17 Stovetop Meals for When You Just Can’t Face Another Sad Salad

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17 Stovetop Meals for When You Just Can’t Face Another Sad Salad

If the thought of chomping through another bowl of greens has you eyeing the emergency exit, welcome to the club. These 17 stovetop meals are your ticket out of Saladville, and let’s just say they’re a whole lot more thrilling than foraging through the fridge for a rogue carrot stick. We’re serving up real plates of comfort that’ll make you want to retire your salad spinner. So, ditch the lettuce and grab a skillet, because it’s time to put some real food on the table — and maybe have a little chuckle at the thought of all those sad salads we’re leaving behind.

A pan filled with a creamy sauce with chicken, bacon, and spinach.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

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.

When salad fatigue hits, these Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts are your go-to. Whip this up in 30 minutes flat, and you’ve got a meal that’s anything but bland. Chicken and artichokes come together with a mix of herbs and spices that’ll make you forget about greens for a while. It’s a solid pick for anyone looking to switch up their dinner game without spending all night in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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

Say hello to Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach when you need a break from the salad bowl. This dish is a flavor-packed getaway on a plate, ready in just 30 minutes. With shrimp, garlic, and a bunch of fresh veggies, it’s a meal that’s sure to shake up your routine and bring some excitement back to your stovetop.
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.

If you’re done with greens and need something more comforting, this White Bean Soup is a great fix. It’s a 40-minute affair, with everything simmering in one pot. You get a creamy, hearty soup that’s chock-full of veggies and beans, perfect for those busy nights when you want to keep things simple but good.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Chicken Tortellini Soup

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

Chicken Tortellini Soup is your answer to a no-salad night. It’s a 40-minute, one-pot meal that’s easy to clean up and serves up comfort by the spoonful. With chicken, cheese tortellini, and veggies, it’s a great way to fill up the family without spending hours cooking and even better for using up that leftover chicken.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

When salads just don’t cut it, these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a quick, 20-minute treasure. Juicy chicken pieces are pan-fried and slathered in a rich garlic butter sauce that’s got just the right kick. It’s a no-fuss meal that’s perfect for those nights when you want something packed with flavor but without the long cooking time.
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.

Forget the salad and go for Cabbage and Sausage, a hearty meal that’s on the table in 25 minutes. It’s as simple as sautéing cabbage and onions, then tossing in seared sausages for a dish that’s big on taste and low on effort. The cabbage soaks up all the good flavors, making for a filling dinner that’s great after a long day.
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.

Switch up your stovetop routine with Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. It’s a 30-minute dish that feels special but is surprisingly easy to make. Chicken thighs meet a creamy mushroom and sun-dried tomato sauce, creating a meal that’s rich in flavor and perfect for pairing with your favorite side. It’s just the thing when you’re craving a hearty, comforting dish that’s simple to whip up.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Creamy Dijon Chicken

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

This Creamy Dijon Chicken is a 30-minute wonder that brings a new twist to your chicken repertoire. With chicken thighs nestled in a tangy Dijon mustard sauce, fresh spinach, and bacon, this dish is a flavorful escape from the everyday. It’s a simple yet interesting way to serve up a meal that’ll have everyone forgetting about boring salads.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Fried Cabbage With Bacon

A pan full of bacon and cabbage with a wooden spoon.
Fried Cabbage With Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ditch the salad and hit up this Fried Cabbage with Bacon. You’re looking at a 25-minute meal that’s simple but hits all the right notes. Crispy bacon and hearty cabbage come together with a hint of sweetness for a dish that’s as easy to make as it is to love. It’s a no-brainer for a busy night and keeps things low-key with ingredients you’ve probably got in your kitchen already.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage With Bacon

Sausage Curry

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

When you’re over salads and need something with a bit more kick, this Sausage Curry is your new best friend. You’ve got sausages, sweet potatoes, and a bunch of other good stuff in a creamy curry that’s ready in a snap. It’s the kind of meal that’s perfect for mixing things up midweek, and since it’s all in one pan, you won’t be stuck with a sink full of dishes.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Chicken in a skillet with cheese and tomatoes.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Add a burst of flavor to your weeknight with Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. This one-pan wonder is ready in 30 minutes and packs a punch with its creamy, tangy tomato sauce and tender chicken thighs. It’s a quick and easy way to liven up your stovetop cooking, and the best part? You’ll have barely any dishes to do afterward.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Broccoli Fritters

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

Say goodbye to sad salads and hello to Broccoli Fritters. These bad boys are done in 35 minutes and are dead easy to make. Steam some broccoli, add a few things, fry ’em up, and boom—you’ve got a meal that’s as fun to eat as it is quick to cook. They’re great for dinner and super kid-friendly, too.
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.

Got some leftover chicken? Give it a makeover with this Green Chile Chicken, ready in 20 minutes flat. It’s a straightforward dish with a creamy, spicy kick that’ll make you forget you ever wanted a salad. Great for a fast dinner fix that’s a little out of the ordinary, and it’s pretty smart, too — helping you use up leftovers and save some cash.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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

When you’re ready to break free from the salad routine, Creamy Tuscan Chicken is here to save the day. In just 40 minutes, you can enjoy a meal that’s rich in flavor with chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a creamy garlic sauce. It’s a solid choice for those nights when you want something satisfying but still on the lighter side.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Lemon Garlic Scallops

Seared scallops garnished with chopped parsley in a black skillet.
Lemon Garlic Scallops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Switch things up with Lemon Garlic Scallops, a dish that’s as quick as it is impressive. These scallops, with their perfect sear and zesty lemon-garlic sauce, are a great way to introduce some new flavors to your dinner table. They’re ready in 30 minutes, offering a healthy boost of protein and omega-3s, and they’re a breeze to cook up.
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.

For those evenings when you want a touch of gourmet without too much hassle, this Creamy Garlic Chicken should be your go-to. This dish brings together tender chicken breasts and a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, all in one pan and ready in 30 minutes.
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.

Feeling like a change from your typical meals? Try the Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet. It’s a 30-minute meal that’s satisfying without weighing you down. With a mix of ground beef, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms, it’s a great twist on your stovetop routine. Plus, it’s a great meal-prep option for easy, hassle-free dinners throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

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