15 stovetop meals you’ve been missing out on

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You’ve been missing out! These 15 new-to-you stovetop meals are about to shake up your usual dinner game. These recipes are not only easy to make but also loaded with so much flavor you’ll wonder how they never made it into your weekly lineup. Whether you’re cooking solo or for a full house, these dishes are the perfect way to switch things up.

A pan of creamy dijon chicken with herbs and bacon.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. 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.

Dive into a skillet of Tuscan garlic shrimp and spinach, where every bite is a mix of succulent shrimp, juicy grape tomatoes, and tender spinach, all swimming in a garlic-infused sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is a testament to how quick and easy a great dinner can be. Whether you’re looking to spice things up with a dash of paprika or red pepper flakes or keep it classic, it’s a perfect match for pasta or rice. Best for those evenings when time is of the essence but you’re craving something special.
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.

Come home to a plate of garlic butter chicken bites that took only 20 minutes to make. This dish brings juicy, tender chicken to the forefront, bathed in a mouthwatering garlic butter sauce. It’s the ultimate quick-fix dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Whether you’re laying them over a bed of rice and veggies for a filling meal or adding a protein punch to your salad, these chicken bites are proof that good food doesn’t have to keep you in the kitchen all night.
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.

In just 25 minutes, you can have a hearty and delicious meal of cabbage and sausage ready to go. This recipe is as straightforward as it gets, combining flavorful sausage with crunchy cabbage in a no-nonsense, easy-to-follow way. It’s the kind of meal that reassures you that cooking doesn’t have to be a big deal to be good. Perfect for those days when you want something filling without the hassle, it’s a go-to dish that keeps things simple and delicious.
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.

Picture this: chicken thighs cooked to perfection and then drenched in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce. It sounds like a lot of work, but it’s actually super simple. Everything cooks up in one pan, and in just 30 minutes, you’re ready to dive in. Serve it with rice, pasta, or veggies, and you’ve got a meal that looks fancy but is really easy, perfect for spicing up your weeknights. For those short on time but craving comfort food, this dish delivers big on taste without the wait. Plus, the combination of lean protein from the chicken and nutrients from the mushrooms serves a balanced meal.
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.

Mix up your weeknight dinners with this delectable dish that pairs crunchy cabbage and crispy bacon. It’s all done in 25 minutes, proving that quick meals can still pack a punch of flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, this dish is a straightforward way to get both your veggies and protein, making it an awesome pick for when you’re after something easy and full of taste. This meal is a lifesaver for busy people needing a nutritious dinner without hours of prep. Cabbage, loaded with vitamins, and bacon add a depth of flavor in an innovative take on traditional ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage With Bacon

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken turns ordinary chicken thighs into something extraordinary with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach, all in a creamy sauce. And guess what? It’s a one-skillet wonder that’s table-ready in 40 minutes. Great for those evenings when you want a touch of elegance without spending your whole night in the kitchen. Perfect for adding a dash of gourmet to your weeknight routine, it also sneaks in a good dose of iron and vitamins from the spinach. It’s an innovative way to enjoy a balanced diet with flavors that whisk you away to Italy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Dijon Chicken

A pan with chicken, spinach and bacon in it.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in just 30 minutes, this Creamy Dijon Chicken is a game-changer for weeknights. With chicken thighs, spinach, and bacon all coming together in a creamy Dijon sauce, it’s quick to prepare but doesn’t skimp on flavor. It’s the perfect choice for a balanced, delectable meal that won’t keep you tied up in the kitchen for ages. This dish is a boon for anyone looking to shake up their chicken routine with a bold flavor, plus it packs a nutritious punch with greens and protein. The creamy Dijon sauce is not just delectable; it’s a clever way to introduce more flavor into healthy eating.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Sausage Curry

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

Sausage Curry brings together sausage chunks and veggies in a creamy, curry-flavored sauce. Who knew you could whip up this dish in less than an hour? It’s simple, uses just one pan, and you can tweak it with your favorite spices. Perfect for shaking up your dinner routine without a lot of work. It’s great for those craving something different, delivering a distinct combo of flavors while providing a comforting, nutritious meal. Adding your choice of spices can not only tailor it to your taste but also boost the dish’s antioxidant content.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Broccoli Fritters

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

With just 35 minutes and a handful of ingredients, these Broccoli Fritters are a real treat. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they’re a great quick meal or an appetizing snack. Pair them with Greek yogurt, sour cream, or your favorite dip for an extra flavor kick. This recipe turns the chore of eating veggies into a pleasure, especially for those struggling to incorporate greens into their diet. Broccoli, a powerhouse of nutrients, gets a delectable makeover, proving healthy eating can be innovative and flavorful.
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.

Revamp leftover chicken into a flavorful feast with Green Chile Chicken, ready in 20 minutes. Mix shredded chicken with green chiles in a creamy sauce for a smart, delectable way to use up what you have. It’s budget-friendly, practical, and perfect for a quick and flavorful meal. This dish is a fantastic solution to reducing food waste while ensuring a meal that’s as nutritious as it is quick to prepare. Plus, green chiles are great for boosting your vitamin C intake, adding a healthy kick to a convenient dish.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken

Lemon Garlic Scallops

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

Impress yourself with these restaurant-quality Lemon Garlic Scallops, made right in your kitchen. Golden, pan-seared scallops simmered in a lemon and garlic sauce, ready in 30 minutes. It’s a fancy yet easy dish for special occasions or a regular dinner night. Scallops are a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making this dish a smart choice for those looking to eat healthily but not skimp on flavor.
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 Chicken fits perfectly into your busy life. Pan-fried chicken breasts simmered in garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan sauce, ready in 30 minutes. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive for special moments too. For anyone in need of a comforting meal that doesn’t take forever to make, this dish is a dream. The garlic not only adds flavor but also has health benefits, and the creamy sauce makes it a hit for those looking to treat themselves to something special.
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.

Dive into this Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet, a meal that’s not just easy but also hearty. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s your go-to for those days when you need something quick, rich, and on the lighter side. This dish answers the call for a low-carb option without sacrificing taste, making it perfect for those watching their carb intake. Cauliflower rice is a great source of vitamins, making this an innovative, nutritious spin on traditional rice dishes.
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.

In just 30 minutes, enjoy chicken cooked in a creamy sun-dried tomato and garlic sauce. It’s a straightforward, one-pan meal that’s perfect for nights when you want something rich and comforting without a long wait. This dish is a fantastic choice for adding some excitement to your chicken dinners, providing a good mix of protein, vitamins, and antioxidants. The sun-dried tomatoes bring a tangy sweetness that’s both innovative and delicious.
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.

Whip up this effortless dinner in 30 minutes. Chicken thighs and artichoke hearts in a creamy sauce make a wholesome meal that’s great for busy weekdays. It’s about getting something on the table that’s impressive yet easy. This recipe is perfect for those looking to enjoy a meal that’s both comforting and heart-healthy. Artichoke hearts are not only flavorful but also rich in fiber and antioxidants, adding a nutritious boost to this easy dish.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

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