21 Simple Skillet Recipes for Nights You Don't Want to Cook

When you're craving a home-cooked meal but don't have the energy or time to spend hours in the kitchen, simple skillet recipes are your go-to solution. These dishes are designed to be quick, easy, and delicious, perfect for those evenings when you just want to enjoy a satisfying meal without the fuss. With minimal prep and cleanup, you'll find these recipes are ideal for making your life easier while still enjoying a homemade dinner.

A skillet filled with a colorful stir-fry of ground meat, bell peppers, leafy greens, and sesame seeds, with a wooden spoon resting in it. Plates and a stack of flatbreads are nearby. — Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

Grilled shrimp served over spaghetti with cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, and lemon wedges. — Shrimp and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Perfect for when you're short on time, this shrimp and tomato pasta comes together quickly in one skillet, making it an excellent option for a no-fuss dinner. The fresh flavors of shrimp and tomatoes provide a satisfying meal without the need for complex preparation. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a convenient choice for any busy night. Minimal cleanup makes it even better for evenings when you want to relax. A great way to enjoy a flavorful dinner with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

Alfredo Steak Pasta

When you're looking for a hearty meal without a lot of work, this Alfredo steak pasta is just what you need. Combining tender steak with a creamy Alfredo sauce, this dish is rich and filling while being simple to prepare. Everything comes together in one pan, which means less time cooking and more time enjoying. It’s a comforting choice that doesn’t require a lot of ingredients or cleanup. Ideal for those nights when you want a satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Alfredo Steak Pasta

Broccoli Tofu Stir-Fry

Close-up of roasted broccoli and tofu cubes tossed with sesame seeds in a wooden spoon, set against a blurred background. — Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This broccoli tofu stir-fry is a fantastic choice for nights when you want something light and nutritious without spending much time in the kitchen. Everything cooks up in one skillet, making it a quick and easy dinner option. The combination of tofu and broccoli ensures a healthy and balanced meal that's ready in minutes. Perfect for those evenings when you need a simple, wholesome dinner. Easy to prepare and even easier to clean up.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Tofu Stir-Fry

Steak Pizzaiola

Fried steak topped with a chunky tomato and basil sauce, served on a white plate. — Steak Pizzaiola. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Steak pizzaiola is a flavorful option for nights when you want something satisfying but don’t have the energy for a complicated meal. Cooked in a single skillet, the steak is simmered in a tomato sauce, making it a hearty dish with minimal prep. The rich flavors come together quickly, making it ideal for a weeknight meal that feels special without the effort. Less cleanup and more time to relax make it a win for busy evenings. A quick way to enjoy a comforting dinner.
Get the Recipe: Steak Pizzaiola

Pancit Bihon Guisado

A fork twirling pancit bihon with chicken and vegetables, suggestive of a healthy meal. — Pancit Bihon Guisado. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This Filipino noodle dish is a great pick for nights when you want a quick and satisfying meal with minimal fuss. Made in one skillet, Pancit Bihon Guisado combines rice noodles with vegetables and protein for a balanced and flavorful dinner. The simplicity of the ingredients and the short cooking time make it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Easy to prepare and quick to clean up, it’s perfect for those evenings when you need a fast and tasty meal. A convenient dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Pancit Bihon Guisado

Creamy Chicken Curry

A bowl of chicken curry served over white rice, with a red and white checkered napkin in the background. — Creamy Chicken Curry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Creamy chicken curry is perfect for nights when you crave something comforting yet quick to make. Everything simmers in one pan, allowing the rich flavors to develop with minimal effort. This recipe offers a hearty and warming meal without requiring a lot of time or ingredients. Great for when you want something that feels indulgent but is easy to prepare. With only one pan to clean, it's a practical option for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Curry

Aloo Gobi Masala

A pot of vegetable curry with cauliflower and potatoes, garnished with herbs, served with naan bread. — Aloo Gobi Masala. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Aloo gobi masala is a flavorful and comforting dish that’s perfect for nights when you want something simple yet satisfying. Cooked in a single skillet, this Indian-inspired recipe combines potatoes and cauliflower in a rich blend of spices. The simplicity of the preparation makes it a great choice for when you don’t want to spend much time cooking. It’s a warm and hearty meal that’s ready in no time. A perfect one-pan dinner for any night.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

Ground Pork Tacos

An easy dish to look forward to cooking every night: a colorful taco with ground meat, shredded carrots, red cabbage, and a slice of lime on the side. — Ground Pork Tacos. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Ground pork tacos are a quick and easy dinner option for nights when you need something filling but don’t want to spend a lot of time cooking. Everything comes together in one skillet, making it a convenient choice for a busy evening. The seasoned ground pork provides a flavorful base, and you can customize the toppings to suit your taste. Perfect for a fun and fast meal with minimal cleanup. A great way to enjoy a homemade taco night with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Tacos

Crab Fried Rice

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.

