Skillet dinners have got your back, outdoing any trendy meal kit with their straightforward charm. These 15 recipes keep it easy with simple prep and memorable flavors that turn your average night into something extra, but without the extra work. Perfect for solo evenings or a full house, they’re all about one pan, no stress, and great taste — proving the best meals are often the simplest.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
Get this done in 30 minutes. Heat olive oil, cook the garlic a bit, then add tomatoes until they’re soft. Throw in shrimp, wait till they turn pink, and toss in spinach until it wilts. Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach is a regular for us because it’s quick, looks good, and there’s barely any cleaning afterward. Great for busy nights when you want to impress without much effort.
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Cabbage and Sausage
Slice sausage, chop cabbage, and brown the sausage in a pan. Add the cabbage, season with salt and pepper, and maybe some herbs you like. Cover and cook for about 30 minutes until the cabbage is just right. This Cabbage and Sausage recipe makes our regular list because it’s fast, filling, and cleanup is a snap. Perfect for when you’re hungry and in a hurry but don’t want to deal with a big cleanup.
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Cook bite-sized chicken pieces in a mixture of garlic and butter for an irresistibly flavorful Garlic Butter Chicken Bites, ready in just 20 minutes. This quick and simple recipe is great for a last-minute dinner that still feels special. Pair it with your favorite sides for a complete meal that’s sure to please.
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Creamy Dijon Chicken
Start making Creamy Dijon Chicken by cooking chicken in a pan, then stir in a rich Dijon mustard sauce, fresh spinach, and crispy bacon pieces. It takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a solid pick for a quick and delicious dinner. This skillet meal is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even easier to clean up after.
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Sausage Curry
Toss sausages, your choice of veggies, and curry sauce into a skillet, cooking everything together for a flavor-packed meal. If you like, add a sprinkle of garam masala or fresh cilantro for extra zest. Ready in 45 minutes, it’s a standout dish for busy days, with the bonus of minimal cleanup.
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Fried Cabbage With Bacon
Combine chopped cabbage, diced bacon, and sliced onion in a skillet, frying them up in just 25 minutes for a quick and hearty meal. This simple combo cooks up fast, making it great for those nights when you’re short on time but still want something filling. Plus, Fried Cabbage With Bacon is all made in one pan, so you can forget about a big cleanup.
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Lemon Garlic Scallops
Sear scallops in a skillet with garlic and finish them off with a tangy lemon sauce, all in just 30 minutes. Lemon Garlic Scallops is an easy way to make a meal that feels upscale without a lot of work. This dish is perfect for when you want to treat yourself to something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
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Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Brown some chicken thighs, then take them out of the pan. Use the same pan to cook mushrooms and garlic. Add chicken stock, pour in cream, and mix it all up. Put the chicken back in, and let it simmer until it’s cooked. Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is a favorite because it tastes fancy but is super easy to clean up after. It’s what you make when you want something special, but not the mess.
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Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Sear chicken thighs until golden, then add garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach to the skillet, finishing off with a splash of cream for richness. Creamy Tuscan Chicken comes together in about 40 minutes, serving up a taste of Italy with minimal hassle. It’s the perfect recipe for when you want a delicious dinner without spending the whole evening in the kitchen.
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Creamy Garlic Chicken
Brown chicken breasts in a skillet before adding a creamy sauce made with garlic and Parmesan cheese. Creamy Garlic Chicken is ready in 30 minutes, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner that looks and tastes like you spent way more time on it. It’s a one-skillet wonder that’s sure to impress with its flavor and ease of preparation.
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Green Chile Chicken
Take leftover chicken, shred it, and cook it up with green chilies in a pan for a dish that’s full of flavor and ready in 20 minutes. This recipe is a genius way to repurpose leftovers into a meal that feels entirely new and exciting. It’s super simple, making it a perfect option for a no-stress dinner on the stovetop.
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Creamy Ground Beef And Cauliflower Rice Skillet
Mix ground beef and cauliflower rice in a skillet, then stir in some cream and cheese for a dish that’s hearty and appetizing. It’s ready in 30 minutes, making it a go-to for those nights when you need something filling but are tight on time. This skillet meal is a winner for its ease, quick cooking time, and minimal cleanup.
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Broccoli Fritters
Mix up some broccoli, form it into fritters, and fry them in a skillet for a dish that’s ready in 35 minutes. These Broccoli fritters are crispy, easy to make, and can be enjoyed with or without your favorite dip. They’re a fun and quick way to get your greens in, perfect for a casual dinner or snack.
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Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Cook chicken in a skillet, then add sun-dried tomatoes and finish with a creamy sauce for a dish that’s bursting with flavor. It’s all done in 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for a quick, filling dinner. This one-pan meal is a favorite for its straightforward prep and the rich taste it delivers.
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Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts
Brown chicken thighs in a skillet, add artichoke hearts and cover everything in a creamy sauce for a meal that’s ready in 30 minutes. Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts combines simple ingredients for a rich and appetizing dinner that’s easy to pull off on any night. Plus, it’s made in just one skillet, so you can enjoy a delicious meal and easy cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts