55 Quick and Easy One-Pot Recipes

Updated on August 13, 2018 by Jenny Potter

From super easy one-pot pasta recipes to one-pot chicken thighs to one-pot Instant Pot recipes, these fuss-free meals are satisfying, delicious and fit for the whole family. The best part? You’ll only have to wash one pan!

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One-Pot Mac ‘n Cheese

Cooking your noodles in milk means you don’t need to add a thickener to your sauce cutting the recipe time even more. Once your noodles are tender, it’s as easy as stirring in three types of cheese (yum!), butter and some fragrant seasoning and voila! Dinner in 20 minutes with only one pot to wash. Ok, so it may not be magic exactly, but it certainly feels like it is. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/one-pot-mac-n-cheese/20225/">One-Pot Mac ‘n Cheese</a>
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Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings is classic comfort food. But comfort food takes time, right? Not with this hearty chicken recipe, ready in just over 30 minutes. As promised, it’s all cooked in one pot. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/chicken-and-dumplings-recipe-1940955" target="_blank">Rachael Ray’s Chicken and Dumplings</a>
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Cornbread Topped Cast-Iron Skillet Chili

Cooked and served in a cast-iron skillet, this chunky, spicy, classic beef chili recipe is topped with hunks of cornbread for a meal in one. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cornbread-topped-cast-iron-skillet-chili/19733/" target="_blank">Cornbread Topped Cast-Iron Skillet Chili</a>
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Braised Chicken Thighs and Legs with Tomato

Sunday night dinner at its finest, this one-pot wonder packed with chicken legs, thighs and bold flavours, tastes just as delicious the next day. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/braised-chicken-thighs-and-legs-with-tomato/18884/" target="_blank">Braised Chicken Thighs and Legs with Tomato</a>
Photo by Ken Carlson

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Instant Pot Quick Taco-Style Chili

Let your Instant Pot help you cook up a batch of chili - fast! Besides starting with canned or pre-cooked beans, this recipe has another handy hack - using taco seasoning to infuse the whole pot with flavour in a flash. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/quick-taco-style-chili/21238/" target="_blank">Quick Taco-Style Chili</a>
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Pea and Goat's Cheese Risotto

A terrific dish with bright spring flavours, perfect as a light lunch or side at dinner. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pea-and-goats-cheese-risotto/13507/" target="_blank">Pea and Goat's Cheese Risotto</a>
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Skillet Rosemary Chicken

Along with rosemary, potatoes and lemons add fresh flavour to a hearty, seasonal one-pot meal. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/skillet-rosemary-chicken/17857/" target="_blank">Skillet Rosemary Chicken</a>
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One-Pot Farfalle Primavera

There’s no better way to eat your greens than this verdant, family-friendly pasta. As the seasons change, switch up this recipe’s selection of green vegetables with what’s local in your area. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/one-pot-farfalle-primavera/20316/" target="_blank">One-Pot Farfalle Primavera</a>
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Easy Chicken Adobo

An amazingly flavourful prep-ahead meal, you’ll love this one-pot dish. Prep the ingredients the night before and pop in the oven for a delicious dinner in a flash. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/easy-chicken-adobo/19850/" target="_blank">Easy Chicken Adobo</a>
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One-Pot Bucatini Bolognese

Clocking in at just under an hour, this sped-up version of an Italian favourite still satisfies, but on a weeknight timeline. Cooking the bucatini in the sauce as it simmers means it soaks up all the fresh flavours, leaving you with a full belly, and next to no dishes. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/one-pot-bucatini-bolognese/21849/">One-Pot Bucatini Bolognese</a>
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Sausage, Pepper and Onion One Pot

Have a few sausages leftover from your barbecue? Turn your last two links into a quick and comforting stew. Serve with lots of crusty bread, or toast up those last few hotdog or hamburger buns. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/sausage-pepper-and-onion-one-pot/18334/" target="_blank">Rachael Ray’s Sausage, Pepper and Onion One Pot</a>
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20-Minute Hoisin Skillet Salmon

Salmon and broccoli tossed in a simple mixture of hoisin sauce, red pepper flakes and garlic, this one-pot, 20-minute complete meal is a nutritious weeknight dinner. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/20-minute-hoisin-skillet-salmon/19526/" target="_blank">20-Minute Hoisin Skillet Salmon</a>
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Cauliflower Tikka Masala

Trendy cauliflower, peas and chickpeas come together for an easy one-pot dinner that you can make on Meatless Monday, or any day you’re looking for a flavourful veggie dish. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cauliflower-tikka-masala/20147/" target="_blank">Cauliflower Tikka Masala</a>
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Pan Roasted Pork Chops and Broccoli

