43 one-pot recipes for two people that will make your life so, so much easier

Settling dinner is always one of toughest parts of the day for many of us, especially if you are newly married and are still getting used to running a household on your own. It’s even tougher if both you and your spouse have full-time jobs – we’re so mentally and physically exhausted at the end of the day that we just don’t have the energy to brainstorm about fancy dinners to cook.

Luckily, one-pot recipes do exist. They either involve slow cookers, which you can prepare in the morning so you come back to a piping hot, freshly (slow) cooked dinner, or they only involve a single skillet or pot, so preparation is fast and easy.

1. Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies

one pot recipe for two Slow-Cooker-Honey-Garlic-Chicken-and-Veggies-1
Source: Damn Delicious

One thing we love about slow cookers is how quick and easy it is to make some truly delicious meals with them. This recipe gives you all the proteins and vegetables that you need, and it barely requires any effort!

Main equipment needed: slow cooker

Main ingredients needed:

  • Chicken thighs
  • Baby red potatoes
  • Baby carrots
  • Green beans
  • Parsley leaves
  • Soy sauce
  • Basil
  • Oregano
  • Red pepper flakes

Grab the full recipe here.

2. Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies

one pot recipe for two slow cooker beef and broccoli
Source: Table For Two

Sometimes, we just need some Chinese style cuisine in our lives, and this Beef and Broccoli pot frankly looks super delicious to come home to.

Main equipment needed: slow cooker

Main ingredients needed:

  • Boneless beef chuck roast, sliced into thin strips
  • Beef broth
  • Soy sauce
  • Dark brown sugar
  • Cornstarch
  • Sesame oil

Grab the full recipe here.

3. Slow Cooker Easy Quiche

one pot recipe for two slow cooker easy quiche
Source: A Spicy Perspective

You never thought you could make a quiche from a slow cooker, did you? This recipe proves you wrong. Very wrong. Aside from investing in some parchment paper, this quiche recipe is one of the easiest on our list.

Main equipment needed: slow cooker, parchment paper

Main ingredients needed:

  • Pie crusts
  • Smoked mozzarella cheese

Grab the full recipe here.

4. Slow Cooker Apple Crumble

one pot recipe for two slow cooker apple crumble
Source: How Sweet Eats

Fancy a lighter dinner for the evening? You can also make apple crumble in your slow cooker – who would’ve thought?

Main equipment needed: slow cooker

Main ingredients needed:

  • Brown sugar
  • Apple chunks
  • Cinnamon
  • Oats
  • Vanilla extract

Grab the full recipe here.

5. Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken

one pot recipe for two slow cooker lemon garlic chicken
Source: The Kitchn

Just thinking and writing about this dish is already making us feel hungry.

Main equipment needed: slow cooker

Main ingredients needed:

  • Chicken broth
  • Whole chicken
  • Lemons or navel oranges
  • Garlic
  • Thyme
  • Rosemary
  • Soy sauce
  • Flour

Grab the full recipe here.

6. Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes

one pot recipe for two slow cooker sloppy joes
Source: A Pretty Life In The Suburbs

We’ve never heard of Sloppy Joes until we found this recipe. Imagine a hamburger, except instead of a patty, you use minced meat mixed with a thick sauce. It’s a messy meal, but hey, that’s how it got its name.

Main equipment needed: slow cooker, skillet

Main ingredients needed:

  • Ground beef
  • Carrots
  • Tomato sauce
  • Tomato paste
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • White vinegar
  • Brown vinegar
  • Oregano
  • Buns

Grab the full recipe here.

7. Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup

one pot recipe for two slow cooker beef and barley soup
Source: Mel’s Kitchen

Yum. A soup packed with ingredients, including generous portions of meat, is undeniably anybody’s favourite. Pair it up with bowls of rice and you’re all set for a fantastic, filling dinner.

Main equipment needed: slow cooker

Main ingredients needed:

  • Sirloin tips, flap meat or chuck roast, cubed
  • Carrots
  • Baby bella mushrooms
  • Tomato paste
  • Chicken broth
  • Beef broth
  • Soy sauce
  • Thyme
  • Pearled barley

Grab the full recipe here.

