Happy Spring! With the arrival of warmer weather as we head into summer we’ll be looking for more ways to keep the oven off and simplify dinner so there’s more time to enjoy the outdoors. Actually, simplifying dinner is pretty awesome any time of year so we’ve rounded up 8 delicious one-skillet meals that use just one pan (for everything!) and no oven, keeping the kitchen cool, and making clean up a breeze.
Our formula for a satisfying, nutritionally complete one-skillet meal
Choose recipes with the combo below and you’ll be guaranteed to feel satisfied and get a variety of nutrients:
- A source of protein (beans, edamame, tofu, chicken, lean beef or pork, fish)
- Lots of veggies (at least 1 1/2 cups per person/serving)
- High fiber carbs (whole grain pasta: brown or wild rice, quinoa, or another whole grain; beans/lentils; potatoes/sweet potatoes; winter squash, peas, or corn. Note: If a recipe doesn’t contain the carb portion, it’s easy to pair it with cooked quinoa, brown rice, or any other whole grain or starchy veggie you may have batch cooked for the week. We love pre-cooked or frozen whole grains for convenience on busy nights (Trader’s Joe’s has both frozen brown rice and quinoa, and we’ve found frozen brown rice regular grocery chains like Giant as well.) Uncle Ben’s and also makes a pre-cooked brown rice that you can heat in the microwave.
What makes a memorable one-skillet meal?
Flavor! The key to a flavorful one-skillet meal is using a variety of different spices and/or fresh/dried herbs, citrus juice and zest, and whatever seasonal veggies you have on hand.
Skillet Mediterranean Chicken Pasta: This simple skillet meal by The Lean Green Bean pairs spinach, red peppers, and chicken with tangy feta for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Pasta cooks in the chicken broth added to the skillet so there’s no separate pasta pot to clean!
One-Skillet Chicken & Veggie Burrito Bowls: We created this burrito bowl out of our love for both burritos and weeknight meals that are mainly fix and forget. Chicken, brown rice, veggies, beans, and a Mexican seasoning blend simmer until rice is tender and gets topped with your favorite burrito toppings.
Swiss Chard Potato Chive Frittata: Frittatas are the perfect way to make an easy yet satisfying no fuss dinner, while using up ingredients you have in the fridge. This one, by Kara from The Foodie Dietitian, contains a flavorful combo of Swiss chard, potatoes, gruyere cheese, and chives. And we love the Greek yogurt she throws in to make the frittata richer. Yum!
Weeknight Jambalaya:
If you like a little spice in your life, Cara from Street Smart Nutrition has you covered with this quick and easy jambalaya. Oh, and it’s super budget friendly…she’s broken down the cost and each serving sets you back just $1.78.
Taco Pasta Skillet:This Taco Tuesday inspired recipe from Brittany of Your Choice Nutrition reminds us a little of a grown-up, much more nutrition-rich, version of Hamburger Helper.
Weeknight Chicken Curry: Enjoy a simple curry dish from Dixya of Food Pleasure & Health
Turkey Veggie Frittata: Pair this frittata from Bucket List Tummy with a slice of whole grain toast or a baked potato for a complete meal.
Shakshuka with Chickpeas: Last but definitely not least, one of our favorite all-time skillet meals is shakshuka, a dish of Middle Eastern origin that consists of eggs baked into a sauce with spices. In this version from the Global Pulse Confederation, fiber-rich chickpeas are used, which makes this a complete meal (chickpeas are not only a healthy carb, but they also add protein.) Of course, dipping some crusty whole grain bread into the sauce is also a fantastic was to sop up the flavors.
Let us know if you try any of these recipes! Tag us on Instagram @cjnutrition with hashtag #cjnutrition or Facebook with pics if you do!
