In today's fast-paced world, finding the time and energy to prepare healthy, home-cooked meals can be a real challenge. As a busy parent, I understand how difficult it can be to put a balanced meal on the table, especially after a long day. That's why I'm excited to share my love for healthy skillet recipes, which are not only quick and easy to make but also minimize cleanup.
One-skillet meals are a lifesaver for anyone looking to enjoy fast, nutritious weeknight dinners without the mess. These recipes are generally quick, easy, and allow you to build so much flavor. Most of these recipes are complete meals and require nothing more than a deep frying pan and a spatula.
The Beauty of One-Skillet Cooking
The beauty of one-skillet meals lies in their simplicity and versatility. By cooking everything in a single pan, you save valuable time on both preparation and cleanup. This makes them ideal for busy weeknights when you want a delicious and healthy meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Moreover, skillet cooking allows flavors to meld together beautifully, creating dishes that are both satisfying and flavorful.
Essential Equipment: The Cast Iron Skillet
A cast iron skillet is a versatile piece of equipment that every home cook should have. Some skillets are enameled, while others are not. You can even bring it camping with you and cook food with it over an open fire. I bought my Pre-seasoned Skillet 6 years ago, and since then, I’ve been using it a lot, especially when I want to make something very fast, but of course full of flavor. This skillet comes pre-seasoned, so you don’t need to season the pan before its first use.
Seasoning Your Cast Iron Skillet
To season your cast iron, rinse out any excess soap with water, then place the skillet over a burner set to high heat. When most of the water inside the skillet has dried out, add a half teaspoon of a neutral oil like vegetable, canola, flaxseed, or shortening. Rub it into the cast iron with a paper towel, including the outside and bottom of the cast iron if you have the non-enamelled one. Continue heating the pan until it just starts to smoke, then give it one more good rub.
Read also: Delicious Skillet Meals
Meal Prepping with Skillet Recipes
You can definitely meal prep these recipes! They’re all make-ahead friendly. Simply allow the dish to cool, then portion and transfer the recipe into an airtight container.
Delicious and Healthy One-Skillet Recipes
Here are some of my favorite healthy one-skillet recipes, perfect for busy weeknights or any time you want a quick and nutritious meal:
Protein-Packed Skillet Recipes
- Chinese-Style Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry: A classic stir-fry featuring lean proteins like chicken breast, fresh broccoli, and a savory garlic-ginger sauce. Serve with brown rice or quinoa for a balanced meal. This dish is quick and easy, perfect for a low-carb, high-protein option.
- Healthy Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles: This low-carb, high-protein skillet meal is packed with flavor, combining juicy shrimp, zucchini noodles, and a garlic butter sauce.
- Turkey Taco Skillet Bake: A flavorful Mexican-inspired dish with ground turkey, black beans, tomatoes, and taco seasoning. Serve over cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. This easy cheesy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. 1 cup: 254 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 616mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein. This family-friendly main dish with turkey, black beans and vegetables has a rich Mexican flavor that may seem indulgent, but it’s delightfully light.
- Cajun Steak Fajitas: Sizzling steak strips, bell peppers, and onions cooked in cajun seasoning. Serve with whole-wheat tortillas or over a bed of greens. Beef fajitas get an eastern spin with gingerroot, sesame oil and wasabi, a type of Japanese horseradish. You can find it in the Asian section at your supermarket. 1 fajita: 287 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 507mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
- Lemon-Garlic Salmon and Asparagus: A fresh and zesty one-pan meal, featuring omega-3-rich salmon, asparagus, and a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness. This is a healthy, quick, and flavorful option that's ready in under 10 minutes and is packed with the delicious flavors of lemon-garlic and butter.
- One-Pot Pesto Chicken Quinoa Skillet: A simple yet delicious meal with juicy chicken, quinoa, and a flavorful pesto sauce. Toss in cherry tomatoes and spinach for extra nutrients. This is an easy weeknight meal that delivers on both flavor and nutrition.
- Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Hash: A hearty and nutrient-dense skillet meal with ground turkey, diced sweet potatoes, and kale. This is a healthy, filling start to your day! I try to incorporate nutritious sweet potatoes in meals as often as possible, especially with breakfast. I came up with this recipe to feed my family a healthy, hearty breakfast-and it worked! 1 serving: 224 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 201mg cholesterol, 433mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
- Chicken and Eggs Breakfast Scramble: A high-protein skillet meal perfect for breakfast-for-dinner with simple ingredients like scrambled eggs, leftover chicken, and peppers. This easy scramble is not only a healthy and hearty breakfast but also packed full of protein.
- Cajun Chicken Sausage with Spinach Orzo: A simple and flavorful dish with chicken sausage, cajun seasoning, spinach, and a squeeze of lemon. This one-pot orzo is perfect for those who love cajun or spicier dishes.
- Skillet Pork Chops with Apples: The spicy sausage in this quick skillet dish gives it a kick, and the sliced apples are a pleasant, tart surprise. 1-1/3 cups: 285 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 668mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 17g protein. Simple recipes that land on the table fast are lifesavers. I serve skillet pork chops with veggies and, when my husband lobbies, cornbread stuffing. 1 pork chop with 3/4 cup apple mixture: 360 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 545mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 3g fiber), 33g protein. Expect to get plenty of compliments on these fast, flavor-packed chops. They're tender and juicy. 1 pork chop: 200 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 350mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 26g protein.
- Moroccan Shrimp: Whenever I make it now, I think of her and smile. 1 cup: 335 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 626mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
- Goat Cheese and Chicken Skillet Meal: No gluten? No problem. My husband was completely bowled over by this on-a-whim goat cheese and chicken skillet meal. I can't wait to make it again very soon! 1-1/2 cups chicken mixture: 251 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 447mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.
- Chicken Curry with Quinoa: This protein-packed skillet dish is loaded with bright flavor. A little curry and fresh ginger make the veggies, chicken and quinoa pop. 2 cups: 367 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 450mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 6g fiber), 29g protein.
- Italian Sausage Skillet: We love Italian sausage sandwiches, but because the bread isn't diet-friendly for me, I created this recipe to satisfy my craving. If you like some heat, use hot peppers in place of the sweet peppers. 1-1/3 cups: 251 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 417mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 16g protein.
- Lemon-Herb Chicken and Potatoes: This is a meal I have my students make in our nutrition unit. It has a delicious lemon-herb flavor and is simple to make. 2 chicken thighs with 4 ounces potatoes and 2 tomatoes: 446 calories, 20g fat (5g saturated fat), 151mg cholesterol, 429mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 45g protein.
- Chili Grind Beef Skillet: Compared to other ground beef skillet recipes, the depth of flavor in this recipe is amazing, and I never have leftovers when I take it to potlucks. I love recipes that I can cook and serve in the same skillet. If your butcher has chili grind beef, which is coarsely ground, go for that; it lends an extra meaty texture. 1-1/4 cups: 313 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 459mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein.
- Turkey Skillet with Lemon Sauce: When people try this dish, they ask for the recipe, just as I did when I first tasted it when visiting a friend's home. Tossed in a delicious lemon sauce, this simple skillet dish is sure to satisfy on the busiest of nights. It's a great way to use leftover turkey. 1-1/4 cups: 205 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 204mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein.
- Sausage and Produce Skillet: I threw this sausage recipe together one night to use up produce before going out of town. Who knew it was going to be such a hit! Now it’s a recipe I turn to whenever time is tight. 1-1/2 cups: 371 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 715mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 22g protein.
- Pork Chops Simmered in Tomato Sauce: Simmered in tomato sauce, these pork chops are big at our house. I add garlic powder and Creole or Cajun seasoning before browning the chops to give them extra punch.
- Italian Chicken: While I was visiting my cousin Lilliana in Italy, she made this heavenly chicken for lunch. Now it's a family favorite stateside, too. 1 serving (calculated without capers): 237 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 571mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 21g protein.
- Turkey Burgers: I created these based on a turkey burger recipe and wanted to make them even better for you. Use a favorite salsa with just the heat you like to make it your own. 1 burger: 299 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 696mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 8g fiber), 12g protein.
- Turkey Curry: I'm always looking for new and interesting ways to use leftover turkey-especially around the holidays. Make this skillet meal as spicy as you'd like by varying the amount of curry powder. 1 cup (calculated without rice): 172 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 235mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
- Scallops with Orange and Lemon Juice: My husband and I like to eat seafood at least once a week. Oranges and lemon juice give scallops a refreshing burst of flavor. 1 serving (calculated without rice or pasta): 240 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 482mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein.
