We’ve all been there. You’ve had a long day, and you want a simple dinner idea that isn’t going to leave you in the kitchen all night cleaning up. One pot recipes are a gem. Truly a lifesaver when you need a meal and time to relax. Pasta is that perfect comfort food, and also can be dressed up in so many different ways you can enjoy it night after night, with varying styles, tastes and ingredients. From healthy to rich, creamy and cheesy, there’s a one pot pasta for every night of the week or to just save you from the days you’re ready to pull your hair out, but not quite enough to succumb to the costly ways of take-out. Relax, and read through some recipes to shake up and simplify your dinner prep!

1. Farmers Market One Pot Pasta

Undeniably the most colorful and healthy of one pot pastas, there’s no real prep needed except some vegetable chopping. Then toss it all in with water and wine (swig for the dinner, swig for you…) and let it all cook together for one fantastic plant-based dinner.

http://theviewfromgreatisland.com/one-pot-farmers-market-pasta/ Photo by: The View From Great Island

2. One Pot Cheesy Pumpkin Pasta

Don’t put this one down for a seasonal recipe, because the pumpkin isn’t just for fall! Plus with that super orange color, it will make you feel like it’s just more cheese, instead of a pureed vegetable, and you might even convince your kids of the same!

http://domesticsuperhero.com/2015/10/26/one-pot-cheesy-pumpkin-pasta/ Photo by: Domestic Superhero

3. One Pot Pizza Rigatoni

The look of pizza, but the reality of pasta? When these worlds collide, they make your night easy & delicious.

http://www.anightowlblog.com/2015/09/one-pot-pizza-rigatoni.html/ Photo by: A Night Owl Blog

4. One Pot Cheesy Turkey Taco Chili Mac

That’s one mouthful of a dinner title, but heck – it’s a mouthful of some dang good Tex-Mex without the added mess. This recipe has one sweet little added bonus – it’s a “skinny” recipe for a dinner under 400 calories, without sacrificing on…well, anything!

http://www.skinnytaste.com/one-pot-cheesy-turkey-taco-chili-mac/ Photo by: Skinny Taste

5. One Pot Caprese Pasta

This recipe is not only one-pot, but nearly all of it gets put in that one put, at the same freaking time! With only a few additions at the end, this recipe is one that you need on the days you’re pretty brain fried and don’t want to spend too much time looking at timers, and standing by the stove babysitting dinner.

http://diethood.com/one-pot-caprese-pasta-dinner/ Photo by: Diethood

6. One Pot Spicy Thai Noodles

It doesn’t have to be all Italian up in here, how about a one pot Thai dish to round out your week? This dish not only makes an incredible hot dinner, but it’s served up as a perfect cold leftover too for lunch the next day!

http://www.forkly.com/food/12-crazy-ways-to-feed-your-candy-corn-addiction/ Photo by: Domestic Superhero

7. One Pot Lasagna Soup

Yes, Soup!! The perfect way to satisfy a lasagna craving, cut down on the layers of cheese and meat without sacrificing one little bit of flavor. Not to mention, the easy serving and clean up!

http://www.carlsbadcravings.com/easy-one-pot-lasagna-soup/ Photo by: Carlsbad Cravings

8. Whole Wheat Chicken & Spinach One Pot Pasta

This is for those who love pasta, but want to feel less guilty about their carb-loving ways. A little whole wheat, some Popeye approved spinach, and rounding off with a good lean protein like chicken and this is one complete meal. In one complete dish. Tada!

http://www.cookincanuck.com/2015/10/one-pot-whole-wheat-pasta-recipe-chicken-spinach/ Photo by: Cookin Canuck

9. One Pot Pasta With Clam Sauce

Truly a unique dish, but one that comes with little prep time, and of course – only one pot to prep in. Don’t shy away from trying this one, it might just be the highlight of your week!

http://www.goodfoodstories.com/one-pot-pasta-with-clam-sauce/ Photo by: Good Food Stories

10. One Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Lentil Pasta

If you’re someone who has dietary restrictions, or serving to someone that has them, this easy recipe may be the one to keep your life simple. Completely gluten and dairy free, and made with the high fiber goodness of lentils!

http://www.tedisarah.com/2015/03/09/one-pot-creamy-tomato-basil-lentil-pasta/ Photo by: Tedi Sarah

11. One Pot Spinach & Artichoke Mac and Cheese

Looking for a delicious, melty, creamy, cheesy way to hide some vegetables? This is it!

http://houseofyumm.com/one-pot-spinach-artichoke-mac-and-cheese/ Photo by: House of Yumm

12. One Pot Bruschetta Chicken Pasta

Fresh, delicious bruschetta as the sauce for a chicken pasta, sounds and looks simply heavenly. Honestly, simply mouthwatering too. All done in one pot (because yeah, that’s the theme here) and you’re winning pasta night in your house.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/122160208620717339/ Photo by: Pinterest

13. Chicken Enchilada One Pot Pasta

All that cheesy enchilada goodness you know and love, without any of the rolling of tortillas or baking required in this one dish prep.

http://lmld.org/2015/09/28/one-pot-chicken-enchilada-pasta/ Photo by: Like Mother Like Daughter

14. French Onion Dip One Pot Pasta

The creator of this recipe has just done us all a huge favor. French onion dip pasta? Say whaaaa!? This is the gift that keeps on giving since you get an amazingly delicious dinner and only one dish to wash.

http://thegrantlife.com/french-onion-dip-one-pot-pasta/#_a5y_p=5247722 Photo by: The Grant Life

15. One Pot White Bean Pasta

Looking for a nutritious week-night pasta dish? With loads of greens like asparagus and leeks, along with some high fibre beans to round it out this dish is just the answer you’ve been looking for.

http://sweetpeasandsaffron.com/2016/05/one-pot-white-bean-pasta.html Photo by: Sweet Peas and Saffron

Sarah Nicole

Since successfully losing 100lbs by changing her relationship with food and her body, Sarah has taken her passion for food and balanced it between cucumbers and cupcakes. When she's not bustling her way around a kitchen, you can find her working out or winding down at home with her 3 kids and pug. Follow Sarah's journey on Instagram @TheBirdsPapaya.

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