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Simple Skillet Recipes for Effortless Weeknight Meals

In our bustling lives, finding time to prepare a wholesome meal can feel like a daunting task. However, with a trusty skillet at your side, it’s entirely possible to whip up delicious, satisfying dinners with minimal fuss. Skillet recipes are not only quick to cook but also require fewer pots and pans, making both preparation and clean-up a breeze. Here are a few simple skillet creations that can transform your weeknight dinners into effortless meals.

1. One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken and Vegetables

Ingredients:

• 500g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 300g green beans, trimmed
• 2 large carrots, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3. Toss in the sliced carrots and green beans. Stir everything together, cover, and allow to cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Serve immediately, drizzling any remaining garlic butter from the skillet over the top.

2. Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta

Ingredients:

• 250g pasta (your choice of shape)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 400g canned chopped tomatoes
• 200ml cream
• 200g fresh spinach
• Grated Parmesan cheese (to serve)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, cooking for another minute.
3. Pour in the chopped tomatoes and cream, stirring well. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes.
4. Add the fresh spinach and cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until the spinach wilts.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

3. Chorizo and Potato Hash

Ingredients:

• 300g potatoes, diced
• 200g chorizo, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 eggs (optional)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil the diced potatoes in salted water for about 8-10 minutes or until tender. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook the chorizo over medium heat until it releases its oil and starts to crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove the chorizo and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes until soft.
4. Stir in the boiled potatoes and smoked paprika, cooking for another 5-7 minutes until everything is well combined and slightly crisp.
5. If desired, create two wells in the hash and crack an egg into each. Cover the skillet and cook until the eggs are set to your preference.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

4. Quick Shrimp Fried Rice

Ingredients:

• 250g cooked shrimp
• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably chilled)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced carrot and cook until soft, about 3 minutes.
2. Push the carrots to the side of the skillet, pour in the beaten eggs and scramble until fully cooked. Mix everything in the skillet together.
3. Add the cooked rice and shrimp, then pour in the soy sauce, tossing until everything is heated through and well combined.
4. Season with salt and pepper, stir in the sliced green onions, and serve hot.

Conclusion

These simple skillet recipes provide a range of flavours and nutrients while saving you precious time on busy weeknights. From hearty proteins to vibrant vegetables, the versatility of a skillet allows for endless combinations to keep dinners exciting. So, dust off that skillet, and let these easy recipes inspire your meal prep for effortless weeknight dining!

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