One-Pot and One-Pan Meals for Back to School

One-pot and one-pan meals might be a lifesaver for back-to-school season. Not only do they provide a convenient and time-saving solution for busy families, but with hectic schedules and limited time, these meals allow for quick and easy preparation with minimal cleanup afterward. They simplify the cooking process by combining all ingredients in a single pot or pan and cooking in that same pot or pan, resulting in fewer dishes to wash and less time that you have to spend in the kitchen! Not to mention, these meals are versatile and adaptable, accommodating various dietary preferences and restrictions. 

One-pot and one-pan meals can often be more budget-friendly, as they utilize affordable ingredients and reduce food waste. By making the most of pantry staples and leftovers, these meals offer a cost-effective way to feed the whole family! Here are just a few of our favorite one-pot and one-pan meals that are delicious, nutritious, and stress-free choices for back-to-school dishes.

The Versatility of One-Pan and One-Pot Meals

One-pot and one-pan meals can be a canvas for culinary experimentation, allowing home cooks to explore and showcase their creativity in cooking. From vibrant stir-fries or hearty stews to flavorful pasta dishes and sizzling skillet meals, the versatility of one-pan and one-pot cooking is unmatched. This method not only saves time and effort but also encourages improvisation, as home chefs can mix and match ingredients, spices, and flavors to suit their unique preferences and palettes. Whether you’re looking to create a comforting family dinner, prepare a quick weeknight meal, or impress guests with a show-stopping dish, the adaptability of one-pan and one-pot meals makes it simple to make a creative, delicious, and satisfying recipe.

One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken

This One-Pan Butter Garlic Chicken is a simple, flavorful dish that brings together the fantastic, rich, and comforting flavors of butter and garlic. After just a quick pan-sear in a buttery garlic sauce, you’re sure to enjoy every juicy, tender bite of this golden-brown garlic chicken. This one-pan meal is not only delicious but also convenient, with minimal preparation and cleanup, making it a perfect choice for a quick and satisfying dinner.

To make the One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken, you’ll need:

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon fresh ground pepper

To make the sauce, you’ll need:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons Spice World Ready-To-Use Organic Minced Garlic 
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 lb asparagus, trimmed
  • 1 tablespoon Italian parsley, minced

Directions for the One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken:

  • Place the chicken in a medium bowl and toss it with the spices (salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper).
  • In a large skillet, melt half the butter (¼ cup) over medium-low heat and 1 teaspoon of olive oil.
  • Cook the chicken in the butter until all sides are golden brown, being careful not to burn the butter. Add 1 teaspoon of Spice World Ready-To-Use Organic Minced Garlic  and Italian seasoning and cook for about 30 seconds. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
  • In the same skillet, increase heat to medium-high, add the remaining 1 teaspoon of Spice World Ready-To-Use Organic Minced Garlic, and then add the chicken broth to deglaze the pan.
  • Add the remaining ¼ cup butter, lemon juice, and sriracha.
  • Add the asparagus and cook to your desired tenderness. Add the chicken back to the pan and stir for another minute to reheat. Garnish the chicken and asparagus with parsley and lemon slices. Serve immediately

One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Spinach and Mushrooms

This delightful One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Spinach and Mushrooms combines incredible flavors in a single pot. The pasta cooks directly in a savory garlic broth, allowing it to absorb the flavors as it simmers. The addition of sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach also adds a nutritious touch and a burst of color to the dish. Topped with grated parmesan cheese, this one-pot meal offers a satisfying combination of creamy, cheesy, and earthy flavors, all in a convenient and easy-to-make recipe.

To make this One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Spinach and Mushrooms, you’ll need:

  • 1 ¾ cups of farfalle pasta
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 medium onions, sliced
  • Spice World
  • 1 ¾ cups of mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 ¼ cups of fresh spinach
  • ½ cup low-sodium vegetable broth
  • Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • ½ cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes, optional

Directions for the One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta with spinach and mushrooms:

  • To begin, cook the pasta in salted water until al dente, according to the package instructions.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet. Add the onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent and slightly browned. Remove from the skillet and transfer to a plate.
  • In the same skillet, add the mushrooms and sauté for about 3 minutes until browned. Add a bit of oil if necessary. Remove the mushrooms from the skillet with the onion and set them aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the spinach and cook for 2 minutes until just wilted, seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove the spinach and drain the excess water. Transfer to another plate.
  • Still in the same skillet, heat a little oil, add 4 cloves of Spice World Organic Peeled Garlic, minced, and cook for about 30 seconds, then deglaze with vegetable broth. Add cream, grated parmesan, chili pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning and cook for 2 minutes, stirring until combined and the cream gets some color.
  • Once the pasta is ready, add the mushrooms, onion, and spinach back to the skillet, then the drained pasta, and toss to combine. Add a little more parmesan and Italian seasoning and give it a quick stir.
  • Then, serve immediately with red chili pepper flakes and, of course, more parmesan.

Simplify, Savor, and Succeed: Embrace One-Pot and One-Pan Meals for the School Year Ahead

Embracing one-pot and one-pan meals for this upcoming school year is a smart and practical choice for busy people and families. With the hectic schedules that come with school, these meals can be a convenient solution for preparing quick, wholesome, and delicious dishes! With just a single pot or pan, they streamline the cooking process, minimizing the time you spend on preparation and cleanup. Meaning more time for schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and, above all, spending quality time with loved ones. Consider trying one or both of these incredible meals, but just make sure you use Spice World to save even more time while adding some fantastic flavor!

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Spice World, Inc.

8101 Presidents Dr

Orlando, FL 32809

(407) 851-9432

https://spiceworldinc.com/