25 Quick Skillet Dinners That’ll Keep You Out of the Kitchen

If you're tired of spending hours in the kitchen but still want a delicious meal, quick skillet dinners are the answer. These easy dishes come together in no time, so you can enjoy a satisfying dinner without the hassle. Whether you're short on time or just looking for a simple, no-fuss meal, these skillet recipes will help you get dinner on the table fast!

Close-up of a spoon holding fried rice with crab meat, green onions, and red bell peppers. — Crab Fried Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Want to save this post?

Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, I'll send you the latest recipes and tips every week!

Garlic Butter Steak Bites

A bowl of meat and green peppers with a spoon. — Garlic Butter Steak Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This quick and flavorful dish is perfect for a fast dinner. The steak bites cook up tender and juicy, covered in a rich garlic butter sauce that’s both simple and delicious. It takes little time to make, so you can enjoy a hearty meal without being in the kitchen for long. Ideal for busy evenings when you want something satisfying with minimal effort. The combination of steak and garlic butter makes this a meal your family will love.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Shrimp Scampi

A plate with shrimp and bread on it. — Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Shrimp Scampi is a classic, quick skillet dinner that brings together shrimp, garlic, and butter for a rich, flavorful dish. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, it's a perfect option for busy nights. This dish is light but filling, making it an excellent choice when you’re craving seafood without the hassle. The simple, aromatic flavors will make it feel like a special dinner, even on a hectic evening.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

This easy stir-fry is a great way to get dinner on the table quickly. Shrimp and broccoli cook together in a simple, savory sauce that brings the perfect balance of flavors. It’s a quick, one-pan meal that minimizes clean-up while still delivering on taste. The bright, fresh vegetables and succulent shrimp make it a healthy yet satisfying dinner. A great option for when you want something quick but flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

Bowl of black pepper chicken with chop sticks. — Chinese Black Pepper Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This savory dish brings bold, black pepper flavors to tender chicken in a skillet. It’s a simple meal that’s both satisfying and quick to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners. The chicken absorbs the pepper sauce beautifully, creating a flavorful meal in under 30 minutes. This recipe is perfect for busy evenings when you want something that packs a punch without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

Cream Cheese Chicken

A plate with chicken and green beans on it. — Cream Cheese Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Cream Cheese Chicken is a rich, comforting dish that’s easy to make in a skillet. The creamy sauce adds depth to the chicken, making it a crowd-pleaser with minimal effort. With simple ingredients, this meal comes together quickly, making it a perfect choice for busy nights. It’s a hearty dish that feels indulgent but requires very little prep time.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Salmon Pasta Alfredo

This creamy Alfredo dish brings together salmon and pasta in a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s an easy way to enjoy seafood with minimal effort, perfect for busy nights when you still want a filling meal. The pasta and salmon cook quickly, making this dish a great choice when you're pressed for time. The creaminess of the sauce pairs beautifully with the richness of the salmon, creating a meal your family will love.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Alfredo

Cranberry Brie Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Grilled cheese sandwich with melted cheese and cranberry sauce on a wooden board. — Cranberry Brie Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This take on a classic grilled cheese adds the perfect mix of sweetness and creaminess. With the combination of rich Brie and tangy cranberry, it’s a flavorful and quick dinner option. The sandwich cooks up in no time, making it ideal when you want something that’s both simple and satisfying. It’s perfect for when you want a little more than your standard grilled cheese but without much extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Brie Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Creamy Chicken Curry

Chicken curry with rice. — Creamy Chicken Curry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This creamy chicken curry is a flavorful, comforting meal that comes together quickly in a skillet. The chicken is cooked in a rich, spiced sauce that adds warmth to every bite. It's a great option for busy evenings when you want something full of flavor without a long cooking time. With minimal ingredients, it’s a straightforward dish that packs a punch in terms of taste.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Curry

Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

A skillet containing a stir-fried mix of ground meat, sliced bell peppers, leafy greens, and white sesame seeds, with a wooden spoon resting on the side. Plates with flatbreads are in the background. — Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet is a one-pan meal that’s both simple and hearty. The beef and cabbage are cooked in a savory mix of spices that bring everything together in a satisfying way. It’s a great option for busy nights when you need something quick, filling, and flavorful. The ingredients are easy to find, and the dish comes together in no time.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Cabbage and bacon in white serving bowl. — Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This Southern-inspired dish features tender cabbage and crispy bacon, making it a delicious and easy dinner. With minimal ingredients and a short cooking time, it’s perfect for busy evenings. The savory bacon adds flavor and crunch, making this a hearty meal that feels like comfort food without the fuss. It’s a great way to get a delicious side or main dish on the table quickly.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Green beans with pine nuts on a plate. — Green Beans with Garlic Butter. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Green Beans with Garlic Butter is a simple and flavorful side dish that can easily turn into a quick main meal. The garlic butter sauce brings out the natural sweetness of the green beans. This dish is a great way to add some greens to your dinner without spending much time. It’s quick, easy, and packs a punch of flavor with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Korean Beef and Broccoli

Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry over rice. — Korean Beef and Broccoli. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This Korean-inspired dish combines tender beef with vibrant broccoli in a sweet and savory sauce. It’s a quick meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor, and the skillet method makes it easy to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights. The beef and broccoli soak up the sauce, creating a satisfying, hearty meal without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Korean Beef and Broccoli

