8 Low-calorie one-pot dinner ideas to make under 25 minutes

Cooking a meal after a long hectic day may seem like a daunting task, and eating out daily may also disrupt metabolic health. Well, if you too are someone who is always swinging between the idea of eating healthy or eating out after a busy day, then we have curated some comforting one-pot meal ideas that can be made in just a few minutes that too without putting in much efforts. What’s more, all these meals are low in calories and can be under 25 minutes and are perfect for a hearty and wholesome dinner meal.

Vegetable Quinoa Pulao
This light and satiating meal can be made by sauteing veggies in some oil and along with spices, herbs and washed quinoa, stir and cook the dish in a pressure cooker. Then add in 2 cups of water, salt and pepper, cover the lid and pressure cook for 2 whistles. Release the steam, transfer it to the plates and enjoy.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp with noodles
Zucchini noodles can be made easily as they just take around 3-5 minutes to cook. To begin with this easy recipe, take a pan and add in olive oil, toss the cleaned shrimps along with spices, garlic, ginger paste, herbs and veggies; then add in the thin strip of zucchini and stir well. Drizzle some lemon juice, herbs and enjoy.

Spiced Lentil Soup
A comforting yet healthy meal option for days you are too busy to cook up a meal. To cook this meal just pressure cook lentils with onions, tomatoes, garlic, cumin, and turmeric and other herbs. Add water, pressure cook and allow it to cook down. Then make a thick paste, cook this with some low-fat butter, oregano and chili flakes and dig in!


Chicken and Spinach rice
For a balanced low-calorie dinner, stir-fry diced chicken chunks with garlic and ginger, toss in some spinach, then add pre-cooked brown rice. Everything comes together in 20 minutes, offering protein, fiber, and iron without being heavy.

Cauliflower Fried Rice
Using grated cauliflower instead of rice cuts down on calories drastically. In a pan, sauté mixed vegetables, garlic, soy sauce, and scrambled egg before adding the cauliflower. It tastes just like fried rice but with a fraction of the carbs and calories.



Mediterranean Chickpea Stew
In just 20 minutes, you can simmer chickpeas with tomatoes, garlic, olives, and a pinch of oregano. This protein-rich, fiber-packed stew is hearty yet light, making it a perfect low-calorie dinner option that also supports gut health.

Spicy Tofu and Broccoli fry
Tofu is an excellent plant-based protein that soaks up flavors beautifully. Stir-fry tofu cubes with broccoli, ginger, garlic, and a dash of chili sauce. Served on its own or over a small portion of rice, it’s a satisfying yet light dinner under 300 calories.

Tomato Basil Pasta
Whole wheat spaghetti cooks quickly, and when paired with a simple sauce of cherry tomatoes, basil, and garlic, it becomes a refreshing and wholesome meal. Add a sprinkle of parmesan if you like, and you’ve got a flavorful dish that’s still light.