January can be both an exciting month as well as a busy one. The holiday season is over, but the work we left behind while having fun and RSVPing to events is coming to haunt us in January. And while things are busier, we still need to be able to eat somehow normally, even though our time is precious.

One of the most annoying things about cooking (or probably the only one if you are an aspiring chef) is cleaning the kitchen after creating a beautiful recipe. All these pots, utensils and dishes that must be washed by hand can be a buzz killer, especially when the fatigue hits you. And as every problem has a solution, we found the solution to that as well: one-pote dishes. 

The amount of time you save by using only one pan is impressive. And the amount of washing is cut down to —almost— zero. You put everything in one pan and let them cook—pure perfection. And if you are too busy and tired to care to look for one-pot recipes, we’ve got you covered below. Our favorite one-pot dinners are your weekday allies when the only thing you want is just to relax and binge-watch whatever. Enjoy!

1. Greek Spinach Rice

Not everything will be Greek for you with this easy, wholesome, and highly easy-to-make recipe. Spinach rice is a very common dish in Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, and it’s easy to make on your non-meat days. However, spinach is rich in iron; if you add enough lemon, you will get enough out of it. It's one of the must-go recipes for a busy evening when you don’t have time to spare but still don’t want to end up with a takeaway option.

2. Creamy Cajun Chicken with Pasta

Chicken and pasta are two of the most successful combinations, and they can be used in a variety of dishes. However, this dish wins: it’s creamy, yummy, and easier than it sounds to make. Seasoned chicken with pasta and a creamy sauce that will make you want to do it again and again. 

3. One Pot Cheesy Mushroom Spinach Beef Pasta

Mushrooms are a powerhouse in your kitchen since they can elevate every recipe, making it Michelin Star restaurant good (for us, at least!). You can use mushrooms in your pasta, salads or just combine them with rice and make the perfect Italian risotto. However, if you don’t have time, you can just make a creamy one-pot dish that will definitely be your favorite and most comforting weekday dinner ever.

4. Easy Wonton Soup

Your daily dose of veggies in one pot. It is an easy and quick way to feel healthy without much effort but equally satisfying. A perfect winter comfort food for your busy nights since it takes only 15 minutes to make. 

5. Broccoli-and-Chickpea Parmesan

While it seems a weird combination of ingredients, the result will prove you right for choosing this recipe. It’s so nutritious and interesting that we have it on our recipe list and repeat it several times. Parmesan is a must.

6.One-pan creamy Tuscan salmon

Salmon is one of the most versatile fish since it can be combined with pretty much anything. You can use it with pasta, rice, potatoes, or as a protein source for your salad. However, sometimes you want something more. And this recipe gives it to you. 

7. Sweet and sour chicken with couscous and mango sauce

Sweet and sour chicken definitely tastes good for unique palates, but it’s so satisfying and wholesome when combined with an unexpected ingredient: couscous. Mange sauce gives a touch of luxury and it’s so easy to make that we make it on repeat.

8. One pot chicken risoni with crispy salami

Orzo (or risoni) is a not-so-popular ingredient —we don’t know why— but it’s the ideal ingredient to make easy one-pot dishes with the minimum effort. Combined with chicken and crispy salami, you will have one of the most satisfying dishes. Perfect for cozy dinners with friends as well.

9. Greek-style squid and rice

Squid is a popular cephalopod (yes, it’s not fish) broadly used in Greek cuisine. It has such a unique taste and is packed with nutrients, so it’s a nice replacement for fish days. Also, it’s easy to make with rice and can be considered a very comforting food.

10. One-Pan Pasta

Whatever food Martha Stewart touches, it becomes gold. This time, she suggests one effortless, weeknight-friendly dinner with pasta that needs minimum action and the least possible ingredients. An easy dinner to have in front of the couch watching your favorite show!