8. Corn and Ham Risotto

one pot recipe for two corn and ham risotto
Source: Country Living

Tired of eating the usual fried rice you can find anywhere? Introduce a Western spin on your meal with this Corn and Ham Risotto recipe.

Main equipment needed: saucepan

Main ingredients needed:

  • Shallot
  • Arborio risotto
  • Dry white wine
  • Chicken stock
  • Corn
  • Shredded smoked ham
  • White cheddar cheese
  • Chives

Grab the full recipe here.

9. Spinach Artichoke Deep Dish Pizza

one pot recipe for two spinach artichoke deep dish pizza
Source: Country Living

Never thought you could cook an actual pizza from scratch without those huge industrial-sized ovens, did you? This recipe reveals the magic, so you can even customise the ingredients to your own tastes.

Main equipment needed: oven, 10″ skillet

Main ingredients needed:

  • Baby spinach
  • Ricotta
  • Lemon juice
  • Cornmeal
  • Pizza dough
  • Fontina cheese
  • Artichoke hearts
  • Basil leaves

Grab the full recipe here.

10. Beef Tenderloin with Roasted Cauliflower-Pomegranate Salad

one pot recipe for two Beef Tenderloin with Roasted Cauliflower-Pomegranate Salad
Source: Country Living

This is actually living the high life – with just as little effort, and without paying for the prices. Beef tenderloin for dinner, anyone?

Main equipment needed: oven, pan

Main ingredients needed:

  • Whole filet of beef
  • Cauliflower
  • Shallots
  • Lemon juice
  • Dijon mustard
  • Baby kale
  • Pomegranate seeds

Grab the full recipe here.

11. Roasted Sausages and Sweet Potato-White Bean Stew

one pot recipe for two Roasted Sausages and Sweet Potato-White Bean Stew
Source: Country Living

Roasted sausages in a stew? Sign us up!

Main equipment needed: oven, roasting pan

Main ingredients needed:

  • Sweet potatoes
  • Sausages
  • Chicken broth
  • Swiss chard (or other hearty greens)
  • Cannellini beans
  • Red wine vinegar
  • Garlic-and-herb butter
  • Sweet onion
  • Thyme

Grab the full recipe here.

12. Chicken Drumsticks and Vegetables in Mustard-Tarragon Sauce

one pot recipe for two Chicken Drumsticks and Vegetables in Mustard-Tarragon Sauce
Source: Country Living

What are all these fancy names? What is tarragon? Don’t worry, we have suggested alternatives for you if you aren’t able to get your hands on the original.

Main equipment needed: oven, roasting pan

Main ingredients needed:

  • Large chicken drumsticks
  • Dry white wine
  • Heavy cream
  • Quick mixing flour
  • Coarse grain Dijon mustard
  • Small red potatoes
  • Carrots
  • Red onion
  • Lemon
  • Tarragon (or rosemary, basil, dill)

Grab the full recipe here.

13. Butternut Squash Ravioli with Seared Chicken

one pot recipe for two Butternut Squash Ravioli with Seared Chicken
Source: Country Living

Pasta is one of the easiest and quickest meals to cook, but it can be a headache thinking of what to add to your pasta to make the dish interesting. This butternut squash ravioli recipe adds that delicious protein to your meal without fuss.

Main equipment needed: large skillet

Main ingredients needed:

  • Butternut squash ravioli
  • Asparagus
  • Boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • Shallot
  • Sage

Grab the full recipe here.

14. Grilled Cumin-Rubbed Hanger Steak with Smashed Minty Peas and Grilled Bread

one pot recipe for two Grilled Cumin-Rubbed Hanger Steak with Smashed Minty Peas and Grilled Bread
Source: Country Living

A steak in 30 minutes? You better believe it. You won’t even have to reserve a dinner like this for a special occasion.

