Making three meals at home a day is definitely rewarding, but it can also become tiring. After each meal, you have to put away ingredients and wash lots and lots of dishes. Don’t forget to wipe down the stove and counters! This process can quickly become a mundane part of your daily life. If you are looking to break this cycle, or just do fewer dishes, Cardinal Cleaning has got your back! We want to share four of our favorite one-pot recipes that you can try for dinner by linking and describing them below:

Enchilada Pasta

Enchilada Pasta is the perfect comfort meal after a long day! It is great fusion food, with Tex-Mex flavors, but can also be seasoned to taste. Grab your pot and let’s get started! Here is a list of the ingredients, but you can half or double the recipe as necessary and also change to your liking:

  • 4 cups pasta such as penne, elbow, or something similar in size
  • 4 cups vegetable broth or water
  • 1 15-ounce can of black beans, drained
  • 14 ounces of diced tomatoes
  • 2 medium peppers (red or yellow is recommended but any can work)
  • 1 cup of corn
  • 1 10-ounce can of enchilada sauce
  • 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning
  • Half cup shredded cheese (cheddar is recommended)

Other optional ingredients include cilantro leaves or lime wedges. You can also add meat if you have the time or prefer to. Personally, we like to add crushed tortilla chips on top, after cooking, for an extra crunch. You can also stuff this pasta into taco shells if you want to get creative!

Most pasta can be made in one pot if you are following a recipe and resourceful!

Fried Rice

Fried Rice is another great one-pot recipe. Furthermore, it is a quick way to knock out dinner while also incorporating vegetables into your diet. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 3 cups quick-cooking rice (such as Minute Rice)
  • 3 1/2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1 cup frozen green peas
  • 1/2 diced onion
  • 1/2 cup frozen diced carrots
  • 4 cloves minced garlic
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp sriracha (more or less to taste)
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • Green onions for garnish

The best thing about this recipe is that you can use any vegetables you have on hand. As long as the rice is well seasoned and fried properly, you will be able to use a variety of leftover produce and ensure your greens don’t go to waste! This is also a great way to clean out your kitchen and make room for fresh groceries while minimizing waste.

Chicken and Rice Soup

You probably remember drinking lots of chicken and rice or chicken and noodle soup when you were younger. These soups are light yet filling meals that are perfect for a one-pot recipe, especially if you or a loved one has caught a cold or other common seasonal sickness. Here are the ingredients for our favorite Chicken and Rice Soup recipe:

  • 2 bone-in chicken breasts, skin removed (1 to 1 1/2 pounds)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, like basmati
  • 2 ribs celery, diced small
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced small
  • 1 onion, diced small
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled but left whole
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste (see Recipe Note)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 quarts of unsalted or low-sodium chicken stock
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for serving

We also like to add peas sometimes. It is the perfect dinner for a sick day, cold winter evening, or really any time of the year!

Spicy Asian Chicken Noodles

On the note of combinations involving chicken and noodles, we can’t forget to mention these Spicy Asian Chicken Noodles! They really taste like to-go from a restaurant – except you’re saving money and cleaning time. Check out the ingredients that make this recipe so yummy:

  • 12 oz. dry linguine pasta or Asian noodle base
  • 1-quart chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
  • 5 cloves garlic – thinly sliced
  • 3 scallions – sliced down the middle, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 2 carrots – peeled and sliced, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 red pepper – sliced into strips 2 inches long
  • 1 small onion – thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup peanuts – crushed
  • 1 tbsp ginger – freshly grated
  • 4 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sriracha
  • 1 tbsp garlic chili sauce
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1/2 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil

Out of all of the recipes, we admit that this one has the most unique ingredients that you most likely may not have at home already. However, it is so worth making. If you prepare beforehand and get these sauces and spices in advance, you can make this recipe over and over again. You can also use the sauces and spices to vamp up any other dish and add an extra kick!

Contact us!

These recipes are not only delicious and fairly healthy, but also convenient! You are bound to use fewer pots and pans in preparation and will have to do fewer dishes after. If you’re looking for help in deep cleaning your kitchen and home, you know who to call! You can reach us at 404-920-8551 or email us at hello@cardinalcleaning.com for a free quote.

Cardinal Cleaning values consistent, quality service and trustworthy business practices. Our cleaners will use proper procedures and techniques to ensure you and your loved ones can enjoy cleanliness and coolness this summer. If you are in need of a cleaning service that provides consistent quality and service, we are your go-to local cleaning service serving Conyers, Georgia, as well as nearby areas including Covington, Loganville, Oxford, and Mcdonough. We would love to do the cleaning for you so you have more time to do what you love. Like we say, cleaning is for the birds!