One Week of Easy Skillet Meals: Delicious Dinners Made Simple!
Hey there, busy foodies! Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen after a long day? Do you want to whip up delicious, satisfying meals without a mountain of dishes to clean afterward? Well, you’re in luck! This week, we’re diving into **one-skillet wonders** that are quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Plus, I’ve included a handy grocery list, step-by-step recipes, and even some fun sides to complete your meals. Let’s get cooking!
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Why One-Skillet Meals?
– Less cleanup**: One pan = fewer dishes. Need I say more?
– Quick and easy**: Perfect for busy weeknights.
– Versatile**: You can customize these recipes to suit your taste.
– Flavor-packed**: Everything cooks together, so the flavors meld beautifully.
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Grocery List
Here’s everything you’ll need for the week. Feel free to adjust based on your preferences!
Proteins
– Smoked sausage (14 oz)
– Chicken breast (1 lb)
– Ground beef (1 lb)
– Shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined)
– Bacon (6 slices)
Pantry Staples
– Pasta (penne or rotini, 16 oz)
– Rice (1 cup)
– Chicken broth (4 cups)
– Heavy cream (1 cup)
– Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (2 cans)
– Marinara sauce (1 jar)
– Soy sauce (1/4 cup)
– Olive oil
– Butter
– Garlic (1 head)
– Onion (1)
– Green onions (1 bunch)
– Shredded cheese (cheddar and mozzarella, 2 cups each)
Veggies
– Bell peppers (2)
– Zucchini (2)
– Frozen peas (1 cup)
– Spinach (2 cups)
– Corn kernels (1 cup, frozen or canned)
Spices & Seasonings
– Salt
– Black pepper
– Paprika
– Chili powder
– Italian seasoning
– Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
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The Meal Plan
Monday: One-Pot Spicy Sausage Skillet
*Main Dish**: Smoked sausage, pasta, Rotel, and cheese.
*Side**: Garlic bread or a simple green salad.
Ingredients
– 14 oz smoked sausage, sliced
– 2 cups penne pasta
– 1 can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 2 green onions, chopped
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions**:
1. In a large skillet, cook the sliced sausage over medium heat until browned (5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add the pasta, Rotel, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir well.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until pasta is tender.
4. Stir in the cooked sausage and shredded cheese until melted.
5. Garnish with green onions and serve hot!
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*Tuesday: Cheesy Chicken and Rice Skillet**
**Main Dish**: Chicken, rice, and veggies in a creamy cheese sauce.
**Side**: Steamed broccoli or a side of corn.
*Ingredients:
– 1 lb chicken breast, diced
– 1 cup rice
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
*Instructions:
1. Cook diced chicken in the skillet until no longer pink. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add rice, chicken broth, bell pepper, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
3. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until rice is cooked.
4. Stir in the cooked chicken and cheese until melted. Serve warm.
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Wednesday: Beefy Taco Skillet
*Main Dish**: Ground beef, rice, and taco flavors.
*Side**: Tortilla chips or a side of guacamole.
*Ingredients**:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 cup rice
– 1 can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1 cup corn kernels
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
*Instructions**:
1. Brown the ground beef in the skillet. Drain excess fat.
2. Add rice, Rotel, corn, chili powder, paprika, and 1 1/2 cups water. Stir well.
3. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until rice is tender.
4. Top with cheese, cover until melted, and serve.
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*Thursday: Shrimp Scampi Skillet**
**Main Dish**: Shrimp, garlic, butter, and pasta.
**Side**: Garlic bread or a side of sautéed spinach.
*Ingredients**:
– 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 8 oz pasta
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup butter
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– Juice of 1 lemon
– Salt and pepper to taste
*Instructions**:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In the skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink (2-3 minutes per side).
4. Stir in chicken broth, lemon juice, and cooked pasta. Toss to combine and serve.
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*Friday: Bacon Ranch Chicken Skillet**
*Main Dish**: Chicken, bacon, and ranch flavors.
*Side**: Mashed potatoes or a side salad.
*Ingredients**:
– 1 lb chicken breast, diced
– 6 slices bacon, chopped
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 packet ranch seasoning
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
*Instructions:
1. Cook bacon in the skillet until crispy. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, cook chicken until no longer pink.
3. Add heavy cream and ranch seasoning. Stir well.
4. Simmer for 5 minutes, then stir in cheese and bacon. Serve hot.
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*Saturday: Veggie-Packed Zucchini Skillet**
*Main Dish**: Zucchini, bell peppers, and rice.
*Side**: Garlic bread or a side of roasted potatoes.
*Ingredients:
– 2 zucchinis, sliced
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 1 cup rice
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
*Instructions:
1. In the skillet, sauté zucchini and bell pepper until tender.
2. Add rice, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Stir well.
3. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until rice is cooked. Serve warm.
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*Sunday: Creamy Tuscan Sausage Skillet**
*Main Dish**: Sausage, spinach, and cream.
*Side**: Crusty bread or a side of roasted veggies.
Ingredients:
– 14 oz smoked sausage, sliced
– 2 cups spinach
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook sausage in the skillet until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add spinach and cook until wilted.
3. Stir in heavy cream, cheese, and Italian seasoning. Simmer until thickened.
4. Add sausage back to the skillet and serve.
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*Tips for Success**
– Prep ahead**: Chop veggies and measure ingredients the night before to save time.
– Customize**: Swap proteins or veggies based on what you have on hand.
– Double up**: Make extra and enjoy leftovers for lunch the next day.
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There you have it—a full week of delicious, easy skillet meals! Which one are you most excited to try? Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media. Happy cooking!
