15 Low-Carb Dinners That Are High in Protein

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

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Melissa Gray, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

If you’re looking for some inspiration for dinner tonight, these recipes are sure to satisfy. With no more than 14 grams of carbohydrates per servingthese dinners are perfect for those looking to reduce their carb intake. These meals also have at least 15 grams of protein per servingso you can feel fuller and support your muscle growthall while enjoying a delicious dish. Recipes like our Sheet-Pan Balsamic Salmon & Asparagus and Garlic-Butter Pork Chops with Spinach are nourishing and flavorful ways to meet your protein goals.

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Sheet-Pan Balsamic Salmon & Asparagus

Credit: Photographer: Ali Redmond.
Credit: Photographer: Ali Redmond.

This Sheet-Pan Balsamic Salmon & Asparagus is an easy, flavor-packed dinner that comes together quickly. Salmon, asparagus and red onion roast in a savory balsamic-soy glaze with garlic and Dijon for a perfect balance of tangy and rich. Finish with a squeeze of lemon for a bright, fresh touch.

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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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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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Sheet-Pan Salmon with Broccoli

Credit: Ali Redmond
Credit: Ali Redmond

Fresh, fast and full of flavor, this sheet-pan salmon with broccoli is a healthy weeknight winner. Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and support heart health. A zesty mix of lemon, garlic and olive oil brings brightness to both the tender salmon and the roasted broccoli. Everything roasts together quickly, so cleanup is minimal and dinner is on the table in no time.

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Spicy Shrimp with Cauliflower Rice

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Melissa Gray, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Melissa Gray, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

This shrimp gets its kick from Cajun seasoning—a zesty blend of paprika, cayenne pepper and garlic powder. Refrigerated cauliflower rice helps cut down on prep time, but if you can spare a few extra minutes, it’s easy to make your own. Pulse 1 pound fresh cauliflower florets in a food processor until chopped into rice-size pieces.

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06 of 15

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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07 of 15

Beef Stir-Fry with Baby Bok Choy & Ginger

Credit: Blaine Moats
Credit: Blaine Moats

All the ingredients for this easy beef stir-fry recipe are cooked in one wok (or skillet), so not only is the meal prep fast for this healthy dinner, but cleanup is quick too.

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One-Pot Garlicky Shrimp & Spinach

Credit: Photographer: Antonis Achilleos, Prop Stylist:Christine Keely, Food Stylist:Chelsea Zimmer
Credit: Photographer: Antonis Achilleos, Prop Stylist:Christine Keely, Food Stylist:Chelsea Zimmer

This shrimp and spinach recipe cooks quickly for a simple one-pot weeknight dinner. A fast pan sauce gets life from lemon juice, crushed red pepper and parsley.

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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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Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Green Beans

This easy lemon-garlic chicken recipe calls for quick-cooking cutlets! The green beans are cooked right in the same pan as the chicken, making this 20-minute healthy dinner a snap to prepare.

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Loaded Chicken Cutlets

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower.

These loaded chicken cutlets are an easy, all-in-one sheet-pan meal. Chopped broccoli is mixed with a creamy blend of cream cheese, shredded cheese and bacon for a savory topping that’s piled onto the chicken for a satisfying, veggie-packed twist on classic loaded cutlets. The dish comes together with minimal cleanup and is perfect for busy weeknights. A dollop of sour cream, more bacon and sliced scallions on top makes it even more delicious.

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Easy Salmon Cakes with Arugula Salad

After making the salmon cakes, we firm them up for 5 minutes in the freezer before cooking so they don’t fall apart when they hit the hot oil. You can also make these salmon cakes with canned salmon to make them pantry- and budget-friendly.

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Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margret Monroe Dickey
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margret Monroe Dickey

Amp up your veggie servings with this healthy cauliflower fried rice for a quick low-carb dinner.

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Zucchini Enchiladas

Using thinly sliced zucchini in place of tortillas is a great way to cut back on carbs and still enjoy cheesy chicken enchiladas. If you like the heat, opt for a spicy enchilada sauce.

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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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