We’re pretty sure you haven’t made stovetop meals like these 17 before

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Let’s change things up a bit on your stovetop with a lineup of meals that are probably strangers to your burners. We’re going to flip the script on the usual suspects and introduce your stove to some fresh new friends. These recipes are perfect for when you’re tired of the same old dishes and craving something different.

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

Chicken Tortellini Soup

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

When you’re looking for something different to cook on the stove, try this Chicken Tortellini Soup. It’s ready in 40 minutes and only needs one pot, which makes cleanup a breeze. This soup is a great choice for a filling weeknight dinner that’s packed with both flavor and nutrients. With chicken and tortellini, it’s a comforting and hearty option that’s perfect for cozy nights spent at home.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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

You probably haven’t fired up your stovetop for a dish like Tuscan garlic shrimp and spinach, but you’ll be glad you did. Ready in half an hour, this meal is a game changer for a busy weeknight, bringing together juicy shrimp, ripe grape tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a garlic-packed sauce. It’s a great choice when you’re short on time but still want a dinner that feels a bit fancy. Plus, it goes great with pasta or rice, making it versatile for any side you’re in the mood for.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

White Bean Soup

A bowl of white bean soup with carrots and croutons.
White Bean Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In the mood for something new? This White Bean Soup could be just the thing. It’s a straightforward, one-pot meal that’s ready in 40 minutes, making it a great choice for a quick and healthy dinner. With plenty of fiber from the white beans and a good dose of veggies, it’s a practical choice for a nutritious meal on any busy night.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

Garlic butter chicken bites are the quick meal you didn’t know you were missing. In just 20 minutes, you can cook up these juicy chicken pieces coated in a rich garlic butter. It’s a great way to get a flavor-packed dinner on the table fast. They’re perfect on top of rice, mixed into a veggie bowl, or thrown on a salad. This dish is all about making something great without spending all night cooking.
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.

Cabbage and sausage is that hearty stovetop meal that’s probably never crossed your mind, but once you try it, you’ll be hooked. It’s ready in 25 minutes and couldn’t be easier to make. Just a couple of ingredients, and you’ve got a filling dinner that’s perfect for those times when you want a good meal without any complicated steps or a long wait.
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.

Here’s a stovetop meal that’s sure to shake up your usual dinner routine: chicken with creamy mushroom sauce. It sounds like it should take forever, but it’s on your table in 30 minutes. You cook everything in one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal. It’s a great pick for when you need a little comfort food without the long cooking time, and it pairs perfectly with whatever side you’ve got on hand.
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.

Shake up your dinner routine with fried cabbage and bacon, a dish that’s ready in a snap — 25 minutes to be exact. It’s a simple combo that’s not your everyday meal, but it’s sure to become a favorite. The crunch of the cabbage and the crispness of the bacon create a meal that’s both easy and packed with good stuff. It’s perfect for those nights when you need to get dinner on the table fast and want to keep things interesting.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage With Bacon

Creamy Dijon Chicken

Creamy chicken dish garnished with bacon and herbs in a skillet.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Get ready to add a new favorite to your quick dinner list with Creamy Dijon Chicken. It’s a 30-minute meal that brings a lot of flavor without keeping you tied to the kitchen. Chicken, spinach, and bacon come together under a creamy Dijon sauce that’s a little bit different from what you’re used to. It’s the perfect way to mix up your chicken routine with something that’s both easy to make and good for you.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Sausage Curry

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

Ever thought of making Sausage Curry on your stovetop? Well, here’s your chance to try something new. It’s a hearty meal you can have ready in under an hour, and it’s all done in one pan. The sausage and veggies in a creamy curry sauce make for a comforting dinner that’s out of the ordinary. It’s a great meal for when you’re in the mood for something different and don’t want to spend all night cooking.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Broccoli Fritters

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

Broccoli Fritters are about to change the way you think about quick meals. They take just 35 minutes and are perfect for when you want something a little different. They’re crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and just right for a fast dinner. Pair them with your favorite dip, and you’ve got a meal that’s easy and delicious and gets those veggies in. These fritters are a straightforward way to make sure eating healthy doesn’t get boring.
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.

For a fresh take on leftovers, whip up some Green Chile Chicken in just 20 minutes. This quick dish is a smart move for turning yesterday’s chicken into today’s hit. Shred it, mix it with green chiles and a creamy sauce, and you’ve got a meal that’s easy, good, and kind to your wallet. It’s a great way to serve up something different, and those green chiles pack a vitamin C punch.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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

Switch things up with Creamy Tuscan Chicken, a meal that brings a bit of Italy to your stovetop in just 40 minutes. You’ve got chicken in a creamy sauce with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach — a lineup of ingredients that’s probably not in your usual rotation. It’s a great pick for a night when you’re feeling a little fancy but still want to keep things easy. Plus, you’re getting some good nutrients in there, too.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Lemon Garlic Scallops

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

You can cook Lemon Garlic Scallops in half an hour, and they’re a great way to make dinner feel special. These scallops get a quick sear and then simmer in a light lemon and garlic sauce. They’re a smart choice for a meal that’s both good for you and full of flavor, with protein and omega-3s in every bite.
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 all about making your dinner routine feel a bit more upscale without the extra time. Ready in 30 minutes, this dish features chicken in a sauce that’s rich with garlic and Parmesan. It’s a great dish for a comforting meal on the fly, and the garlic boosts both the flavor and your health.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Creamy Ground Beef And Cauliflower Rice Skillet

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice garnished with fresh herbs with a fork.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Looking to switch things up on your stovetop? Try the Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet. It’s a great pick when you want something filling but still light, and it’s ready in just 30 minutes. This dish is a smart choice for anyone looking for a great meal without loading up on carbs. It’s a simple, no-fuss recipe that brings a new flavor to your dinner lineup.
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.

This dish is a great way to shake up your stovetop routine with something new. In just 30 minutes, you can have chicken smothered in a creamy sun-dried tomato and garlic sauce. It’s simple to make, using just one pan, and it’s great for those times when you want a hearty meal without spending all night in the kitchen. The sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet and tangy kick that pairs well with the chicken, making this dish a smart choice for a nutritious and flavorful dinner.
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.

Here’s a perfect quick dinner that’s likely not in your usual rotation: creamy chicken thighs with artichoke hearts. You can get this heart-healthy meal on the table in half an hour. It’s all about ease and flavor, with tender chicken and artichokes in a rich sauce. Plus, artichokes are packed with fiber and good-for-you antioxidants. This recipe is a great pick for a no-stress meal that’s full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

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