18 stovetop recipes we’re always talking about (And you will be too)

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Stovetop recipes are the unsung heroes of our kitchens, and these 18 are the ones we’re always talking about (and you will be too). They’re quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making them perfect for those nights when you just can’t deal with the oven. We’re not just fans; we’re borderline obsessed. So, grab your skillet, turn up the heat, and prepare to wonder how you ever lived without these great stovetop wonders. Don’t worry, you’ll be bragging about them in no time.

A pan of creamy dijon chicken with herbs and bacon.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Reuben Bowls

A bowl of coleslaw with creamy dressing, garnished with green onions, served in a ceramic bowl with a fork.
Reuben Bowls. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Reuben Bowls brings all the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich in a simple, quick-to-assemble form. It serves an easy, filling one-dish meal option that can be on the table in just half an hour. Brown corned beef, mix with coleslaw or shredded cabbage and sauerkraut, and top with Swiss cheese and homemade Thousand Island dressing. We often share this because it solves the dinner dilemma on busy weeknights without compromising flavor. The combination of tender beef, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy dressing makes it a standout dish.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Bowls

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Tuscan garlic shrimp and spinach with tomatoes in a pan.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This shrimp and spinach dish is a favorite stovetop because it’s easy to whip up in 30 minutes. Loaded with garlic, Italian seasoning, fresh tomatoes, and basil, it’s fresh and filling. The combination of rich shrimp and crisp fresh spinach is equally good as it is healthy, serving as a great way to enjoy a seafood meal rich in protein without spending too much time in the kitchen. That’s why we can’t stop sharing it with everyone we know. It’s a perfect go-to for a quick, delicious dinner.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A plate of garlic butter chicken bites.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are great for a fast stovetop meal, ready in just 20 minutes. These golden, tender chicken bites are fried and tossed in a garlic butter sauce. They’re perfect for last-minute dinners when you need something quick and filling. This recipe is highly recommended for busy days because it’s straightforward and saves time. You can whip up a good meal in no time, making it perfect for those hectic evenings when you need to feed your family quickly. It’s a lifesaver when you need to eat dinner quickly.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Cabbage and Sausage

A pan of cabbage and sausage garnished with fresh herbs.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cabbage and Sausage is a go-to for its simplicity and great taste. Sautéed cabbage and onions mix with juicy sausages and apple cider vinegar, ready in 25 minutes. This filling meal is perfect for busy cooks who want a quick dinner with minimal prep and cleanup. It’s often recommended for its convenience and flavor. You don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to get a meal that tastes great, making it perfect for weeknights when you’re short on time. This recipe makes dinner a breeze with its simple ingredients and fast cooking time.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Broccoli Fritters

A stack of broccoli fritters on a plate.
Broccoli Fritters. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Broccoli Fritters are a quick and easy stovetop meal, ready in 35 minutes. It’s made with steamed broccoli, eggs, and Parmesan, and they’re crispy, delicious, and light. Perfect for adding more vegetables to your meals in a fun way. These fritters are often recommended for their speed and versatility, great for both kids and adults. You can enjoy a good dish without spending much time in the kitchen, making it perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe helps you get a nutritious meal quickly and easily.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Fritters

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce in a pan.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is a crowd-pleaser for its rich flavors and easy prep. Tender chicken thighs are coated in a creamy sauce with mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan, ready in 30 minutes. Perfect for a last-minute dinner that feels special. This recipe is highly recommended for turning a regular evening into a memorable one with minimal effort. You can impress your family with a dish that looks and tastes great without spending hours cooking. This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something more special.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Sausage Curry

Sausage curry in a skillet garnished with herbs.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sausage Curry is a highly recommended stovetop dinner that combines heartiness and simplicity. In less than an hour, sausages, sweet potatoes, carrots, and peas come together in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s perfect for a comforting meal that’s easy to make and clean up. Great for those wanting something different without spending all night cooking. This dish is a perfect way to break the routine and enjoy a meal that’s both hearty and easy to prepare. You get a delicious curry with minimal effort, making it a favorite among busy cooks.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Creamy Dijon Chicken

Creamy chicken dish garnished with bacon and herbs in a skillet.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Dijon Chicken is a top pick for quick stovetop meals. It is ready in 30 minutes with juicy chicken thighs, fresh spinach, and crispy bacon in a rich Dijon sauce. This dish is perfect for chilly evenings when you need a hearty and comforting meal. It’s simple to make and easy to clean up afterward, which makes it great for busy weeknights. You get the taste of a gourmet meal without spending hours in the kitchen, making it one of the most recommended dishes for a cozy dinner. This recipe helps you get a delicious meal on the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Chicken Tortellini Soup

