“Where’s the pasta?” (You won’t miss it with these 30 low-carb dinners)

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Low-carb dinners just got a major upgrade, and pasta is the last thing you’ll be thinking about. This collection of 30 meals is so good, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with noodles in the first place. These dishes are perfect for those nights when you want something great but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. They’re packed with all the flavors you love, minus the carb-heavy ingredients that can make you feel sluggish. Go ahead and push that pasta to the back of the pantry; with these recipes, you won’t miss it one bit.

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

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.

Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts is a dish that brings both flavor and convenience to your dinner table. Featuring boneless, skinless chicken thighs seasoned and cooked to perfection, then finished in a creamy sauce with artichoke hearts and a splash of lemon juice, this recipe is ready in 30 minutes. It’s a great low-carb option for a filling dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture. Perfect for those who need a quick, delicious meal without the usual carb-heavy ingredients, making it a stress-free choice for your weeknight routine.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Keto Zuppa Toscana

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

Keto Zuppa Toscana is a great choice for those seeking a low-carb version of the classic soup. This recipe substitutes potatoes with radishes, reducing carbs without losing the hearty texture. Packed with Italian sausage, bacon, and a creamy broth, it can be prepared in just an hour. Serve this with keto-friendly bread or a side salad to complete your meal. It’s particularly good for those who want a filling dinner without overloading on carbs, making it easier to enjoy a favorite without straying from dietary goals.
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.

The Philly Cheese Steak Casserole combines the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak in a low-carb casserole form. This dish is loaded with steak, mushrooms, bell pepper, and melted provolone cheese, all mixed with eggs and cream cheese for a rich and hearty meal. It’s ready in less than an hour and is an easy solution for a busy weekday dinner. For those trying to cut carbs but still craving filling meals, this casserole serves a perfect balance, so you don’t feel like you’re missing out.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

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

The Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is a great choice for those sticking to a low-carb diet but still looking for a meal that’s full of flavor. This salad combines the spicy kick of charred jalapeños with the richness of crispy bacon and cooked chicken, all tossed in a creamy mayonnaise or sour cream-based dressing. It’s not only simple to put together but also holds well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep. Prepare this on a weekend, and you’ll have a convenient and delicious meal option ready to go for busy weekdays, allowing you to stick to your low-carb goals without sacrificing flavor or time.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Bell Pepper Sandwich

Bell pepper sandwich cut in half on a plate.
Bell Pepper Sandwich. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The Bell Pepper Sandwich is a new take on the traditional sandwich by using bell pepper halves instead of bread, making it an appetizing low-carb alternative. Filled with cream cheese, stone-ground mustard, deli turkey, bacon, provolone cheese, mashed avocado, and cucumber slices, it’s a complete meal that’s ready in just about 10 minutes. This sandwich is not only easy to make but also helps you stay light and energized, avoiding that bloated feeling often accompanied by heavier, carb-laden meals. It’s perfect for a quick dinner after a long day or a healthy treat that keeps you powered through your activities.
Get the Recipe: Bell Pepper Sandwich

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

For a comforting and cheesy dinner option that stays low in carbs, try the Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. This dish mixes frozen broccoli and cauliflower with a cheesy, bacon-infused sauce, baked until the top is crispy and golden. It’s ready in about 30 minutes, making it a practical choice for those who need a quick dinner but still want something that feels indulgent. This casserole is great for getting more vegetables into your diet while still enjoying the flavors of a richer, more decadent meal.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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.

The Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is a practical and delicious low-carb meal that comes together with minimal effort. Just arrange your favorite sausages, zucchini, broccoli, and sweet mini peppers on a pan, season them, and let the oven do the rest. Ready in just 30 minutes, this meal is not only quick to prepare but also makes cleanup a breeze. It’s a great way to enjoy a filling dinner that fits into a busy lifestyle, serving a nutritious balance of proteins and veggies without overloading on carbs.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Chicken with spinach and cream sauce in a skillet.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a luxurious meal that fits perfectly into a low-carb diet. Featuring crispy, skin-on chicken thighs cooked with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh baby spinach in a garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, this dish is both indulgent and hearty. Ready in 40 minutes, it’s perfect for those evenings when you want something special but still need to keep things low-carb. This recipe shows that you can have a hearty and flavorful dinner without the carbs, making it easier to enjoy a full meal without feeling like you’re missing out.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Thai turkey meatballs in a skillet with a wooden spoon.
Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs introduce an exciting, flavorful spin to your dinner options, especially for those on a low-carb diet. These meatballs are made with ground turkey, coconut flour, and a mix of spices, then simmered in a homemade coconut curry sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, they’re a practical choice for any night of the week. Serve over cauliflower rice for a complete meal that keeps carbs in check. They’re also great for meal prep as they freeze well, giving you a quick meal solution for future busy days.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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

