30 dinners that will make sure you are low-carb and loving it

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Craving something great for dinner but dread the carb crash? Fear not! This collection of 30 dinners is here to rescue you from the bland and the blah of typical low-carb fare. We’re talking about plates piled with great flavors that’ll have you forgetting carbs were ever a thing. Perfect for those who want to keep it light without skimping on fun, these recipes are your new weeknight warriors in the fight against the carb-heavy usual suspects.

A pan with chicken in a creamy sauce.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Keto Zuppa Toscana

A bowl of keto zuppa Toscana with a spoon in it.
Keto Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

This hearty Olive Garden copycat soup swaps potatoes for radishes to keep it low in carbs. It’s made with Italian sausage, bacon, and a creamy broth, simmered together and ready in just an hour. Serve it with keto-friendly bread or a side salad to round out the meal.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

A serving of Philly cheese steak casserole being pulled up from a pan.
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Try this Philly Cheese Steak Casserole when you’re craving something hearty. It’s loaded with steak, veggies, and cheese, ready in less than an hour to make your evening meal a breeze. Sauté steak and vegetables, mix them with eggs, cream cheese, and spices, and then bake with provolone cheese on top until golden and bubbly. It’s a high-protein, low-carb alternative that keeps you full longer and helps curb those carb cravings.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Italian sausage soup in a pot with a spoon and garnishes on the side.
Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Italian Sausage Soup is loaded with flavors and can be made in just 30 minutes. It’s a solid choice if you’re skipping pasta but still want something filling. This one-pot soup combines mild Italian sausage with a rich base of cream cheese, heavy whipping cream, and diced and pureed tomatoes. It’s a hearty meal that requires minimal effort in the kitchen that won’t load you up with carbs.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Bacon ranch chicken salad cucumber boats lined up on a plate.
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats are fresh and easy to make in half an hour. They combine creamy chicken and crispy bacon in a cool cucumber. Fill hollowed-out cucumber halves with a chicken salad mixture made from canned chicken, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and homemade ranch seasoning made with sour cream and seasonings. Mix them up ahead of time and assemble them before you eat for the best taste. These boats are an inventive way to reduce carb intake while still enjoying the flavors you love.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Coconut curry Thai turkey meatballs on top of cauliflower rice in a bowl.
Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Shake up dinner with these turkey meatballs that bring savory Thai flavors home in just half an hour. The meatballs are made from ground turkey, coconut flour, eggs, and various seasonings like garlic, green onions, and curry powder. They’re baked and then simmered in a homemade coconut curry sauce. They’re easy to freeze, too, so you can have a quick meal ready anytime. Serve them over cauliflower rice for a complete low-carb meal.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking dish garnished with green onions.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish serves a comforting, cheesy experience similar to mac’ n’ cheese but with fewer carbs, helping you eat well without feeling deprived. Ready in 30 minutes, this casserole mixes broccoli and cauliflower in a cheesy sauce with bacon. It’s an easy dish that’s great for getting more veggies in your meals. It combines the convenience of frozen broccoli and cauliflower with the rich flavors of bacon and a creamy cheese sauce. The dish is baked until golden and bubbly for a great mix of textures. Serve it hot for the best taste.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Tuscan garlic shrimp and spinach with tomatoes in a pan.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This shrimp dish features a dairy-free garlic sauce with fresh tomatoes and spinach, all in just 30 minutes. It’s easy, quick, and lets you skip the pasta while still packing in plenty of flavor. Adding smoked paprika and a hint of red pepper flakes adds a slightly spicy kick to the dish. It’s a light, flavorful alternative to curb your seafood cravings without the carb-heavy pasta base.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

A dish of chicken with creamy mushroom sauce garnished with fresh herbs.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This chicken dish is all about speed and simplicity. In just 30 minutes, you have juicy chicken thighs smothered in a rich sauce made from mushrooms, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. It’s made in just one pan and perfect alongside steamed veggies or cauliflower rice. Make this on busy nights when you want a low-carb and filling meal that won’t take hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

A person holding serving spoons in a bowl of Big Mac salad.
Bacon Cheeseburger Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The Big Mac Salad is a creative take on McDonald’s famous burger, transforming it into a lighter meal while retaining the iconic flavors. This dish is simple to make and showcases ingredients like bacon, ground beef, romaine lettuce, pickles, and cheddar cheese, all topped with a homemade Big Mac-style sauce. It’s a fresh take on salads and skips the carbs from pasta or buns. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy the classic flavors of the bacon cheeseburger without the bun.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