Main equipment needed: grill, small saucepan

Main ingredients needed:

  • Peas
  • Mint leaves
  • Lime juice
  • Hanger steak
  • Cumin
  • Bread

Grab the full recipe here.

15. Creamy Cajun Linguine

one pot recipe for two creamy cajun linguine
Source: A Flavor Journal

Pasta does not need to be boring, and this recipe takes less than half an hour to make meals for two.

Main equipment needed: large saucepan

Main ingredients needed:

  • Linguine pasta
  • Garlic powder
  • Shallots
  • Cajun seasoning
  • White wine
  • Lemon juice
  • Heavy cream
  • Half and half

Grab the full recipe here.

16. Pesto Chicken Pasta

one pot recipe for two Pesto Chicken Pasta
Source: Baking Mischief

Yet another recipe makes you a restaurant-worthy pasta meal in less than half an hour. You won’t even have to deal with store-bought pasta sauces!

Main equipment needed: oven, medium skillet

Main ingredients needed:

  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Cubed chicken breast
  • Half and half
  • Pesto

Grab the full recipe here.

17. Wild Mushroom Risotto

one pot recipe for two Wild Mushroom Risotto
Source: Steph In Thyme

Want a date night with your significant other but don’t want to spend unnecessary money on a restaurant? Make this dish together and enjoy it along with red wine!

Main equipment needed: stock pot, large skillet

Main ingredients needed:

  • Vegetable broth
  • Shiitake mushrooms
  • Arborio risotto
  • Oyster mushrooms, baby bella mushrooms
  • Dry white wine
  • Light cream
  • Black truffle sea salt
  • Thyme

Grab the full recipe here.

18. Garlic Orzo Tuscan Shrimp

one pot recipe for two Garlic Orzo Tuscan Shrimp
Source: Zona Cooks

Main equipment needed: large skillet

Main ingredients needed:

  • Orzo pasta
  • Shrimp
  • Baby bella mushrooms
  • Sun dried tomato strips
  • Whole milk
  • Baby spinach leaves
  • Italian herbs
  • Parsley

Grab the full recipe here.

19. Spicy Maple Glazed Salmon

one pot recipe for two Spicy Maple Glazed Salmon
Source: Ambitious Kitchen

An oven brings infinite possibilities. This salmon recipe only takes about half an hour, inclusive of baking time!

Main equipment needed: oven

Main ingredients needed:

  • Salmon filets
  • Maple syrup
  • Soy sauce
  • Dijon mustard
  • Cayenne pepper

Grab the full recipe here.

20. Creamy Portobella Chicken

one pot recipe for two Creamy Portobella Chicken
Source: Cutefetti

Main equipment needed: slow cooker

Main ingredients needed:

  • Portabella mushrooms
  • Boneless chicken tenderloins / breast
  • Cream of chicken soup

Grab the full recipe here.

21. Low Carb Lasagna

one pot recipe for two low carb lasagna
Source: Well Plated

Lasagna is sinful and full of evil carbs? This recipe proves you wrong. You can now enjoy the taste without the guilt!

Main equipment needed: slow cooker

Main ingredients needed:

  • Zucchini
  • Eggplant
  • Tomato-based pasta sauce
  • Red bell pepper
  • Low-fat cottage cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese

Grab the full recipe here.

22. Kale, White Bean, and Chicken Soup

one pot recipe for two Kale, White Bean, and Chicken Soup
Source: Averie Cooks

Main equipment needed: stockpot

Main ingredients needed:

  • Celery
  • Green cabbage
  • Chicken broth
  • Shredded cooked chicken
  • Cannellini beans
  • Parsley
  • Oregano
  • Kale
  • Zucchini
  • Lemon juice

Grab the full recipe here.

23. Weight Watchers Lasagna Soup

one pot recipe for two weight watchers lasagna soup
Source: Recipe Diaries

Ever heard of lasagna in a soup? Neither have we. This recipe certainly makes it look like we need to try it ASAP though.

Main equipment needed: large skillet

Main ingredients needed:

  • Turkey sausage
  • Crushed tomatoes/marinara sauce
  • Oregano
  • Chicken broth
  • Lasagna noodles
  • Mozzarella

Grab the full recipe here.

