21 Skillet Recipes That Prove Dinner Doesn’t Have to Take All Night

I know how hectic life can get and sometimes, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen preparing dinner. That’s why I love skillet recipes—they’re quick, simple and perfect for busy nights without sacrificing flavor. Join me as we explore a variety of delicious meals that prove dinner can be satisfying and stress-free!

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.

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Alfredo Steak Pasta

Alfredo Steak Pasta is a comforting meal that combines tender steak with creamy pasta for a quick dinner. The rich flavors come together in one skillet, making it easy to prepare after a busy day. This dish allows you to enjoy a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. The creamy sauce complements the steak beautifully, ensuring a filling dinner option. Perfect for nights when you want to treat yourself without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Alfredo Steak Pasta

Shrimp Scampi

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

Shrimp Scampi is a classic dish that brings the taste of the coast to your table in just a few minutes. The shrimp cooks quickly with garlic and lemon, creating a vibrant and fresh flavor. This recipe is made in one skillet, so cleanup is straightforward after dinner. It’s an ideal choice for when you want a meal that feels special without taking all night. Enjoy a restaurant-quality dinner at home with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

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 simple yet satisfying dish that comes together in a flash for busy weeknights. The shrimp and pasta are coated in a rich garlic butter sauce that enhances every bite. Everything is prepared in one skillet, keeping the cooking process easy and cleanup fast. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want a hearty meal without a lot of fuss. A great option for seafood lovers looking for a quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Chicken Chop Suey

Chicken Chop Suey is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with crisp vegetables for a complete meal. The cooking time is short, making it ideal for busy evenings when time is tight. Everything cooks in one skillet, simplifying the process and cleanup. This dish provides a satisfying dinner option that’s both nutritious and filling. Perfect for those nights when you want something hearty without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chop Suey

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 quick, hearty meal that combines beef and cabbage for a filling dinner option. The cooking time is short, making it a great choice for busy weeknights. This dish is prepared in one skillet, which keeps cleanup easy and efficient. It's perfect for when you want something satisfying without a lot of preparation. A practical option for families looking for a simple yet flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Apple Cinnamon Pancakes

Cinnamon pancakes topped with cooked diced apples. — Apple Cinnamon Pancakes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Apple Cinnamon Pancakes bring a cozy, warm feeling to breakfast with just a few ingredients. They cook up quickly, making them a perfect choice for busy mornings or lazy weekends. This recipe uses one skillet, so you can enjoy your pancakes without a messy kitchen. They provide a delightful way to start the day, filling you up without taking too long to prepare. A comforting option for those who love a sweet morning treat.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Pancakes

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 are a quick and flavorful side dish that complements any main course. The beans cook quickly, making this a great option for busy weeknights. This recipe uses one skillet, which keeps cleanup fast and easy. It’s perfect for when you want a nutritious side without spending too much time in the kitchen. A wonderful addition to any meal that adds flavor without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a hearty and comforting dish that cooks up quickly for a satisfying meal. The bacon adds flavor and richness to the cabbage, creating a delightful combination. This recipe is prepared in one skillet, making it easy to clean up afterward. It's a great option for busy nights when you want a comforting side dish without the hassle. Perfect for pairing with your favorite protein for a complete dinner.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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 with Balsamic Sauce is a rich dish that comes together in no time, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The steak cooks quickly, and the balsamic adds a nice touch of flavor. Everything is made in one skillet, so cleanup is straightforward, allowing you to enjoy your meal faster. It’s ideal for nights when you want something hearty without the lengthy cooking time. A satisfying option for steak lovers craving a flavorful dish.
Get the Recipe: Steak and Mushrooms with Balsamic Sauce

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 creamy and comforting dish that cooks up in just one skillet for a quick dinner. The cream cheese adds richness, making it a satisfying choice for busy nights. This recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for serving over rice or pasta. It’s a great option for those evenings when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. A wonderful choice for families looking for a simple yet flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

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.

Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon adds a bright, fresh flavor that complements the fish beautifully in a matter of minutes. The sauce cooks quickly, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. This dish can be made in one skillet, ensuring easy preparation and cleanup. It's ideal for nights when you want a satisfying meal that feels special without the wait. A great way to enjoy a light and flavorful dinner with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon

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 and refreshing dish that’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The salmon cooks fast, and combining it with fresh ingredients makes for a satisfying meal. This recipe is prepared in one skillet, keeping cleanup simple and efficient. It’s a fantastic option for those evenings when you want something healthy without a lot of fuss. A wonderful choice for seafood lovers looking for a quick meal.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Salad

Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry is a quick and colorful meal that offers a satisfying mix of flavors. The shrimp and broccoli cook quickly in a single skillet, making it ideal for busy nights. This dish is easy to prepare and provides a nutritious dinner option. It’s perfect for when you want something filling without the long cooking time. A great way to enjoy a taste of Asian cuisine without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Broccoli 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 rich and flavorful dish that comes together quickly for a satisfying dinner option. The crab meat adds a special touch, making it feel indulgent yet easy to prepare. Everything is cooked in one skillet, ensuring minimal cleanup afterward. It’s ideal for those evenings when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. A fantastic choice for seafood lovers looking for a quick meal that feels special.
Get the Recipe: Crab 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 brings vibrant flavors to the table in no time. The tofu cooks quickly alongside fresh broccoli, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights. This dish is prepared in one skillet, simplifying both cooking and cleanup. It’s perfect for when you want something nutritious without the fuss. A great choice for those who enjoy plant-based meals that don’t take long to make.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry

Korean Beef and Broccoli

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

Korean Beef and Broccoli is a quick and flavorful dish that cooks up in just a few minutes. The beef and broccoli blend together beautifully, creating a hearty meal that’s satisfying and easy to prepare. Everything is made in one skillet, keeping the cooking process simple and cleanup quick. It’s a perfect option for weeknights when you want something filling without the long cooking time. A great way to enjoy Asian-inspired flavors at home.
Get the Recipe: Korean Beef and Broccoli

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 quick and hearty dish that brings bold flavors to your dinner table in no time. The pork cooks quickly, allowing you to whip up a satisfying meal with ease. This recipe is made in one skillet, making cleanup straightforward after dinner. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something filling without a lot of effort. A fantastic choice for families looking for a simple yet flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Stir Fry

Garlic Butter Steak Bites

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

Garlic Butter Steak Bites are a quick and flavorful option that brings a steakhouse experience to your kitchen. The steak cooks up fast in a garlic butter sauce, creating a rich flavor profile. This recipe uses one skillet, ensuring easy preparation and cleanup. It’s perfect for nights when you want a hearty meal that doesn’t take long to make. A fantastic option for meat lovers looking for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak Bites

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 dish that combines the freshness of tomatoes with succulent shrimp for a satisfying meal. The cooking time is minimal, making it perfect for busy evenings. This recipe is prepared in one skillet, keeping both cooking and cleanup easy. It’s ideal for when you want something hearty and flavorful without the fuss. A great choice for seafood lovers craving a quick pasta dish.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

Salmon Pasta Alfredo

Salmon Pasta Alfredo is a rich and creamy dish that comes together in no time for a satisfying dinner. The salmon adds a special touch, making this pasta feel indulgent yet easy to prepare. Everything is cooked in one skillet, ensuring a straightforward cleanup afterward. It’s perfect for when you want a comforting meal without spending all night in the kitchen. A wonderful choice for seafood enthusiasts looking for a quick pasta option.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Alfredo

Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

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

Chinese Black Pepper Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish that brings a taste of takeout to your home in just minutes. The chicken cooks quickly, coated in a savory black pepper sauce that offers a delightful kick. Everything is made in one skillet, which keeps the cooking process efficient and cleanup fast. It’s ideal for those evenings when you want something hearty without a lot of fuss. A wonderful choice for a satisfying dinner that doesn’t take all night to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Black Pepper Chicken