15 stovetop dinners that are easier to make than you think

Photo of author

| Published:

Stovetop dinners are perfect for when you want to keep things simple but still impress yourself or others. You might think whipping up a good meal takes a lot of time or skill, but it’s easier than you think. These 15 recipes are great for those busy nights or any time you’re wanting a homemade meal without spending the whole evening in the kitchen.

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

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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

A quick and delicious stovetop meal ready in just 30 minutes. You’ll cook shrimp, grape tomatoes, and spinach in a savory garlic sauce, with the option to add paprika or red pepper flakes for a little kick. It’s a great choice for a simple and flavorful dinner any weeknight, pairing well with pasta or rice.
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.

In just 20 minutes, you can whip up these bite-sized chicken pieces in a savory garlic butter sauce, ensuring they turn out juicy and tender. Whether served with rice and veggies for a complete meal or tossed on a salad for a lighter option, this dish is a quick, one-pan wonder. It delivers all the good flavors without keeping you in the kitchen all evening.
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.

This practical meal is ready in just 25 minutes, combining sausage and cabbage with simple cooking steps that anyone can follow. It’s a hearty stovetop recipe that uses common ingredients. Perfect for your weekly menu planning.
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.

Cook chicken thighs until perfectly done, then toss them in a creamy mushroom sauce. It’s very easy to make as everything comes together in just one pan and can be served in 30 minutes. Pair it with rice, pasta, or veggies, and you’ve got a meal that feels fancy but is easy enough for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Fried Cabbage With Bacon

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

This hearty dish combines staple pantry items like cabbage and bacon and is ready in just 25 minutes. It’s a straightforward dish that delivers both your protein and vegetables in one go. Perfect when you need an easy, quick, and flavorful dish to end a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage With Bacon

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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

This Tuscan dish cooks chicken thighs in a creamy sauce made with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. It’s all done in one skillet and can be served in just 40 minutes. Make this on evenings when you’re looking for something special that won’t require you to cook for hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Dijon Chicken

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

In just 30 minutes, you can have this impressive meal ready on your table. It combines chicken thighs, spinach, and bacon in a rich, creamy Dijon sauce. It’s quick to prepare and ensures you don’t spend your whole evening in the kitchen. This dish is a solid choice for a balanced, flavorful meal during the week.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Sausage Curry

Garnished sausage curry with a wooden spoon.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish combines sausage chunks and veggies in a creamy sauce full of curry flavors. It’s very easy to make, uses only one pan, and can be served in less than an hour. Feel free to customize it with your favorite spices, like garam masala or cilantro. This stovetop dish is a great go-to when you need to serve something new but don’t want too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Broccoli Fritters

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

Grab some broccoli florets, Parmesan cheese, and a handful of other ingredients to make these flavorful patties. You’ll mix the ingredients, form them into patties, and pan-fry until crispy. Ready in just 35 minutes, these fritters are perfect when you need a quick meal or a filling snack. Serve them up with some Greek yogurt, sour cream, or your dip of choice to kick up the flavor.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Fritters

Green Chile Chicken

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

This budget-friendly and practical stovetop dish gives any leftover chicken you have a new life. You’ll combine shredded chicken with green chiles in a creamy sauce and garnish it with spring onions and black pepper. Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is a smart way to repurpose leftovers into something flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken

Lemon Garlic Scallops

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

Cook up restaurant-quality scallops in your own kitchen with this easy seafood dish. First, you’ll pan-sear the scallops to golden perfection, then simmer them in a savory sauce made from lemon and garlic. It’s a quick 30-minute dish that’s prepared in just one skillet. Serve it with rice or your favorite veggies for a meal that’s great for both date nights and regular weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

This creamy garlic dish will fit right into your busy schedule. Pan-fry chicken breasts and then simmer them in a creamy sauce made with heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is easy enough for a busy weeknight but still impressive enough for special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Creamy Ground Beef And Cauliflower Rice Skillet

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Ground Beef And Cauliflower Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Here’s an easy stovetop that you’ll want to make every week. Ground beef, cauliflower rice, mushrooms, and cheese are cooked together in just one skillet to bring out the best flavors. Ready in 30 minutes, make this on days when you need a meal that’s quick, easy, and hearty. This dish is a great choice for a filling and low-carb dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef And Cauliflower Rice Skillet

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

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

You can have this easy stovetop meal ready in 30 minutes using only one pan. You will cook chicken in a creamy sun-dried tomato and garlic sauce. This dish is perfect for nights when you want something flavorful and comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen. It’s a great option for a rich and creamy dinner that’s quick and hassle-free.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

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.

Make dinner with minimal effort using this one-pan recipe. Simply combine chicken thighs and artichoke hearts in a creamy sauce for a wholesome meal ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weekdays when you crave something impressive yet uncomplicated.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Leave a Comment

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