18 insanely easy stovetop meals that’ll save you from another bland dinner

Photo of author

| Published:

Sick of bland dinners that make you question your life choices? These stovetop meals are insanely easy to throw together, even your laziest self will thank you. These recipes are like hitting the dinner jackpot — they’re delicious, effortless, and will make you forget what boring dinners even tasted like.

Creamy Tuscan chicken in a skillet.
Creamy Tuscan 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.

You don’t need bread to enjoy a Reuben. At least, not for this one. Reuben Bowls are a clever take on the classic sandwich, mixing corned beef, coleslaw, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese, all ready in just 30 minutes. It’s a perfect meal for those evenings when you’re too tired to deal with a full-on dinner but still crave something that hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Bowls

Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

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

If you’re in the mood for something that seems fancy but requires minimal effort, Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts has got you covered. This dish pairs juicy chicken thighs with a creamy artichoke and lemon sauce, creating a meal that’s easy to prepare and hard to resist. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for turning a plain weeknight into something a bit more special.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

Forget about waiting for that pizza delivery — these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are ready faster and taste way better. In just 20 minutes, golden chicken bites are cooked and then tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, serving a perfect quick fix for those hectic evenings. They’re a hit for casual gatherings or just a simple family dinner where you want to serve something everyone will love without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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

Ditch those dreary microwave meals and whip up something fresh with Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. This dish combines succulent shrimp with spinach and tomatoes cooked in rich garlic sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a lifesaver on busy nights when you need a quick yet hearty meal. Plus, it’s packed with flavors that’ll make you feel like you’re dining in a little Italian bistro, not just your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Sausage Curry

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

When the weather’s gloomy, or you just need some comfort food, this Sausage Curry will do the trick. This one-pan dinner combines sausages, sweet potatoes, and veggies in a creamy sauce, all cooked up in less than an hour. It’s a perfect meal for those days when you need something hearty yet straightforward. It shows that you can have a filling dinner without the hassle of multiple pots and pans. Give it a try and see how easy it is to bring a bit of something different to your table without any drama.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Cabbage and Sausage

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

Make this Cabbage and Sausage on nights when you need something uncomplicated and straightforward. This dish features sautéed cabbage and onions mixed with juicy sausages, a hint of apple cider vinegar and s-spices, all ready in 25 minutes. It’s a practical, no-nonsense meal that delivers on taste while keeping everything else simple. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to get some veggies into your diet without drama.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Broccoli Fritters

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

If you think broccoli is just a side dish, these Broccoli Fritters will change your mind. In just 35 minutes, you can transform steamed broccoli, eggs, and Parmesan into crispy, golden fritters that are perfect to serve on their own or alongside your favorite mains. They’re so simple to make and a brilliant way to get everyone excited about eating their veggies. Easy to make and even easier to love, these fritters are a solid way to jazz up dinner without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Fritters

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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

Take a trip to Italy without leaving your kitchen with this Creamy Tuscan Chicken. In about 40 minutes, chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach are all cooked in a creamy sauce. This recipe is perfect for when you want something a little fancy without a lot of work, but it’s also a great way to make any ordinary night feel like a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

We’re off the microwave and onto something a lot better. Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is ready in just 30 minutes and features juicy chicken thighs cooked in a creamy mushroom and Parmesan sauce. This stovetop dinner uses straightforward ingredients you may already have at home or that are very easily accessible at the grocery store. It’s filling and can be served on its own or on top of your favorite grain, on top of cauliflower rice, or alongside a simple side dish. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t want to conquer dinner with time to spare for a little couch relaxation?
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Creamy Dijon Chicken

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

Say goodbye to boring dinners with this Creamy Dijon Chicken. It’s a straightforward dish where chicken thighs are cooked with bacon and spinach in a rich Dijon mustard sauce, all in just 30 minutes. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like a chef without needing a degree or a mountain of pots and pans. With only one pan and minimal time required in the kitchen, this dijon chicken meal will be a new favorite.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Lemon Garlic Scallops

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

If you want a quick fix that feels gourmet, Lemon Garlic Scallops are here to save your evening. These scallops are perfectly seared and cooked with a tangy lemon-garlic sauce, all within 20 minutes. Think of it as your little secret for turning a regular night into a special occasion. Fast, simple, and with a flavor that screams high-end restaurant, this stovetop dinner is a win-win for your palate and busy schedule.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

Chicken Tortellini Soup

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

Chicken Tortellini Soup is your quick answer to what’s for dinner on those “just can’t even” evenings. Ready in 40 minutes, you’ll cook chicken, cheese tortellini, carrots, celery, and onions into a savory broth. It’s also a great choice for creatively using leftover cooked chicken and whatever veggies you have on hand. With minimal prep and cooking all in one pot, it’s a quick and easy meal that leaves you more time to do anything other than cooking.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Green Chile Chicken

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

In just 20 minutes, you can turn your evening around with Green Chile Chicken. This stovetop meal mixes shredded cooked chicken, green chiles, and a creamy sauce to give you a real flavor kick. It’s a simple solution for those evenings when you can barely muster the energy to order pizza. Plus, with minimal mess to clean up afterward, it’s perfect for busy people who’d rather relax than scrub pots and pans.
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 your 25-minute stovetop dinner that saves your night when you need dinner in a pinch. It’s a straightforward meal perfect for adding more greens to your diet without boring your taste buds to tears. And really, when bacon’s part of the equation, you know dinner’s going to be good.
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 will make your weeknights less dreadful. The dish features chicken breasts cooked on the stovetop in a creamy white sauce made with grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, and heavy cream, ready in 30 minutes and cooked in just one pan. It’s the kind of dinner that impresses without the stress, perfect for when you’re trying to keep things low-key but still want to eat something that feels a bit fancy. Serve it on its own, atop rice with a side dish, or with pasta to soak up all the delicious sauce.
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.

Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet is another easy stovetop meal you can master in no time. Ready in just 30 minutes, it combines ground beef with cauliflower rice and mushrooms, all smothered in a creamy cheese sauce. It’s a great choice for a filling meal that still keeps things light. Plus, it’s so easy to make and even easier to clean up, making it a perfect fit for those nights when you’d rather chill than cook.
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 the quick-and-easy dinner you’ve been looking for. Ready in 30 minutes, this dish features chicken thighs and sun-dried tomatoes simmered in a creamy sauce. It’s easy enough for a weekday but has the kind of flavor that makes it seem like you’re relaxing on a weekend. Because, let’s face it, you’ve got better things to do than spend most of your evening cooking.
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 comes together in just 40 minutes and is more than just your average soup. It’s a comforting mix of sautéed veggies and creamy white beans, all in a rich broth that gets a bright touch from a squeeze of lemon. This stovetop dinner is perfect for those nights when you want something soothing without the hassle. It’s straightforward, delicious, and kind of makes you feel like you’ve got everything under control — even if just for dinner time.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Leave a Comment

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