Sizzle up a hearty, healthy supper that's loaded with goodness, but not calories, fat or carbs. Take your pick from these fast, filling and better-for-you skillet recipes that keep you and your family cozy.
36 Healthy Winter Meals to Make in a Skillet
Spicy Shrimp with Rice
No one will doubt that “light” cooking can be tasty when you put a helping of this zippy shrimp in front of them. The seafood is seasoned just right with garlic, pepper and hot sauce. — Jeannie Klugh, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
1/36
2/36
Pepper Steak
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We live on the eastern edge of the Sand Hills here in Nebraska, where most folks are ranchers. This popular pepper steak recipe is tasty as well as colorful. —Carolyn Butterfield, Atkinson, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 365 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 465mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 32g protein.
3/36
Mexican Mac and Cheese
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the yummiest, quickest recipe I have. There’s no need to precook the macaroni. Everything comes together in one smart skillet. —Maurane Ramsey, Fort Wayne, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 318 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 755mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
4/36
Chicken Jambalaya
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a great easy chicken jambalaya recipe. It's great to serve at parties and it reheats well after! —Lynn Desjardins, Atkinson, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 285 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 654mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 2 lean meat.
5/36
Skillet Pork Chops with Apples & Onion
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Simple recipes that land on the table fast are lifesavers. I serve skillet pork chops with veggies and, when my husband lobbies, cornbread stuffing. —Tracey Karst, Ponderay, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 3/4 cup apple mixture: 360 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 545mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 3g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 fruit, 1 fat.
6/36
Broccoli Cauliflower Combo
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Shallots, basil and broth rev up the taste of this nutritious vegetable medley. The bright color and fresh flavors will dress up your plate! —Clara Coulston, Washington Court House, Ohio.
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 38 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 204mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 vegetable.
7/36
Chicken Cacciatore
Total Time
1 hour 45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken cacciatore recipe makes a good Sunday dinner, since the recipe is so simple to prepare. It's inexpensive besides and loaded with lots of vegetables. —Barbara Roberts, Courtenay, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 517 calories, 25g fat (8g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 790mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 6g fiber), 39g protein.
8/36
Chicken & Vegetable Curry Couscous
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For my busy family, a semi-homemade one-pot meal is the easiest way to get dinner done in a hurry. Use your favorite blend of frozen veggies and serve with toasted pita bread for smiles all around. —Elizabeth Hokanson, Arborg, Manitoba
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 273 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 311mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
9/36
Saucy Mediterranean Chicken with Rice
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The hints of Mediterranean flavor in this chicken dish make it a family favorite. —Tabitha Alloway, Edna, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup chicken mixture with 3/4 cup rice: 394 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 527mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 2 fat.
10/36
Spicy Sausage and Rice Skillet
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The spicy sausage in this quick skillet dish gives it a kick, and the sliced apples are a pleasant, tart surprise. —Jamie Jones, Madison, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 285 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 668mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
11/36
Italian Sausage Veggie Skillet
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love Italian sausage sandwiches, but because the bread isn't diet-friendly for me, I created this recipe to satisfy my craving. If you like some heat, use hot peppers in place of the sweet peppers. —Tina Howells, Salem, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 251 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 417mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch.
12/36
Balsamic Pork Chops
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband loves pork chops, so I try to find new ways to use them. He calls this version "restaurant quality!" —Nicole Clayton, Prescott, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 3 tablespoons sauce: 715 calories, 41g fat (17g saturated fat), 169mg cholesterol, 557mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 1g fiber), 46g protein.
13/36
Beef with Broccoli
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I’m looking for a fast entree, I turn to this beef and broccoli stir-fry. It features a tantalizing sauce made with garlic and ginger. —Rosa Evans, Odessa, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 313 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 816mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
14/36
Skillet Beef Tamales
Total Time
30 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I found something similar to this years ago and have recently added my own spin. Here’s the outcome: an easy, cheesy meal your family can't get enough of. We don't have to tell them it's healthy. —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup meat mixture with 1 tablespoon sour cream: 329 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 679mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
15/36
Frittata Florentine
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family is all about brunchy meals like this gorgeous Italian omelet. Lucky for us, it’s loaded with ingredients we tend to have at the ready. —Jenny Flake, Newport Beach, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 176 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 174mg cholesterol, 451mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1/2 fat.
16/36
Chicken Thighs with Shallots & Spinach
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
What could be better than an entree that comes with its own creamy vegetable side? This healthy supper goes together in no time flat and makes an eye-catching presentation. —Genna Johannes, Wrightstown, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 1/4 cup spinach mixture: 223 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 360mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
17/36
Ginger Steak Fried Rice
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Perfect for an end-of-the-week meal, this sensational dish comes together quickly with leftover rice. I learned a great tip for the steak recently: Partially freeze it, and it will be easy to cut into thin slices. —Simone Garza, Evansville, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 346 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 140mg cholesterol, 732mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
18/36
Turkey Curry
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm always looking for new and interesting ways to use leftover turkey—especially around the holidays. Make this skillet meal as spicy as you'd like by varying the amount of curry powder. —Martha Balser, Cincinnati, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without rice): 172 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 235mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 3 lean meat.
