Pasta’s Got Nothing on These 30 Low-Carb Meals

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Pasta’s Got Nothing on These 30 Low-Carb Meals

These low-carb meals are about to steal the spotlight from pasta, and trust us, after you see these 30 knockout recipes, you’ll be wondering why noodles ever had a starring role in your dinner lineup. These dishes are so packed with flavor, they’ll have you high-fiving yourself for making such a great choice. Perfect for those looking to slash carbs without feeling like they’re missing out, these recipes are the new heroes of your kitchen. So buckle up, buttercup, because pasta’s about to get schooled.

A pan with shrimp, tomatoes and spinach in it.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Keto Zuppa Toscana

Two bowls of soup with bacon and kale.
Keto Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Revamp your dinner options with this robust soup, which you can have on the table in just one hour. Radishes step in for potatoes to keep it low in carbs, preserving all the traditional tastes. Italian sausage, bacon, and a creamy broth created with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese make this soup incredibly flavorful. It’s perfect for those times you crave something comforting without the extra effort. Prepare it in advance for even simpler weeknight meals. Pair it with keto-friendly bread or crackers for dipping into the rich broth. This soup maintains its quality in the fridge for up to four days and often tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. It’s also freezer-friendly, so feel free to make a large batch to enjoy later.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

A pan with chicken in a creamy sauce.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Get dinner ready quickly with this dish – it takes just 30 minutes and one pan. Tender chicken breasts are covered in a creamy mushroom sauce with heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. It seems like it took all day to cook, but it’s actually quite simple to prepare. It’s an ideal choice for busy evenings when you want a meal that’s a bit special. And the best part? You won’t even think about pasta. Serve it with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli to complete the meal with some vegetables. Leftover chicken and sauce keep well in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat it gently for a fast and flavorful meal any time during the week. This dish adds variety to your weeknight dinners without requiring a lot of time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Thai meatballs in a skillet with a wooden spoon.
Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Change up your dinner routine with these Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs, ready in just 30 minutes. The combination of coconut milk, red curry paste, ginger, and garlic brings the flavors of Thailand to your dining table. Forget pasta; these meatballs made with lean ground turkey are packed with flavor. Serve them over cauliflower rice or your preferred veggie noodles for a complete, protein-rich meal that’s also low in carbs. Make some extra to freeze for later. These meatballs are a simple way to introduce new tastes to your meals without a lot of prep time.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

A casserole dish with broccoli and cheese.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This casserole is a hit for any night, and it’s ready in 30 minutes. Broccoli and cauliflower florets are combined in a cheesy sauce with cheddar, cream cheese, and heavy cream, then finished with crispy bacon. It’s straightforward, and you likely have all the ingredients you need. Move over pasta; this is how you get everyone to eat their veggies without compromising on taste. Serve it straight from the oven to enjoy the perfectly melted cheese on top that everyone will love. This dish is a go-to when you need to put together a great dinner quickly, and it’s so good that you won’t miss the carbs.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

Two hands mix a salad with lettuce, ground beef, shredded cheese, bacon, and pickles in a glass bowl.
Bacon Cheeseburger Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

All the flavors of a bacon cheeseburger come together in this salad, without the need for a bun. This dish is a breeze to assemble with seasoned ground beef, crisp bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and your chosen burger toppings with lettuce. It’s great for a complete meal that’s low in carbohydrates but packed with flavor. This recipe changes the game and will alter your perception of what a salad can be. It’s so flavorful; the bun will be the last thing on your mind.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

Creamy Bacon Asparagus Pasta

A bowl of zucchini noodles topped with creamy sauce and crispy bacon pieces, served with a spoon on a marble surface.
Creamy Bacon Asparagus Pasta. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Transform your pasta night with this creamy, heavy cream and Parmesan cheese sauce dish, featuring crisp bacon and fresh asparagus, and it’s ready in 30 minutes. The asparagus is cut into noodle-like strips and tossed with the bacon and creamy sauce. It’s a fun and rich meal that’s perfect for a special evening or whenever you’re looking to change things up. It makes sticking to your low-carb plan seem like no effort at all. This dish is a great way to get your vegetables while still enjoying the flavors you crave.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Bacon Asparagus Pasta

Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Creamy chicken dish with herbs and spices in a pot, ready to be served.
Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This meal, ready in 30 minutes, features tender chicken thighs in a creamy sauce with artichoke hearts and a splash of lemon. It’s simple to make and a great option for adding a new flavor to your dinner lineup without the pasta. The chicken is simmered to be juicy and full of flavor, with artichokes for added texture. Accompany it with steamed green beans or your veggie of choice for a well-rounded dish. The leftovers store well, so you’ll have a great dinner the following day. This recipe is just right for those times when you’re looking for something comforting and full of flavor without spending too much time cooking.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

