One-Pot Christmas Dinner Recipes

The holiday season is the perfect time for comforting meals—but preparing multiple dishes can be overwhelming. One-pot Christmas dinners are a lifesaver for anyone looking to simplify holiday cooking while still serving flavorful, festive meals. From creamy chicken skillets to hearty winter stews and cozy pastas, these recipes combine protein, vegetables, and seasonings in a single pot for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

These recipes are perfect for small families, beginners, or anyone who wants to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holiday spirit.

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Why One-Pot Meals Are Ideal for Christmas

Less Stress, More Enjoyment

Holiday cooking can be chaotic. With a one-pot meal, everything cooks together, reducing the need for multiple pans, dishes, and constant monitoring.

Time-Saving

These meals often cook in less time since all ingredients are layered and simmered together. Perfect for busy Christmas mornings or evenings.

Full of Flavor

Cooking ingredients together allows flavors to meld beautifully. Vegetables absorb the juices and spices, while proteins stay moist and tender.

Minimal Cleanup

After the meal, you only have one pot to wash—saving precious time during the busy holiday season.

Versatile for Any Gathering

One-pot recipes can easily be scaled for small families or larger holiday gatherings.

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One-Pot Main Dishes

Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken Skillet

This creamy skillet chicken is rich, comforting, and ready in less than an hour.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 cup milk

• 1 teaspoon thyme

• 1 teaspoon rosemary

• Salt and pepper

• 2 cups chopped carrots and broccoli

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Brown chicken on both sides for 4–5 minutes.

2. Remove chicken and sauté garlic until fragrant.

3. Add broth, milk, and herbs. Return chicken to the pan.

4. Add vegetables, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes.

5. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs.

Make-Ahead Tip

Marinate chicken in herbs and garlic overnight for extra flavor.

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One-Pot Chicken and Rice Christmas Dinner

A classic one-pot dish that combines chicken, rice, and vegetables.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs or breasts

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 cup long-grain rice

• 2 ½ cups chicken broth

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon thyme

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, green beans)

• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot and brown the chicken. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.

3. Stir in rice, broth, and seasonings. Return chicken to the pot.

4. Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes, adding vegetables halfway through.

5. Fluff rice and serve hot.

Why It’s Perfect

The rice absorbs the chicken juices and spices, creating a fragrant, hearty meal with minimal effort.

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Hearty One-Pot Beef and Vegetable Stew

Ideal for cold Christmas nights, this stew is packed with winter vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 carrots, sliced

• 3 potatoes, cubed

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 cups beef or vegetable broth

• 1 teaspoon thyme

• 1 teaspoon rosemary

• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Brown beef in olive oil in a large pot. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté onions, carrots, and potatoes.

3. Add beef back with broth and herbs. Cover and simmer for 1–1.5 hours.

4. Adjust seasonings and serve with warm bread.

Make-Ahead Tip

Prepare the stew a day ahead; flavors deepen overnight and reheating is easy.

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One-Pot Lemon Herb Salmon and Veggies

A lighter alternative for Christmas, full of bright flavors.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets

• 2 cups broccoli florets

• 2 cups baby potatoes, halved

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1 teaspoon dill

• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a deep skillet or large pan.

2. Add potatoes and cook 10 minutes.

3. Add salmon and broccoli. Pour lemon juice and sprinkle dill, salt, and pepper.

4. Cover and cook 15 minutes until salmon is flaky and vegetables are tender.

Why It Works

This one-pot meal is fast, healthy, and festive with minimal cleanup.

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One-Pot Comfort Pastas

Creamy Christmas Chicken Pasta

Perfect for a cozy holiday dinner without multiple pans.

Ingredients

• 2 cups uncooked pasta

• 2 chicken breasts, cubed

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 cup milk

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 cup chopped spinach

• 1 teaspoon thyme

• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Brown chicken in olive oil. Remove from pot.

2. Sauté garlic, then add pasta, broth, and milk. Simmer until pasta is almost cooked.

3. Add chicken back with spinach and thyme. Stir and cook 5–7 minutes.

4. Serve warm, topped with fresh parsley.

Make-Ahead Tip

Cook pasta a little less than al dente; it finishes cooking with chicken and sauce.

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One-Pot Butternut Squash and Sage Pasta

A vegetarian-friendly, festive pasta.

Ingredients

• 2 cups pasta

• 2 cups diced butternut squash

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 3 cups vegetable broth

• 1 teaspoon sage

• Salt and pepper

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil.

2. Add pasta, squash, broth, and sage. Cover and simmer 15–20 minutes until squash is tender.

3. Mash some squash slightly into the sauce for creaminess.

4. Adjust seasonings and serve hot.

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One-Pot Rice & Grain Dishes

Holiday Chicken and Quinoa Pilaf

A light, nutrient-packed one-pot meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups quinoa, rinsed

• 2 chicken breasts, diced

• 1 onion, diced

• 1 cup carrots, diced

• 2 ½ cups chicken broth

• 1 teaspoon rosemary

• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Brown chicken in olive oil. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté onion and carrots. Add quinoa and broth.

3. Stir in chicken and herbs. Cover and simmer 20 minutes until quinoa is cooked.

4. Fluff and serve.

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One-Pot Winter Vegetable Risotto

Creamy, festive, and perfect for Christmas.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups arborio rice

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 4 cups vegetable broth

• 2 cups chopped winter vegetables (carrots, broccoli, peas)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil, sauté onion and garlic.

2. Add rice and toast for 2 minutes.

3. Gradually add broth, stirring frequently.

4. Add vegetables halfway through. Cook until rice is creamy.

5. Serve immediately.

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One-Pot Holiday Tips for Success

• Use the Right Pot: Heavy-bottomed pots distribute heat evenly.

• Prep Ingredients in Advance: Chop vegetables and proteins before cooking to reduce stress.

• Layer Ingredients Thoughtfully: Denser ingredients go first, softer ones on top.

• Check Liquid Levels: Ensure there’s enough broth, milk, or water to prevent sticking.

• Season Gradually: Adjust salt and spices throughout cooking for optimal flavor.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can these one-pot meals be made ahead?

Yes! Many can be prepped a day ahead. For pastas, slightly undercook noodles and finish on the day of serving.

What proteins work best for one-pot Christmas dishes?

Chicken, beef, seafood, and plant-based proteins like tofu or legumes all work well.

How do I prevent vegetables from becoming mushy?

Add delicate vegetables (like broccoli or spinach) later in cooking or steam lightly before adding.

Are one-pot meals suitable for small families?

Absolutely! They can be scaled down or used for leftovers.

How do I reheat one-pot meals without drying them out?

Reheat gently on low heat and add a splash of broth or water to restore moisture.