19/36
Gnocchi with White Beans
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s one of those no-fuss recipes you can toss together and cook in one skillet. Ideal for a busy weeknight, it’s also good with crumbled Italian chicken sausage if you need to please meat lovers. —Julianne Meyers, Hinesville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 307 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 789mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 6g fiber), 13g protein.
20/36
Pork with Sweet Potatoes
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With sweet potatoes, dried cranberries and apple slices, this colorful pork dish is especially popular during fall and winter. —Mary Relyea, Canastota, New York
Nutrition Facts:
3 slices pork with 1 cup potato mixture: 315 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 513mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
21/36
Lemon-Olive Chicken with Orzo
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This quick skillet recipe is a healthy all-in-one meal. I just add a tossed salad for a menu the entire family loves. —Nancy Brown, Dahinda, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 345 calories, 17g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 636mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 5g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 starch.
22/36
Feta Shrimp Skillet
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I tried a dish similar to this on our honeymoon in Greece. I re-created the flavors in this recipe when we got home. When I make it now, it brings back wonderful memories. —Sonali Ruder, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 240 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 149mg cholesterol, 748mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
23/36
Chicken & Vegetable Curry Couscous
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For my busy family, a semi-homemade one-pot meal is the easiest way to get dinner done in a hurry. Use your favorite blend of frozen veggies and serve with toasted pita bread for smiles all around. —Elizabeth Hokanson, Arborg, Manitoba
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 273 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 311mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
24/36
Pork and Potatoes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you're looking for a down-home one dish dinner that can be easily made on a weeknight, then this recipe is for you. My husband made sure that I added it to the list of Allen family favorites. —Macey Allen, Green Forest, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 282 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 565mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch.
25/36
Dirty Rice with Ground Beef
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Dirty rice from a restaurant or box can end up having a surprisingly high amount of sodium and fat. This fast recipe is a hearty, healthy way to trim it down. —Raquel Haggard, Edmond, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 291 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 422mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
26/36
Herb Breakfast Frittata
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this recipe on a snowy day by using what I had in the fridge. Yukon Gold potatoes give this frittata a comforting bottom crust. —Katherine Hansen, Brunswick, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1 wedge: 204 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 321mg cholesterol, 277mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 fat.
27/36
Southwest Turkey Bulgur Dinner
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
In the past few years, I’ve been trying to incorporate more whole grains in our dinners. Bulgur is one of my favorite grains to work with because of its quick cooking time. Besides being high in fiber and rich in minerals, it has a mild, nutty flavor that my kids enjoy. —Maria Vasseur, Valencia, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups with 2 tablespoons topping: 387 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 628mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 14g fiber), 27g protein.
28/36
Confetti Kielbasa Skillet
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's one of my husband's favorite dishes. When it's in season, substitute fresh corn for frozen. Add a dash of cayenne pepper if you like a little heat. —Sheila Gomez, Shawnee, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 347 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 692mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 7g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
29/36
Quick Italian Veggie Skillet
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When you don’t know what to serve, Italian flavors are a good starting point. We combine cannellini and garbanzo beans for this snappy rice dish. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 342 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 660mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 11g fiber), 16g protein.
30/36
Slow-Cooker Pork Medallions
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I find simple dinners are the best comfort foods that my family of seven really desires. Everyday, good ingredients are the key to my success in the kitchen. Three ingredients poured over the pork and—voila!—the most mouthwatering pork you have ever tasted! —Grace Neltner, Lakeside Park, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked pork: 259 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 707mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 2 fat.
31/36
Spanish Rice with Ground Beef
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom is famous for her Spanish rice recipe, the ultimate comfort food. When I want a taste of home, I whip up this dish. Punch up the flavor with a little lime and extra chili powder. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 408 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 727mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 vegetable.
32/36
Mediterranean Spinach & Beans
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you want to make this dish vegetarian, use soy sauce instead of Worcestershire. I like this skillet meal served warm or cold. —Becky Cuba, Spotsylvania, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 187 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 650mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
33/36
Salisbury Steak
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Finding the best Salisbury steak recipe is hard! I remember enjoying it often when I was growing up, but when I decided to add it to my recipe collection, I wasn't able to find it in my modern cookbooks. I came up with these ingredients on my own and experimented until it tasted like the dish I remembered. —Faye Hintz, Springfield, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 steak: 581 calories, 37g fat (17g saturated fat), 250mg cholesterol, 1960mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 41g protein.
34/36
Skillet Chicken with Olives
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
While I was visiting my cousin Lilliana in Italy, she made this heavenly chicken for lunch. Now it's a family favorite stateside, too. —Rosemarie Pisano, Revere, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without capers): 237 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 571mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat.
35/36
Israeli Couscous & Chicken Sausage Skillet
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our comfort food is a big plate of sausage with couscous. Add some onion, celery, a little heat and a sprinkle of feta. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 343 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 694mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
36/36
Chicken Veggie Skillet
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I invented this chicken and veggie dish to use up extra mushrooms and asparagus. My husband suggested I write it down because it's a keeper. —Rebekah Beyer, Sabetha, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 228 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 384mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