If you are looking for an easy dinner without a pile of dishes, this delicious, one-pan recipe is for you. Enjoy a rustic pork chop dinner with pan-roasted broccoli and tender potatoes complete with rich pan gravy. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pan-roasted-pork-chop-with-pan-gravy/15096/" target="_blank">Pan Roasted Pork Chops and Broccoli.</a>
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One-Pot Seafood Risotto

 Elegance shouldn’t be this easy, but Lynn Crawford guides you through this super-simple, yet impressive one-pot dish in minutes. Crab and scallops are delicious additions to this creamy dish that is right at home as part of your Christmas Eve seafood feast. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/holidays/blog/one-pot-seafood-risotto-from-lynn-crawford-is-entertaining-made-easy/" target="_blank">Lynn Crawford’s One-Pot Seafood Risotto</a>
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One-Pot Cacio e Pepe

It’s often the simplest recipes, like this Italian classic, Cacio e Peppe (cheese and pepper pasta), that can seem the most daunting. This recipe takes the fear out of nailing the traditional dish by making it all in one pot. Maximum return for minimum investment. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/one-pot-cacio-e-pepe/20314/" target="_blank">One-Pot Cacio e Pepe</a>
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New Potato Skillet with Baked Eggs

Crisp bacon, chunks of potatoes, wilted spinach and fresh vegetables come together to create this hearty skillet dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Best of all, it’s made in just one pan, which means minimal clean up! Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/new-potato-skillet-with-baked-eggs/14308/" target="_blank">New Potato Skillet with Baked Eggs</a>
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One-Pot Creamy Ranch Chicken Succotash

An amazing make-ahead meal that brings together fresh corn, smoky bacon, chicken, tomatoes and potatoes for a hearty dish that gets its velvety texture from cream cheese. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/one-pot-creamy-ranch-chicken-succotash/18336/" target="_blank">Rachael Ray’s One-Pot Creamy Ranch Chicken Succotash</a>
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White Bean and Chicken Chili

A lighter, springtime chili recipe that combines lean chicken and spring greens all in one family-friendly, one-pot dinner. Take leftovers to work for lunch, or freeze half for a complete dinner in the coming weeks. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/white-bean-and-chicken-chili/15916/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' White Bean and Chicken Chili</a>
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Spiced Red Lentil Vegetable Stew

Red lentils turn into a creamy, balanced one-pot stew for a filling dinner option that can be packed up to-go for tomorrow’s lunch. Budget-friendly and wholesome, it’s healthy comfort food at its simplest. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/spiced-red-lentil-vegetable-stew/14079/" target="_blank">Spiced Red Lentil Vegetable Stew</a>
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One-Pot Linguine with Pesto

Store-bought helpers, pesto, baby mozzarella and sopressata, add big flavour without the need for multiple steps and pots. The pasta is cooked start to finish in the same pot as your sauce for a little dinnertime magic. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/one-pot-linguine-with-pesto/20315/" target="_blank">One-Pot Linguine with Pesto</a>
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Portuguese One-Pot Chicken and Potatoes

The best comfort food dishes are those that are cooked slow and low in one big pot, allowing all the deep and delicous flavours to meld together. Chili pepper, chorizo, citrus zest and sweet paprika make for a pot bursting with taste. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/portuguese-one-pot-chicken-and-potatoes/18337/" target="_blank">Rachael Ray’s Portuguese One-Pot Chicken and Potatoes</a>
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No-Pain Lo Mein

This one-pot wonder is packed with fresh mushrooms, thin lo mein noodles, shredded pork (or chicken), and takes a total of 20 minutes to make. Now that's an easy weeknight meal! Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/no-pain-lo-mein/18360/" target="_blank">Rachael Ray's No-Pain Lo Mein</a>
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Chicken Paprikash

This hearty Hungarian dish is full of flavour with stewed red peppers, tender chicken and seasoned with lots of smoky paprika. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-paprikash/18988/" target="_blank">Anna Olson’s Chicken Paprikash</a>
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Spaghetti and Meatball ‘Stoup’

All the comfort of soup with the flavours and heartiness of spaghetti, Rachael Ray hits it out of the park with this fusion of two comfort food favourites. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/spaghetti-and-meatball-stoup-thicker-than-soup-thinner-than-stew/17534/" target="_blank">Rachael Ray's Spaghetti and Meatball ‘Stoup’</a>
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One-Pot Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Sauce

This dish is a real weeknight winner. Just pick up some fresh tomatoes, basil, dried pasta and sharp Parmesan, and 20 minutes later you’ll have a no-fuss dinner on the table. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/one-pot-spaghetti-with-fresh-tomato-sauce/18956/" target="_blank">One-Pot Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Sauce</a>
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Broccoli with Bow Ties and Peas

One-pot pasta has been popular with home cooks for years as it’s quick, healthy, and can turn any season’s produce into a show-stopping masterpiece. Get your spring greens in with verdant broccoli and sweet, tender peas. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/broccoli-with-bow-ties-and-peas/16078/" target="_blank">Ina Garten's Broccoli with Bow Ties and Peas</a>
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One Pot Miracle

