14 Low-Carb, High-Protein Skillet Dinners

Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD

Credit: Blaine Moats

A healthy and tasty dinner that only requires one skillet? Talk about super easy cleanup! Whether you’re following a low-carb, high-protein eating plan or just looking for healthy, satisfying dinners, these one-pan recipes have you covered. Each one has at least 15 grams of protein and no more than 14 grams of carbohydrates per serving, so you can enjoy a light yet filling meal. Recipes like our Creamy Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Skillet or our Garlic-Butter Pork Chops with Spinach are nutritious dishes that are simple to prepare any night of the week.

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Creamy Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Skillet

Credit: Photographer: Alex Huang.
Credit: Photographer: Alex Huang.

This creamy garlic chicken-and-broccoli skillet dinner comes together in just 20 minutes. Tender chicken cutlets are paired with crisp-tender broccoli in a light garlic cream sauce. A splash of white wine adds depth, while fresh parsley adds a pop of color and flavor.

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02 of 14

Garlic-Butter Pork Chops with Spinach

Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.
Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.

Tender, juicy garlic-butter pork chops are seared to golden perfection, then paired with bright lemony spinach in this easy one-pan dinner. The garlic-and-herb seasoning adds bold flavor, while a touch of lemon zest and juice gives the dish a fresh, vibrant finish. It’s ready in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.

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03 of 14

One-Pan Chicken Florentine

Credit: Photographer: Kelsey Hansen, Prop Stylist Natalie Ghazali, Food Stylist: Shannon Goforth.
Credit: Photographer: Kelsey Hansen, Prop Stylist Natalie Ghazali, Food Stylist: Shannon Goforth.

Classic chicken Florentine—creamy spinach served alongside sautéed chicken—is a fast and easy meal. This recipe uses cornstarch to thicken the cream instead of cheese. This chicken recipe is simple enough for weekdays but also elegant enough for a dinner party.

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04 of 14

Cheesy Ground Beef & Cauliflower Casserole

Credit: Photographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco
Credit: Photographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco

Ground beef and cauliflower combine to create a hearty weeknight casserole that both kids and adults will love. Serve with tortilla chips and sour cream.

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05 of 14

One-Skillet Creamy French Onion Chicken

Credit: Brie Passano
Credit: Brie Passano

This easy one-skillet dinner marries the rich and savory flavor of French onion soup with chicken cutlets in a creamy, satisfying sauce. Serve with a simple green salad with homemade croutons for crunch.

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06 of 14

Creamy Skillet Ranch Chicken & Broccoli

Credit: Photographer / Brie Passano, Food Stylist / Annie Probst, Prop Stylist / Holly Raibikis
Credit: Photographer / Brie Passano, Food Stylist / Annie Probst, Prop Stylist / Holly Raibikis

This crowd-pleasing dinner feeds four and can be on the table in just 30 minutes. To top it off, the creamy ranch sauce, chicken and broccoli all come together in one skillet, making cleanup just as easy as cooking.

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07 of 14

Chicken Cutlets with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce (Marry Me Chicken)

Credit: Blaine Moats
Credit: Blaine Moats

Though a chicken cutlet may be a chicken breast cut in half, this recipe shows how to make chicken cutlets with double the deliciousness. A jar of sun-dried tomatoes does double duty for this healthy dinner idea. The flavorful oil they’re packed in is used to sauté the chicken, and the tomatoes go into the cream sauce.

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08 of 14

Frittata with Asparagus, Leek & Ricotta

Credit: Photographer / Jacob Fox, Food styling / Sue Mitchell, Food Styling / Kelsey Bulat
Credit: Photographer / Jacob Fox, Food styling / Sue Mitchell, Food Styling / Kelsey Bulat

Serve this spring-vegetable-loaded frittata with an arugula salad and a hunk of crusty bread. Tip: This recipe cooks quickly, so be sure to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go.

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09 of 14

Cheesy Portobello Chicken Cutlets with Broccoli

Credit: Jacob Fox
Credit: Jacob Fox

Adding nutty Gruyère atop the chicken at the very end and popping it under the broiler takes this dish from delicious to heavenly. If you can’t find Gruyère, Jarlsberg or Emmentaler cheese makes a good substitute.

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10 of 14

15-Minute Pesto Shrimp

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Ana Kelly, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Ana Kelly, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

This versatile and quick pesto shrimp can be served alongside a hunk of crusty bread, over pasta or rice, or even used as a topping for pizza. Look for shrimp that are free from preservatives, which can alter the texture and add sodium to the dish. We like the brightness and fresh flavor of refrigerated pesto, but a homemade classic basil pesto will make the dish extra special.

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11 of 14

Fontina & Prosciutto Stuffed Chicken with Spring Vegetables

Credit: Jacob Fox
Credit: Jacob Fox

Layering fontina and prosciutto on top of butterflied chicken breasts then folding them closed gives you gooey cheesiness in every bite. A little half-and-half stirred into this one-pan dish at the end of cooking creates a creamy sauce to coat the chicken and veggies. Serve with rice and a glass of chardonnay.

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12 of 14

Skillet Lemon Chicken with Spinach

Credit: Diana Chistruga
Credit: Diana Chistruga

This simple, ultra-quick chicken dinner—packed with spinach and peppers—is delicious on its own or served over brown rice or your favorite pasta.

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13 of 14

One-Pot Shrimp with Tomatoes & Feta

Credit: Jason Donnelly
Credit: Jason Donnelly

Thanks to quick-cooking shrimp, this one-pot meal comes together in record time. Tomatoes add a burst of color and acidity, while chopped basil brings freshness. Serve over pasta or whole grains.

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14 of 14

Rosemary & Garlic-Basted Sirloin Steak

Master the perfectly seared sirloin steak with this easy method while playing with fresh herbs to enhance the flavor. The key to success: letting the meat come to room temperature before adding it to the pan to ensure it cooks evenly. Rosemary and garlic give it an irresistible herby finish. For the best results, let the steak rest before serving.

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