If you haven’t been whipping up these 17 stovetop staples, you’re skipping out on some major kitchen magic. These are the unsung heroes that turn “What’s for dinner?” into “That was awesome!” in no time flat. They’re perfect for those nights when you’re extra hungry but just can’t deal with a complicated recipe. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a great meal that comes together with minimal effort?
Creamy Dijon Chicken
Creamy Dijon Chicken gets dinner done in 30 minutes. It’s a straightforward dish that features seasoned chicken thighs cooked to perfection and combined with a creamy Dijon mustard sauce, fresh spinach, and crumbled bacon. Thanks to the combination of Dijon mustard, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, the dish has a rich and tangy flavor profile. This recipe is a great way to add a new flavor to your chicken game without a lot of work. It’s perfect for a simple but interesting meal, and it’s also a great way to get everyone to enjoy their greens without complaints.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken
Sausage Curry
Try our Sausage Curry and dive into a meal that’s ready in under an hour. This one-pan meal combines sausages, sweet potatoes, carrots, and onions cooked in a creamy, spice-infused curry sauce that includes garlic, curry powder, and a touch of ginger. The result is a rich, mildly spicy meal that’s a bit out of the ordinary. It’s great for those evenings when you’re in the mood to try something new. Cleaning up is a breeze, too, leaving more time for you to relax after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry
Broccoli Fritters
Whip up some Broccoli Fritters in just 35 minutes. The recipe calls for steaming the broccoli florets, chopping them, and then mixing them with eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, ground sunflower seed meal (or almond flour), and garlic powder. Flatten the mixture into fritters and pan fry until golden brown on both sides. They’re perfect for a quick dinner and pair well with any dip. It’s a straightforward way to switch up how you get your greens. They’re also kid-friendly, helping parents introduce vegetables in a fun way.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Fritters
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach is probably not your usual stovetop meal. Whip this up in just 30 minutes for a quick but special dinner. The dish features perfectly cooked shrimp packed with flavor from garlic, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. It also includes fresh ingredients like grape tomatoes, spinach, and basil, adding a pop of color and flavor to the dish. This dish is perfect for turning a hectic weeknight into a chance to relax and enjoy a great meal.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
This Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is a great way to change up your dinner game. It sounds fancy but is ready in just 30 minutes. This dish combines chicken thighs with a creamy sauce enriched with mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese for that deep and comforting flavor profile. Cooked all in one pan, it’s easy to manage and pairs perfectly with any side you have ready. It’s the perfect dish for when you need a hearty meal after a long day that’s simple and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Try these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites when you need something quick and flavorful and done in just 20 minutes. It consists of bite-sized pieces of chicken breast that are coated in a cornstarch mixture and then pan-fried until it’s juicy and tender on the inside. The bites are then tossed in a flavorful garlic butter sauce made with melted butter along with Italian seasoning, black pepper, and a touch of cayenne pepper. Get a flavorful dinner on the table without spending all night cooking. They’re a stress-free solution to your busy schedule, allowing you more time to unwind.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Cabbage and Sausage
If you haven’t tried Cabbage and Sausage on the stove, you’re missing out. It’s ready in 25 minutes and is straightforward to cook. Saute cabbage with onions and seasonings until tender, then combine with the seared sausages and finish with a splash of apple cider vinegar. This creates a comforting mix of flavors as the cabbage absorbs the tastes of the sausage, butter and vinegar. Using just a few ingredients, you’ve got a great meal that’s filling and quick for those busy nights. Great for when you’re too tired to prepare a complex dinner but still want something comforting.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Green Chile Chicken
Green Chile Chicken takes only 20 minutes and is a smart way to transform leftover chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken into today’s dinner hit. This simple mix of green chiles, Jalapenos and creamy sauce made with heavy cream, cream cheese, and whole milk, turns basic chicken into a meal that’s both easy to make and taste rich and creamy. It’s a great pick for a quick and different dinner option. This recipe is not only fast but also helps you reduce food waste, making it good for your wallet and the planet.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Check out this Chicken Tortellini Soup the next time you want an unusual stovetop meal. It’s ready in 40 minutes and requires just one pot, so it’s super easy to clean up afterward. This hearty soup with chicken, cheese tortellini, carrots, celery, and onions is perfect for those chill nights at home. Using leftover or pre-cooked rotisserie chicken makes this recipe an economical choice. Plus, it’s a great way to feed the whole family without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Fried Cabbage With Bacon