For those aiming to keep their carb intake low, this Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach recipe is a great choice. It combines juicy shrimp with fresh spinach and grape tomatoes, all smothered in a dairy-free garlic sauce. The addition of smoked paprika and red pepper flakes gives it a slightly spicy flavor. This dish is not only flavorful but also very quick to prepare, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a great way to enjoy a seafood meal that’s both nourishing and filling without the extra carbs that you’ll get from pasta.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

This Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce recipe is a perfect solution for a low-carb dinner that doesn’t take long to prepare. In just 30 minutes, you can have tender chicken thighs covered in a rich, creamy sauce made from mushrooms, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. It’s a one-pan dish that’s great with steamed vegetables or cauliflower rice, making cleanup easy. This meal is great for those evenings when you want something quick, comforting, and low-carb, helping you to maintain your dietary goals without feeling deprived.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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.

Italian Sausage Soup is a robust, creamy soup that comes together in 30 minutes, perfect for quick, filling dinners. It features Italian sausage mixed with a creamy base of cream cheese, heavy whipping cream, and diced and pureed tomatoes. This soup is both filling and low in carbs, delivering a great alternative to more traditional, carb-heavy meals. It’s a great option for those looking to reduce their carb intake without spending hours in the kitchen, and it keeps well for leftovers too.
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 a fresh and inventive dish, perfect for a light, low-carb dinner or a snack. They combine crispy bacon and creamy chicken salad served in cucumber halves, making them both nutritious and filling. Ready in about 30 minutes, these boats are easy to prep ahead of time, and assembling them is a breeze. They address the need for quick, simple meals that fit into a carb-conscious lifestyle without sacrificing taste or satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

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

Turning a classic favorite into a low-carb meal, the Bacon Cheeseburger Salad is both innovative and delicious. It replicates the flavors of a traditional bacon cheeseburger, complete with bacon, ground beef, romaine lettuce, pickles, and cheddar cheese, all topped with a Big Mac-inspired sauce. This dish is not only simple to assemble but also keeps you full without the carbs found in buns or pasta. It’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy the familiar taste of a cheeseburger in a lighter, more diet-friendly form.
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 gives you a gourmet experience without the carbs or complexity of traditional pasta dishes. Fresh asparagus is turned into noodle-like strands and paired with a homemade creamy Alfredo sauce and crispy bacon. This dish is ready in about 30 minutes, making it a quick and appetizing option for a weeknight dinner. It’s perfect for those seeking a creative, low-carb meal that delivers on both taste and convenience, so you don’t have to spend your evening stuck in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Bacon Asparagus Pasta

Cabbage and Sausage

A fork in a bowl of cabbage and sausage.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cabbage and Sausage recipe is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for a low-carb diet. It combines savory sausage with cabbage cooked in the same skillet for added flavor, along with onions and a hint of apple cider vinegar for a subtle tanginess. Ready in less than 30 minutes, it’s a practical choice for a quick dinner that’s filling and easy to make. This dish helps you keep dinner simple and hearty, avoiding the work that comes with more complex meals, great for those busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Keto Chicken Nuggets

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

Keto Chicken Nuggets are perfect for anyone following a low-carb diet who still craves the comfort of classic chicken nuggets. These nuggets are made with canned chicken, ground sunflower seed meal, Parmesan cheese, and crushed pork rinds, giving them a crispy texture without the carbs. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re perfect for a quick meal or a kid-friendly dinner that won’t throw off your eating plan. They can also be frozen and reheated for a convenient and delicious option that’s always ready when you need a stress-free meal that keeps everyone happy.
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 a flavorful, easy-to-make dinner that’s great for keeping your meal low in carbs and high in taste. In just 30 minutes, cook up chicken thighs in a tangy and creamy Dijon mustard sauce with fresh spinach and crumbled bacon. This meal is not only quick to prepare but also helps maintain your energy levels, avoiding the sluggishness often associated with high-carb meals. It’s a perfect choice for a filling dinner that makes it easy to stick to your dietary goals while still enjoying a rich and creamy dish.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken is an easy-to-make dish that’s great for those who want a low-carb dinner without missing out on flavor. This dish features chicken breasts seasoned with fajita spices, topped with cream cheese, mini sweet peppers, and shredded mozzarella, and then baked until everything is melty and delicious. Ready in just 30 minutes, this meal is both convenient and delicious, making it a perfect choice for a busy weeknight. It’s a great way to enjoy the flavors of a fajita without the carbs from tortillas.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked 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.

For a comforting dinner that keeps carbs low, try the Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. It combines ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, sour cream, and cheddar cheese into a hearty meal that’s ready in 30 minutes. This dish is especially great if you’re looking to reduce your carb intake but still want a hearty meal. It’s also perfect for meal prep, as it reheats well, making your busy weeknights less stressful. Enjoy a delicious dinner that lets you stick to your low-carb goals without feeling like you’re missing out.
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.