24. Detox Immune-Boosting Chicken Soup

one pot recipe for two Detox Immune-Boosting Chicken Soup
Source: Eat Yourself Skinny

This sounds like the perfect meal to make when you’re feeling under the weather, or if it’s just a cold, rainy day!

Main equipment needed: large pot

Main ingredients needed:

  • Celery
  • Carrots
  • Mushrooms
  • Chicken stock
  • Bay leaves
  • Turmeric
  • Red pepper
  • Chickpeas
  • Shredded chicken
  • Baby kale leaves

Grab the full recipe here.

25. Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

one pot recipe for two Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Source: Well Plated

Main equipment needed: slow cooker

Main ingredients needed:

  • Chicken breast
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Dried basil
  • Chicken broth
  • Orzo pasta
  • Spinach
  • Lemon juice
  • Dill

Grab the full recipe here.

26. Beef and Broccoli

one pot recipe for two Beef and Broccoli
Source: Life in the Lofthouse

Main equipment needed: slow cooker

Main ingredients needed:

  • Sirloin steak or boneless beef chuck roast
  • Beef broth
  • Soy sauce
  • Brown sugar
  • Cornstarch
  • Broccli florets
  • White rice

Grab the full recipe here.

27. Chicken and Quinoa Minestrone

one pot recipe for two Chicken and Quinoa Minestrone
Source: Country Living

Main equipment needed: slow cooker, food processor

Main ingredients needed:

  • Onions
  • Carrots
  • Fennel bulb
  • Chicken stock
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Kidney beans
  • Basil
  • Oregano
  • Bone-in chicken thighs
  • Quinoa
  • Kale
  • Green beans
  • Parsley
  • Lemon zest
  • Red pepper flakes

Grab the full recipe here.

28. Chili Soy Chicken with Bok Choy

one pot recipe for two Chili Soy Chicken Bok Choy
Source: Country Living

Main equipment needed: slow cooker

Main ingredients needed:

  • Soy sauce
  • Chicken broth
  • Fresh lime juice
  • Fresh ginger
  • Garlic sauce
  • Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • Cornstarch
  • Baby bak choy
  • Scallions
  • Sesame seeds

Grab the full recipe here.

29. Indian-Spiced Chicken and Cauliflower

Main equipment needed: slow cooker

Main ingredients needed:

  • Diced tomatoes
  • Tomato paste
  • Ginger
  • Curry powder
  • Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • Cauliflower
  • Golden raisins
  • Long grain white rice
  • Cilantro
  • Greek yoghurt
  • Lemon wedges

Grab the full recipe here.

30. Slow Cooker Lo Mein

Main equipment needed: slow cooker

Main ingredients needed:

  • Boneless pork shoulder
  • Broccoli florets
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Snow peas
  • Water chestnuts
  • Spaghetti
  • Soy sauce
  • Brown sugar
  • Sambal olek
  • Oyster sauce
  • Ginger
  • Sesame oil

Grab the full recipe here.

31. Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken

one pot recipe for two Slow Cooker buffalo chicken
Source: The Real Food Dietiticians

Main equipment needed: slow cooker, small saucepan

Main ingredients needed:

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • Hot pepper sauce
  • Ghee
  • Coconut aminos
  • Garlic powder
  • Baked sweet potatoes

Grab the full recipe here.

32. Lemon Artichoke Slow Cooker Chicken

Main equipment needed: slow cooker, small saucepan

Main ingredients needed:

  • Ras el hanout / garam masala
  • Turmeric
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Cumin
  • Ginger
  • Cinnamon
  • Whole chicken
  • Ghee
  • Chicken stock (light)
  • Lemons
  • Artichoke hearts
  • Caperberries
  • Tapioca flour
  • Parsley

Grab the full recipe here.

