Get ready to revolutionize your cooking routine with these 18 quick and delicious skillet recipes! In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in busy schedules and forget about meal prep. But what if you could whip up a nutritious and flavorful dinner in just 30 minutes or less? With the right ingredients and techniques, you can transform your kitchen into a culinary powerhouse.
From classic comfort foods to international-inspired dishes, our collection of skillet recipes has something for everyone. Whether you’re a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or simply looking for a quick and easy meal solution, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your taste buds.
In this article, we’ll be exploring 18 mouthwatering skillet recipes that combine simplicity with flavor. From chicken and vegetables to lentils and kale, our recipes showcase the versatility of the humble skillet and the endless possibilities it offers.
Garlic Herb Chicken Skillet with Quinoa
A flavorful and nutritious one-pan meal that combines the savory taste of chicken, herbs, and garlic with the nutty goodness of quinoa.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or chicken broth
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Add the thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet and stir to combine.
5. Add the quinoa and water/chicken broth mixture to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until quinoa is tender.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to combine with the quinoa mixture. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Zucchini and Tomato Skillet with Feta
This colorful skillet dish is a perfect representation of summer’s bounty, featuring tender zucchini, juicy tomatoes, and crumbly feta cheese. It’s an easy and flavorful meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
– 1 large tomato, diced
– 6 oz feta cheese, crumbled
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced zucchinis and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until tender.
3. Add the diced tomatoes and minced garlic; cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir in the crumbled feta cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Shrimp and Avocado Skillet
Spicy Shrimp and Avocado Skillet Recipe: A flavorful and nutritious meal that combines succulent shrimp, creamy avocado, and a kick of heat from jalapeños.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the diced bell pepper and chopped jalapeño. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Add the diced avocado to the skillet and stir gently to combine with the vegetable mixture.
6. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
One-Pan Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet
A flavorful and nutritious skillet meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless turkey breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high.
3. Add turkey and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. Add onion and garlic to skillet; cook until onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add sweet potatoes to skillet; cook for 2-3 minutes or until they start to soften.
6. Pour in chicken broth and add thyme; stir to combine.
7. Return turkey to skillet; cover with a lid and transfer to preheated oven.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender and turkey is cooked through.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Mediterranean Chickpea and Spinach Skillet
This hearty skillet dish combines the creamy richness of chickpeas with the nutritional boost of spinach, all wrapped up in a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired package.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas (14.5 oz), drained and rinsed
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in the cumin, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. Add the chickpeas and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
6. Add the fresh spinach leaves and stir until wilted.
7. Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemon Garlic Salmon Skillet with Asparagus
Elevate your dinner game with this flavorful skillet dish that combines the brightness of lemon, pungency of garlic, and tenderness of salmon. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Add the asparagus to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until tender.
5. Stir in lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
6. Return the salmon fillets to the skillet and spoon some of the asparagus mixture on top.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Healthy Beef and Broccoli Skillet
This skillet recipe combines tender beef strips with crisp broccoli florets, all cooked in a flavorful mixture of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that’s packed with nutrients.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef strips and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Add the garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add the broccoli to the skillet and cook until tender, about 4-5 minutes.
5. Return the beef to the skillet and stir in the soy sauce.
6. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Vegetarian Lentil and Kale Skillet
A hearty and nutritious one-pot meal that combines the comfort of lentils with the earthy sweetness of kale.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups chopped curly kale, stems removed
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: lemon wedges and crusty bread for serving
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in the lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
5. Stir in the chopped kale and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges and crusty bread if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-45 minutes
Coconut Curry Chicken Skillet
Coconut Curry Chicken Skillet: A flavorful and aromatic one-pot meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp curry powder
– 1/2 cup coconut milk
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet; cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in the cumin, curry powder, coconut milk, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet and cook until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with cilantro, if desired.
8. Serve hot over rice or with naan bread.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Eggplant and Bell Pepper Skillet with Basil
A flavorful and healthy skillet dish that combines the sweetness of bell peppers, the richness of eggplant, and the brightness of fresh basil.
Ingredients:
– 1 large eggplant, sliced into 1-inch thick rounds
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced into 1-inch pieces
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (about 1 tablespoon)
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced eggplant and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until tender and lightly browned.
3. Remove the eggplant from the skillet and set aside.
4. Add the bell pepper pieces to the skillet and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until tender and slightly charred.
5. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
6. Return the cooked eggplant to the skillet and stir to combine with the bell peppers and garlic.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and chopped basil.