A bowl of chicken tortellini soup with chopped vegetables and herbs.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Tortellini Soup is great for a comforting meal that requires minimal effort. This soup combines cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken, cheese tortellini, carrots, celery, and onions into a rich and hearty broth that comes together in just 40 minutes. It’s perfect for colder days or when you need something filling quickly. The flavors combine perfectly, creating a hearty, comforting soup. We always share this recipe because it’s economical and a great way to use leftovers, making it a practical choice for busy families.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Tuscan chicken in a skillet.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken features chicken thighs simmered with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach and a rich garlic cream sauce. It can be made in only 40 minutes, making it convenient for busy weeknights yet indulgent enough to impress dinner guests. While simple to prepare, the combination of flavors in the sauce and tender chicken makes you feel like you’ve been cooking all day. It’s great for anyone wanting to enjoy a hearty meal that tastes like it took all day to make. The rich sauce and tender chicken make this a must-try.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Lemon Garlic Scallops

Pan-seared scallops with golden crusts, garnished with chopped parsley, in a black skillet.
Lemon Garlic Scallops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Lemon Garlic Scallops are perfect for a quick and impressive stovetop dinner. Ready in less than 30 minutes, these scallops are seared until golden and then drizzled with a lemon-garlic sauce that adds a light citrus flavor. It’s great for evenings when you want a fancy seafood dish that’s easy to prepare. This recipe is perfect for a last-minute dinner party without the hassle of complex cooking. The combination of garlic and lemon makes the scallops burst with fresh and tangy flavors. Cooking scallops this way is fast, making it a go-to recipe for busy nights when you still want to eat well.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

Green Chile Chicken

Green chile chicken in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Green Chile Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Green Chile Chicken is a flavorful and quick meal for any day of the week. Only 20 minutes on the stovetop is needed to combine cooked shredded chicken, green chiles, and a delicious creamy sauce. The green chiles add just the right amount of heat, making it a favorite. It’s great for those evenings when you’re short on time but want something more interesting than the usual fare. This dish is frequently recommended because it’s easy to prepare and packs a punch with its creamy and slightly spicy sauce.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A pan full of bacon and cabbage with a wooden spoon.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a straightforward and fast recipe that combines the crispiness of bacon with the natural sweetness of cabbage. It’s cooked in just 25 minutes, making it great for a quick and hearty meal. Cooking cabbage in bacon grease enhances the vegetable’s natural sweetness while adding heavenly flavors. It’s an easy and good way to enjoy cabbage, increasing your vegetable intake with minimal effort. We can’t stop sharing it because it’s a simple and delicious way to enjoy a veggie-packed dish.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Garlic Chicken is a comforting meal ready in 30 minutes from your stovetop. This dish has tender chicken breasts in a creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce. It’s great for a filling dinner on busy nights. The simple preparation and rich flavors make it a go-to recipe for when you’re short on time but want a homemade and special meal. It’s also perfect for a delicious dinner without spending much time in the kitchen. The creamy sauce pairs well with pasta or rice, adding a touch of comfort to your meal. This recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a good result every time.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice garnished with fresh herbs with a fork.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet is a nutritious, hearty meal that comes together quickly on your stovetop, making it a recipe we can’t stop sharing. In 30 minutes, you get a dish with ground beef, cauliflower rice, and a creamy cheddar sauce. This skillet dish is a lifesaver when you need a dinner option that keeps everyone happy. The creamy cheese sauce comforts this dish, while the cauliflower rice keeps it light.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

A skillet of creamy sun dried tomato chicken with a wooden spoon.
Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is a stovetop favorite that is ready in 30 minutes and full of flavor. This dish features boneless chicken thighs cooked in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. It’s great for a hearty, quick, and delicious meal. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete dinner, perfect for any night of the week. The sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich, creamy sauce. This recipe is great for cozy dinners that are easy to make and clean up.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

White Bean Soup

A bowl of white bean soup with carrots and croutons.
White Bean Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

White Bean Soup is perfect for those seeking a hearty, nutritious meal that’s easy to prepare on the stovetop. Ready in 40 minutes, this soup combines sautéed vegetables with creamy white beans in a rich broth, thickened by mixing some of the beans. It’s great for a comforting dinner, especially on cold nights. Adding a lemon brightens the dish, making it a refreshing yet filling meal that doesn’t require extensive preparation or expert cooking skills. It’s a great way to enjoy a good dinner with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Creamy chicken thighs with artichoke hearts in a pan.
Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts is great for a quick, delicious stovetop dinner. Ready in 30 minutes, this dish combines tender chicken thighs with a creamy sauce made with artichokes, Parmesan, lemon juice, and heavy cream. It’s perfect for nights when you need something rich and comforting but don’t want to spend much time cooking. This dish is quick and easy to make and leaves everyone asking for seconds. It’s a great option for a weeknight dinner that feels special without requiring much effort.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

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