27 low-carb meals that make pasta look like yesterday’s news

Photo of author

| Published:

Low-carb meals help you maintain a balanced diet without sacrificing flavor, which is exactly why they make pasta look like yesterday’s news. Forget those carb-loaded spirals and enjoy dishes that are perfect for your lifestyle and palate. These recipes show you don’t need a mountain of carbs to have a delicious meal.

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

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

Wave goodbye to pasta with this Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole that’s as good as it is easy. Broccoli and cauliflower get a cheesy makeover with a rich sauce and a sprinkle of crispy bacon, all in just 30 minutes. It’s a great low-carb option that’ll leave you satisfied without feeling heavy. Perfect for those evenings when you want to feel like you’ve got your life together. Pop it in the oven, make that cheese bubbly, and serve. It’s comfort food without the carb crash and might just be your day’s highlight.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

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

Skip the pasta and go for a Bacon Cheeseburger Salad instead. It’s all the joy of a bacon cheeseburger tossed in a bowl with greens instead of a bun. It’s packed with ground beef, bacon, and cheese, which come together in a dish that’s as fun as it is filling, and it’s all ready in about 30 minutes. This salad is a great way to unwind after a tiring day without feeling weighed down, perfect for a low-carb lifestyle. It’s like a mini-celebration on your dinner plate. Seriously, salads can make you forget about burgers.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

Keto Zuppa Toscana

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

Say goodbye to pasta with this Keto Zuppa Toscana, a soup that’s so good it makes other meals feel a bit jealous. It stays light with radishes instead of potatoes but doesn’t skimp on flavor. Ready in just an hour, it’s perfect for those days when you need a comforting meal without much work. Serve it with keto-friendly bread to dip into that creamy broth. It’s a hug in a bowl and keeps things low-carb, making it perfect to relax and unwind at the end of a long day. Plus, it tastes even better the next day, so go ahead and make a big batch!
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Bell Pepper Sandwich

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

Switch out your regular sandwich bread with bell peppers in this creative Bell Pepper Sandwich. It’s quick, easy, and packed with deli turkey, bacon, and provolone cheese, all stuffed inside crisp bell peppers. This dish is a great way to lighten things up and sneak more veggies into your meal. Ready in about 10 minutes, it’s a fresh take on lunch that says goodbye to carbs and hello to flavor. Not to mention, it’s a bright way to lift your spirits on a drab day. Perfect for a light lunch or a healthy snack, this recipe uses bell peppers as a substitute for bread, giving a crunchy texture.
Get the Recipe: Bell Pepper Sandwich

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 is your go-to when you need a quick fix for dinner. In just 30 minutes, using one pan, you’ll have chicken smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce that feels like it took hours to perfect. Perfect for those evenings when you’ve had a long day and want something comforting without the carb overload. It pairs well with a crisp salad or steamed veggies. Store any leftovers in the fridge; they’ll be just as great when you need a stress-free meal during a hectic week. This dish is a game changer, making you forget pasta was ever a dinner staple.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Creamy Bacon Asparagus Pasta

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

Turn up your dinner game with this Creamy Bacon Asparagus Pasta. It’s done in 30 minutes, and this dish combines the rich flavor of bacon with the fresh, crisp texture of asparagus, all wrapped up in a creamy sauce. It’s a playful yet comforting meal that makes sticking to low-carb goals seem like a breeze. It’s perfect for impressing a date or treating yourself after a tough day. Let’s be honest: You don’t need pasta when flavors like this make low-carb look easy and exciting.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Bacon Asparagus Pasta

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.

Spice up your dinner tonight with Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish features tender chicken thighs nestled in a creamy sauce with artichokes and a splash of lemon. It’s a simple yet hearty meal perfect for unwinding after a long day. Serve it with steamed green beans for a complete, carb-conscious meal. And if you’re feeling adventurous, add some capers or olives for an extra kick. Remember, you don’t need pasta when dinner can be this good, so keep the carbs in check.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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

Ditch the pasta and dig into this Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach instead. It’s a lively mix of garlic, shrimp, tomatoes, and spinach, all sautéed together and ready in about 30 minutes. This dish is a quick, flavorful way to keep things low-carb and delicious. It’s perfect for a dinner that feels a bit fancy without any stress. Serve it with cauliflower rice or zoodles, and watch how fast the day’s stress melts. Plus, it’s light enough that you won’t need a nap afterward — just what you need after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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.