Ready in just 25 minutes, this Fried Cabbage with Bacon is not your typical stovetop meal. The combination of crunchy cabbage and crisp bacon makes it a perfect quick dish for a busy night. The cabbage gives that hearty vegetable base, while the bacon lends a rich, savory component. The onion adds some great depth, and the sweetener helps balance the other flavors. It’s simple, quick, and a sure hit for anyone looking to mix things up. Plus, it uses common ingredients to keep your grocery trips stress-free and cost-effective.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage With Bacon
Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Creamy Tuscan Chicken is your 40-minute ticket to a new dinner experience. This dish is packed with flavors, combining the savory taste of chicken thighs with a creamy sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a hint of garlic. It’s a great choice for when you feel like stepping up your dinner game but still want to keep prep simple. Plus, it’s hearty enough to be filling without being overly heavy, perfect for those who are health-conscious.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Lemon Garlic Scallops
These Lemon Garlic Scallops are perfect for shaking up your dinner routine. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re quick to cook but make your meal feel extra special. It features seared scallops with a golden crust coated in a bright lemon-garlic sauce made with butter or ghee, garlic, vegetable or seafood stock, and a squeeze of lemon juice. This dish is great for anyone wanting to add some healthy proteins and omega-3s to their meal with a fresh flavor that you probably haven’t tried on the stovetop before. Plus, they’re so easy and fast to make.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Try our Creamy Garlic Chicken for a bit of an upscale dinner without all the work. In only 30 minutes, this one-pan meal includes chicken breasts cooked in a rich sauce of grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, and heavy cream. The sauce combines the robust flavors of Parmesan and garlic, delivering a creamy, comforting dish. This is a great choice if you’re looking for something new that’s quick and comforting, perfect for a busy night. This dish will save you from mealtime monotony and can be a lifesaver during those busy weekdays.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet
The Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet is a great option if you’re in the mood for something different yet filling. It’s ready in 30 minutes and keeps things light with ground beef, cauliflower rice, mushrooms, and cheddar cheese, seasoned with garlic powder and red pepper flakes. It’s a great dish for those nights when you want a good meal without a lot of carbs, adding a new spin to your usual stovetop recipes. It’s also great for making ahead for that easy meal prep for the week.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet
Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Ready in just 30 minutes, the Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is a great way to add some new flavors to your stovetop meals. It’s easy to make and perfect for a hearty meal, featuring boneless, skinless chicken thighs that are cooked to perfection in a creamy sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This dish is a smart pick for a quick, flavorful dinner. Plus, the simplicity of this one-pan meal means less cleanup and more time to relax after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
White Bean Soup
Shake up your routine with this White Bean Soup. This vegetarian one-pot dish comes together quickly in just 40 minutes using simple ingredients like canned white beans, sauteed vegetables, garlic, herbs, and vegetable broth. To thicken the soup without cream or flour, half the beans are blended into a puree that gets stirred in along with the remaining whole beans. It’s a practical pick for a healthy dinner on any busy night – a simple way to get your daily dose of veggies without the hassle, keeping you on track with your health goals.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup
Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts
If you’re looking for something quick and delicious, the Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts is your best pick. Ready in 30 minutes and packs a flavorful punch with tender chicken and rich sauce. The meal is spiced with a combo of Italian seasoning, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper, enriching the flavors of the chicken and artichoke hearts. This dish is a great choice if you’re after a new, easy dinner option that’s full of flavor and health benefits. It’s perfect for those seeking to eat better without sacrificing taste or spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts