13 stovetop dinners to make you love cooking again

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Stovetop dinners have a special way of bringing simplicity and warmth back to your kitchen. In a world that often pushes us toward complexity, there’s something special about standing over a pan, watching ingredients meld together into something greater than the sum of their parts. These 13 recipes are designed to be practical, straightforward, and, above all, enjoyable. The aim is to make you love cooking again, to find joy in the basic act of preparing food, and to give you a great end to your day with a homemade meal.

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

Creamy Dijon Chicken

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

This Creamy Dijon Chicken offers a fulfilling 30-minute stovetop cooking experience that is perfect for busy evenings. Chicken combines harmoniously with Dijon mustard sauce, spinach, and bacon. It’s an uncomplicated dish to prepare, requiring just one pan. This balanced meal offers protein, greens, and ample flavor, making it an all-around wise dinner choice. Cleanup is also a breeze, which adds to its appeal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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

Reignite your love for cooking with this Creamy Tuscan Chicken, ready in 40 minutes on your stovetop. Chicken thighs are cooked in a rich sauce, offering a hearty and fulfilling meal. It’s a one-pan dish, making both preparation and cleanup straightforward. The short cooking time makes this an ideal choice for weeknight dinners. You’ll enjoy a balanced meal of protein and rich flavors.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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

Cook up a quick and nutritious meal with this 30-minute Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach recipe. Shrimp, grape tomatoes, and spinach meld beautifully in a garlic-infused sauce. This stovetop dish uses just one pan, simplifying your evening routine. It’s a great way to incorporate seafood and vegetables into your dinner rotation. The recipe is as practical as it is flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce garnished with fresh herbs.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Make this Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce in just 30 minutes on your stovetop. It features chicken cooked in a mushroom sauce, providing a balanced, protein-rich meal. The recipe uses one pan, so both cooking and cleanup are quick. Serve it with rice, pasta, or vegetables to complete the meal. This dish can make you appreciate the joys of stovetop cooking again.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Sausage Curry

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

This Sausage Curry comes together quickly on the stovetop, perfect for those who want a fast yet flavorful meal. It blends sausages and veggies in a unique curry sauce, offering a hint of Indian-inspired flavors. The dish is ready in less than 40 minutes, making it a quick dinner option. It’s a single-pan recipe, which means easier preparation and cleanup. Overall, this meal helps to reignite your love for creative stovetop cooking.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Cabbage and Sausage

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

This Cabbage and Sausage dish is a quick 30-minute meal you can make on your stovetop. It combines cabbage and sausage in one pan for easy cooking and cleaning. It’s simple to prepare, making it a good choice for a busy weeknight. The dish provides a balanced meal of protein and vegetables. Rekindle your love for cooking with this hassle-free recipe.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

This 30-minute stovetop dish combines chicken breasts with a garlic and Parmesan sauce. It’s a one-pan meal, simplifying both cooking and cleanup. The dish is rich in protein and easy to make, making it a great choice for a quick dinner. Serve it with a side of your choice to complete the meal. The simplicity of this dish can make you fall in love with cooking all over again.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Fried Cabbage With Bacon

Fried cabbage with bacon garnished with parsley in a pot.
Fried Cabbage With Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Fried Cabbage With Bacon is a quick stovetop dish that takes 25 minutes to cook. The recipe combines cabbage, bacon, and onion in one pan. It’s a straightforward dish that requires minimal effort for preparation and cleanup. You get a balanced meal of protein and vegetables, perfect for a busy weeknight. Rediscover your passion for cooking with this simple yet balanced dish.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage With Bacon

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.

Ready in 30 minutes, this stovetop dish combines chicken thighs and artichoke hearts. It’s cooked in one pan, making both preparation and cleanup easy. The artichoke hearts add texture and a unique flavor to the chicken. This dish is a great choice for those looking to enjoy a quick, protein-rich dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs

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

If you have leftover chicken, this 20-minute stovetop dish is a good option. It includes shredded chicken and green chiles for a mild spice kick. The quick preparation time makes it suitable for a hurried evening. It’s a single-pan dish, streamlining both cooking and cleanup. Turn your leftover chicken into a new and exciting dinner.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs

Lemon Garlic Scallops

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

These Lemon Garlic Scallops are ready in 30 minutes and cooked entirely on the stovetop. The scallops are seared and then paired with lemon and garlic. This single-pan dish is simple to prepare and easy to clean up. It’s a good source of protein and pairs well with a side of vegetables. Enjoy a quick and uncomplicated meal that can make stovetop cooking enjoyable again.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

Sticky Sauce Chicken

Sticky sauce chicken, broccoli, and sesame seeds in a pot.
Sticky Sauce Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Sticky Sauce Chicken can be prepared in 40 minutes on your stovetop. It features chicken thighs coated in a tangy sauce. The recipe is simple, using just one pan for an easier cooking and cleaning process. This dish offers a straightforward way to enjoy protein and flavor in a single meal.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Sauce Chicken

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Cauliflower risotto in a pan.
Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms is a 30-minute stovetop dish that is easy to prepare. It pairs cauliflower with mushrooms in a single pan for easy cooking and cleanup. The meal is both filling and nutrient-dense, providing a balanced option for dinner. Rediscover the joy of cooking with this straightforward dish.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

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