Creamy Bacon Asparagus Pasta

In FDL library.
Creamy Bacon Asparagus Pasta. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The Creamy Bacon Asparagus Pasta dish is a great choice for mixing things up without pasta, perfect for those seeking a gourmet meal at home without the effort or carbs of traditional pasta dishes. This recipe transforms fresh asparagus into pasta-like noodles using a vegetable peeler. Once cooked, the noodles are then mixed with a creamy homemade Alfredo sauce and crispy bacon crumbles. It’s ready in 30 minutes, perfect when you need a fun and quick meal that keeps you on track with your low-carb goals.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Bacon Asparagus Pasta

Cabbage and Sausage

A pan of cabbage and sausage garnished with fresh herbs.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in less than 30 minutes, this Cabbage and Sausage dish is simple and does the job on busy nights. It combines savory sausage with cabbage, making a hearty meal that’s great on its own. Cook sliced sausages until crispy, then sauté cabbage with onions and spices in the same skillet. A touch of apple cider vinegar is added for a slight tanginess, enhancing the flavors. This dish is a real winner for cutting down on carbs and is perfect for those evenings when you need a quick meal that fills you up without the heaviness of pasta.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Creamy chicken thighs with artichoke hearts in a pan.
Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish is quick, easy, and lets you enjoy a comforting meal without leaning on pasta. It features boneless, skinless chicken thighs seasoned with a mix of spices, seared to a golden brown, and finished in a creamy sauce made from heavy whipping cream, chicken stock, and Parmesan cheese. Artichoke hearts and a splash of lemon juice add a distinct flavor and texture to the dish, making it both refreshing and indulgent. It’s ready in 30 minutes and perfect for those looking for a hearty, flavorful dinner that won’t weigh them down like pasta often can.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

A glass bowl of jalapeño popper chicken salad ingredients.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Inspired by the flavors of traditional jalapeño poppers, this low-carb salad combines cooked chicken breast, crispy bacon, charred jalapeños, and a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise (or sour cream) and hot sauce. It’s easy to make and holds up well in the fridge, perfect for grabbing a good meal anytime. Make it ahead of time and include it in your weekday menu when you’re in a hurry.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Bell Pepper Sandwich

A person holding a stuffed pepper sandwich over a plate.
Bell Pepper Sandwich. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The Bell Pepper Sandwich is a fun, low-carb meal option that creatively uses bell pepper halves instead of bread for buns. Ready in 10 minutes, the sandwich is loaded with cream cheese, stone-ground mustard, salt-free Everything Bagel seasoning, deli turkey, crispy bacon, provolone cheese, mashed avocado, and cucumber slices for a crunchy, refreshing bite. This is a great way to enjoy dinner without feeling bloated.
Get the Recipe: Bell Pepper Sandwich

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner with a spoon.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is a no-nonsense meal that’s all done in 30 minutes. Arrange sausages with veggies like zucchini, broccoli, and sweet mini peppers, pop them in the oven, and bake until caramelized and fork-tender. It’s a practical option for a filling dinner, cooked all together to keep things low-carb but still easy and savory.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Tuscan chicken in a skillet.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Here’s another way to enjoy a rich dinner without the carbs from pasta. This meal features skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs that are crisped to perfection and then cooked with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh baby spinach in a rich and creamy sauce made from garlic, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and heavy whipping cream — all ready in 40 minutes. It’s hearty, savory, and filling, and won’t certainly feel like you’re missing out on carbs.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Keto Chicken Nuggets

Keto chicken nuggets on a plate with a cup of dipping sauce.
Keto Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Keto Chicken Nuggets are crisp and tender, ready in 30 minutes, and perfect for busy days. They’re made with canned chicken, almond flour, Parmesan cheese, and crushed pork rinds, packing a lot of protein without the carbs. Great with veggies or a salad, these nuggets can be frozen and reheated anytime. Spice them up with your favorite herbs and sauces. Plus, they’re a great way to keep everyone happy at the dinner table without the usual carb crash from pasta.
Get the Recipe: Keto Chicken Nuggets

