19 stovetop dinners we cannot get enough of

Photo of author

| Published:

Stovetop dinners are the kind of meals we keep coming back to because they are just that great. They’re perfect for when you want something simple yet hearty, and they come together quickly right on top of your stove. These 19 recipes are the ones that stick in our minds and on our weekly meal plans because they hit the spot every single time.

A bowl of chicken pot pie soup being scooped with a spoon.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Dijon Chicken

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

This cozy dish features chicken thighs, spinach, and bacon, cooked together in just one skillet. It’s a quick stovetop dish ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for date nights or gatherings, but still easy enough to whip up for weeknight dinners. Plus, with everything cooked in just one skillet, both preparation and clean-up become a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

A bowl of wild rice mushroom soup with a spoon.
Wild Rice Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Here’s a comforting meal that is always a favorite. Ready in just a little over an hour, it combines earthy mushrooms with hearty wild rice, all cooked on the stovetop and in just one pot for convenience. It’s an effortless way to bring warmth to any dinner, perfect for both busy weeknights and relaxed nights ins.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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

For a dinner that feels like a getaway to the rolling hills of Tuscany, this cozy chicken dish is just the ticket. This skillet dinner features chicken thighs cooked in a flavorful sauce made with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and cream. It’s easy to prepare and can be served in just 40 minutes, making it a perfect choice for those nights when you want a warm and filling dinner without the extra work.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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

You’re in for a treat with this simple but impressive 30-minute Tuscan dish. This dish features perfectly cooked shrimp and spinach sautéed in a fragrant garlic sauce, all in a single skillet for easy cleanup. Serve this with a side of pasta or rice, and watch it become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken pot pie soup in a white bowl with a spoon.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This stovetop dish transforms the classic chicken pot pie into a comforting, one-pot soup. It’s a hearty soup brings that brings the wholesome goodness of chicken and veggies, simmered together in a creamy broth. Ready in just an hour, it’s a great way to enjoy the familiar flavors of a pot pie in a new, easy-to-make form.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Two bowls of sweet potato and red pepper soup with sour cream and parsley.
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When you’re in the mood for something warm and cozy, try this comforting soup. It’s a simple stovetop recipe that combines the creaminess of sweet potatoes with the sweetness of red peppers. In just about an hour, you’ll have a creamy and filling soup on your dinner table. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend, this soup is the perfect blend of cozy and simple.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Chicken Corn Soup

A bowl of chicken corn soup garnished with parsley.
Chicken Corn Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

On chilly evenings, there’s nothing quite like a comforting soup simmering on the stove. In less than an hour, you can have a pot full of tender chicken and hearty vegetables in a rich, savory broth. It’s a straightforward recipe that uses simple ingredients, perfect when you’re craving something warm and nourishing.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

Tender chicken bites, sautéed until golden, and coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce make for a perfect quick meal for any night of the week. Made in just one skillet and ready in 20 minutes, this recipe is a great go-to for those evenings when you’re short on time but still want something delicious to serve. Pair these bites with your favorite sides, and you’ve got a cozy, flavor-packed dinner that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

A pot of creamy Italian sausage soup with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

On those busy weeknights, you’ll appreciate how quickly you can put together this creamy sausage soup. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a rich blend of tomatoes and Italian sausage, all simmered to perfection in a single pot. It’s a simple but flavorful recipe that warms you up from the inside, perfect for those evenings when you need a comforting meal without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

A bowl of Hungarian mushroom soup with a gold spoon.
Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing like a bowl of mushroom soup to warm you up. This cozy soup is made in just one pot, combining mushrooms and a blend of spices with a creamy broth. In just 45 minutes, you’ll have a comforting, homemade soup that’s easy to prepare. Pair it with your favorite bread or salad for a filling and effortless dinner.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Cabbage and Sausage

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

Ready in just 25 minutes, this simple stovetop dish combines sausage with tender cabbage. Everything comes together in just one pan with ingredients you might already have on hand. It’s a great recipe to have on hand for those evenings when you want a nourishing meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

Here’s another cozy stovetop dish you need to try. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish features chicken thighs that are smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce. It’s filling, flavorful, and a great option for a weeknight dinner or an impressive date night meal. You only need one pan to cook everything,  so you can enjoy a delicious meal without the hassle of a complicated cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Keto Zuppa Toscana

A bowl of keto zuppa Toscana with a spoon in it.
Keto Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Make and enjoy this Olive Garden-inspired soup right at home but in a low-carb version. Instead of potatoes, this version uses radishes that perfectly absorb all the rich flavors of Italian sausage, kale, and bacon, with a creamy soup base. Ready in just about an hour and made in just one pot, it’s a stovetop favorite that you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Sausage Curry

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

In 45 minutes, you can make this dish that features an impressive combination of flavors from sausages and vegetables, all simmered in a homemade curry sauce. This dish is perfect for those times when you want a hearty, flavorful meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

This dish features chicken breasts cooked on the stovetop in a creamy white sauce made with grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, and heavy cream. It’s a great choice for a hassle-free dinner, especially when you’re short on time but still need something warm and filling. Everything cooks in just one pan, ensuring you have no pile of dishes waiting for you afterward.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Cauliflower risotto in a pan.
Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This risotto is perfect for those who love to add a twist to classic recipes and enjoy the simplicity of stovetop cooking. Ready in 30 minutes, it swaps traditional rice for cauliflower, offering all the creamy comfort of traditional risotto in a lighter way. Made in just one pan for convenience, it’s a perfect pick for those evenings when you want a cozy, no-fuss meal.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Fried Cabbage With Bacon

Fried cabbage with bacon garnished with parsley in a pot.
Fried Cabbage With Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This easy stovetop dish brings together cabbage, bacon, and onion, creating a surprisingly filling and hearty meal. You only need 25 minutes to make this, so it’s perfect for those evenings when you want something that’s both quick and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s all done in one skillet, so you can enjoy your meal without worrying about a lot of cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage With Bacon

Lemon Garlic Scallops

Scallops with parsley and garlic in a skillet.
Lemon Garlic Scallops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Don’t be intimidated by preparing seafood at home, especially with these garlic butter scallops. In this recipe, you will pan-sear the scallops until golden brown and then toss them in a mix of garlic and lemon sauce — it’s as easy as that. Ready in 30 minutes and done in just one skillet, these are a great choice for a special evening or just a regular night when you want to treat yourself. Serve them alongside your favorite rice or vegetable side to create a meal that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

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

This dish is a great example of how simple ingredients can create a delicious and hearty meal. Featuring tender chicken thighs and artichoke hearts simmering in a smooth, creamy sauce,  this one-pan dish is both convenient and easy to make, ready to be served in just 30 minutes. It’s a perfect option for a filling dinner that won’t keep you in the kitchen all night. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this recipe is sure to become a cozy stovetop favorite.
Get the Recipe: Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.