Dive into the heartwarming flavors of this Italian Sausage Soup, a comforting blend ready in just 30 minutes. With Italian sausage, creamy cheese, and tangy tomatoes, this soup is a one-pot wonder that’s as delicious as simple. It’s great on its own or with a slice of keto bread for dipping. After a draining day, there’s nothing better than a hot bowl of this soup to lift your spirits. Plus, it’s so hearty and filling that you’ll forget all about traditional carb-heavy meals.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

Cabbage and Sausage

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

Whip up a quick and hearty meal with this Cabbage and Sausage recipe, ready in under 30 minutes. This dish pairs the goodness of sausage with the mild, sweet flavors of cabbage, creating a delicious meal without the stress. It’s the perfect solution for a busy weeknight when time and energy are in short supply, but you’re still looking for something great to hit the spot. This simple, comforting dish shows that skipping the carbs doesn’t mean skimping on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

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.

Try the Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner if you’re looking for an easy and filling dinner. Just toss your sausages and colorful veggies onto a sheet pan and bake. Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish, this meal is a lifesaver when you’re too tired to do much but crave something good. It’s low-carb, which makes you wonder why pasta was ever the go-to. And guess what? The leftovers taste amazing the next day—reheat and relive the magic. Perfect for a no-muss, no-stress kind of night.
Get the Recipe: Sausage And Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

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.

Forget pasta because these Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs will become your new favorite. Made with ground turkey, coconut milk, and just the right amount of curry spice, they’re not just good; they’re a low-carb lifeline to flavor town. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re perfect for a quick but impressive dinner. Serve them over cauliflower rice for a meal that makes carbs a distant memory. And hey, they freeze perfectly, so double up that batch — you’ll thank yourself on a busy day. After all, nothing says ‘relaxing evening’ quite like knowing dinner’s already done.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

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.

If you’re craving something light yet delicious, whip up some Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats. They’re packed with chicken, bacon, and a sprinkle of cheese nestled in cucumber shells, making for a refreshing meal. These boats sail into your lunch schedule, ready in no time, perfect for those busy or scorching days. They keep the carb count low and the satisfaction high. Store the filling and cucumbers separately to maintain that fresh crunch. After a long day, the meal brings a little pep back into your step.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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

When you want dinner to feel a bit fancy without the hassle, go for the Creamy Tuscan Chicken. This dish features chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a luscious creamy sauce, all cooked in one pan in just 40 minutes. It’s the perfect way to shake off a day’s stress with minimal cleanup. The rich flavors make you forget pasta ever existed as a dinner option. Plus, if you’ve got leftovers, they heat up great, giving you something to look forward to after a hectic day.
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.

For a comforting low-carb meal, try these Keto Chicken Nuggets. They’re crispy, tender, and delicious, ready in 30 minutes. These nuggets are a hit for any meal and show that you can still enjoy your favorites while cutting carbs. It features canned chicken, mozzarella cheese, sunflower seed meal, almond flour, and some spices. They’re perfect for those days when you need something delicious but simple. Plus, you can freeze them for a quick bite later on. Say goodbye to pasta and hello to a new favorite that’s just as good reheated.
Get the Recipe: Keto Chicken Nuggets

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

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

Fire up your lunch routine with the Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. This dish combines the fiery taste of jalapeños with creamy chicken salad for a kick that’s just right. It’s easy to toss together and enjoy throughout the week. This salad keeps things low-carb and high-flavor, showing once again that pasta is just yesterday’s news. It is great on its own or in a lettuce wrap for an added crunch. It’s the perfect pick-me-up during a busy workweek.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Creamy Dijon Chicken

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

This dish makes weeknights great without the hassle. Ready in 30 minutes, this one-pan meal mixes chicken, a creamy mustard sauce, spinach, and bacon. It’s easy and quick and gives your dinner a gourmet vibe. Pair it with steamed veggies or a light salad. Leftovers keep well in the fridge, making meal prep easy. Low-carb never tasted so great. And after a long day, this dish is like a cozy hug, reminding you that you can eat well without breaking a sweat. Plus, it’s a solid reminder that pasta is overrated.
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.

