15 skillet dinners you’ve never tried before but should!

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Ever find yourself stuck in a dinner rut, flipping through recipes that all feel a bit too familiar? It’s time to dust off that skillet and try something new. We’ve rounded up a bunch of skillet dinners that are likely new to your kitchen but are about to become favorites. They’re easy, they’re quick, and they pack a punch of flavor that’ll make you wonder why you haven’t made them sooner.

Blackened cod served with tri color quinoa.
Blackened Cod. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chinese Chicken Zoodles

Zucchini noodles with shredded chicken in a stir fry sauce in cast iron skillet.
Chinese Chicken Zoodles. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Say hello to your new favorite 15-minute meal: Chinese chicken zoodles. Packed with all the flavors of your favorite takeout but way healthier, it’s a quick and easy win for any night of the week. Whether you’re craving something light or just looking to mix up your dinner routine, this dish brings the zest and punch you’re after. It’s a fresh take on takeout, and your kitchen is the best new spot in town.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Zoodles

Cream Cheese Chicken

Cream cheese chicken in a white skillet.
Cream Cheese Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bored with your usual chicken dinners? This cream cheese chicken, seasoned with a blend of five spices, is here to break the monotony with its creamy, rich flavor. It’s a game-changer for weeknight meals, offering a comforting and hearty option that’s anything but ordinary. Plus, it’s a cinch to make, meaning you get to enjoy all that savory goodness without spending hours in the kitchen. Ready for a skillet dinner that’s as easy as it is exciting? Give this one a go.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Buffalo Turkey Cauliflower Skillet

White skillet with buffalo ground turkey and cauliflower rice with a wooden spoon.
Buffalo Turkey Cauliflower Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Looking for something quick, easy, and a tad healthier? This buffalo turkey cauliflower skillet ticks all those boxes, with just four ingredients and minimal prep. It’s spicy, it’s hearty, and it doubles as a fantastic meal-prep option for the week ahead. Dive into this skillet for a meal that’s sure to shake up your dinner routine, proving healthy doesn’t have to be dull. Plus, who can resist the buffalo flavor kick?
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Turkey Cauliflower Skillet

Honey Orange Sesame Chicken

Honey orange chicken with sesame seeds and green beans in a white bowl.
Honey Orange Sesame Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Introduce a little sweetness into your dinner lineup with this honey orange sesame chicken, a healthier take on a takeout favorite that you can whip up in no time. Sticky, sweet, and utterly irresistible, it’s a dish that proves healthy eating doesn’t have to be bland. Whether you’re a fan of Asian cuisine or just looking for a new way to enjoy chicken, this recipe is a bright idea for a quick and satisfying meal. It’s all the flavor without the fuss, ready to make any night a little more special.
Get the Recipe: Honey Orange Sesame Chicken

Kung Pao Chickpeas

Kung pao chickpea dish in a bowl with rice and skillet off to the left.
Kung Pao Chickpeas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Embrace the flavors of your favorite Chinese dish with a twist in these Kung Pao chickpeas. It’s a vegan-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on the bold flavors you love, making it a perfect pick for anyone looking to cut down on meat without sacrificing taste. Spicy, savory, and packed with protein, it’s a skillet dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. And it comes together so fast, you’ll be sitting down to eat in no time. Ready to spice up your dinner routine? This is how you do it.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chickpeas

Smashed White Bean Quesadillas

Smashed white bean quesadillas on a cutting board.
Smashed White Bean Quesadillas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Who said meatless had to be boring? These smashed white bean and kale quesadillas are here to prove otherwise, melting in your mouth with cheddar and a creamy BBQ sauce to top it off. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking to mix things up, this dish is a hearty, flavor-packed choice that’ll make you forget it’s good for you. And it’s all done in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Perfect for those nights when you want something a little different but totally comforting.
Get the Recipe: Smashed White Bean Quesadillas

Skillet Lamb Chops with Cipollini Onions

Skillet lamb chops with tarragon mustard sauce and cipollini onions.
Skillet Lamb Chops with Cipollini Onions. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Brighten up your dinner with these skillet lamb chops, cooked up quick with golden-brown cipollini onions and a fresh tarragon honey mustard sauce that’ll make your taste buds sing. It’s a quick, refreshing dinner that feels fancy without the fuss, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself on a weeknight. Dive into this skillet dish for a tasty adventure you haven’t had yet. Trust us, it’s a game-changer.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Lamb Chops with Cipollini Onions

