats

Hungry for more? Check out these other one-pot meals and comforting favorites on Yummly: