5 Sensational One-Skillet Meals for Easy Weeknight Cleanup

There’s something magical about one-skillet meals; they make weeknight cooking a breeze and cleanup a total snap. Here are five of my all-time favorites that I can’t wait to share with you!

1. Creamy Garlic Chicken and Spinach

Prep & Cook Time

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, then add the spinach until wilted.
5. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes and serve warm.

Servings

Serves 2

Nutrition Info

Calories: 650 | Protein: 45g | Carbs: 8g | Fat: 52g

2. One-Skillet Mexican Quinoa

Prep & Cook Time

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add quinoa, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, and salt.
3. Pour in 2 cups of water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
4. Simmer for about 20 minutes or until quinoa is fluffy.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Servings

Serves 4

Nutrition Info

Calories: 320 | Protein: 12g | Carbs: 60g | Fat: 7g

3. Shrimp and Asparagus Stir-Fry

Prep & Cook Time

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add asparagus, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
5. Stir-fry for another 5 minutes or until asparagus is tender-crisp.

Servings

Serves 2

Nutrition Info

Calories: 400 | Protein: 34g | Carbs: 10g | Fat: 24g

4. Mediterranean Chickpea Skillet

Prep & Cook Time

Prep time: 5 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Feta cheese for topping

Instructions

1. In a skillet, combine chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, seasoning with salt and pepper.
3. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Top with feta cheese before serving.

Servings

Serves 4

Nutrition Info

Calories: 350 | Protein: 15g | Carbs: 40g | Fat: 18g

5. Sausage and Peppers Skillet

Prep & Cook Time

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 Italian sausages
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add sausages and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add bell pepper, onion, and garlic; sauté until tender.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes and Italian seasoning, cooking for another 5 minutes.

Servings

Serves 4

Nutrition Info

Calories: 500 | Protein: 30g | Carbs: 15g | Fat: 38g

Final Thoughts

These one-skillet meals have become staples in my kitchen, making weeknight dinners enjoyable and stress-free. I hope you find these recipes as delicious and convenient as I do!