Creamy Dijon Chicken

A pan of creamy dijon chicken with herbs and bacon.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Dijon Chicken is another low-carb meal that’s cooked in one pan and done in 30 minutes. Chicken thighs are cooked with a rich Dijon mustard sauce, fresh spinach, and crumbled bacon, delivering a mix of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors. Pair it with cauliflower rice or crusty bread. This dish helps maintain energy levels better than pasta, making it a perfect choice for a filling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy beef casserole with cauliflower rice and spinach being spooned out of a baking dish.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Try this Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach when you need something quick and hearty without the heavy carbs. Ready in 30 minutes, it combines ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, sour cream, and cheddar cheese for a filling meal without the carbs. This dish also reheats well for stress-free meals during the week. It’s a perfect way to enjoy comfort food without the heaviness of pasta, keeping you lighter and more energized.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A pan full of bacon and cabbage with a wooden spoon.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Try this cabbage and bacon stir-fry that’s ready in 25 minutes for a quick dinner fix. It’s flavorful, simple, and cooks in just one pan, perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed evening. Start by frying chopped bacon in a cast-iron skillet until crispy, then cook chopped onions and cabbage in the rendered bacon fat and finish it with your seasonings. This meal is a great way to cut down on carbs and calories compared to traditional pasta meals.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Cauliflower risotto in a pan.
Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Dress up your dinner with this easy but impressive creamy cauliflower risotto. Ready in 30 minutes, this dish uses frozen cauliflower rice and Portobello mushrooms cooked in a creamy base made from heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. It comes together in just one pot, making it great for easy cleanup. Switching to this instead of pasta can help you manage your carb intake better while still enjoying a wholesome, comforting dish.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

A skillet of creamy sun dried tomato chicken with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is a quick and easy one-pan meal. It features boneless, skinless chicken thighs seasoned with Italian seasoning and ground thyme, then seared and baked in a creamy sauce. This sauce is made with sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese, creating a rich flavor profile that everyone will enjoy. This dish is a lighter, more nutrient-dense alternative to pasta, perfect for busy evenings and date nights.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Baked Parmesan Salmon

Keto baked parmesan salmon on foil on a baking sheet.
Baked Parmesan Salmon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Baked Parmesan Salmon is quick to prepare and packs plenty of flavor without the heavy carb content. Ready in just 30 minutes, it features salmon baked with a crispy topping made of pork rinds, Parmesan, dill and spices. This dish is best enjoyed straight from the oven but can handle a night in the fridge if needed. Opting for this over pasta can boost your omega-3 intake, which is great for heart health and wellness. Serve it with roasted veggies or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Parmesan Salmon

Sticky Sauce Chicken

Sticky Sauce Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Skip the pasta and try Sticky Sauce Chicken for your next dinner. This recipe is easy to make and packs a lot of flavor with a sweet and tangy garlic-ginger sauce. The chicken stays juicy and goes great with a side of roasted broccoli, making it a solid choice for a savory and filling meal without all the carbs. It’s ready in 30 minutes and cooked in just one pan, so you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying your evening.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Sauce Chicken

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Go for Creamy Garlic Chicken when you want an easy but filling pasta alternative. Ready in 30 minutes and coming together in just one pan, juicy chicken breasts are cooked in a creamy white sauce made with grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, and heavy cream. It’s perfect for a busy evening and pairs well with cauliflower rice or veggies.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Canned Chicken Patties

Chicken patties with broccoli on a plate.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Canned Chicken Patties are the ultimate quick meal solution. They only take 20 minutes to make and can be spiced up with your favorite herbs or veggies. These patties are made from canned chicken, eggs, grated Parmesan, ground sunflower seed meal or almond flour, and a variety of spices. They’re cooked until golden and crispy, serving a delicious texture that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. They’re a great way to avoid carbs while still enjoying a versatile and delicious dinner that can be different every time.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Lemon Garlic Scallops

Pan-seared scallops with golden crusts, garnished with chopped parsley, in a black skillet.
Lemon Garlic Scallops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Lemon Garlic Scallops are a great way to enjoy a seafood dinner that’s both impressive and straightforward. The scallops are seared until golden and then simmered in a garlicky lemon butter sauce. This meal lets you enjoy a luxurious dining experience with minimal effort, perfect for reducing carbs without sacrificing flavor or quality.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

Shawarma Kebabs

A plate of shawarma kebabs with greens and lemon slices.
Shawarma Kebabs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Shawarma Kebabs are the way to go if you love to try new flavors and need a protein-packed dinner. After you’ve marinated the chicken pieces, skewer them and bake them until done and golden. Serve with tzatziki and a side of cilantro lime cauliflower rice for a complete meal that skips the pasta but not the flavor.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

Cheesy chicken fajita bake in a baking pan.
Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a cheesy, flavorful meal, try this easy Fajita Baked Chicken. Ready in 30 minutes, it features seasoned chicken breasts topped with cream cheese, mini sweet peppers, and shredded mozzarella and baked until golden and bubbling. Easy to make and great for a low-carb fix, this dish brings all the fun and flavor of a fajita night with none of the regrets that often come with carb overload.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Spoon scooping up jalapeño popper casserole from a baking dish.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole is perfect when you’re craving something spicy. Cooked in just 50 minutes, it features shredded chicken mixed with crispy bacon, cream cheese, hot sauce, and spicy jalapeños. The mixture is then topped with shredded cheese and baked until browned and bubbly. It’s easy to make and sure to hit the spot. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy comfort food without feeling weighed down by carbs.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

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