A pan full of shrimp, tomatoes and spinach.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in just 30 minutes, the Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach dish makes any dinner feel special. Shrimp, tomatoes, and spinach together in a garlicky sauce. It’s easy to prepare and makes dinner seem upscale without resorting to pasta. Pair it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a meal that’s low in carbs but doesn’t skimp on flavor. It’s an excellent choice for a romantic evening or impressing guests with a dish that doesn’t require all-day prep.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Italian Sausage Soup

A pot of soup with parmesan cheese and parsley.
Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This one-pot Italian Sausage Soup is the definition of comfort food. With Italian sausage, cream cheese, and diced tomatoes, it’s filling, flavorful, and super simple to whip up in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

Cabbage and Sausage

A fork in a bowl of food.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In this quick and easy one-pan meal, cabbage and sausage come together for a hearty dish that proves pasta has nothing on the rich flavors of this combination. In under 30 minutes, you can have this meal on the table, featuring browned sausage and tender, slightly caramelized cabbage. It’s a straightforward dish that’s perfect for those busy evenings, and it pairs wonderfully with a variety of vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

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

Experience the bold flavors of jalapeños in this Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad, where the heat of the peppers melds seamlessly with the creamy texture of the chicken mixture. This spicy and creamy salad is a cinch to prepare, making it a great choice for a weeknight meal. It’s also a convenient option for meal prep, staying fresh in the refrigerator for several days. Serve it on its own or in lettuce wraps for a meal that clearly shows pasta isn’t necessary to have a robust and hearty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Bell Pepper Sandwich

A person holding a stuffed pepper sandwich over a plate.
Bell Pepper Sandwich. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

With this Bell Pepper Sandwich, you get a low-carb alternative to traditional sandwiches, ready in just 10 minutes. Stuffed with ingredients like deli meat, bacon, cucumbers, and stone-ground mustard, bell peppers serve as a crunchy vessel that leaves sandwich bread in the dust. Enjoy this fresh and simple lunch with a side of crunchy veggie chips or a salad for a complete, low-carb meal.
Get the Recipe: Bell Pepper Sandwich

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

A baking sheet filled with vegetables and sausages.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is the epitome of convenience, cooking up in 30 minutes and requiring minimal cleanup. A medley of sausage and vegetables roast together, creating a dish where the flavors meld beautifully, and the vegetables achieve a perfect tenderness. This meal is an excellent reminder that pasta isn’t necessary for a comforting and hearty dinner that’s both easy to prepare and low in carbs.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Chicken with spinach and cream sauce in a skillet.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a one-pan wonder featuring succulent chicken thighs nestled in a sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Ready in 40 minutes, this dish is a convenient choice for a weeknight meal. Crispy chicken is paired with a creamy garlic sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a simple salad for a complete meal that’s flavorful and keeps well for enjoying throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Bacon ranch chicken salad cucumber boats on a white plate.
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats are a refreshing and convenient meal prep option. They’re filled with a creamy chicken mixture that’s complemented by the crunch of fresh cucumbers. The filling, made with chicken, crispy bacon, and cheese, is seasoned with homemade ranch seasoning.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

A fork is being used to take a piece of Philly cheese steak casserole out of a dish.
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

The Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is a robust dish that doesn’t rely on pasta to satisfy your cravings for something filling. It’s loaded with tender sirloin steak, colorful bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, all beneath a layer of melted provolone cheese. This casserole is an excellent choice for a quick and hearty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

Keto Chicken Nuggets

A keto chicken nugget with sauce being held above a plate of nuggets.
Keto Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Keto Chicken Nuggets are a quick, 30-minute meal that will please any crowd. They’re a crunchy, tender alternative to traditional nuggets, using a mix of almond flour or ground sunflower seed meal, Parmesan cheese, and pork rinds for the coating. Serve them with your favorite vegetables or a salad for a complete meal. They’re also freezer-friendly for those times you need a meal in a hurry.
Get the Recipe: Keto Chicken Nuggets

Creamy Dijon Chicken

A pan filled with a creamy sauce with chicken, bacon, and spinach.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Dijon Chicken is an effortless one-pan dish that brings a touch of sophistication to your dinner table in just 30 minutes. It combines the flavors of creamy Dijon mustard sauce with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and crispy bacon. This dish is a testament to the fact that you don’t need pasta for a rich and hearty meal. Pair it with vegetables or a salad for a full dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy spinach and sausage casserole with a wooden spoon.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When you’ve got a busy night ahead, this Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is a great go-to. It’s a straightforward, no-nonsense dish that combines hearty ground beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach under a generous layer of melted cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, this casserole is a testament to the fact that pasta really has nothing on these low-carb meals. It’s perfect for those times when you need something filling without the fuss. Plus, it reheats well, so cooking a bit extra means you’re set for meals later in the week.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A pan with bacon and cabbage in it.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This speedy, 25-minute meal is packed with flavor and perfect for evenings when you want something delicious without much effort. The dish comes together quickly in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Leftovers taste great the next day, and can be easily packed for lunch.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