- Pork Medallions with Apricot Preserves: I like pork medallions with apricot preserves and wondered how else I could dress them up. I played around with different flavors until I found this combo. Wows every time. 3 ounces cooked pork with about 2 tablespoons sauce: 193 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 356mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein.
- Mahi Mahi with Vegetables: Cooking mahi mahi with a mix of vegetables may seem complex, but I developed this skillet recipe to bring out the wow factor without the hassle and fuss. 1 serving: 307 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 124mg cholesterol, 606mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 35g protein.
- Chicken and Mushroom Sauce: It looks impressive, but this mouthwatering chicken and mushroom sauce comes together in no time. I think its flavor rivals that of many full-fat entrees found in fancy restaurants. 1 serving: 225 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 541mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein.
- Pork with Sweet Potatoes and Cranberries: With sweet potatoes, dried cranberries and apple slices, this colorful pork dish is especially popular during fall and winter. 3 slices pork with 1 cup potato mixture: 315 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 513mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein.
- Chicken Stir Fry: I'm a new mom, and my schedule is very dependent upon our young son, so I like meals that can be ready in as little time as possible. This all-in-one chicken stir fry recipe with a hint of sweetness from honey is a big time-saver. 1 cup stir-fry: 249 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 455mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein.
- Garlic Rosemary Chicken: The key to this savory chicken is the combination of garlic, fresh rosemary and thyme. I like to serve it with mashed potatoes or crusty Italian bread. 1 chicken thigh with 2 tablespoons cooking juices: 203 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 346mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 22g protein.
- Garden Vegetable Skillet: I've always heard that it’s important to eat a rainbow of colors to get all of the nutrients we need. Thanks to my garden-grown veggies, this dish certainly fits the bill. 1 cup: 259 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 504mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 24g protein.
- Twenty-Minute Turkey Stir-Fry: Twenty minutes is all you'll need to make this quick stir-fry. Lean turkey, asparagus and mushrooms make it super nutritious, too. 1 cup with 3/4 cup rice: 343 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 363mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 28g protein.
- One-Skillet Chicken and Veggies: This quick skillet recipe is a healthy all-in-one meal. I just add a tossed salad for a menu the entire family loves. 1 serving: 345 calories, 17g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 636mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 5g fiber), 26g protein.
Plant-Based Skillet Recipes
- Chickpea Skillet with Spinach, Tomatoes, and Feta: A plant-based option filled with protein-rich chickpeas, spinach, tomatoes, and feta cheese. This easy vegetarian one-pot meal can be prepped ahead, made ahead, and reheated in a snap.
- Teriyaki Tofu Stir Fry: A plant-based option featuring crispy tofu, bell peppers, and broccoli in a teriyaki sauce. This Vegan Teriyaki Tofu Stir Fry is the perfect quick mid-week meal that you can enjoy in just 20 minutes!
- Vegan Quinoa Skillet: Some vegan quinoa recipes are boring, but this one definitely isn't. My daughter’s college asked parents for the best quinoa recipes to use in the dining halls. This healthy quinoa recipe fits the bill. 1-1/4 cups: 375 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 668mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 10g fiber), 13g protein.
- Chickpea and Couscous Skillet: Add this to your meatless Monday lineup. It's great with feta cheese on top. 1 cup chickpea mixture with 2/3 cup couscous: 340 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 677mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 9g fiber), 11g protein.
Other Skillet Recipes
- Shrimp Fried Cauliflower Rice: A healthier spin on rice skillet dishes, featuring shrimp, scrambled eggs, and cauliflower rice with a touch of soy sauce. This shrimp fried cauliflower rice tastes just like the real thing but it’s healthier and easy to make at home!
- Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet: A budget-friendly dish with ground beef, shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy soy-ginger sauce.
- Greek Chicken Skillet: If you’ve tried my Greek Chicken Wrap recipe, this skillet meal features similar flavors with seasoned chicken, olives, (added) tomatoes, and feta.
- Ground Beef and Barley Skillet: This versatile dish goes together fast since it's made with quick-cooking barley. You can make it with ground turkey or chicken and any color bell pepper that you have on hand. 1-1/2 cups: 362 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 707mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 8g fiber), 27g protein.
