18 stovetop dinner recipes we’re always recommending

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Stovetop dinner recipes are our bread and butter, and we’ve got 18 of them that we always find ourselves recommending. They’re the reliable favorites that come together with minimal hassle and deliver maximum flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want a great meal without the theatrics of an over-the-top cooking session.

Cooked cabbage and carrot slaw in a skillet, topped with melted cheese and drizzled with pink sauce.
Reuben Bowls. 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.

This Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach is a great choice for a stovetop dinner we always recommend. It’s packed with shrimp, garlic, and Italian seasoning, balanced with fresh tomatoes, spinach, and basil. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pan meal is high in protein and full of flavor. Pair it with some steamed cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a light dinner. It’s great for those busy weeknights when you want something nutritious and easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Creamy Dijon Chicken

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

Creamy Dijon Chicken is a great stovetop dinner that’s easy to make and full of flavor. In just 30 minutes, this dish combines chicken thighs, spinach, and bacon in a creamy Dijon sauce. Chicken thighs are perfect for this meal as they’re less likely to dry out compared to chicken breasts. This recipe is great for a quick and effortless dinner when you want something comforting without a lot of effort. The combination of flavors is rich and filling, making this dish a great choice for when you want a comforting meal that’s quick to prepare and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites is a great stovetop dinner we often recommend. It’s a simple dish where chicken breast pieces are coated in cornstarch, then pan-fried and tossed in a seasoned garlic butter sauce. This 20-minute meal is a quick and delicious way to enjoy tender chicken bites, perfect for busy nights when you want a speedy yet flavorful dinner. It’s perfect for those moments when you’re craving something comforting and filling without a lot of prep work.
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 Cabbage and Sausage is perfect for a quick and easy stovetop dinner we always suggest to friends. This dish combines sautéed cabbage with onions and seared sausages, finished with apple cider vinegar for a tangy touch. In just 25 minutes, you have a filling meal that’s great for a busy evening when you want something hearty but simple. All you need is one pan for this dish. It’s a great solution when you’re looking for a comforting and budget-friendly dinner that doesn’t require a lot of time or effort.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Sausage Curry

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

Sausage Curry is a great stovetop dinner that’s both flavorful and easy to make. In under an hour, sausages, sweet potatoes, carrots, and onions come together in a creamy curry sauce. This recipe is perfect for nights when you want a delicious meal with minimal cleanup. It’s a dish you’ll keep going back to for its hearty and comforting flavors. The combination of ingredients is both nutritious and filling, making this dish a great choice for those busy nights when you want something easy and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Broccoli Fritters

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

These Broccoli Fritters are a quick and nourishing 35-minute meal that’s great if you’re craving a new veggie favorite. Made with steamed broccoli, eggs, Parmesan, and either sunflower seed meal or almond flour, they’re crisp and light. Paired with a dip, they make eating greens easy and even fun. They are perfect for a light dinner or snack on the stovetop. If you’re looking for a quick way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals, this is a great choice.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Fritters

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

This Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is a must-try 30-minute stovetop meal. It features chicken thighs in a rich sauce made with mushrooms, sun-dried tomato, Parmesan, herbs and spices. This hearty meal pairs well with any side dish, making it great for quick and easy dinners. The creamy sauce adds a rich flavor, making it a great choice for those who love comfort food. If you’re looking for a fast meal that feels fancy, this is a perfect option.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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.

These Reuben Bowls are a delicious, easy-to-make meal that’s ready in only 30 minutes. They’re a great choice for a quick dinner or a make-ahead lunch option. The key components of the recipe will be to brown some deli corned beef, toss it with coleslaw or shredded cabbage, mix in sauerkraut, melt on some Swiss cheese, then drizzle homemade Thousand Island dressing on top of each bowl (or you can skip this and use store-bought dressing instead).
Get the Recipe: Reuben Bowls

Chicken Tortellini Soup

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

Chicken Tortellini Soup is a perfect stovetop dinner that’s comforting and easy to make. This hearty soup combines chicken, cheese tortellini, carrots, celery, and onions in just 40 minutes. It’s perfect for cool evenings and a smart way to use leftover or rotisserie chicken. Budget-friendly and easy to prepare, this soup will have you coming back for more. The combination of flavors is rich and robust, making this soup a great choice for when you want a comforting and easy-to-make dinner.
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.