Chicken Chop Suey

Chicken Chop Suey is a quick and tasty stir-fry that brings together chicken and vegetables in a savory sauce. It’s a simple one-pan dish that’s both filling and easy to make, perfect for busy evenings. The colorful veggies add texture, and the chicken cooks up quickly, making this a great option for when you’re short on time. A flavorful dinner without the long prep work.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chop Suey

Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

A bowl of pasta with shrimp and tomatoes. — Shrimp and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Shrimp and Tomato Pasta is a quick, light dinner that comes together in just a few minutes. The shrimp pairs perfectly with the fresh tomatoes and garlic for a flavorful meal. With minimal prep and cooking time, this dish is perfect for busy nights. It’s a simple pasta meal that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry

Roasted broccoli and tofu cubes garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, served with a wooden spoon. — Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry is a quick and healthy meal that combines crispy tofu with tender broccoli. It’s an easy way to get a plant-based dinner on the table fast. With a savory sauce, the tofu and broccoli come together in a flavorful stir-fry that’s both nutritious and satisfying. This is a great option for busy evenings when you want something healthy but without the effort.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry

Copycat Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt

A sandwich with avocado, chicken and cheese on a plate. — Copycat Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This chicken avocado melt is a quick, flavorful meal that’s inspired by your favorite Chipotle flavors. The melt combines seasoned chicken and creamy avocado in a warm, satisfying sandwich. It’s perfect for when you want a quick, no-fuss meal that still feels like a treat. The combination of creamy and savory flavors makes this a meal you’ll want to make again.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt

Steak and Mushrooms with Balsamic Sauce

A plate with steak, tomatoes and cucumbers on it. — Steak and Mushrooms with Balsamic Sauce. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Steak and mushrooms come together with a tangy balsamic sauce in this quick skillet dish. The mushrooms cook down in the savory sauce, complementing the rich steak perfectly. It’s an easy, elegant meal that’s ready in no time and perfect for busy evenings. The savory sauce adds depth to the steak, making this a flavorful meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Steak and Mushrooms with Balsamic Sauce

Alfredo Steak Pasta

Alfredo Steak Pasta brings together tender steak and creamy Alfredo sauce in a simple, filling dish. The steak adds a rich, savory flavor to the creamy pasta, making it a quick meal that feels indulgent. With minimal prep time and few ingredients, it’s a great choice when you want a hearty meal without a lot of fuss. It’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together in no time.
Get the Recipe: Alfredo Steak Pasta

Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon

A plate of salmon on a white plate with lemon slices on it. — Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This lemon butter sauce adds the perfect balance of tang and richness to salmon, creating a simple yet flavorful meal. The sauce cooks up quickly, making this a great option for a fast and satisfying dinner. The salmon absorbs the lemony, buttery flavors, turning it into a comforting dish. It’s an easy way to enjoy seafood with minimal effort and clean-up.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon

Crab Fried Rice

A bowl of fried rice with vegetables and crab meat. — Crab Fried Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crab Fried Rice is a quick and easy skillet meal that combines tender crab with flavorful rice. The dish is packed with savory ingredients, making it a great way to get dinner on the table in no time. It’s a filling meal that’s simple to prepare and perfect for busy evenings. The crab adds a special touch to the fried rice, creating a meal that’s both comforting and quick.
Get the Recipe: Crab Fried Rice

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

A bowl of shrimp pasta with lemon and parsley. — Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a quick and easy dish that combines garlic butter sauce with succulent shrimp and pasta. It’s a flavorful meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights. The buttery sauce coats the pasta and shrimp perfectly, creating a satisfying dish with minimal effort. A perfect choice when you want something rich and filling but without a lot of time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Ground Pork Tacos

Two pork tacos on a white plate with lime wedges. — Ground Pork Tacos. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These Ground Pork Tacos are quick to make and packed with flavor. The seasoned pork cooks up in no time, making this a perfect weeknight meal. The tacos are easy to assemble and can be customized with your favorite toppings. This dish is an ideal option for nights when you want something tasty but don’t want to spend much time cooking.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Tacos

Salmon Salad

A grilled salmon fillet served on a bed of fresh salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and olives on a white plate. — Salmon Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Salmon Salad is a quick, light meal that combines tender salmon with fresh greens. It’s an easy dish to throw together, making it perfect for busy days when you still want something filling. The salmon adds a rich, savory flavor to the crisp vegetables, creating a satisfying salad. This dish requires minimal prep time, making it a great option for quick weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Salad

Ground Pork Stir Fry

A plate with ground pork and vegetables on top of cauliflower rice. — Ground Pork Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Ground Pork Stir Fry is a simple, flavorful dish that comes together in one pan. The ground pork cooks quickly, and the vegetables add a nice crunch. This stir-fry is a great option when you need a fast dinner that’s still packed with flavor. The dish is easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or sauce for a quick and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Stir Fry

Crab Pasta

A close-up of spaghetti twirled on a fork with bits of crab meat and herbs, with more pasta and a dish in the blurred background. — Crab Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crab Pasta is a quick and elegant dish that combines tender crab with pasta in a rich, savory sauce. The flavors meld together perfectly in just a few minutes, making it a great choice for busy evenings. The crab adds a touch of sophistication to the meal, while the pasta makes it hearty. This dish is perfect for when you want something filling yet quick to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Crab Pasta