Looking for delicious and satisfying family dinners that won't weigh you down? This collection of low-carb recipes is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome and flavorful without the extra carbs.
From comforting casseroles to zesty skillet meals, these dishes are designed to please everyone at the table, making healthy eating a breeze..
Table of Contents
Creamy Cauliflower Cheese Bake
Indulge in the ultimate comfort with this creamy cauliflower cheese bake.
Tender roasted cauliflower florets are smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce and baked until golden and bubbly.
It's a classic dish that's surprisingly light on carbs, making it a perfect side or even a hearty vegetarian main course..
Pro Tip: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, toast some breadcrumbs or chopped nuts and sprinkle them over the cheese topping before baking.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Cauliflower Cheese Bake
Garlicky Zucchini Noodles with Tomatoes & Basil
Transform zucchini into a delightful pasta alternative with this vibrant dish.
Zucchini noodles are tossed with garlic, fresh tomatoes, and basil in a light, flavorful sauce, thickened just enough to cling perfectly.
It's a quick, healthy, and incredibly satisfying way to enjoy pasta night with fewer carbs..
Pro Tip: If you don't have a spiralizer, you can create zucchini noodles with a julienne peeler or a mandoline for a similar effect.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Zucchini Noodles with Tomatoes & Basil
Spicy Sausage and Zucchini Skillet
This one-pan wonder brings together flavorful chicken sausage and fresh zucchini with a kicky sauce.
The combination of chili crisp, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger creates an irresistible sweet and spicy profile.
It's a quick, protein-packed meal that's perfect for a busy weeknight dinner..
Pro Tip: Serve this skillet meal over cauliflower rice for an even lower-carb option, or enjoy it as is for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Sausage and Zucchini Skillet
Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs
Elevate your weeknight dinner with these incredibly flavorful lemon herb roasted chicken thighs.
Marinated in a bright blend of lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs, these chicken thighs are baked to juicy perfection with crispy skin.
It’s a simple yet elegant dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of low-carb sides..
Pro Tip: This marinade is also fantastic on steak, fish, or shrimp, and can even double as a bright salad dressing.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs
Garlic Herb Crispy Roasted Chicken Thighs
Achieve perfectly crispy skin and tender, juicy meat with these simple roasted chicken thighs.
Infused with the aromatic flavors of sage, rosemary, and plenty of garlic, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser.
It’s an easy, go-to chicken dinner that’s both comforting and satisfying..
Pro Tip: Feel free to experiment with other herbs like thyme or oregano, or add citrus zest for an extra burst of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Herb Crispy Roasted Chicken Thighs
Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breasts
Wrap your chicken breasts in a blanket of crispy, caramelized bacon for a dinner that's as impressive as it is easy.
Seasoned with a savory blend of brown sugar and spices, these baked chicken breasts are a guaranteed hit.
The sweet and salty combination is pure indulgence, perfect for a family meal..
Pro Tip: For extra crispy bacon, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, but watch it closely to prevent burning.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breasts
Cauliflower Fried Rice
Experience the taste and texture of traditional fried rice with this clever cauliflower version.
Finely riced cauliflower is stir-fried with savory ingredients and a classic Chinese sauce, creating a dish that's astonishingly similar yet significantly lower in carbs.
It's a fantastic way to enjoy a favorite takeout dish healthily..
Pro Tip: Ensure your cauliflower rice is the size of cooked rice grains, not fine couscous, for the best texture.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Fried Rice
Low-Carb Zucchini Lasagna
Enjoy all the comfort of lasagna without the pasta! This creative take uses thinly sliced zucchini instead of noodles, layered with rich bolognese sauce and creamy ricotta.
It's a hearty, veggie-forward meal that's perfect for family dinners and can even be prepped ahead or frozen..
Pro Tip: To reduce wateriness, salt your zucchini slices and let them sit for 15 minutes before blotting dry, or lightly grill them.
Get the Recipe: Low-Carb Zucchini Lasagna
Sausage Stuffed Bell Peppers
These stuffed bell peppers are a flavor-packed, low-carb delight, using savory Italian sausage and rice cooked right in the filling.
Bell peppers are pre-baked to soften, then generously filled and topped with melted mozzarella.
They're a hearty and satisfying meal that's easy to customize..
Pro Tip: For a colorful presentation, use a mix of red, yellow, and orange bell peppers, though green ones are often more budget-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Bell Peppers
Avocado Chicken Salad
Skip the mayo and embrace a healthier, creamier chicken salad! This recipe uses ripe avocados for a luscious texture, combined with tender chicken, crunchy bacon, and sweet corn.
Finished with a bright lemon dressing, it's a satisfying and flavorful meal perfect for lunches or light dinners..
Pro Tip: To keep the avocado from browning if making ahead, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salad before refrigerating.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Chicken Salad
Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
This comforting casserole features tender broccoli enveloped in a rich, homemade cheddar cheese sauce, all topped with a delightfully crispy cracker crumb topping.
It's a classic side dish that's so delicious, it might just convert even the pickiest eaters to love their greens..
Pro Tip: If you don't have fresh broccoli, frozen broccoli works well too; just ensure it's thawed and excess water is drained.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
Garlic Butter Shrimp
Whip up a succulent shrimp dish in minutes with this easy garlic butter recipe.
Plump shrimp are quickly sautéed in a rich sauce of butter, garlic, lemon, and herbs.