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

This sophisticated yet easy one-pot dish is perfect for dressing up weeknight dinners. This Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms can be made in 30 minutes using ingredients like cauliflower rice, mushrooms, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. The dish is cooked in a single pot, reducing cleanup time and effort. Leftovers store well in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Chicken in a skillet with cheese and tomatoes.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This 30-minute one-pan meal brings a rich, flavorful dinner to your table in no time. With sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, Parmesan, and tender chicken, this Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is impressive but comes together surprisingly easily. The dish is cooked entirely in one skillet, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It pairs beautifully with zoodles for a fuller meal and keeps well in the fridge for future meals.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Baked Parmesan Salmon

Baked Parmesan salmon on a baking sheet with lemon wedges.
Baked Parmesan Salmon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This quick, 30-minute dinner is nutritious and full of flavor and is perfect for hectic evenings when you want something good but simple. Baked Parmesan Salmon features tender salmon topped with a crispy crust. The dish is easy to prepare and requires minimal hands-on time, perfect when you have a busy schedule. It pairs well with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. While best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can be stored in the fridge overnight if needed.
Get the Recipe: Baked Parmesan Salmon

Sticky Sauce Chicken

Chicken and broccoli in a pan with sesame seeds.
Sticky Sauce Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Sticky Sauce Chicken features tender chicken pieces coated in a mouthwatering sauce made with ingredients like coconut aminos, fish sauce, garlic, and ginger. The dish comes together quickly and easily, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. It goes great with roasted broccoli for a well-rounded meal, and leftovers are fantastic the next day, reheated or cold. Add a sprinkle of chili flakes to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser that will feed your cravings for takeout-style food without the added carbs or expense.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Sauce Chicken

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white dish with chicken breasts in a creamy garlic sauce.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Enjoy tender chicken breasts in a delicious garlic sauce with this one-pan meal, served over cauliflower rice for a quick-to-prepare dinner. The dish features a creamy sauce made with ingredients like heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. The chicken and sauce can be cooked together in one pan, simplifying the cooking process and reducing cleanup time. The creamy sauce can be stored separately and added to freshly prepared cauliflower rice when ready to eat. This recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy a filling and flavorful meal without spending too much time in the kitchen or indulging in high-carb dishes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Canned Chicken Patties

A white plate with broccoli and chicken patties.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These straightforward and delicious patties are ready in 20 minutes, perfect for days when time is tight but you still want a full meal. Made with canned chicken, almond flour or ground sunflower seed meal, and seasonings, these Canned Chicken Patties are a convenient option for quick dinners. Serve them with a side salad for a balanced meal, or use them as a base for sandwiches or wraps. Patties can be frozen and reheated, making them a great option to prep ahead. Use different herbs like dill or parsley, or mix in minced vegetables for a nutritious boost. This recipe is a lifesaver for those who want to put a hearty meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen or breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Lemon Garlic Scallops

Scallops with parsley and garlic in a skillet.
Lemon Garlic Scallops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

With just a handful of ingredients, these Lemon Garlic Scallops are a simple yet restaurant-worthy meal, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a gourmet dinner without the hassle. The dish features tender scallops sautéed in a flavorful lemon garlic butter sauce. Served over zucchini noodles, it makes for a really memorable meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

Shawarma Kebabs

Chicken kebabs with tzatziki sauce on a white plate.
Shawarma Kebabs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These easy-to-prepare, flavorful Shawarma Kebabs are baked right in the oven, making them a delicious and high-protein weeknight dinner. The meat is marinated for maximum tenderness and flavor, then threaded onto skewers and baked until perfectly cooked. Serve the kebabs with a refreshing tzatziki sauce and a side of cilantro lime cauliflower rice. The kebabs can also be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer, making them a great option for meal prepping or quick weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

Fajita Baked Chicken

Fajita baked chicken in a baking dish with salsa and sour cream.
Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Swap out the tortillas for this Fajita Baked Chicken when you’re craving a Mexican-inspired meal but keeping an eye on your carb intake. It’s a straightforward dish with seasoned chicken breasts, cream cheese, sweet peppers, and a layer of melted mozzarella. Great for a low-carb dinner that’s still big on flavor and super easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

A casserole dish with jalapeño popper chicken and a spoon.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Craving something with a bit of a kick? This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole has you covered. It’s a mix of shredded chicken thighs, bacon, cream cheese, hot sauce, and jalapeños, all under a blanket of cheese. This baked casserole is a perfect low-carb dinner that’s as filling and flavorful as any pasta dish out there.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

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