16 Stovetop Meals That’ll Make Your Takeout Menus Collect Dust

Photo of author

| Published:

16 Stovetop Meals That’ll Make Your Takeout Menus Collect Dust

Your stack of takeout menus is about to get a whole lot lonelier because these 16 stovetop meals are about to become your new weeknight heroes. We’re talking about simple, straightforward recipes that pack a punch of flavor without the need for a culinary degree or a trip to a fancy grocery store. Get ready to cook up some serious magic right on your stovetop with dishes so good that you’ll pat yourself on the back for skipping the delivery fees.

Chicken with spinach and cream sauce in a skillet.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken. 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 perfect for nights when you want to skip takeout and have a homemade meal in 25 minutes. It features shrimp cooked in a garlic sauce paired with grape tomatoes and fresh spinach, creating a colorful and flavorful dish. This meal is great on its own or served with pasta or rice. The quick cooking time and robust flavors mean you get a restaurant-quality meal without the wait. Save time and enjoy a fresh, hearty dinner right from your stovetop.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Reuben Bowls

A skillet with sautéed red and white cabbage, topped with melted cheese and a drizzle of creamy sauce, stirred by a white spatula.
Reuben Bowls. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Reuben Bowls will make you forget about takeout with their quick 30-minute prep. They combine corned beef from the deli with coleslaw or shredded cabbage, sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese, all topped with homemade Thousand Island dressing. This stovetop meal is easy to make for dinner or lunch prep, combining the rich flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich in a convenient bowl format. You’ll get all the taste you crave without the hassle of ordering out.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Bowls

Lemon Garlic Scallops

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

Lemon Garlic Scallops are perfect for a quick, impressive stovetop meal. The scallops are pan-seared to a golden brown and flavored with a rich garlic and lemon sauce. This dish delivers fresh and bright flavors with minimal effort using simple ingredients like fresh scallops, garlic, unsalted butter, and lemon juice. Ready in just 25 minutes, these scallops make a fancy yet easy dinner that will make you forget about takeout. Enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a great choice for a quick stovetop meal that beats takeout. This dish features perfectly cooked chicken and then tossed in a garlic butter sauce. You can prepare this in just 20 minutes using one skillet, making it a simple and fast option that still packs a punch in taste. It pairs perfectly with rice or salad for a complete meal. The quick cooking time and rich garlic flavor make it an easy choice over takeout, giving you a great meal without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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 stovetop dish that takes only 25 minutes to make. It combines crunchy cabbage and crispy bacon for a quick meal with veggies and protein. When pan-fried in a cast iron skillet, these ingredients produce a nourishing meal high in protein and low in net carbs. This dish is a great go-to for a wholesome dinner, especially when you need something fast and filling. The bacon adds a rich flavor, while the cabbage keeps it fresh and light. This simple dish will make you altogether forget takeout and, instead, enjoy a hearty, home-cooked meal.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

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

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is a stovetop meal ready in 30 minutes. This dish features chicken cooked in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and garlic, bringing a rich and tangy flavor to your table. It’s a one-pan meal that’s easy to make, perfect for busy evenings when you want to add some flair to your typical chicken dinners. The combination of the creamy sauce and tangy tomatoes creates a comforting yet gourmet meal that will make you skip the takeout.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is a quick stovetop meal ready in 30 minutes. The dish features tender chicken thighs smothered in a rich and creamy mushroom sauce. The flavors mix chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy, tangy sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. Cooked in just one pan, it’s a great option for those who want a quick, easy-to-clean meal that feels extra special. This dish is a great example of how stovetop cooking can be better than ordering out. Enjoy a hearty, flavorful dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Chicken with spinach and cream sauce in a skillet.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a one-pan stovetop meal perfect for nights when you want to avoid takeout. This dish features chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a rich, creamy sauce. It combines the earthy flavors of garlic and sun-dried tomatoes with the fresh taste of spinach in a comforting meal that’s ready in about 40 minutes. This simple yet hearty dish feels upscale, giving you a special dinner experience without the need for takeout. Enjoy a delicious meal made right at home.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Cabbage and Sausage

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

This easy Cabbage and Sausage dish is a great stovetop meal instead of ordering out. Ready in 25 minutes, it combines hearty sausage with crisp cabbage for a quick and filling dinner. The flavors of sausage and cabbage create a hearty and filling meal. Perfect for busy nights when you need a solid meal without resorting to takeout. The simplicity and speed of this dish make it a top choice for any evening when you don’t have much time to cook but want a great meal.
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 flavorful stovetop meal that is ready in less than an hour. It features sausage and veggies in a creamy curry sauce that you can spice up. This dish is perfect with potatoes, rice, or on its own, making it versatile. The rich and spicy curry sauce pairs perfectly with the sausage, making takeout unnecessary. It’s a great choice for those nights when you want something different but don’t want the hassle of ordering in. The hearty ingredients and quick prep make it a win for any busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

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 Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts in just 30 minutes. This stovetop dish features tender chicken thighs and artichoke hearts in a creamy sauce, making it a great choice for any weekday. The creamy sauce complements the tender chicken and tangy artichokes, creating a light yet indulgent meal. Perfect for nights when you want something quick but impressive. This dish is perfect for impressing your family or guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Creamy Dijon Chicken

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

Say goodbye to takeout with Creamy Dijon Chicken — a stovetop meal that’s ready quickly and easily. It combines chicken thighs, spinach, and bacon in a rich Dijon sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, this dish is packed with flavor and gives a balanced meal that’s easy to prepare. The tangy richness of the Dijon sauce pairs perfectly with the bacon and tender spinach flavors. Great for weeknights when you need a fast but flavorful meal. This dish saves you time while delivering great taste and satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Broccoli Fritters

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

Broccoli Fritters come together in 35 minutes on your stovetop, making takeout unnecessary. They’re seasoned with garlic powder, pepper, and salt and made with broccoli florets, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and ground sunflower seed meal. Pan-fried to achieve a crispy exterior and a soft interior, these fritters are a great way to add more veggies to your diet. They are perfect for simple meals that are still full of flavor. This dish is a perfect way to sneak in more vegetables without compromising taste.
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.

Green Chile Chicken is a quick 20-minute meal that combines shredded chicken, Jalapeño, cheddar cheese, green chiles and spices in a creamy sauce. Serve it on its own, with rice, or wrapped in tortillas for a quick taco night. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you need a fast and full-flavored meal, making takeout a thing of the past. The quick cooking time and bold flavors make it a go-to recipe when you’re short on time but want a great meal.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

Creamy Garlic Chicken is ready in 30 minutes and features chicken breasts in a rich garlic, cream, and Parmesan sauce. This stovetop dish is easy to prepare yet feels special enough for any night. The creamy garlic sauce adds a great touch to the tender chicken breasts, making it a go-to recipe for nights when you need something quick but impressive. Forget takeout with this delicious meal. It’s a great way to enjoy a flavorful and comforting dinner without the hassle of takeout.
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.

Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet is a hearty stovetop meal ready in 30 minutes. Forget ordering in; this dish combines ground beef and cauliflower rice in a creamy sauce, making it a great choice for those needing a filling and easy meal. Perfect for busy days when you need something quick and hearty without the hassle of takeout. This skillet meal is quick to prepare and flavorful, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. It’s a practical and delicious option for anyone looking to cut down on carbs without sacrificing taste.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.