33. Red Beans and Rice

one pot recipe for two red beans and rice
Source: A Pinch of Healthy

Main equipment needed: slow cooker

Main ingredients needed:

  • Bell pepper
  • Celery
  • Chicken andouille sausage
  • Dry red kidney beans
  • Black and white pepper
  • Hot sauce
  • Thyme
  • Bay

Grab the full recipe here.

34. Skinny Slow Cooker Kung Pao Chicken

Main equipment needed: slow cooker

Main ingredients needed:

  • Cornstarch
  • Boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • Red chilli peppers
  • Roasted cashews
  • Red bell pepper
  • Zucchini
  • Soy sauce
  • Honey
  • Hoisin sauce
  • Ginger
  • Red pepper chilli flakes

Grab the full recipe here.

35. Slow Cooker Steak Salad

one pot recipe for two Slow Cooker Steak Salad
Source: Garnished Plate

Main equipment needed: slow cooker, food processor/blender

Main ingredients needed:

  • Skirt steak
  • Steak seasoning
  • Romaine hearts
  • Corn
  • Grape tomatoes
  • Avocado
  • Baby sweet peppers
  • Greek yoghurt
  • Lime juice
  • Cilantro

Grab the full recipe here.

36. Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki Bowls

Main equipment needed: slow cooker, food processor/blender

Main ingredients needed:

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • Chicken broth
  • Teriyaki sauce
  • Brown sugar
  • Baby carrots
  • Broccoli florets

Grab the full recipe here.

37. Slow Cooker Turkey Bolognese & Zucchini Noodles

one pot recipe for two Slow Cooker Turkey Bolognese & Zucchini Noodles
Source: Little Bits Of

Main equipment needed: slow cooker

Main ingredients needed:

  • Ground turkey
  • Marinara sauce
  • Oregano
  • Garlic powder
  • Zucchini

Grab the full recipe here.

38. Slow Cooker Chicken Potato Soup

one pot recipe for two Slow Cooker Chicken Potato Soup
Source: A Spicy Perspective

Main equipment needed: skillet, slow cooker

Main ingredients needed:

  • Bacon
  • Russet potatoes
  • Boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Chicken broth
  • Thyme
  • Parsley

Grab the full recipe here.

39. Slow Cooker Thai Chicken Soup

Main equipment needed: slow cooker

Main ingredients needed:

  • Red curry paste
  • Coconut milk
  • Chicken stock
  • Fish sauce
  • Brown sugar
  • Peanut butter
  • Chicken breasts
  • Red bell pepper
  • Ginger
  • Peas
  • Lime juice
  • Cilantro

Grab the full recipe here.

40. Veggie Crockpot Lasagna

Main equipment needed: slow cooker

Main ingredients needed:

  • Tomato sauce
  • Lasagna noodles (with wavy edge)
  • Ricotta cheese/cottage cheese
  • Vegetable of choice
  • Mozzarella

Grab the full recipe here.

41. Crock Pot Chicken Pho

Main equipment needed: slow cooker

Main ingredients needed:

  • Chicken stock
  • Boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • Brown sugar
  • Fish sauce
  • Cinnamon stick
  • Star anise
  • Ginger
  • Rice noodles
  • Bok choy
  • Basil leaves
  • Jalapeños
  • Lime

Grab the full recipe here.

42. Slow Cooker Salmon Fillet

one pot recipe for two Slow Cooker Salmon Fillet
Source: The Kitchn

Main equipment needed: slow cooker, parchment paper/aluminium foil

Main ingredients needed:

  • Salmon fillets, with skin
  • Spices – optional
  • Sliced lemon – optional
  • Aromatic vegetables (e.g. fennel, onions) – optional
  • Liquid (e.g. water, broth, cider, wine) – optional

Grab the full recipe here.

43. Slow Cooker Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps

one pot recipe for two Slow Cooker Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Source: Cooking Classy

Main equipment needed: slow cooker, parchment paper/aluminium foil

Main ingredients needed:

  • Ground chicken
  • Red bell pepper
  • Hoisin sauce
  • Soy sauce
  • Water chestnuts
  • Green onions
  • Rice vinegar
  • Iceberg lettuce

Grab the full recipe here.