This one-pot meal promises a lot, and certainly delivers. Complete with protein, grains and vegetables, you’ll find it hard to resist this “miracle” meal at dinner tonight. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/one-pot-miracle/17872/" target="_blank">One Pot Miracle</a>
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Wild Rice and Chicken Skillet

Whole grain wild rice and chicken combine to make a family-friendly, nutritious dinner. With greens, mushrooms and a bit of light sour cream, this is a healthy one-pot meal that looks and tastes elegant enough to serve on a special occasion. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/wild-rice-chicken-skillet/14075/" target="_blank">Wild Rice Chicken Skillet</a>
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Vegetarian Pad Thai

Allow those fresh, carrots to shine in all their glory in this vegetarian version of one of Thailand’s most popular one-pot meals; Pad Thai. With vitamins A and C, as well as healthy fats and protein from eggs and peanuts, this recipe is a nutritious way to enjoy a fast food favourite. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/vegetarian-pad-thai/14777/" target="_blank">Vegetarian Pad Thai</a>
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Seaweed Crusted Halibut with Cherry Tomatoes

Seaweed is filled with minerals and omega-3s, and the same is true of halibut. Paired with little tomatoes and a bit of mirin, this one-pot meal is minimalism at its finest. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/seaweed-crusted-halibut-with-cherry-tomatoes/14571/" target="_blank">Seaweed Crusted Halibut with Cherry Tomatoes</a>
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Chicken and Chickpea Tagine with Apricots and Harissa Sauce

Moroccan tagines are a classic one-pot meal, here, made fresh and light with a shower of green herbs, sticky dried fruit and aromatic spices. Vegetarians can skip the chicken and double up on the chickpeas. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-and-chickpea-tagine-with-apricots-and-harissa-sauce/15879/" target="_blank">Bobby Flay's Chicken and Chickpea Tagine with Apricots and Harissa Sauce</a>
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Sweet Potato Curry with Mussels

Impress dinner guests this summer with this spiced curry that combines tender sweet potatoes and fresh mussels. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/sweet-potato-curry-with-mussels/13077/" target="_blank">Sweet Potato Curry with Mussels</a>
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Sausage and Bacon Hash with Baked Tomatoes

A truly comforting brunch dish, this one-pot wonder pulls out all the stops; veggies, bacon, potatoes and breaded baked tomatoes. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/sausage-and-bacon-hash-with-baked-tomatoes/17771/" target="_blank">Nancy Fuller's Sausage and Bacon Hash with Baked Tomatoes</a>
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Lemon Chicken with Olives

This one-pot dinner combines chicken drumsticks with lemon slices, olives, tomato and garlic for a filling meal that's (surprisingly) easy on the hips. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/lemon-chicken-with-olives/14061/" target="_blank">Lemon Chicken with Olives</a>
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Skillet Chicken Lasagna

Ree Drummond serves up this one-pot meal that's easy to make and even easier to clean up, full of robust flavours. Try it and you may never go back to traditional baked lasagna again. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/skillet-chicken-lasagna/15642/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Skillet Chicken Lasagna</a>
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Pot Steamed Salmon

Cook your salmon perfectly every time with this easy method: steaming! This one-pot recipe for salmon steamed in a fragrant orange and caper broth is sure to be a hit. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pot-steamed-salmon/6795/" target="_blank">Pot Steamed Salmon</a>.
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Quick and Spicy Tomato Soup

If you're considering opening up a can of soup for lunch or dinner, hit the pause button and check out this fast, easy and oh-so-fresh recipe that will have a delicious, steaming pot of zesty tomato soup bubbling on the stove-top in no time. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/quick-and-spicy-tomato-soup/17282/" target="_blank">Quick and Spicy Tomato Soup</a>
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Orange Ginger Beef

Craving something a little more gourmet? Chef Michael Smith's orange ginger beef has a secret ingredient: orange marmalade. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/orange-ginger-beef/5731/" target="_blank">Michael Smith's Orange Ginger Beef</a>
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Creamy Chicken and Mushroom One-Pot with Pot Pie Toppers

Pot pie was practically made for using up leftovers. You can follow the recipe, or go off the cuff by filling these with last night’s chicken and cooked vegetables, topping the works with rounds of leftover pie dough. A most delicious interpretation of waste not, want not. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/creamy-chicken-and-mushroom-one-pot-with-pot-pie-toppers/18335/" target="_blank">Rachael Ray’s Creamy Chicken and Mushroom One-Pot with Pot Pie Toppers</a>
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7-Can Soup

