21 Skillet Dishes So Simple, You Won't Cook Any Other Way

If you're like me, you probably appreciate a meal that’s both quick and satisfying, especially on a busy weeknight. That’s why I’ve put together this collection of skillet dishes that are so simple, you’ll wonder why you ever cooked any other way. With these recipes, you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying delicious, homemade meals that come together in one pan.

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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Ground Pork Stir Fry

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

This stir fry offers a quick, flavor-packed option for dinner, using simple ingredients that come together in one pan. Ideal for a busy weeknight, it’s a practical choice for those who appreciate a hearty meal without the fuss. The combination of ground pork and vegetables ensures you won’t miss out on the savory satisfaction of a home-cooked meal. Perfect for anyone looking for an easy, no-hassle skillet dish. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Stir Fry

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 dish combines tender steak with rich mushrooms in a balsamic sauce that’s both simple and flavorful. The entire meal is cooked in one pan, making it an excellent option for those who prefer minimal cleanup. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or a special meal, this recipe delivers with minimal effort. Pair it with a side of your choice to complete the experience. It’s a straightforward approach to a satisfying skillet dinner.
Get the Recipe: Steak and Mushrooms with Balsamic Sauce

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.

A great option for those looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their routine, this stir fry is both simple and satisfying. The tofu absorbs the flavors beautifully, and the broccoli adds a nice crunch. Everything comes together in one skillet, making it a quick and easy dinner choice. This recipe is perfect for a busy evening when you need something nutritious on the table fast. Serve with rice for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry

Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

This skillet dish brings together ground beef and cabbage for a hearty, no-fuss meal. The ingredients are simple and the preparation is minimal, making it a practical option for any night of the week. Cooking everything in one pan saves time on cleanup, too. It’s an ideal recipe for those who enjoy a straightforward, comforting meal without any extra steps. Perfect on its own or with a side of your choice.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

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.

This green bean dish is a quick and easy side that pairs well with just about any meal. Cooked in a skillet with garlic butter, it offers a simple yet flavorful addition to your dinner table. With minimal ingredients and effort, this recipe is a go-to for busy evenings. The green beans maintain a nice crunch, adding texture to your plate. It’s a reliable side that complements a variety of main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

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.

This shrimp pasta is a fantastic choice for a quick and flavorful dinner that comes together in a single skillet. The garlic butter sauce enhances the shrimp and pasta without overwhelming the dish. It’s an ideal option for those who want a restaurant-quality meal without the hassle. Perfect for busy nights when you need something both simple and satisfying. Serve it with a side salad or bread for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Chicken Chop Suey

This chicken chop suey is an easy, one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of chicken and vegetables makes for a well-rounded dish that’s ready in no time. Everything cooks together in the skillet, saving time on both preparation and cleanup. It’s a great choice for those who want a balanced meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Serve it over rice for a complete dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chop Suey

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.

This skillet dish brings together tender chicken with the bold flavors of black pepper in a simple, one-pan meal. It’s a great option for anyone looking for a quick and flavorful dinner that doesn’t require a lot of prep. The chicken is cooked to perfection, making this recipe a reliable choice for any night of the week. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal. It’s an uncomplicated way to enjoy a hearty dinner.
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.

This salmon pasta alfredo is a quick and satisfying skillet meal that’s perfect for a busy night. The creamy Alfredo sauce pairs beautifully with the tender salmon and pasta, creating a dish that feels indulgent without being complicated. Everything comes together in one pan, making it a convenient choice for a weeknight dinner. It’s a simple way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. Serve it with a side salad for balance.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Alfredo

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.

This breakfast burrito is a simple, one-skillet meal that’s perfect for starting your day off right. The chorizo adds a nice kick, while the eggs and other fillings come together quickly for a hearty breakfast. Everything is cooked in one pan, making it a practical choice for busy mornings. Roll it up in a tortilla, and you’ve got a satisfying meal to take on the go. Ideal for a breakfast that’s quick and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Chorizo Burrito

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.