8. Squeeze a sliver of lemon juice over the top and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Healthy Skillet Breakfast Hash
Start your day with a nutritious and filling breakfast that’s packed with protein, fiber, and flavor. This skillet hash is a great way to use up leftover vegetables and can be customized to suit your taste.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium potato, diced
– 1 small sweet potato, peeled and diced
– 1/2 cup mixed bell peppers (any color), diced
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 eggs
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: cooked sausage or bacon, chopped
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced potatoes, sweet potato, bell peppers, and onion. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
3. Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Crack in the eggs and scramble them until cooked through.
4. Mix the eggs with the vegetables. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. If using, add chopped sausage or bacon and stir to combine.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Teriyaki Tofu and Vegetable Skillet
This recipe combines the savory flavors of teriyaki sauce with the tender texture of tofu and crisp vegetables, all in one quick and easy skillet dish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or lunch prep, this recipe is a great way to get your protein and veggies in one go.
Ingredients:
– 1 block firm tofu, cut into small cubes
– 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bell pepper, sliced
– 1 cup broccoli florets
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the tofu and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the bell pepper and broccoli to the skillet and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
5. Return the tofu to the skillet and pour in the teriyaki sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cauliflower Rice and Black Bean Skillet
This flavorful and nutritious skillet dish combines the creamy texture of cauliflower rice with the bold flavors of black beans, onions, and spices. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch option.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Pulse the cauliflower in a food processor until it resembles rice.
3. Add the cauliflower “rice” to the skillet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and cook for 4-5 minutes or until tender.
4. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, and cook until the onion is translucent.
5. Stir in the black beans, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pesto Chicken and Zoodle Skillet
A flavorful one-pot meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This recipe combines the creaminess of pesto with the convenience of zoodles (zucchini noodles) and juicy chicken.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium zucchinis
– 1/4 cup freshly made pesto
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Spiralize the zucchinis into noodles (zoodles).
4. In the same skillet, add the zoodles and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly tender.
5. Stir in the pesto and cook for an additional minute.
6. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir to combine with the zoodles and pesto.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Healthy Skillet Ratatouille
This recipe is a flavorful and nutritious twist on the classic Provençal dish, featuring roasted vegetables cooked to perfection in one skillet. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch option.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 medium eggplant, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes or until translucent.
3. Add the bell peppers and garlic; cook for an additional 5 minutes or until tender.
4. Add the eggplant and diced tomatoes; stir to combine.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 15-20 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Chicken Skillet
This flavorful skillet recipe combines juicy chicken, caramelized pineapple, and a hint of spice for a deliciously balanced meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp honey
– 1/4 tsp ground cumin
– 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken; cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Remove chicken from skillet; set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low; add pineapple, honey, cumin, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook, stirring occasionally, until pineapple caramelizes, about 10-12 minutes.
5. Add cooked chicken back into the skillet; season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer skillet to the oven; bake for an additional 8-10 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves; serve hot.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
One-Pan Quinoa and Veggie Skillet
A quick and flavorful one-pan meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend brunch. This recipe combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the vibrant colors of roasted vegetables, all in one convenient skillet.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 zucchini, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: any other favorite vegetables (e.g., mushrooms, broccoli)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add quinoa and water to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until quinoa is tender.
4. Add bell peppers and zucchini to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Healthy Skillet Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Start your day with a warm and comforting bowl of oatmeal, infused with the sweetness of apples and warmth of cinnamon.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup water or milk (dairy or non-dairy)
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 apple, diced (about 1/2 cup)
– Pinch of salt
– Optional: chopped nuts or seeds for topping
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, bring the water or milk to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Add the oats, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.
3. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats have absorbed most of the liquid and have a creamy consistency.
4. Add the diced apple and salt. Stir to combine.
5. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the apples are tender.
6. Serve hot, topped with chopped nuts or seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Summary
Get ready to cook up a storm with these 18 quick and healthy skillet recipes! From savory dishes like Garlic Herb Chicken Skillet with Quinoa, Spicy Shrimp and Avocado Skillet, and Healthy Beef and Broccoli Skillet, to vegetarian options like Vegetarian Lentil and Kale Skillet and Cauliflower Rice and Black Bean Skillet, there’s something for everyone. And don’t forget the sweet treats, like Healthy Skillet Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal! Each recipe is easy to make and packed with nutritious ingredients. Perfect for busy home cooks, these skillets are sure to become new favorites.
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