10 Healthy One-Pot Dinners That Cost Less Than $5 Per Serving

Putting a delicious meal on the table doesn't have to break the bank. In fact, if you shop smart, you can create a variety of nutrient-rich meals for just a few dollars per serving. Not only will it save you money in the long run, but you'll become more creative with those fridge and pantry items that never seem to be used up until the expiration date passes.

We tapped two registered dietitians to get 10 nutritious one-pot dinners that are delicious and comforting— and they're all under $5 per serving. Check them out below.

"Artichokes are low in fat and high in fiber, folate and vitamins C and K," Andrea Mathis, RD says. "The fiber in artichokes helps to keep our digestive system functioning by promoting gut-friendly bacteria and reducing the risk of constipation and diarrhea." Not to mention, the use of chicken breast in this recipe will help you keep full for longer.

Buckwheat is a good source of fiber and magnesium and helps to make this dish hearty and filling. It's also rich in fiber, which has been linked to improved heart health and blood sugar levels, Mathis says. And because this recipe is naturally gluten and dairy-free, it's ideal for a variety of diets.

"The combination of white beans and cauliflower offer many nutrients in this dish," Mathis says. "Cauliflower is a great source of fiber, B-vitamins and antioxidants that have been linked to reduced inflammation and protection against some cancers." And white beans are a good source of fiber and protein.

In this dish you'll get 2 servings of veggies thanks to the spinach and eggplant. "Just 1 cup provides a great source of manganese, folate and vitamins A and C, which help protect against cell damage," Mathis says. If you don't have eggplant on hand, feel free to substitute for green or yellow squash.

Spinach is one of those veggies you can bulk up on in a recipe without altering the flavor. "In 3 cups of raw spinach, you'll get over 300 percent of the daily need for vitamin K, which helps to support bone health," Mathis says. In other words, add as much spinach as humanely possible without transforming your pasta into a salad.

This recipe is a complete protein, but is also high in saturated fat, according to Nicole Rodriguez, RD. "Consider swapping the butter for olive oil for a more heart-healthy take on this classic," she suggests. "And serve it with plenty of vegetables to balance out the high amount of sodium."

"Shrimp is recommended by the American Heart Association as a lean protein source, as long as they're not fried," Rodriguez says. "Shrimp is low in saturated fat and calories and an excellent source of selenium, a mineral that plays an important role in reproductive health." If you're looking to reduce the calories of this dish, consider splitting it into more than 4 servings.

This recipe is quick-to-make and has minimal ingredients. To make it a well-balanced meal, consider adding more vegetables to your sheet pan like brussels sprouts, zucchini or broccoli florets.

Even though this is a comfort food dish, a few swaps will make it more of a wholesome meal, according to Rodriguez. "Pump up the protein with shredded rotisserie chicken and substitute in skim milk for half of the whole milk in this recipe." Feel free to use reduced-fat cheese to reduce calories, too.

This soup is ideal on a cold winter night, but it does require a few swaps to make it a better-for-you option. Bulk up on veggies in this soup — it will not only add additional vitamins and minerals, but it will also help you stay full longer. And to it lighten up even more, consider skipping the heavy cream and swapping the half and half for regular whole milk.