- Greek-Inspired Pasta: We love a homemade meal at the end of the day. But the prep involved? Not so much. My Greek-inspired pasta is lemony, herby and, thankfully, easy. 1-1/2 cups: 373 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 658mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 25g protein.
- Sausage and Rice Skillet: I began serving a version of this dish as a side with grilled salmon. I added sausage and rice-or noodles-to make a complete meal-in-one. 1-3/4 cups sausage mixture with 1/2 cup cooked rice: 262 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 483mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein.
- Spicy Chicken and Black Bean Skillet: This spicy family favorite calls for just a few basic ingredients, including chicken, black beans and rice, so it’s quick and easy to stir up in your skillet on a weeknight. 1 chicken breast half with 3/4 cup bean mixture and 1/2 cup cooked rice: 400 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 670mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 8g fiber), 32g protein.
- Skillet Succotash: If you want to make this dish vegetarian, use soy sauce instead of Worcestershire. I like this skillet meal served warm or cold. 1-1/2 cups: 187 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 650mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 8g protein.
- Chorizo Breakfast Bowl: While growing up, I bonded with my dad over chorizo and eggs. My fresh approach combines them with grits and black beans for this chorizo breakfast bowl. You can even add a spoonful of pico de gallo. 1 serving: 344 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 239mg cholesterol, 636mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein.
- Skillet Tacos: In the summer when fresh corn and just-picked tomatoes are in season, authentic Mexican dishes like this leave you always wanting that next bite. My personal preference is to serve them with a slice of lime to squeeze over the avocado. 2 tacos (calculated without sour cream): 378 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 517mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 10g fiber), 13g protein.
- Beef Stir-Fry with Coconut Milk: Think of this stir-fry as your chance to play with heat and spice. I balance the savory beef with coconut milk and a spritz of lime. 3/4 cup: 312 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 641mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein.
- Curried Beef and Rice Wrap: Raita, an Indian condiment made with yogurt, elevates this vegetarian dish to a satisfying gourmet wrap. If you're in the mood to experiment, try diced mango or cucumber for the pineapple and add fresh herbs like cilantro or mint. 1 wrap: 321 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 734mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 10g fiber), 13g protein.
- Skillet Chicken Fajitas: With two young boys constantly on-the-go, I’m always looking for ways to simplify meals. This recipe uses just one skillet, making it a cinch to prepare dinner for a hungry family in half an hour. 1 chicken breast half with 3/4 cup sauce: 348 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 729mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 41g protein.
Other Exciting Skillet Recipes
- One Skillet Crispy Chicken Thighs & Creamy Lemon Garlic Orzo
- Southwest Turkey Skillet
- One Pan Lasagna Skillet
- One Pan Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
- One Pan Italian Orzo Skillet
- Cheesesteak Skillet
- Cauliflower Gnocchi Skillet
- One Pot Egg Roll Bowls
- One Pot Creamy Turkey Rigatoni
- One Pan Sausage & Veggie Orzo
- Turkey Fall Skillet
- One Pan Rosemary Chicken Meatballs With Creamy Tomato Orzo
- One Pot Hamburger Helper Orzo
- Beef Fried Rice
- Summer Sausage Skillet with Creamy Pesto Sauce
Sheet Pan Skillet Recipes
- Green Goddess Sheet Pan Salmon & Potatoes
- Sheet Pan Panko Salmon & Crispy Broccoli
- Fall Veggie Sheet Pan Dinner With Maple Mustard Sauce
- Sheet Pan Bruschetta Chicken
- Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
- Garlic Dill Sheet Pan Salmon
- Sheet Pan Maple Pecan Salmon
- Sheet Pan Gnocchi With Bell Peppers & Sausage Meatballs
Other Skillet Recipes
- Crispy Country Potatoes
- 40 Cloves Garlic Chicken
- Caprese Chicken
- Thai Fish Curry with Snapper
- Pan-Seared Salmon
- Mexican Ground Beef Casserole
- Cheesy Taco Skillet
- Steak and Potatoes
- Shrimp Sausage & Broccoli Skillet
- Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Cabbage
- Ham Fried Rice
- Butter Beans Saganaki
- Cabbage Pie
- Aubergine, Halloumi, Tomato, and Harissa Skillet Bake
- Cinnamon Walnut Pear Crisp
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