These are the 19 stovetop recipes we always keep bookmarked

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These 19 stovetop recipes are the ones we always keep bookmarked because they’re just so practical and straightforward. These are the dishes we lean on for everyday meals and those times when we need something quick but good. They’re perfect for busy days, easy enough for anyone to tackle, and always turn out great. Think of them as your go-to playbook for meals that won’t let you down.

A spoon is serving Hungarian mushroom soup into a bowl.
Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Dijon Chicken

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

This dish is made with chicken thighs, spinach, and bacon, all cooked together in a creamy Dijon sauce. It’s a great go-to for a balanced meal on a busy weeknight, as you can get both your protein and greens in one go. Ready in 30 minutes, make this on busy nights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

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 recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a cozy dinner without spending too much time cooking. In just 30 minutes, this seafood dish brings together shrimp, grape tomatoes, and spinach in a delicious garlic sauce. You can spice it up with some paprika or red pepper flakes to kick up the flavors a notch. Serve it alongside pasta or rice for an easy and flavorful dinner that’s perfect for any weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

A bowl of chicken pot pie soup being scooped with a spoon.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This recipe brings all the familiar flavors of a chicken pot pie without the need for baking. This soup features chicken bites and veggies simmered together in a creamy broth on the stovetop using just one pot. It takes an hour to cook, making it a great option for a filling family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

A bowl of soup with sour cream and parsley.
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This soup combines sweet potatoes and red peppers into a creamy, flavorful meal. It takes about an hour to make, perfect when you need a simple yet wholesome option for your weeknight dinners. Serve this up whenever you need a filling and comforting dish that’s easy to prepare on the stovetop.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Chicken bites with garlic butter and herbs on a plate.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Here’s an easy and quick solution for a hearty dinner on busy nights. This dish features bite-sized pieces of juicy, tender chicken cooked in a delicious buttery garlic sauce, ready in 20 minutes, and cooked in just one skillet for convenience. Pair it with rice and veggies for something hearty, or serve it on top of a salad for a lighter meal.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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

With this recipe, you can enjoy the flavors of Tuscany in just 40 minutes. Chicken thighs are cooked in a flavorful, creamy sauce with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach, all in one skillet. It’s an easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for those days when you want something a bit special but still easy enough to whip up after a day’s work.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Chicken Corn Soup

A bowl of chicken corn soup garnished with parsley.
Chicken Corn Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This chicken corn soup is the ultimate comfort food. Ready in less than an hour, it combines chicken, vegetables, and a savory broth into a meal that’s both filling and comforting. It’s the perfect recipe for those evenings when you’re craving something hearty and cozy. Easy to prepare and made with simple ingredients, this soup will become a repeat request on your weeknight dinner menu.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

A bowl of Hungarian mushroom soup with a gold spoon.
Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This recipe is a great pick for those nights when you want something hearty and flavorful without too much effort. This soup brings together mushrooms and aromatic spices in a creamy broth and can be served in just 45 minutes. Pair it with some crusty bread or a side salad for a wholesome and filling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

A bowl of wild rice mushroom soup with a spoon.
Wild Rice Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This recipe combines earthy mushrooms and nutty wild rice for a deliciously comforting dish that’s easy to prepare. Since the rice cooks alongside the other ingredients, you’ll have this meal ready in just an hour, all in one pot on the stovetop. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, especially when you need an effortless and filling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

Cabbage and Sausage

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

You can get this hearty dish on the table in just 25 minutes. It combines the flavors of sausage with the tender crunch of cabbage, all cooked together in one pan. This meal is as practical as it gets. It uses ingredients you’re likely to have on hand with simple cooking steps that anyone can follow. Perfect when you need a weeknight dinner that’s both filling and effortless.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

A pot of soup with parmesan cheese and parsley.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in 30 minutes, this soup combines Italian sausage, cream cheese, and tomatoes for a comforting and hearty meal. It’s a one-pot dish that’s easy to make and great for those cozy evenings at home. Make this when you need a simple and filling stovetop dinner that doesn’t require a lot of prep or cooking time.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

Here’s a dish that’ll feel like a treat after a long day. You’ll cook chicken thighs until they’re perfectly done, then toss them in a creamy mushroom sauce, all in one pan. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy stovetop dinner that’s perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time but still want something special. Serve it with your choice of rice, pasta, or vegetables for a well-rounded, cozy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Keto Zuppa Toscana

A bowl of keto zuppa Toscana with a spoon in it.
Keto Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

In just an hour, you can make and enjoy this cozy Olive Garden-inspired soup. This recipe uses radishes that perfectly mimic the texture of potatoes, keeping it friendly for those watching their carb intake. Combined with Italian sausage, kale, garlic, and bacon in a creamy broth, it’s a hearty and delicious stovetop dinner perfect for any weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Sausage Curry

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

In just 45 minutes, this curry is a delicious way to bring some spice to your dinner routine. Sausages and vegetables simmer in a rich, creamy curry sauce, resulting in a dish that’s both hearty and savory. This recipe is a great stovetop option for those evenings when you’re looking for something different yet comforting, proving that impressive dinners don’t always require hours of cooking in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

In this dish, you’ll cook the chicken breasts in a pan and then let them simmer in a creamy sauce made from heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s straightforward and quick, perfect when you need to serve something delicious and filling on busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Cauliflower risotto in a pan.
Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This cauliflower risotto comes together in 30 minutes. You’ll cook the cauliflower rice and mushrooms, then mix them into a creamy sauce. It’s a great side dish that complements many main courses, adding the same comforting flavors of the traditional risotto in less time. Plus, it’s made in just one pan, so there’s less to clean up after.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Fried Cabbage With Bacon

Fried cabbage with bacon garnished with parsley in a pot.
Fried Cabbage With Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish brings together cabbage, bacon, and onions in just 25 minutes. It’s a straightforward dish that delivers both your protein and vegetables in one go. Perfect for nights when you want something hearty but easy, make this when you need a delicious and wholesome meal to end your day.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage With Bacon

Lemon Garlic Scallops

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

You can make restaurant-quality scallops right on your stove. In this recipe, you’ll pan-sear the scallops until golden, then cook them in a savory sauce made from lemon and garlic. It’s all done in 30 minutes using one skillet, making it an impressive yet easy dinner option. Serve it with rice or your favorite veggies for a meal that’s perfect for both date nights and regular weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

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

In this dish, tender chicken thighs and artichoke hearts come together in a creamy sauce, all in one pan and ready in 30 minutes. This meal is great for those evenings when you’re looking for something hearty yet easy to make. It’s a simple way to enjoy a delicious, comforting dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

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