Green Chile Chicken is a 20-minute stovetop meal that uses leftover or cooked shredded chicken, making it convenient and quick. With green chiles and a creamy sauce of whole milk and heavy cream, it’s perfect for those who enjoy a bit of spicy and creamy in their menu option. It’s great for easy lunches or dinners when you want something rich and flavorful. This dish is perfect for anyone who wants a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. It’s a great way to make use of leftover chicken too.
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 a 25-minute stovetop recipe that’s quick and hearty. The combination of crunchy cabbage and crispy bacon creates a great dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. It’s a simple and delicious choice for those looking for a balanced meal. If you’re looking for an easy way to include more veggies in your meals, cabbage is a great choice. This versatile ingredient absorbs other flavors nicely. This recipe is great for anyone who wants a comforting meal without spending too much time cooking. The crispiness of the bacon adds a nice texture.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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

Creamy Tuscan Chicken combines chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a garlic-infused creamy sauce. Ready in 40 minutes, it’s a flavorful and hearty stovetop meal you should try at least once. It’s perfect for those looking for a quick and delicious dinner option. The combination of skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs and creamy sauce of Parmesan and heavy cream makes this dish a great comfort food. If you want a meal that feels fancy without too much work, this is a perfect choice.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Lemon Garlic Scallops

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

Lemon Garlic Scallops is a 30-minute stovetop recipe that delivers a restaurant-quality experience. The seared scallops are paired with a lemon-garlic sauce, giving you a light, citrusy flavor. It’s an impressive yet easy-to-make dish for special dinners, or anytime you want a treat. This recipe is great for anyone who wants to try something a bit more upscale without going out to eat. The dish is light but flavorful, making it perfect for a refreshing seafood meal you can enjoy at home.
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.

Creamy Garlic Chicken is a comforting and quick 30-minute meal made with chicken breasts in garlic, Parmesan, and cream sauce. It’s a great choice for flavorful dinners on busy nights. Plus, it only requires a stovetop, so you can easily whip up this delicious dish. This recipe is perfect for those who want a comforting and flavorful meal without a lot of effort. The creamy garlic sauce adds a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the seasoned chicken.
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.

This great stovetop dish is a healthy option that doesn’t skimp on flavor. With ground beef, cauliflower rice, mushrooms, and cheddar cheese, seasoned with garlic powder and red pepper flakes, it’s a perfect hearty meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. The flavors are rich and comforting, with the ground beef serving a robust base, while the cauliflower rice adds a lighter touch. It’s one of the best quick dinners we’re always recommending. This skillet dish is also great for anyone looking to make a quick and nutritious meal after a long day.
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.

This stovetop dish, which we always recommend, comes together in 30 minutes. Boneless chicken thighs cook in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, creating a rich flavor that’s hard to resist. Serve with mashed potatoes, cauliflower rice, or noodles for a filling meal. It’s a go-to choice for those seeking fast yet delicious meals. This dish is great for anyone looking for a quick, delicious dinner after a busy day.
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.

This soup is a great one-pot meal that’s ready in 40 minutes. With sautéed veggies and white beans in a flavorful broth, it’s thickened by blending some of the beans for a creamy texture. Fresh spinach and a touch of lemon juice are added at the end for brightness. Garnish with croutons and grated Parmesan cheese before serving. This dish is a healthy, filling choice that’s perfect for easy dinners we’re always talking about. It’s perfect for anyone wanting a nutritious meal without spending too much time cooking.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

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.

This quick mix of chicken and artichokes in a creamy sauce, seasoned with Italian spices, garlic, and onion powder, is a great choice for the stovetop dinners we’re always suggesting. The dish has a rich and flavorful artichoke cream sauce that perfectly complements the tender chicken. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a recipe you’ll love for dinner. It’s great for those nights when you want a fast, delicious meal without much prep, but it looks like you spent more time cooking it.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

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