Can it really be called a skillet meal if I boil the noodles in a separate pot?
Oh well. That aside, my favorite and fast "skillet" meal to make is taco pasta. I boil macaroni noodles, either elbow or shells. While that's boiling, I brown up some hamburger. After its drained, I add taco seasoning, a can of tomato sauce and let that simmer together for awhile. Then, I will add in about 4 ounces of cream cheese and 4-6 ounces of sour cream. I don't think I could tell you exact measurements because this is one of those meals that I eyeball and don't necessarily measure out. Anyway, I mix in the sour cream and cream cheese with the meat and sauce THEN I throw in the noodles with all of that and mix. I'll let it simmer for a few more minutes with some shredded cheese melted on top. It is so good and such a hit in my house! I'm pretty sure this meal is one of the varieties that Hamburger Helper makes but THIS version is so much better!
The next meal is kind of a "cheat" but I made it a lot when I was single. I would bake up some Tyson (I know, I know) chicken nuggets or strips and while its baking, I will boil pasta noodles such as penne or spaghetti. I toss those noodles with sauce and seasonings. Then, I pour the noodles and sauce over the chicken nuggets. I called it Cheater Chicken Parmesan.
My husband prefers me to make straight-up Chicken Parmesan, you know, with hand breaded chicken cutlets but I still hold a soft spot for my original cheater dish and still make it every once in awhile.
I hope these ideas help. There are so many quick meals out there that you can make that are probably healthier than what I've suggested but these are still good every once in awhile.