Fried Cabbage with Bacon is an awesome choice for a quick, low-carb dinner. It cooks in just 25 minutes using chopped bacon, onions, and cabbage, all in one pan for easy cleanup. This dish is not only simple to prepare but also packs great flavor, making it a practical choice for those looking to keep dinner easy yet flavorful. The combination of crispy bacon and tender cabbage serves texture and taste for a filling meal without the carb-heavy feeling of pasta or rice dishes.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

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

The Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms is a smart, low-carb alternative to traditional risotto. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish uses cauliflower rice and Portobello mushrooms to create a rich and creamy dinner. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy a luxurious meal without spending hours in the kitchen or dealing with complex recipes. Cooking everything in one pot also means less cleanup. This dish is great for maintaining a low-carb diet while still enjoying the creamy, comforting feel of a risotto.
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 flavorful dinner that’s low on carbs and high on taste. This one-pan meal features boneless, skinless chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan, creating a rich flavor profile. It’s seasoned with Italian seasoning and ground thyme and cooked in a creamy sauce that’s both comforting and hearty. Ready in about 30 minutes, this dish is a great choice for anyone looking for a quick yet delicious meal that supports a healthy, low-carb lifestyle.
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 a quick and nutritious meal, perfect for those looking to keep their carb intake low. It takes just 30 minutes to prepare and features salmon topped with a crunchy mix of finely crushed pork rinds, grated Parmesan cheese, dried dill, salt, pepper, melted butter, and minced garlic. This dish is not only easy to make but also helps you boost your omega-3 intake, which is essential for heart health. It’s a great alternative to more traditional, carb-heavy dinners, serving a hearty and healthy end to your day.
Get the Recipe: Baked Parmesan Salmon

Sticky Sauce Chicken

Sticky Sauce Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Try Sticky Sauce Chicken for an exciting low-carb dinner option that doesn’t compromise on flavor. This dish features chicken thighs cooked until golden and then stirred in a sweet and tangy garlic-ginger sauce that keeps it moist and flavorful. It’s ready in 30 minutes and uses just one pan, making both cooking and cleanup easy. This recipe is perfect for those busy nights when you need a quick meal that keeps carbs low but still tastes great. It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables for a complete, balanced meal.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Sauce Chicken

Creamy Garlic Chicken

Creamy chicken dish garnished with herbs and black pepper.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Garlic Chicken is a great choice for anyone looking to maintain a low-carb diet while still enjoying a rich, filling meal. This recipe features chicken breasts cooked in a creamy sauce made from garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, which adds a robust flavor to the dish. It’s particularly easy to prepare, taking only 30 minutes and requiring just one pan, perfect for a stress-free evening. Pair it with cauliflower rice or baked vegetables for a complete, nutritious meal. This dish will keep you full and content without the carb-heavy feeling that comes from pasta.
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 a great option for a quick, delicious dinner that keeps the carbs low. These patties are made from canned chicken, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and your choice of sunflower seed meal or almond flour, making them a great source of protein. They cook up in just 20 minutes and are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Serve with steamed vegetables or as a sandwich. This recipe is a great way to make a meal that’s both easy to prepare and versatile enough to keep dinner exciting.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Lemon Garlic Scallops

Scallops with parsley and garlic in a skillet.
Lemon Garlic Scallops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Lemon Garlic Scallops is a delicious way to enjoy a sophisticated, low-carb seafood dish that’s quick to prepare. These scallops are pan-seared to a golden brown and then simmered in a flavorful sauce of lemon, butter, and garlic. The entire cooking process is simple and fast, making it a great choice for an impressive weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Scallops are a lean protein that will leave you feeling light and energized without the bloated feeling that heavier, carb-laden meals can cause.
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 perfect for those following a low-carb diet who crave flavorful and protein-rich meals. This recipe involves marinating chicken in shawarma spices, then skewering and baking the meat until it’s perfectly cooked. Serve these kebabs with a side of tzatziki and cilantro lime cauliflower rice to round out the meal. The preparation is straightforward, and the result is a deliciously spiced dish that’s both filling and healthy. It’s a great way to enjoy a diverse, flavorful meal without worrying about carbs.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

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 a spicy, comforting dish perfect for those on a low-carb diet who are looking for something filling and easy to prepare. This casserole combines shredded chicken, crispy bacon, cream cheese, hot sauce, and jalapeños, topped with shredded cheese and baked until bubbly. It takes about 50 minutes to make and is a great way to enjoy a hearty meal that is both comforting and low in carbs. This recipe addresses the need for savory, straightforward meals that can help maintain dietary goals without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

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