Garlicky Butternut Squash Noodles

Butternut squash noodles with spinach, ricotta and garlic in a cast iron skillet.
Garlicky Butternut Squash Noodles. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, comforting skillet meal you’ve never tried before, these garlicky butternut squash noodles have got you covered. Tossed with wilted spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and toasted pine nuts, then finished with fresh dollops of ricotta and parmesan, it’s a vegetarian dream come true. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy your veggies in a fun, noodle-like form. Give it a whirl; it might just become your new favorite.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Butternut Squash Noodles

Sweet & Spicy Pork Ramen Stir Fry

Pork ramen stir fry in a blue cast iron skillet with chop sticks.
Sweet & Spicy Pork Ramen Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Forget takeout—this sweet and spicy pork ramen stir fry is here to win dinner with a 20-minute cook time and a veggie-packed punch. It’s the kind of meal that’s both comforting and fresh, making it a stellar pick for busy weeknights. And with more flavor than your local takeout spot, it’s a homemade upgrade you’ll want on repeat. Dive into this skillet wonder for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is quick.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Pork Ramen Stir Fry

Blackened Cod

Blackened cod served with tri color quinoa.
Blackened Cod. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ready to shake up your skillet dinner game? Try this blackened cod that’s as simple as it gets with pantry spices and a hot pan. It’s the kind of dish that makes weeknights feel a bit more special without any fuss. Plus, it cooks up so fast, you’ll have more time to enjoy your evening. It’s a perfect introduction to cooking fish at home if you’re looking to branch out.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Cod

Sweet & Spicy Mango Shrimp

Mango shrimp served with white rice on a white plate with spoon.
Sweet & Spicy Mango Shrimp. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Sweet and spicy mango shrimp transforms your dinner into a 20-minute flavor journey. It strikes a perfect balance between the heat of the spices and the sweetness of mango, offering a dish that’s both bold and refreshing. Ideal for those bustling weeknights or whenever you’re in the mood for something special, this recipe is straightforward yet impressively flavorful. It’s a great choice for anyone eager to explore new taste sensations without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Mango Shrimp

Spicy Skillet Lamb Ragu

Lamb ragu with cavatappi pasta in a white skillet.
Spicy Skillet Lamb Ragu. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Spice up your dinner routine with this lamb ragu, a one-skillet wonder that’s bursting with flavors thanks to cavatappi pasta, crushed tomatoes, and a kick of harissa paste. It’s the perfect dish for when you’re craving something hearty and warming but also looking for that spicy edge. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make, proving that adventurous cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. Ready to try a skillet dinner that’s as flavorful as it is easy? This is the one.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Skillet Lamb Ragu

Dandelion Greens and Beans

Beans and greens in a skillet with a wooden spoon.
Dandelion Greens and Beans. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Simple, quick, and utterly satisfying, this sautéed dandelion greens and beans dish is a vegetarian delight ready in under 30 minutes. It’s a light, nourishing meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor, making it a fantastic choice for a fuss-free dinner. Whether you’re a long-time veggie lover or just dipping your toes into meatless meals, this dish is a great way to enjoy some greens. Plus, it’s so easy to make, you’ll have plenty of time left to relax after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Dandelion Greens and Beans

Sweet & Spicy Indian Chicken

Indian spiced chicken thighs on a metal plate with lemon wedges.
Sweet & Spicy Indian Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Shake up your chicken game with this sweet and spicy Indian chicken, marinated in yogurt and spices then glazed with maple syrup for that perfect sticky sweetness. It’s outrageously good and a breeze to make, turning ordinary nights into something extraordinary. Whether you’re a fan of Indian cuisine or just looking for a new chicken recipe to love, this dish is a must-try. It’s a flavor-packed journey in your own kitchen, no passport required.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Indian Chicken

Smoky Steak Potato & Pepper Skillet

Steak peppers and potato skillet with a metal serving spoon.
Smoky Steak Potato & Pepper Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ever crave something hearty but don’t want to spend all night in the kitchen? This smoky steak, potato, and pepper skillet has got your back. Just toss everything in the skillet, pop it in the oven, and voila—dinner’s ready before you know it. It’s the perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it an ideal dish for those evenings when you’re craving comfort food but still want to keep things simple. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, which means less washing up and more relaxing.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Steak Potato & Pepper Skillet

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