Putting pasta on pause? Try these 31 low-carb dinners

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Switching out spaghetti for something lighter? These 31 low-carb dinners are your new go-to when pasta is off the menu. No fancy steps, just straightforward recipes that hit the spot without the heavy carbs. Great for shaking up your meal routine without shaking up your evening schedule.

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.

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 brings all the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak into a low-carb, easy-to-make casserole. Loaded with steak, fresh mushrooms, crunchy bell peppers, and gooey provolone cheese, this dish is prepared in less than an hour. It’s a great choice for carb-conscious eaters looking for hearty meals. This casserole dishes out all the comfort you crave without the heavy carbs, making it easier to enjoy your favorite flavors while sticking to a healthier eating plan.
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.

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is perfect for those on a low-carb diet craving something with a bit of a kick. This salad features the spicy flavor of charred jalapeños combined with the richness of crispy bacon and shredded chicken, all tossed in a creamy dressing. It’s simple to assemble and perfect for meal prep, staying fresh and flavorful throughout the week. This dish allows you to enjoy bold flavors and hearty textures without compromising your carb intake, making it a smart choice for healthy eating.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

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 superb choice for anyone seeking a filling meal without carbs. This recipe features juicy chicken thighs and tender artichoke hearts enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce enhanced with a splash of lemon. It takes just 30 minutes to prepare, making it a quick solution for a busy weeknight. Ditching the pasta doesn’t mean ditching the flavor — this dish shows you can have a hearty dinner that supports your health goals and keeps you on track.
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 low-carb alternative to traditional soup, making it a great fit for your low-carb lifestyle. By using radishes instead of potatoes, this recipe keeps the carbs in check without sacrificing the soup’s robust flavor. Loaded with Italian sausage, bacon, and a rich, creamy broth, it’s prepared in just an hour. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal without feeling weighed down by carbs, helping you maintain your dietary goals easily.
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.

The Bell Pepper Sandwich is a clever and quick low-carb alternative to traditional bread-laden sandwiches. Using crisp bell pepper halves as the bread, this sandwich is packed with cream cheese, turkey, bacon, provolone cheese, mashed avocado, and thin cucumber slices. Ready in just about 10 minutes, it’s not only simple to make but also helps you stay light and energized throughout the day. This sandwich is a perfect example of how low-carb eating can be both fun and filling, making it easier to skip the pasta without missing out.
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 comforting choice that combines the health benefits of vegetables with the rich taste of a cheesy, bacon-infused sauce. This easy-to-prepare casserole is baked until the top is crispy and golden, ready in about 30 minutes. It’s a great way to enjoy a rich, flavorful dinner that’s low in carbs and high in taste. This dish is perfect for those evenings when you need a quick, comforting meal that doesn’t load up on carbs. It helps you enjoy a hearty dinner that fits well within your dietary goals.
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 a luxurious meal without pasta. It combines crispy chicken thighs with crisped skin, sun-dried tomatoes and spinach smothered in a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce. The recipe combines the heartiness of well-crisped chicken with the richness of a garlicky cream sauce, resulting in a filling dinner. Ready in 40 minutes, this dish is perfect for those looking to cut carbs but still want a hearty meal. The creamy sauce and juicy chicken deliver all the comfort of a traditional pasta dish without the heavy feeling afterward.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Reuben Bowls

A bowl of creamy coleslaw with red and white cabbage, topped with green herbs, served with a fork.
Reuben Bowls. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When you’re taking a break from pasta and looking for a low-carb dinner, these Reuben Bowls are a great go-to. They’re ready in half an hour, which makes them perfect for those nights when you need something quick and easy. Brown some corned beef from the deli, toss it with coleslaw or shredded cabbage, add a bit of sauerkraut for that classic Reuben tang, and top it with melted Swiss cheese. Drizzle on your favorite Thousand Island dressing, homemade or store-bought, and you’ve got a meal that’s straightforward, no-nonsense, and keeps the carbs in check.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Bowls

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 a standout dish for anyone on a low-carb diet. These meatballs combine ground turkey, egg, coconut flour, and spices, bathed in a rich coconut curry sauce, and are ready in just 30 minutes. Serve them over cauliflower rice to complete this flavorful meal. They are a smart choice for meal prep, too, as they freeze well for later use. This recipe is a great alternative to traditional pasta meals, serving all the flavors without the carbs.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

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 go-to for those avoiding pasta. You get a full meal of sausages with zucchini, broccoli, and sweet mini peppers all roasted together, which enhances their flavors without any added carbs. It takes just 30 minutes from prep to plate. This dinner is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a nutritious meal without the effort or the carbs. Plus, it’s so filling and flavorful that you won’t miss the pasta one bit.
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.

This Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach is perfect for seafood lovers watching their carb intake. Ready in 30 minutes, this one-pan dish is not only easy to make but also packed with flavors thanks to a mix of smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, which complement the succulent shrimp, fresh grape tomatoes, and spinach perfectly. It’s a straightforward meal that’s bursting with flavor and easy to put together, perfect for a quick dinner. The rich taste and filling nature of this meal mean you won’t find yourself missing pasta at all.
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 great choice for a quick, low-carb dinner. The dish features chicken thighs in a creamy sauce made with mushrooms, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan, all ready in just 30 minutes. This one-pan meal is perfect alongside steamed vegetables or cauliflower rice. Post-dinner cleanup is a breeze, too. It’s the kind of comforting meal that makes you forget about pasta and focus on the rich, hearty flavors instead.
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 hearty and creamy soup perfect for those looking to replace heavy pasta meals with something lighter yet equally filling. Ready in just 30 minutes, this soup combines hearty Italian sausage with cream cheese, canned tomatoes, and heavy whipping cream, creating a rich and creamy texture. Shredded Parmesan cheese adds a nice touch of flavor. It’s great for a quick dinner or for meal prep as it stores well. With its robust flavors and texture, you won’t miss the pasta at all.
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.

These Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats are a brilliant solution for a low-carb diet craving something fresh and flavorful. Packed with crispy bacon and chicken salad packed in cool cucumber halves, this dish is both refreshing and filling. It’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it a practical choice for busy weeknights. Great for those looking to reduce their carb intake, these cucumber boats show you don’t need pasta to enjoy a filling and flavorful meal.
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.

If you love cheeseburgers but are watching your carbs, this Bacon Cheeseburger Salad is perfect for you. Combining the hearty flavors of bacon and ground beef with the crispness of lettuce and the tanginess of pickles, this salad mimics the taste of a classic bacon cheeseburger. Topped with a creamy, burger-inspired sauce and sharp cheddar, it’s ready in just 25 minutes. It’s a great meal for those who want to enjoy familiar flavors without feeling weighed down by bread.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

Creamy Bacon Asparagus Pasta

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

Our Creamy Bacon Asparagus Pasta is a low-carb dinner dream, serving all the creamy indulgence without the heaviness of traditional pasta. 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. Perfect for those avoiding pasta, it delivers a gourmet experience that keeps you light and energetic.
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 recipe brings you the comfort of home cooking without the carbs. It features well-seasoned sausage and sautéed cabbage that cook together in one pan, infusing the dish with deep flavors. With a hint of apple cider vinegar for a slight tang and a cooking time of less than 30 minutes, it’s a straightforward and hearty choice. This meal is proof that you can have a flavorful dinner that keeps you full longer and supports your low-carb goals.
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 the answer for anyone missing traditional nuggets on a low-carb diet. These nuggets are made from canned chicken, sunflower seed meal, Parmesan cheese, and crushed pork rinds, creating a crispy outer layer that rivals any high-carb option. Ready in 30 minutes, they are perfect for a quick dinner. They’re a great choice for families, easily frozen and reheated, making them a simple, kid-friendly meal that fits into a healthy lifestyle.
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 and simple dish that brings a lot of flavor to the table without the carbs. It combines tender chicken thighs with a rich, tangy Dijon mustard sauce, fresh spinach, and crumbled bacon, all cooked together in under 30 minutes. This dish is perfect for those evenings when you need something quick yet comforting. It’s also a great way to enjoy a creamy, filling meal that doesn’t leave you feeling sluggish, like many pasta dishes do.
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 a flavorful option for anyone cutting carbs but still wanting something delicious. This dish combines seasoned chicken breasts layered with cream cheese, mini sweet peppers, and mozzarella, baked to create a melty and mouthwatering meal. It’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it a great choice for those busy nights when you need something quick yet packed with flavors. You’ll find that the rich flavors and hearty toppings make you forget all about traditional pasta.
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.

