Ditching pasta? You need to try these 31 low-carb dinners

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Kicking pasta to the curb? No sweat. These 31 low-carb dinners are great for shaking things up without the carbs. You’ll find a variety of flavor-packed meals perfect for making your low-carb switch a breeze — because skipping the spaghetti just means more room for the good stuff.

Bacon ranch chicken salad cucumber boats lined up on a plate.
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats. 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 great for anyone putting pasta on pause. This dish features juicy chicken thighs and tender artichoke hearts in a rich, creamy sauce with a splash of lemon. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight. Enjoy a hearty dinner that supports your goals without missing pasta. The creamy sauce and tender chicken make it a hearty choice, which shows you don’t need pasta to enjoy a rich, flavorful meal. This dish perfectly balances protein and flavor in a quick and easy recipe.
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 perfect for putting pasta on pause. This low-carb version uses radishes instead of potatoes to keep the carbs low without losing flavor. It’s ready in just an hour, packed with Italian sausage, bacon, and a creamy broth. This hearty, flavorful soup helps you stick to your diet without feeling weighed down by carbs. The rich broth and sausage make it a filling meal, perfect for those wanting to cut carbs while enjoying a delicious and filling dinner. This soup is proof that you can have a great meal without pasta.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

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 clever, quick, low-carb option for ditching pasta at dinnertime. Using crisp bell pepper halves as the bread, this sandwich is filled with cream cheese, turkey, bacon, provolone cheese, mashed avocado, and cucumber slices. Ready in about 10 minutes, it’s simple to make and lets you enjoy a fun and filling meal without the carbs. This sandwich is a crunchy, fresh alternative to traditional bread, making it perfect for those who want to cut carbs without sacrificing flavor. It’s a delicious and convenient way to enjoy your favorite sandwich fillings.
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.

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a great choice for putting pasta on pause. This casserole combines veggies with a cheesy, bacon-infused sauce, then baked until crispy and golden. Ready in about 30 minutes, this is a rich, flavorful dinner that’s low in carbs and high in taste. Enjoy a hearty meal that fits well within your dietary goals. The cheesy topping and bacon bits add a delectable crunch, making this dish a perfect low-carb alternative to traditional casseroles. This casserole shows you can have a delicious, comforting meal without the carbs.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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

Creamy Tuscan Chicken is perfect when you want to take a break from eating pasta. This meal has crispy chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce. Ready in 40 minutes, it’s great for a hearty, low-carb dinner. The rich, creamy sauce and juicy chicken give all the comfort without the heavy feeling of pasta. This dish delivers all the heartiness of a traditional pasta meal without the carbs. If you want to cut carbs but still crave something filling, this recipe is your answer.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Reuben Bowls

A bowl of coleslaw with creamy dressing, garnished with green onions, served in a ceramic bowl with a fork.
Reuben Bowls. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Reuben Bowls are a great low-carb dinner option for taking a break from pasta. Ready in 30 minutes, they mix browned corned beef, coleslaw, sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing. This straightforward meal keeps carbs low while delivering classic Reuben flavor. Perfect for quick, easy, low-carb nights. You get all the taste of a traditional Reuben sandwich without the bread. For those nights when you need something fast and hearty, these bowls are a great choice that won’t leave you missing the carbs.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Bowls

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.

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is great for putting pasta on pause. This dish packs all the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak into a low-carb, easy casserole. It has steak, white mushrooms, crunchy bell peppers, and gooey provolone cheese. Ready in under an hour, this casserole gives you the comfort you want without the carbs. You get the hearty flavors of a classic sandwich in a more nutritious meal. Perfect for carb-conscious eaters, this dish helps you stick to your eating plan while still enjoying a hearty, delicious dinner.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

A person is holding a plate of stuffed cucumbers.
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats are a smart choice for a low-carb diet craving something fresh and flavorful. These cucumber boats are packed with crispy bacon and chicken salad, refreshing and filling. Ready in just 30 minutes, they are practical for busy weeknights. The cool cucumber halves are perfect for holding the creamy bacon and chicken salad mixture for a crunchy contrast that makes you forget all about pasta. These boats show you don’t need pasta to enjoy a filling and flavorful meal.
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.