On busy nights, this casserole is perfect. It takes 30 minutes to combine ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheese into a hearty dish. It’s a comforting meal without the carbs. Enjoy it solo or with a side salad for extra veggies. It reheats well, so make extra for easy meals throughout the week. Comfort food meets healthy living. After a tiring day, this casserole feels like putting on your favorite old sweater – cozy and just what you need. Low-carb eating has never been this comforting.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

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

This dish is a great yet easy side you can make in 30 minutes. It’s a one-pot wonder perfect for dressing up for weeknight dinners without stress. It features frozen cauliflower rice, portobello mushroom, heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Serve it with your favorite protein for a complete meal. It shows how luxurious low-carb eating can be. For variety, try different mushrooms like shiitake or porcini, or add spinach or peas for color and extra nutrition. After a busy day, this risotto feels like a luxury you can afford. Move over, pasta.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Fried Cabbage With Bacon

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

This 25-minute meal is simple yet packed with flavor. It’s perfect for evenings when you want something good without much effort. This dish works great as a side or a light main course. It’s a great mix of simplicity and flavor that makes you forget about carbs. Add smoked paprika or apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick, or toss in sliced bell peppers or onions for variety. After a long day, this dish is like a reliable friend, always there to cheer you up. Pasta who?
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage With Bacon

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.

This one-pan meal brings a rich, flavorful dinner to your table in no time. With chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan, it’s a meal that’s pleasing to the palate and easy on cleanup. It pairs perfectly with zoodles for a fuller meal. This dish keeps well in the fridge, so make extra for future meals. Low-carb dreams are made of this – creamy, comforting, and utterly great. After a tough day, this dish feels like you’re treating yourself without the hassle. Who needs pasta when you have this?
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Sticky Sauce Chicken

Sticky Sauce Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sticky Sauce Chicken is a great choice for a low-carb meal that makes pasta look like yesterday’s news. This dish features chicken cooked in a sweet and tangy garlic-ginger sauce that’s so good it should come with a warning label. You’ll need chicken, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a sweetener like honey or a low-carb substitute. Cook time is about 30 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight. Serve with roasted broccoli for a balanced meal. Add a splash of orange juice or chili flakes to the sauce for an extra kick. After a long, tiring day, this dish is like a hug on a plate.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Sauce Chicken

Baked Parmesan Salmon

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

This quick, 30-minute dinner is both nutritious and full of flavor. It’s perfect for hectic evenings when you want something good but simple. Pair it with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. The salmon is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge overnight. It’s a fancy dinner without the carbs, showing that healthy eating can be great. After a long day, this salmon dish feels like a small victory. Forget pasta – this is the kind of meal that makes you feel like a chef without the effort.
Get the Recipe: Baked Parmesan Salmon

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

Creamy Garlic Chicken is a one-pan wonder that makes pasta seem like a bad dream. This dish has chicken breasts smothered in a rich garlic sauce. It’s packed with chicken breasts, garlic, heavy cream, and some butter. It’s quick to prepare, taking about 25 minutes from start to finish. Serve it over cauliflower rice for a hearty, low-carb dinner. The sauce keeps well, so you can enjoy freshly prepared cauliflower rice anytime. Perfect for those nights when you want something special but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. This meal feels like a treat after a hard day without the carb crash.
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 low-carb option that puts pasta to shame. It’s made with canned chicken, eggs, and a few seasonings, these patties come together in just 20 minutes. They’re perfect for those nights when you’re pressed for time but want a complete meal. Serve with a side salad for balance. These patties freeze and reheat well, making them great for meal prep. Add some herbs or minced veggies for extra flavor and nutrition. After a long day, these patties are like a quick win in the kitchen. Simple, fast, and they taste great without the carb overload.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Shawarma Kebabs

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

Shawarma Kebabs are an easy, high-protein, low-carb meal that makes pasta look like a relic. These kebabs are seasoned with spices and then baked in the oven. You’ll need chicken, spices like cumin and paprika, and skewers. They’re quick to prepare, taking about 30 minutes, including cooking time. Serve with tzatziki and cilantro lime cauliflower rice for a complete meal. These kebabs are perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something good without much effort. After a long day, these kebabs are a flavorful and delicious way to end the day, with no carbs to drag you down.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

Lemon Garlic Scallops

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

Lemon Garlic Scallops are a low-carb dish that makes pasta look like a snooze fest. This simple yet elegant dish features scallops cooked with lemon, garlic, and a touch of butter. It’s ready in about 15 minutes, making it perfect for a quick but fancy dinner. Serve over zucchini noodles for a great low-carb meal. Scallops are best fresh, but leftovers are good for lunch the next day. Add a dash of saffron or some fresh herbs for a bit of extra flair. This dish is like treating yourself to a gourmet meal without the hassle, perfect for a pick-me-up after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.