Small Possibilities

There’s something magical about fall evenings. The air cools, the leaves turn, and it feels like the perfect time to cozy up in the kitchen with a warm, comforting meal. But let’s be honest: weeknights can be busy, and while we crave homemade comfort, spending hours cooking just isn’t in the cards. That’s where these one-pot wonders come in—simple, delicious meals that bring big flavors without the extra dishes.

In this post, I’m sharing four effortless one-pot recipes perfect for fall, each one delivering on flavor, seasonal ingredients, and, best of all, minimal cleanup. These meals are designed for the busy yet mindful cook who wants to slow down and enjoy each bite. Read on for cozy inspiration, and remember to stay updated for more cozy recipes by checking out my Linktree and signing up for my newsletter.

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Recipe #1: Harvest Chicken and Apple Skillet

Nothing says fall quite like the combination of tender chicken, crisp apples, and hearty sweet potatoes. This Harvest Chicken and Apple Skillet brings it all together in one pan, creating a nourishing dish that’s as easy as it is comforting.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 large apple, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Gala)
• 1 sweet potato, cubed
• 1 yellow onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary (or ½ tsp dried)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup kale, chopped (or spinach)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear on each side until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add apples, sweet potatoes, and onion. Sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic, thyme, and rosemary, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze.
5. Return chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the vegetables. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
6. Stir in kale and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Serve warm.
   

Mindful Tip: Take a moment to enjoy the smells of the rosemary and thyme as they meld with the apples and sweet potatoes. This is a dish to savor slowly, appreciating the little hints of fall with each bite.

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Recipe #2: Butternut Squash and Sausage Risotto

Risotto may sound fancy, but with this one-pot approach, it’s easy enough for any weeknight. The creamy texture of Arborio rice pairs perfectly with the sweetness of butternut squash and the savory bite of sausage.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
• 1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup apple cider (or extra broth)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh sage, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking it up as it cooks until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside.
2. Add butternut squash and onion to the same pot, cooking until the squash starts to soften, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, letting the rice toast slightly.
4. Pour in 1 cup of broth and stir frequently until absorbed. Continue adding broth and cider, ½ cup at a time, until rice is creamy and cooked through, about 18-20 minutes.
5. Stir in Parmesan and sausage, cooking for another minute until everything is warmed through.
6. Garnish with fresh sage, if desired, and serve hot.
   

Mindful Tip: The process of stirring risotto can be almost meditative. Let yourself get lost in the rhythm, and enjoy how a simple task becomes a cozy ritual. For an extra touch, serve this dish with a side of seasonal roasted veggies.

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Recipe #3: Savory Pumpkin and White Bean Chili

If you’re looking for a hearty, plant-based option, this Savory Pumpkin and White Bean Chili is for you. The pumpkin adds a rich texture and warmth, while the beans make it a satisfying meal for any fall night.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
  

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in pumpkin puree, white beans, diced tomatoes, broth, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together.
4. Serve warm, topped with fresh cilantro.
   

Mindful Tip: Chili is one of those dishes that only gets better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers. Prepare a batch ahead of time for a meal that’s ready to reheat whenever you need it. Pair with crusty bread or top with a dollop of sour cream for added comfort.

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Recipe #4: Maple-Glazed Pork and Brussels Sprouts Skillet

This Maple-Glazed Pork and Brussels Sprouts Skillet is a sweet and savory fall-inspired meal that’s both satisfying and simple. The Brussels sprouts and apples are caramelized to perfection, adding a wonderful depth of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb pork tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
• 1 apple, sliced
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)
  

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season pork with salt and pepper, then cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
2. Add Brussels sprouts to the same skillet and cook until slightly charred, about 4 minutes.
3. Add apple slices, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard, stirring to coat.
4. Pour in chicken broth and return pork to the skillet. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, until the Brussels sprouts are tender and the pork is cooked through.
5. Garnish with fresh thyme and serve warm.
   

Mindful Tip: Enjoy the aromas as the maple and Dijon meld with the pork and Brussels sprouts. This meal is a little reminder to savor each step and create something special with simple ingredients.

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Conclusion

There’s something so grounding about gathering seasonal ingredients and creating a cozy meal, especially when it can all be done in one pot. These recipes are a great way to bring some warmth and comfort to your busy fall evenings without the fuss of multiple dishes. Each one invites you to slow down, savor the process, and enjoy each comforting bite.

I hope these recipes bring a touch of fall magic to your weeknights. If you try any of these, I’d love to hear about your experience! Follow me on Pinterest, Linktree, or sign up for my newsletter for more cozy recipe ideas and seasonal content. Let’s make fall a little warmer, one dish at a time. 🍂