It’s a fast, flavorful, and low-carb meal that’s perfect as a stand-alone dish or served over your favorite low-carb base..
Pro Tip: For the best flavor, use fresh minced garlic rather than jarred, and don't overcook the shrimp – they should just turn pink and opaque.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp
Classic Chinese Beef Stir Fry
Capture the authentic taste of restaurant-style stir-fry with this easy beef recipe.
Tender strips of beef are stir-fried with your favorite vegetables and coated in a simple, deeply flavorful classic Chinese sauce.
It’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight, especially when served with cauliflower rice..
Pro Tip: Consider tenderizing your beef using the 'velveting' method for an ultra-tender, restaurant-quality texture.
Get the Recipe: Classic Chinese Beef Stir Fry
Unstuffed Cabbage Skillet
Enjoy all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the fuss! This one-skillet meal combines savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and crushed tomatoes simmered in a rich, seasoned sauce.
It's a hearty, easy-to-make dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights..
Pro Tip: Serve this hearty skillet meal as is, or over cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb and add extra texture.
Get the Recipe: Unstuffed Cabbage Skillet
Low-Carb Buffalo Chicken Salad
This flavorful Buffalo Chicken Salad is a fantastic way to enjoy the spicy kick of buffalo chicken in a lighter, low-carb format.
It's incredibly versatile – perfect for a quick lunch stuffed into lettuce cups or served alongside your favorite low-carb veggies.
The creamy, zesty dressing combined with tender shredded chicken makes for a satisfying and punchy meal..
Pro Tip: Prepare a big batch of this chicken salad at the beginning of the week for easy grab-and-go lunches or snacks.
Get the Recipe: Low-Carb Buffalo Chicken Salad
Classic Stuffed Peppers (Low-Carb Friendly)
Bell peppers become the perfect edible bowls for a hearty, flavorful filling in this classic stuffed pepper recipe.
While traditionally made with rice, this version is easily adapted for a low-carb lifestyle, perhaps by swapping in cauliflower rice.
The tender, slightly sweet peppers cradle a savory mixture of ground meat, tomatoes, and seasonings, all topped with melted cheese for a comforting and complete meal..
Pro Tip: You can prep the filling and core the peppers a day ahead, then assemble and bake just before serving.
Get the Recipe: Classic Stuffed Peppers (Low-Carb Friendly)
Quick & Creamy Chicken Alfredo
Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of Chicken Alfredo without derailing your low-carb goals.
This recipe features tender, pan-fried chicken and perfectly cooked pasta (or a low-carb alternative like zucchini noodles) coated in a lusciously creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
It’s a restaurant-worthy meal that comes together in just over 30 minutes, making it ideal for a special weeknight dinner..
Pro Tip: For a lighter sauce, try substituting half-and-half or whole milk for some of the heavy cream, keeping in mind it will result in a thinner sauce.
Get the Recipe: Quick & Creamy Chicken Alfredo
Hearty Eggplant Parmesan
Enjoy the beloved Italian classic, Eggplant Parmesan, with a focus on tender eggplant slices coated in flavorful breadcrumbs, layered with rich marinara and gooey melted cheeses.
Whether you prefer to bake or pan-fry the eggplant, this dish offers a deeply satisfying, cheesy, and tomatoey experience that’s a fantastic vegetarian main or a substantial side..
Pro Tip: To preserve the breading's crispness, serve extra marinara sauce on the side rather than layering too much inside the dish during baking.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Eggplant Parmesan
Speedy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is an absolute lifesaver for busy nights when you need a delicious meal in a flash.
Succulent shrimp are tossed in a bright, buttery sauce infused with garlic, lemon, and a hint of white wine.
It's wonderfully versatile, pairing perfectly with your favorite low-carb pasta, zucchini noodles, or even steamed cauliflower for a complete and satisfying meal..
Pro Tip: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking, as this dish comes together in under 10 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Speedy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken Cutlets
Bright, tender, and incredibly juicy chicken cutlets are the star of this simple yet vibrant Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe.
Marinated in a zesty blend of lemon, garlic, and savory herbs, these cutlets cook up quickly on the stovetop for a perfect weeknight dinner.
They’re light, flavorful, and pair beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete, healthy meal..
Pro Tip: Slicing the chicken breasts into thinner cutlets ensures even cooking and maximum flavor absorption from the marinade.
Get the Recipe: Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken Cutlets
Loaded Cauliflower Casserole
Transform humble cauliflower into a decadent, crowd-pleasing side dish with this Loaded Cauliflower Casserole.
Steamed until tender, it's then enveloped in a creamy, cheesy mixture featuring cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, Monterey Jack, and crispy bacon bits.
This comforting and low-carb casserole is so delicious, you might even forget it’s a vegetable!.
Pro Tip: For extra crunch, add a topping of toasted panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before baking.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Cauliflower Casserole
Foolproof Baked Salmon in Foil
Experience perfectly cooked, flaky, and moist salmon every time with this incredibly easy baked salmon recipe.
Encased in a foil packet with simple seasonings like garlic, lemon, and herbs, the salmon steams in its own juices, locking in flavor and moisture.
It’s a healthy, fuss-free meal that requires minimal cleanup and tastes remarkably gourmet..
Pro Tip: To ensure the salmon doesn't overcook, remove it from the oven when it’s just shy of done, then let it rest in the foil packet for a few minutes to finish cooking.
Get the Recipe: Foolproof Baked Salmon in Foil