This wonderfully warm, rich and filling soup comes straight from your pantry. To give it a touch of elegance, swap in sharp cheddar or top with fresh shaved Parmesan. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/7-can-soup/16613/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman’s 7-Can Soup</a>
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Three-Pepper Chicken Chili

This lean chicken chili recipe uses a few types of peppers for fiery, rich depth of flavour. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/three-pepper-chicken-chili/10143/" target="_blank">Anna Olson’s Three-Pepper Chicken Chili</a>
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Easy Skinny Skillet Lasagna

Forget thinking of lasagna as a day-long, multi-pot event and make it in a skillet. This bow-tie lasagna reheats beautifully, so you can spend more time enjoying the warm weather. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/easy-skinny-skillet-lasagna/17248/" target="_blank">Easy Skinny Skillet Lasagna</a>
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Risotto con Radicchio e Vino Rosso

This vibrant and elegant risotto combines radicchio, vegetable broth, wine and grated Parmesan for a burst of colour on your spring table. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/risotto-con-radichio-e-vino-rosso/13128/" target="_blank">Risotto con Radicchio e Vino Rosso</a>
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Seafood and Sausage Paella

Paella cooked on the BBQ is our summertime staple when entertaining. Bring all the ingredients (except the seafood – keep that chilled) and cook outside while your family and friends chat. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/seafood-and-sausage-paella/12559/" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Seafood and Sausage Paella</a>
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Chickpea Chili in Spicy Tomato Sauce

Another reason to love chickpeas! Root veggies, tomato sauce and canned chickpeas come together for delightful dinner that you can make in just 15 minutes. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chickpea-chili-in-a-spicy-tomato-sauce/15847/" target="_blank">Chickpea Chili in Spicy Tomato Sauce</a>
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One Skillet Trout with Green Beans

Whether you hooked it yourself or bought it at the grocery store, you’ll be equally satisfied with this simple and flavourful trout dinner with fresh, Okanagan green beans. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/blog/okanagan-green-beans-a-one-skillet-recipe-youll-love-37942/" target="_blank">One Skillet Trout with Green Beans</a>
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West Coast Fish Chowder

Smoked, candied salmon and rockfish star in this creamy, comforting soup that will warm your belly and your soul after a chilly walk along the beaches of Vancouver Island. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/blog/seafood-chowder-vancouver-island/" target="_blank">West Coast Fish Chowder</a>
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Shakshouka

Shakshouka is normally made with iron-rich eggs, but it’s unusual to see butter beans, another excellent source of iron, in the sauce. Whether you’re starting your day with this spicy, saucy skillet or enjoying it for a weeknight dinner, it delivers big on both iron and taste. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/shakshouka/15298/" target="_blank">Shakshouka</a>
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Spicy Cauliflower Stir Fry

This quick and easy stir-fry comes together in just 10 minutes and requires only five ingredients: cauliflower, soy garlic, soy sauce, green onions and hot sauce. Add a squeeze of lime juice to make the spicy flavours really pop. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/spicy-cauliflower-stir-fry/15628/" target="_blank">Ree Drummond’s Spicy Cauliflower Stir-Fry</a>
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Shrimp Stir-Fry

Branching away from traditional stir-fries, this combination of tomatoes, zucchini, corn and shrimp is delicious served over pasta or rice. It's even satisfying on it's own! Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/shrimp-stir-fry/16011/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Shrimp Stir-Fry</a>
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One-Pot Campfire Mac and Cheese

Your favourite comfort foods can be enjoyed anywhere you set up camp, thanks to this easy, one-pot recipe. If you’ve brought little campers along, try roasting hotdogs over the fire and add them to your creamy dish for a retro combo everyone will enjoy. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/canada-day/blog/one-pot-campfire-mac-cheese-is-the-ultimate-camping-comfort-food/">One-Pot Campfire Mac and Cheese</a>.
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Chicken and Rice Paprikash

A one-pot dish filled with tender chicken, brown rice, red peppers and smoky, Hungarian paprika. This delicious meal freezes well, making it a perfect make-ahead recipe. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-and-rice-paprikash-casserole/18197/" target="_blank">Chicken and Rice Paprikash Casserole</a>
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One Pot Penne Alla Vodka

Vodka sauce is a family favourite, but you don’t need to dirty two pots to enjoy this classic dish. Cooking the pasta and sauce in one saves time and delivers double duty, as the pasta helps thicken your creamy tomato sauce. Just be sure to stick with penne to ensure you get the right consistency. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/one-pot-penne-alla-vodka/21847/">One Pot Penne Alla Vodka</a>
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Spicy Pop Pulled Pork

The secret ingredient in Ree Drummond's pulled pork is Dr. Pepper, which melds beautifully with the smokiness of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. If you're not in the mood for a sandwich, use it to top nachos or a pizza. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/spicy-pop-pulled-pork/21507/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Spicy Pop Pulled Pork</a>
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