Reviewed by Dietitian Madeline Peck, RDN, CDN
Whether your goal is to stay energized, support healthy digestion or maintain muscle and bone strength, prioritizing high-protein meals can be a big help. Each of these dishes offers at least 15 grams of protein per serving to help you stay satisfied. From easy casseroles and skillets to hearty soups and salads, these filling dinner recipes are clicked on most by EatingWell readers. Flavorful and nutritious recipes like our fan-favorite Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan and Broccoli-Cheddar Butter Beans are sure to become staples on your dinner table.
01 of 20
Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan
This chicken pasta combines lean chicken breast and sautéed spinach for a meal that’s garlicky, lemony and best served with a little Parm on top. I call it “Mom’s Skillet Pasta,” and she called it “Devon’s Favorite Pasta.” Either way, it’s a quick and easy weeknight dinner we created together and scribbled on a little recipe card more than a decade ago, and it remains in my weekly dinner rotation to this day. It’s a simple dinner the whole family will love.
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02 of 20
Chickpea Casserole with Spinach & Feta
This Chickpea Casserole is a cozy, one-pan meal that’s both hearty and wholesome. Tender spinach, nutty chickpeas and brown rice are bound together with a touch of cream cheese and finished with tangy feta. Fresh dill, nutmeg and lemon juice brighten the flavors, while a hint of red pepper adds gentle heat. Baked until bubbling and topped with lemon zest, it’s a dish that feels comforting yet vibrant.
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03 of 20
Broccoli-Cheddar Butter Beans
These broccoli-Cheddar butter beans are a cozy dish that will remind you of broccoli-Cheddar soup, but in a convenient skillet. Tender butter beans add creaminess and plant-based protein, making the dish filling enough for a main course. Broccoli florets bring color, while sharp Cheddar cheese melts in for that classic flavor. Everything comes together in one pan, creating a thick texture that’s perfect for scooping up with crusty bread.
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04 of 20
Marry Me White Bean Soup
This Marry Me White Bean Soup borrows inspiration from the beloved Marry Me Chicken recipe with a combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, cream and Parmesan. Here, those same flavors are transformed into a hearty, soul-warming vegetarian soup with white beans taking center stage. Finished with basil and extra cheese, it’s cozy, crowd-pleasing and sure to win hearts at the table.
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05 of 20
Halupki (Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)
These comforting stuffed cabbage rolls, known as halupki, are a staple in many Eastern European kitchens, often served for family dinners and holidays. Here, a blend of beef and pork keeps the filling juicy, while ketchup, tomato paste and condensed tomato soup create a rich, familiar sauce as the rolls bake. They’re perfect for a cozy dinner!
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06 of 20
Easy White Bean Skillet
This easy white bean skillet brings together pantry staples and fresh greens for a comforting plant-based meal. Sweet onion, tomatoes and garlic form a rich, savory base for creamy white beans. A handful of spinach adds freshness and color, and a sprinkle of Parmesan ties everything together with salty richness. Served alongside toasted whole-wheat baguette slices for dipping, it’s a fast, satisfying dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a simple weekend supper.
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07 of 20
High-Protein Black Bean Salad
In this high-protein salad, black beans take center stage. As the main source of plant-based protein, they make the salad satisfying, with their creamy texture pairing perfectly with sweet potato, crisp veggies and a citrusy dressing. It’s an easy, filling option for lunch or dinner—especially for those looking to add more plant-powered protein to their diet.
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08 of 20
Chicken Cutlets with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce (Marry Me Chicken)
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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09 of 20
One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta
Make this cheesy ground chicken pasta recipe for a busy weeknight dinner. Serve with a simple side salad and a glass of red wine.
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10 of 20
High-Protein Lemon Chicken Orzo
This lemon chicken orzo is a true weeknight classic—comforting and bursting with fresh flavor. Tender bites of chicken, orzo pasta and a bright, creamy broth come together in a one-pot meal. This dish is perfect for busy evenings when you want something cozy.
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11 of 20
Lemony Orzo & Tuna Salad with Broccoli
This pasta-salad and tuna-salad mashup gets a boost of color and texture from broccoli. Plenty of Kalamata olives add a briny bite. Be sure to monitor the pasta-cooking carefully, as orzo can go from al dente to mush in a minute. If in doubt, drain it a little early—it’ll soften further in the lemon dressing.
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12 of 20
High-Protein Caprese Chickpea Salad
This caprese chickpea salad is a fresh, protein- and fiber-packed, plant-based twist on the classic Italian favorite. It combines creamy mozzarella pearls, juicy cherry tomatoes and fragrant fresh basil with hearty chickpeas for a satisfying dish. A simple balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together with a tangy-sweet finish. It’s quick to prepare, colorful and bursting with summery flavor.
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13 of 20
High-Protein Balsamic Chicken Orzo
This High-Protein Balsamic Chicken Orzo is a creamy, flavor-packed one-skillet meal that balances protein with tender veggies and pasta. A finishing drizzle of balsamic and a sprinkle of chives add brightness, making each bite delicious. With minimal cleanup, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners.
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14 of 20
Chickpea Grain Bowl with Feta & Tomatoes
This chickpea-farro grain bowl is a hearty dish that’s packed with plant-based protein, fiber and tons of fresh flavor. Farro, a whole grain with a nutty taste and chewy texture, forms the base and pairs perfectly with tender chickpeas and veggies. If you don’t have farro on hand, you can easily swap in quinoa, brown rice or barley.
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15 of 20
Sheet-Pan Lemon-Pepper Chicken with Broccoli & Potatoes
This sheet-pan lemon-pepper chicken dinner is packed with flavor and comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. A zesty lemon-mustard marinade infuses the chicken, while baby potatoes and broccoli roast until golden and tender. Everything’s finished with a drizzle of pan juices and a pinch of crushed red pepper for a hint of heat, if desired.
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16 of 20
Sheet-Pan Salmon with Sweet Potatoes & Broccoli
The vibrant combo of cheese, cilantro, chili and lime—inspired by Mexican street corn—makes this salmon sheet-pan dinner burst with flavor.
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17 of 20
Rotisserie Chicken, Mushroom & Rice Casserole
This casserole is a hearty dish perfect for a cozy weekend at home. Tender shredded rotisserie chicken is combined with earthy mushrooms, fluffy rice and a creamy sauce that brings everything together. A layer of melted cheese on top adds a golden, bubbly finish.
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18 of 20
Garlic Butter–Roasted Salmon with Potatoes & Asparagus
This one-pan salmon and potatoes recipe is a healthy and satisfying weeknight dinner. Melted garlic butter coats the salmon and vegetables, adding depth of flavor and richness to the dish.
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19 of 20
No-Cook Black Bean Taco Bowls
These black bean taco bowls with lime crema are a refreshing no-cook meal that's perfect for busy days. They feature hearty black beans, veggies and zesty toppings layered over crispy cabbage and lettuce. The lime crema adds a tangy, creamy finish that brings all the flavors together. Enjoy these effortless bowls with the suggested toppings below, or customize them with your own favorites.
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20 of 20
Creamy Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Skillet
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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