Crab fried rice is an excellent choice for when you want a quick and flavorful meal without spending much time in the kitchen. Cooked in one pan, this dish combines tender crab with rice and vegetables for a balanced and satisfying dinner. The recipe is simple and comes together in minutes, making it ideal for busy nights. With minimal cleanup required, it’s perfect for when you need a fast and easy dinner option. A tasty way to enjoy seafood at home.
Get the Recipe: Crab Fried Rice

Green Beans with Garlic Butter

A plate of green beans tossed with herbs and pine nuts. — Green Beans with Garlic Butter. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Green beans with garlic butter is a simple and quick side dish that’s perfect for nights when you want something light and easy. Cooked in one skillet, this recipe combines tender green beans with rich garlic butter for a flavorful accompaniment to any meal. The simplicity of the ingredients and the short cooking time make it an ideal choice for busy evenings. Minimal effort and maximum flavor in just minutes. A great go-to side dish for any dinner.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Ratatouille

Ratatouille is a great choice for when you want a wholesome and vegetable-rich meal without a lot of fuss. Everything cooks together in one pan, allowing the flavors of the vegetables to meld beautifully. This dish is easy to prepare and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for a simple and healthy dinner. Ideal for when you want to enjoy a nutritious meal with little effort. A flavorful one-pan dinner that's perfect for any night.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

Breakfast Chorizo Burrito

A burrito cut in half, showing a filling of mea and eggs served on a white plate with avocado and sauce on the side. — Breakfast Chorizo Burrito. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

The breakfast chorizo burrito is an ideal choice for mornings or evenings when you want a quick, hearty meal without much preparation. Everything comes together in one skillet, making it easy to cook up a satisfying burrito in minutes. The combination of chorizo, eggs, and other ingredients provides a filling meal that’s perfect for any time of day. Minimal prep and cleanup make it great for busy mornings or lazy evenings. A simple, one-pan meal that's ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Chorizo Burrito

Ground Pork Stir Fry

Ground meat and vegetables served over mashed potatoes. — Ground Pork Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This ground pork stir fry is perfect for nights when you need a quick and easy meal that’s full of flavor. Cooked in one skillet, this dish combines ground pork with vegetables and a simple sauce for a balanced and satisfying dinner. The recipe is straightforward and comes together in minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings. Minimal ingredients and cleanup make it a great choice for when you want a no-fuss dinner. A flavorful stir-fry that's ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Stir Fry

Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

This ground beef and cabbage skillet is a great option for nights when you want a hearty meal without spending much time in the kitchen. Everything cooks together in one pan, making it a quick and easy dinner that’s both filling and flavorful. The combination of ground beef and cabbage provides a satisfying meal with minimal prep and cleanup. Perfect for a busy evening when you want something simple yet comforting. A quick and easy one-pan dinner for any night.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Cream Cheese Chicken

A fork cutting into a piece of chicken served with green beans and pine nuts on a white plate. — Cream Cheese Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Cream cheese chicken is a simple and comforting dish that’s perfect for nights when you want something creamy and flavorful without much effort. Everything cooks together in one skillet, making it a quick and easy meal that’s ready in no time. The combination of chicken and cream cheese provides a rich and satisfying dinner with minimal prep and cleanup. Ideal for when you want something that feels indulgent but is easy to prepare. A practical and flavorful option for any night.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Steak and Mushrooms with Balsamic Sauce

Irresistible grilled steak with mushrooms served alongside a fresh tomato and cucumber salad. — Steak and Mushrooms with Balsamic Sauce. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This steak and mushrooms with balsamic sauce is a great choice for when you want a rich and flavorful meal without spending much time in the kitchen. Cooked in one skillet, the steak and mushrooms come together quickly, creating a satisfying dinner that’s perfect for a busy night. The balsamic sauce adds a touch of sophistication without requiring much effort. With minimal cleanup, it’s an ideal choice for those nights when you want a special meal with little effort. A quick and easy steak dinner for any night.
Get the Recipe: Steak and Mushrooms with Balsamic Sauce

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Fork lifting a shrimp and pasta dish, with more food in the background. — Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Garlic butter shrimp pasta is a quick and flavorful choice for nights when you want something light yet satisfying. Cooked in one skillet, the shrimp and pasta come together in minutes, making it an ideal option for a busy evening. The garlic butter sauce adds rich flavor without requiring much time or effort. Minimal prep and cleanup make it perfect for when you want a simple and easy dinner. A quick and tasty pasta dish that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Korean Beef and Broccoli

Korean beef and broccoli is a great option for when you want a flavorful and easy meal without spending much time in the kitchen. Cooked in one skillet, this dish combines tender beef with broccoli and a savory sauce for a quick and satisfying dinner. The recipe is straightforward and comes together in minutes, making it ideal for busy nights. Minimal ingredients and cleanup make it a perfect choice for a no-fuss dinner. A quick and flavorful one-pan meal for any night.
Get the Recipe: Korean Beef and Broccoli

Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Sautéed diced meat with green peppers and herbs in a pan. — Garlic Butter Steak Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Garlic butter steak bites are perfect for nights when you want a rich and satisfying meal without a lot of effort. Cooked in one skillet, these steak bites come together quickly, making them a great option for a busy evening. The garlic butter sauce adds depth of flavor without requiring much time or prep. With only one pan to clean, it’s an ideal choice for those nights when you want a special meal with minimal cleanup. A quick and easy steak dinner that’s ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

A bowl of chicken stir-fry with vegetables served over rice, accompanied by chopsticks. — Chinese Black Pepper Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chinese black pepper chicken is a flavorful and quick option for nights when you want something with a bit of spice but don’t want to spend much time cooking. Cooked in one skillet, the chicken and vegetables come together quickly, making it an ideal choice for a busy evening. The black pepper sauce adds a bold flavor without requiring much effort. With minimal cleanup, it’s a perfect choice for a no-fuss dinner. A quick and flavorful one-pan meal for any night.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

Salmon Pasta Alfredo

A plate of creamy salmon pasta garnished with lemon slices and parsley. — Salmon Pasta Alfredo. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Salmon pasta alfredo is an excellent choice for nights when you want something rich and flavorful without spending much time in the kitchen. Cooked in one skillet, the salmon and Alfredo sauce come together quickly, making it a convenient option for a busy evening. The creamy sauce adds a luxurious touch without requiring much effort. With only one pan to clean, it’s perfect for a no-fuss dinner. A quick and easy pasta dish that’s ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Alfredo