15 Skillet Dinners That Are Better Than Anything From a Trendy Meal Kit

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15 Skillet Dinners That Are Better Than Anything From a Trendy Meal Kit

Skillet dinners are about to become your new weeknight heroes, ready to rescue you from the temptation of those trendy meal kits. These 15 recipes prove you can whip up something great with just one pan and a handful of ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, these skillet dinners will show you that homemade meals can be conveniently easy to make and delicious.

A pan with chicken in a creamy sauce.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. 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.

In just 30 minutes, you can have Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach ready to go. Start by warming up some olive oil and cooking the garlic lightly before adding tomatoes until they soften. Add shrimp and wait for them to turn pink, then stir in spinach until it wilts. This dish is a go-to because it’s quick to make, looks great on the plate, and requires minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Cabbage and Sausage

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

Begin by slicing the sausage and chopping the cabbage. Brown the sausage in a pan, then add the cabbage, seasoning it with salt, pepper, and any herbs you prefer. Cover it and let it cook for around 30 minutes until the cabbage is tender. We love this recipe because it’s quick to make, pleasing, and doesn’t leave you with a ton of dishes to wash.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

Whip up Garlic Butter Chicken Bites in just 20 minutes. Cook bite-sized chicken pieces in a flavorful mix of garlic and butter. This recipe is perfect for those moments when you need a dinner option that’s quick and high in protein. Serve it with your favorite sides for a meal that’s sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Creamy Dijon Chicken

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

Make Creamy Dijon Chicken in 30 minutes by cooking chicken in a pan in a creamy Dijon mustard sauce with fresh spinach and crispy bacon pieces. This meal stands out because it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to cook and even simpler to clean up after, making it a prime choice for a delicious and easy skillet dinner. If you’re tired of meal kits that promise an easy cooking process but still leave you with a mess, this dish cuts down on all of that.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Sausage Curry

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

Prepare Sausage Curry by combining sausages, your choice of vegetables, and curry sauce in a skillet. Cook everything together for a meal that’s rich in flavor. Ready in 45 minutes, this dish shines on busy days when you want to get a great meal on the table but don’t feel like spending the evening cooking in the kitchen. You won’t have to worry about a big cleanup afterward. For those who find juggling different pots and pans a hassle, this all-in-one skillet recipe simplifies your cooking.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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

In just 25 minutes, cook chopped cabbage, diced bacon, and sliced onion in a skillet for this quick and hearty Fried Cabbage with Bacon. This meal is excellent for those evenings when time is tight, but you still crave something pleasing. Plus, everything is cooked in one pan, simplifying your post-dinner routine.
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.

Sear scallops with garlic in a skillet and finish with a lemon sauce, all within 30 minutes. Lemon Garlic Scallops are your go-to for an upscale meal without the hassle. This dish is perfect for treating yourself to something special without dedicating the whole night to cooking. For those looking to impress dinner guests or enjoy a fancy meal without the fancy prep time, this recipe always delivers.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

Start with browning chicken thighs, then sauté mushrooms and garlic in the same pan. Add chicken stock and cream, mix it all together, then return the chicken to the pan to simmer until done. Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is a hit and is a great choice for a special, low-maintenance meal. It’s good for anyone wanting to make a great meal without committing to a complicated recipe.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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

Cook chicken thighs until golden, add garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach to the skillet, finishing with cream. Creamy Tuscan Chicken, ready in about 40 minutes, is great for a memorable dinner that doesn’t keep you in the kitchen all evening. This recipe is a lifesaver for busy evenings when you want a meal that feels indulgent but doesn’t require hours of prep or cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

Brown chicken breasts in a skillet, then introduce a creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, Creamy Garlic Chicken is a fantastic option for a weeknight meal that seems like it took much longer to make. Perfect for those who love the idea of a home-cooked meal that doesn’t take all night or leave a sink full of dishes, this recipe simplifies your evening routine.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Green Chile Chicken

Green chile chicken in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Green Chile Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Take leftover chicken, shred it, and mix it with green chilies in a pan for a flavorful dish ready in 20 minutes. Green Chile Chicken is a smart choice for transforming leftovers into a new and exciting meal with no stress, perfect for a simple dinner option. If you’re looking to repurpose leftover chicken into something exciting and easy, this recipe is for you.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile 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.

Ready in 30 minutes, this skillet meal is a top pick for evenings when you’re short on time but still want something pleasing, with the added benefit of minimal cleanup. This dish is a game-changer for anyone seeking to streamline their dinner prep while keeping meals hearty and filling.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

Broccoli Fritters

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

Mix broccoli, shape it into fritters, and fry them in a skillet, getting everything ready in 35 minutes. Broccoli Fritters are a quick, crispy way to enjoy your greens, making for an appetizing dinner or snack that’s fun and fast to prepare. For those tired of the same old veggie sides, this recipe changes things up, turning broccoli into a dish the whole family will be excited about.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Fritters

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.

Cook chicken in a skillet, then stir in sun-dried tomatoes and finish with a creamy sauce for a meal full of rich flavors, all done in 30 minutes. Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is a favorite for its straightforward preparation and the deep, pleasing taste it delivers in a single pan.
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.

Brown chicken thighs in a skillet, add artichoke hearts and smother everything in a creamy sauce for a meal that comes together in 30 minutes. Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts is an excellent way to enjoy a rich and charming dinner that’s simple to make, combining the ease of a one-skillet meal with the convenience of quick cleanup. This dish is perfect for those evenings when you want a meal that’s filling and easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

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