Eating well doesn’t have to mean spending loads on healthy ingredients or spending hours in the kitchen with a mountain of dishes to wash!
One-pot meals are a total game-changer: they can help you save on energy bills, take little time to prep, and lock in all those good-for-you nutrients. Enjoy making these three delicious, budget-friendly and nourishing recipes to help warm up the cold winter days!
Creamy chicken and tomato pasta – a hit with the kids
A great all-in-one dish, and a guaranteed dinnertime hit! Skip boiling the pasta in a separate pot, instead cook it directly in the sauce. This releases the pasta starch into the pan, making the sauce naturally thick without needing to add heavy cream and calories.
Ingredients (serves 3-4):
- 300g dried pasta (penne or fusilli work best, but use whatever you have)
- chicken thighs or frozen chicken pieces
- 1 tin of chopped tomatoes
- 1 chicken stock cube (dissolved in 500ml water)
- 1 tsp dried mixed herbs
- A handful of fresh or frozen spinach
Method: In a large pan, brown the chicken with a little oil. Pour in the tinned tomatoes, the stock, and the dried herbs. Once it’s bubbling, stir in the dry pasta. Cover with a lid and simmer for about 10–12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked, giving it a stir so nothing sticks. Stir in the spinach at the very end until it wilts.
Top tip: If the liquid disappears before the pasta is cooked, just add a splash more water to get a thick, glossy sauce that coats and cooks the pasta.
Did you know? Tomatoes are better for you when they’ve been cooked! Cooking them releases more lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect your cells and supports heart health.
Red lentil dal – a hug in a bowl
This bright and nutritious dish mostly uses cupboard staples and is naturally vegan and gluten-free.
Ingredients (serves 2-4):
- 1 cup red lentils
- 1 tin coconut milk (or light cream)
- 1 onion
- 2 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- A handful of spinach
- A squeeze of lemon
Method: Fry the onion until soft. Stir in the spices, then add the lentils and coconut milk with a splash of water. Simmer until the lentils are soft and creamy (around 20 minutes). Stir in the spinach at the end until it wilts.
Top tip: If you have any veggies in the fridge that need using up, chop and throw them in at the start to add extra goodness to the dish.
Did you know? Red lentils are packed with fibre which helps with digestion and keeps you feeling fuller for longer, meaning fewer cravings throughout the day!
Smoky three-bean chilli – the dish that goes with everything!
A hearty, smoky chilli goes with absolutely everything and tastes even better the next day! Enjoy it over rice, on jacket potatoes or healthy homemade chips, and even in pies.
Ingredients:
- 1 tin kidney beans
- 1 tin black beans
- 1 tin baked beans (rinse the sauce off to reduce the sugar)
- 1 tin chopped tomatoes
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Method: Throw all the ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a gentle boil, then turn the heat down low. Let it simmer for 30-40 minutes to bring the flavours together and serve with your favourite side.
Top tip: Don't throw away the liquid from the tin of tomatoes—use a little water to swill the tin out and add it to the pot!
Did you know? Beans are one of the cheapest ways to get protein in your diet. They’re also great for heart health because they help lower "bad" cholesterol.
Helpful cooking tips
- Save on dishes AND bills: Using one pot means you're only using one hob ring – a great way to keep your energy bills low when cooking. Learn more about reducing your energy bills here, and find out about cost of living support here.
- Batch cook: If you can, double the recipe and freeze half. You’ll thank yourself on a day when you’re too tired to cook!
- Shop supermarket own brands: Don't be afraid to buy the "basics" range for things like tinned beans, chopped tomatoes, and dried pasta. They usually have the exact same ingredients as big brands but are much more budget friendly.
- Season food for health: Try to use herbs and spices for flavour instead of extra salt. It’s a small change that can help keep your blood pressure healthy.