This Cheesy Beef Casserole uses cauliflower rice and spinach to create a filling meal that’s perfect for low-carb diets. Blending ground beef with a creamy cheese sauce, this dish is hearty and ready in just 30 minutes. It’s also perfect for meal prep, simplifying your weeknight dinners. Choosing this over pasta means enjoying a rich and creamy dinner without the usual carb crash, keeping you energized and satisfied longer.
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 that’s ready in 25 minutes. This easy recipe mixes bacon, onions, and cabbage in one pan, simplifying cooking and cleanup. The result is a dish that’s flavorful and filling, making it a great alternative to pasta. The textures of crispy bacon and soft cabbage create a delectable meal that shows low-carb doesn’t mean low in flavor. Packed with protein, it also fits well into various dietary preferences.
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, luxurious meal without the high carbs of traditional risotto. Using cauliflower rice and rich Portobello mushrooms, this dish is prepared in just 30 minutes. It’s an easy, quick option for anyone wanting to enjoy the comfort of risotto without the lengthy cooking process or carb-heavy ingredients. This meal is perfect for a cozy night in, delivering the creamy texture and deep flavors that make you not miss the pasta at all.
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 loaded with flavors, featuring chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan, all in a rich creamy sauce. The addition of garlic powder and red pepper flakes gives the sauce an extra layer of flavor. This dish is quick to prepare, taking about 30 minutes, and it’s a great low-carb alternative to a pasta dinner. The creamy sauce and hearty chicken bring together all the comfort of a traditional Italian meal without the carbs, making it a smart choice for a filling dinner.
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, healthy meal that’s perfect for a low-carb diet. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy salmon seasoned with dried dill, salt, and pepper that features a crispy topping made from crushed pork rinds and grated Parmesan cheese. This dish not only simplifies dinner but also enriches your diet with essential omega-3s. Choosing this salmon over a pasta dish helps you maintain a lighter, more balanced diet while still enjoying a filling meal.
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 that still packs a punch of flavor. This dish features chicken thighs cooked to golden perfection, then coated in a sweet and tangy sauce made with garlic and ginger. Ready in just 30 minutes and using only one pan, it’s great for those hectic evenings when you need a quick yet filling meal. Pair it with roasted vegetables for a well-rounded dinner. Choosing this dish means you get all the satisfaction of a hearty meal without the heavy feeling pasta often leaves behind.
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’s made with tender chicken breasts enveloped in a creamy sauce of garlic, heavy cream and Parmesan cheese that brings a rich flavor to every bite. You can whip this up in just 30 minutes with one pan, making it a no-stress option for busy nights. Try it with cauliflower rice or baked vegetables for a complete meal. Not only is this dish easy to prepare, but it also leaves you feeling light and full without the carbs dragging you down.
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 choice for a quick, nutritious dinner that keeps carbs to a minimum. These patties combine canned chicken with ground sunflower seed meal, eggs, and Parmesan cheese, creating a meal ready in about 20 minutes. They’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Serve them with a side of steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. These patties serve as a delicious and convenient alternative to pasta dishes, giving you all the protein without the extra carbs.
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 low-carb seafood option that’s quick and easy to prepare. Pan-seared to perfection, these scallops are then simmered in a flavorful sauce made with lemon, butter, garlic, and vegetable stock. The whole cooking process is straightforward and fast, making it great for an elegant dinner on busy weeknights. Scallops are a light and nutritious alternative to pasta, helping you feel energized and satisfied without the bloated feeling carbs often 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 but still looking for meals full 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’re simple to make and bring to the table a delicious and healthy alternative to pasta, serving you with a filling meal without the carb load.
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 that’s great for anyone on a low-carb diet. 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 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.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

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