Introduction:

Busy weeks call for fewer dishes and more flavor. These one-skillet meals are perfect for meal prep—everything cooks in a single pan, saving you time in the kitchen and at the sink. From savory stir-fries to hearty skillet bakes, each recipe is fast, flavorful, and made to feed you all week long.

1. Skillet Chicken Fajita Bowls

Sizzling chicken with peppers and onions, ready to portion over rice.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

• 1/2 onion, sliced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet.

2. Sauté chicken until browned and cooked through.

3. Add peppers, onions, and seasonings.

4. Cook for 6–8 minutes until tender.

⏱ Prep Time: 20 minutes
🔥 Complexity: Easy

2.Garlic Butter Shrimp and Zucchini

Low-carb, high-flavor, and done in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled

• 2 zucchinis, sliced into half-moons

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in skillet and sauté garlic.

2. Add shrimp and cook until pink (2–3 minutes).

3. Add zucchini and seasonings.

4. Cook until zucchini softens, about 5 minutes.

⏱ Prep Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Complexity: Easy

3.Creamy Sausage and Spinach Skillet

Comforting and creamy with a hint of spice.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb Italian sausage, sliced

• 2 cups spinach

• 1/2 onion, chopped

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat oil and brown sausage in skillet.

2. Add onion and sauté until soft.

3. Stir in cream, spinach, and mozzarella.

4. Cook until spinach wilts and cheese melts.

⏱ Prep Time: 20 minutes
🔥 Complexity: Medium

4. Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli

Your favorite takeout dish, simplified and meal-prep ready.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb sliced flank steak

• 2 cups broccoli florets

• 2 tbsp teriyaki sauce

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 1 garlic clove, minced

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil and cook steak until seared.

2. Add broccoli and garlic. Sauté 5–6 minutes.

3. Pour in teriyaki sauce and stir to coat.

⏱ Prep Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Complexity: Easy

5.Gnocchi with Veggies and Pesto

Pillowy gnocchi crisped in a pan with fresh veggies and herby pesto.

Ingredients:

• 1 package shelf-stable gnocchi

• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cup spinach

• 2 tbsp pesto

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Pan-fry gnocchi in olive oil until golden.

2. Add tomatoes and spinach.

3. Stir in pesto once veggies soften.

⏱ Prep Time: 20 minutes
🔥 Complexity: Easy

6. Cajun Chicken and Rice Skillet

One pan, full meal—spiced and ready to pack.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken thighs, diced

• 1/2 cup uncooked jasmine rice

• 1 1/4 cup chicken broth

• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper

• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning

Instructions:

1. Brown chicken in skillet and set aside.

2. Add rice, broth, peppers, and seasoning. Bring to boil.

3. Return chicken, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.

⏱ Prep Time: 30 minutes
🔥 Complexity: Medium

7. Lemon Herb Tilapia with Green Beans

Light and citrusy with a simple green veggie base.

Ingredients:

• 2 tilapia fillets

• 1 cup green beans

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Heat oil and cook tilapia for 3–4 minutes per side.

2. Remove fish and sauté green beans.

3. Add lemon juice and seasoning, then return tilapia to pan.

⏱ Prep Time: 20 minutes
🔥 Complexity: Easy

8.Taco Skillet with Ground Turkey and Black Beans

Everything you love about tacos—no shell required.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey

• 1/2 cup black beans

• 1/2 cup corn

• 1/2 onion, chopped

• 1 tbsp taco seasoning

Instructions:

1. Brown turkey in skillet and drain fat.

2. Add onion, beans, corn, and seasoning.

3. Cook for 5–6 minutes and store with optional toppings.

⏱ Prep Time: 20 minutes
🔥 Complexity: Easy

9.Caprese Chicken Skillet

Melty mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fresh basil in one pan.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts

• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella

• Fresh basil leaves

• 1 tbsp balsamic glaze

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Sear chicken in olive oil until golden and cooked through.

2. Add tomatoes and mozzarella to the skillet.

3. Cover to melt cheese, then drizzle with balsamic and top with basil.

⏱ Prep Time: 25 minutes
🔥 Complexity: Medium

10.Sweet Potato and Chorizo Hash

Smoky, sweet, and perfect with an egg on top.

Ingredients:

• 1 sweet potato, diced

• 1/2 cup cooked chorizo (or soy chorizo)

• 1/4 onion, chopped

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions:

1. Cook sweet potatoes in olive oil until tender and browned.

2. Add onion and chorizo, cook 5–6 minutes.

3. Stir in paprika and portion into containers.

⏱ Prep Time: 30 minutes
🔥 Complexity: Medium

Conclusion:

These one-skillet meals are designed to give you bold flavor, balanced nutrition, and easy cleanup—no multitasking required. They’re fast, flexible, and perfect for anyone who wants to meal prep without the mess.