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs are perfect for cutting carbs and skipping pasta at dinner. These meatballs, made with ground turkey, egg, coconut flour, and spices, are in a rich coconut curry sauce. Serve over cauliflower rice for a complete meal. Ready in 30 minutes, they are great for meal prep and serve a flavorful alternative to pasta dishes. These meatballs are packed with flavor and low on carbs, making them perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty meal without the pasta. Plus, they freeze well, making them convenient for busy weeks.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

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

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is perfect for putting pasta on pause with a spicy kick. This salad mixes charred jalapeños, crispy bacon, and shredded chicken in a creamy dressing. Easy to assemble and great for meal prep, it stays fresh and flavorful all week. Enjoy bold flavors and hearty textures without the carbs. The rich, creamy dressing balances the heat from the jalapeños, making it a smart choice for those looking to spice up their low-carb diet. This salad lets you enjoy a flavorful meal without compromising your carb intake.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

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.

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is a great pasta-free meal. This dish combines sausages with zucchini, broccoli, and sweet mini peppers, all roasted together. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. This nutritious meal is filling and flavorful, making it easy to forget pasta. The roasted veggies and sausages come together quickly for a balanced and hearty meal. This recipe is a perfect go-to for those looking to cut down on carbs without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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

When you want to say no pasta for dinner, this Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach is perfect for a low-carb alternative. Ready in 30 minutes, this one-pan dish features shrimp, grape tomatoes, and spinach with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. It’s an easy, flavorful meal perfect for seafood lovers and ensures you won’t miss a high-carb meal. The shrimp and spinach mix is quick to make and packed with flavor. This dish is the answer if you need a fast, low-carb dinner that doesn’t skimp on taste.
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.

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is a quick, low-carb dinner that deserves a spot on your pasta-free menu. This dish features chicken thighs cooked in a creamy sauce with mushrooms, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a one-pan meal that pairs perfectly with steamed vegetables or cauliflower rice. The creamy sauce is rich and hearty, making you forget about pasta altogether. Cleanup is simple, with only one pan to wash. It is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting without the carbs.
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 perfect for replacing heavy pasta meals with something lighter but filling. This creamy soup combines hearty Italian sausage with cream cheese, canned tomatoes, and heavy whipping cream, creating a rich and smooth texture. Shredded Parmesan cheese adds a nice touch of flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s great for a quick dinner or meal prep as it stores well.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

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

Bacon Cheeseburger Salad is great for cheeseburger lovers watching their carbs. It combines the hearty flavors of bacon and ground beef with crisp lettuce and the tanginess of pickles, mimicking the taste of a classic bacon cheeseburger. Topped with a creamy burger-inspired sauce and sharp cheddar, it’s ready in just 25 minutes. This salad lets you enjoy the familiar flavors of a cheeseburger without the heaviness of bread, making it perfect for a quick, low-carb dinner that won’t weigh you down.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

Creamy Bacon Asparagus Pasta

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

Creamy Bacon Asparagus Pasta is a low-carb dinner dream. Fresh asparagus is thinly sliced into noodle-like strands, sautéed with crispy bacon, and draped in a homemade Alfredo sauce. This dish is whipped up in about 30 minutes, making it a fast favorite for weeknight dinners. The creamy Alfredo sauce and crispy bacon create a rich, hearty flavor that keeps you light and energetic. Perfect for those avoiding pasta, it delivers a gourmet experience without the carbs, making it a great alternative.
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.

This Cabbage and Sausage gives you home-cooked comfort without the carbs. This dish features well-seasoned sausage and sautéed cabbage cooked in one pan, infusing the dish with deep flavors. A hint of apple cider vinegar adds a slight tang, balancing the sausage flavors. Ready in less than 30 minutes, it’s a straightforward and hearty choice for a low-carb dinner. This meal shows you can have a flavorful and filling dinner that keeps you full longer and supports your low-carb goals, making it better than any pasta dish.
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 great for anyone on a low-carb diet missing traditional nuggets. Made from canned chicken, sunflower seed meal, Parmesan cheese, and crushed pork rinds, these nuggets are crispy and ready in 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick dinner, they’re easy to freeze and reheat, making them a simple, kid-friendly meal that fits your lifestyle. These nuggets are a great alternative to pasta-based dishes and keep you on track with your low-carb goals.
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 fast, low-carb dish that brings flavor without the carbs. Tender chicken thighs are cooked in a rich, tangy Dijon mustard sauce with fresh spinach and crumbled bacon, all in under 30 minutes. The creamy sauce, with its mix of Dijon mustard, Parmesan cheese, and spinach, creates a rich flavor. This meal is perfect for busy nights, giving you a creamy, filling dish that won’t leave you feeling heavy like pasta. It’s a great choice for a filling meal without the carb crash.
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 perfect for anyone cutting carbs but wanting something delicious. Seasoned chicken breasts are layered with cream cheese, mini sweet peppers, and mozzarella, then baked to melty perfection in just 30 minutes. The flavors are a delectable combination of creamy and slightly spicy, making it a hit for the whole family. Great for busy nights, this dish is packed with flavors that make you forget about traditional pasta. It’s a great way to enjoy a cheesy, hearty meal while keeping it low-carb.
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.