This shrimp and tomato pasta is a great option for a quick and satisfying dinner. The shrimp cooks quickly in the skillet, while the tomatoes add a burst of freshness. It’s a simple recipe that doesn’t require a lot of time or effort, making it perfect for busy nights. The combination of shrimp and pasta creates a filling meal that’s easy to prepare. Serve with a side of garlic bread for a complete dinner.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

Shrimp Scampi

Grilled shrimp with garlic and herbs served with slices of toasted bread. — Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This shrimp scampi is a quick and easy skillet dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. The shrimp is cooked in a simple garlic and butter sauce, making it both flavorful and uncomplicated. It’s a great option for those who want a satisfying meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Serve it over pasta or with a side of bread to soak up the sauce. Ideal for a dinner that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

Alfredo Steak Pasta

This alfredo steak pasta is a quick and satisfying meal that comes together in one skillet. The creamy Alfredo sauce pairs perfectly with the tender steak and pasta, making it a great choice for a busy night. It’s an uncomplicated recipe that doesn’t require a lot of time or effort, but still delivers on flavor. Serve it with a side of garlic bread for a complete dinner. Perfect for those who want a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Get the Recipe: Alfredo Steak Pasta

Korean Beef and Broccoli

This Korean beef and broccoli is a simple, one-skillet meal that’s perfect for a quick dinner. The beef is cooked with a flavorful sauce, while the broccoli adds a nice crunch. It’s a great option for those who want a satisfying meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Serve it over rice for a complete meal. Ideal for a weeknight when you need something fast and filling.
Get the Recipe: Korean Beef and Broccoli

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Bowl of sautéed cabbage topped with crispy bacon strips. — Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This Southern fried cabbage with bacon is a simple, one-pan side dish that’s perfect for any meal. The cabbage is cooked with bacon, adding a rich flavor that’s hard to resist. It’s an easy recipe that doesn’t require a lot of ingredients or time, making it a great option for a busy night. Serve it alongside your favorite main dish for a complete meal. Ideal for those who enjoy a comforting, home-cooked side.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Crab Pasta

This crab pasta is a quick and easy skillet meal that’s perfect for a busy night. The crab and pasta come together in a light, flavorful sauce that’s both simple and satisfying. It’s a great option for those who want a seafood dish without the fuss. Everything is made in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Serve with a side salad for a complete dinner.
Get the Recipe: Crab Pasta

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.

This cream cheese chicken is a simple, one-pan meal that’s perfect for a busy night. The chicken is cooked in a creamy sauce that’s both rich and comforting. It’s a great recipe for those who want a satisfying dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen. Serve it with a side of vegetables or rice for a complete meal. Ideal for a weeknight when you need something quick and easy.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon

Grilled salmon fillet garnished with lemon slices and grated cheese on a white plate, accompanied by a red and white striped napkin. — Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This lemon butter sauce is a quick and easy way to enhance your salmon with minimal effort. It’s made in one skillet, making it a practical option for a busy night. The sauce adds a bright, fresh flavor to the salmon without overwhelming it. It’s a great recipe for those who want a simple yet flavorful meal. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete dinner.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon

Garlic Butter Steak Bites

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

These garlic butter steak bites are a quick and satisfying skillet meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. The steak is cooked to perfection in a garlic butter sauce, making it both flavorful and easy to prepare. It’s a great recipe for those who want a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Serve it with a side of vegetables or potatoes for a complete dinner. Ideal for a no-fuss, delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Bowl of stir-fried shrimp and broccoli with chopsticks. — Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This shrimp and broccoli stir-fry is a quick and easy skillet meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. The shrimp cooks quickly while the broccoli adds a nice crunch to the dish. It’s a simple recipe that doesn’t require a lot of ingredients or time, making it a practical choice for busy evenings. Serve it over rice for a complete meal. Ideal for those who want a fast and satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Salmon Salad

Grilled salmon fillet on top of a fresh green salad with tomatoes and olives, served on a white plate with a fork on the side. — Salmon Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This salmon salad is a light and refreshing option for a quick meal. The salmon is cooked in one skillet, making the preparation simple and cleanup easy. It’s a great recipe for those who want a healthy and satisfying meal without too much effort. Serve it with your favorite salad greens for a complete dish. Perfect for a lunch or light dinner when you need something fast and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Salad