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is a great choice for low-carb diets. Ground beef is mixed with a creamy cheese sauce, cauliflower rice, and spinach, ready in 30 minutes. This meal is perfect for meal prep, simplifying weeknight dinners. Enjoy a rich, creamy dinner without the carb crash, keeping you energized longer. It’s a perfect alternative to traditional pasta casseroles, giving you the same comfort without the carbs.
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 a great low-carb dinner ready in 25 minutes. This dish delivers balanced flavors and textures by combining green cabbage, crispy bacon, and sautéed white onions. The cabbage softens while the onions add sweetness. It’s a flavorful and filling meal, perfect as an alternative to pasta, fitting well into various dietary preferences. This dish is quick and easy and doesn’t leave you feeling sluggish like pasta can.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

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

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms serves a creamy, low-carb meal without the high carbs of traditional risotto. Using cauliflower rice and rich Portobello mushrooms, this dish is ready in 30 minutes. It’s a quick and easy option for enjoying the comfort of risotto without the lengthy cooking process or heavy ingredients, perfect for a cozy night in. You get all the creamy texture and deep flavors without the carbs of regular 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 packed with flavors featuring chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan in a rich sauce. With garlic powder and red pepper flakes, this dish is quick to prepare in about 30 minutes. A great low-carb alternative to pasta, it brings the comfort of a traditional Italian meal without the carbs, perfect for a filling dinner. This dish gives you a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for any night of the week.
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 great low-carb dinner choice if you want to skip pasta. In just 30 minutes, you get salmon with a crispy topping made from crushed pork rinds and Parmesan cheese. Seasoned with dill, salt, and pepper, this dish is quick to make and packed with omega-3s, which are great for your heart. The salmon is perfectly baked, making it a light yet hearty meal. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a nutritious and filling dinner without the carbs that pasta brings.
Get the Recipe: Baked Parmesan Salmon

Sticky Sauce Chicken

Sticky Sauce Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sticky Sauce Chicken is perfect for a low-carb dinner when you want big flavors. This dish features chicken thighs cooked to golden perfection in a sweet, tangy sauce made with garlic and ginger. It’s ready in just 30 minutes using only one pan, making it great for those hectic evenings. Pair it with roasted vegetables for a full, balanced meal. Choosing this dish means you get all the satisfaction of a hearty meal without the heavy feeling pasta often leaves behind. It’s a quick and delicious way to enjoy dinner without the carbs.
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.

Creamy Garlic Chicken is a great low-carb alternative to pasta. It features tender chicken breasts in a rich sauce made from garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. This dish brings a rich flavor to every bite and can be whipped up in just 30 minutes using one pan, making it a no-stress option for busy nights. Pair it with cauliflower rice or baked vegetables for a complete meal. This easy-to-make dinner leaves you feeling light and satisfied without the carbs that pasta dishes bring. It’s simple to enjoy a creamy, hearty meal without the heaviness.
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 smart, low-carb dinner option. These patties mix canned chicken with ground sunflower seed meal, eggs, and Parmesan cheese, creating a meal ready in about 20 minutes. They are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Serve them with a side of steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. These patties are a great way to enjoy a protein-packed dinner without the extra carbs that pasta dishes have. They’re a convenient and nutritious alternative, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
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 are a quick, low-carb seafood option for busy nights. These scallops are pan-seared to perfection and then simmered in a flavorful sauce made with lemon, butter, garlic, and vegetable stock. The cooking process is straightforward and fast, making it great for an elegant dinner on a busy weeknight. Scallops are a light and nutritious alternative to pasta, helping you feel energized and satisfied without the bloated feeling carbs often cause. This dish is a simple yet classy way to enjoy seafood without the carbs.
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 a low-carb diet while delivering plenty of flavor. This recipe features chicken marinated in shawarma spices, skewered, and baked until perfectly cooked. Serve these kebabs with a side of tzatziki and cilantro lime cauliflower rice for a complete meal. They are simple to make and bring to the table a delicious alternative to a high-carb meal.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

A chicken casserole dish with cheese and jalapenos.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole is spicy, low-carb comfort food. This casserole combines shredded chicken, crispy bacon, cream cheese, hot sauce, and jalapeños, all topped with shredded cheese and baked until bubbly. It takes about 50 minutes to prepare and is a hearty option for dinner. This recipe is a superb way to enjoy a filling meal that’s low in carbs but high in flavor, making it a perfect substitute for traditional pasta casseroles. It’s a spicy and hearty way to enjoy dinner without the heaviness of carbs.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

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