10+ Low Carb Dinner Recipes for Quick and Tasty Weeknight Meals

Looking to eat well and cut back on carbs? Low carb dinner recipes might be just what you need. These meals help you feel good about your choices without giving up flavor.

Low carb dinners use ingredients that keep your energy steady and help you feel full.

You don’t have to be a pro in the kitchen to make these meals. Most of these recipes are pretty simple and quick—ideal for any night.

Whether you crave something light or want a hearty meal, you’ll find options that fit your mood and routine.

1) Marry Me Chicken

Marry Me Chicken is one of those low carb dinners you’ll want to make on repeat. It’s chicken breasts simmered in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs.

The sauce is rich but not heavy, thanks to cream and parmesan. The chicken turns out super tender from soaking up all that flavor.

Spinach or garlic often makes its way into the pan for extra depth. This dish goes well with sides like steamed veggies or cauliflower rice.

Try it for a weeknight meal that feels a little fancy but won’t eat up your whole evening. You can check out a version with low carb tips at Low Carb Marry Me Chicken.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1/2 onion (diced)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (like basil or thyme)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden. Set aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
4. Toss in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for a minute.
5. Pour in heavy cream and parmesan, let it simmer until thick.
6. Add spinach and fresh herbs.
7. Return chicken to the pan and simmer 5 minutes until cooked through.
8. Serve warm with your favorite low carb sides.

2) Keto Beef Stew

Keto beef stew is cozy and filling, perfect for a chilly night. You get tender beef chunks and soft veggies in a rich, savory broth.

Beef chuck melts in your mouth after slow cooking. Low carb vegetables like cauliflower and celery keep it keto-friendly.

The stew comes out thick and hearty, all without extra carbs. It’s comfort food that doesn’t mess with your goals.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into chunks
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups cauliflower florets
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Brown beef on all sides, then pull it out.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until soft.
4. Stir in tomato paste and thyme.
5. Return beef, add broth, and bring to a boil.
6. Drop heat and simmer 1.5 to 2 hours until beef is tender.
7. Add cauliflower and celery, cook 20 minutes more.
8. Season and serve warm.

For tips and variations, check Best Keto Beef Stew Recipe – Delish.

3) Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Spaghetti Squash

Here’s a fun way to do low-carb dinner: swap pasta for spaghetti squash. It’s lighter but still filling, and the broccoli adds crunch and a bit of green.

Cheddar cheese brings everything together with a creamy, melty finish. You can make this as a casserole or stuff the squash itself.

It’s easy to tweak—throw in garlic, onions, or even Greek yogurt for extra creaminess. Honestly, it’s hard to mess up.

Ingredients

• 1 medium spaghetti squash
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 small onion (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic (optional)
• ½ cup Greek yogurt (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Halve the squash and scoop out seeds.
3. Place cut side down on a baking sheet and roast 40 minutes.
4. Steam or lightly cook broccoli until tender.
5. Sauté onion and garlic if you’re using them.
6. Scrape squash flesh into noodles with a fork.
7. Mix squash, broccoli, onion, garlic, Greek yogurt, and half the cheese in a bowl. Season to taste.
8. Transfer to a baking dish, top with the rest of the cheese.
9. Bake 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

4) Low-Carb Turkey Gyro Bowls

Turkey gyro bowls bring Greek flavors without the pita. You get juicy turkey seasoned with oregano, cumin, and smoked paprika.

Fresh veggies and creamy tzatziki make each bite pop. It’s quick, healthy, and you can serve it over cauliflower rice or greens.

Great for meal prep, and you can tweak the toppings to suit your mood. Garlic and fresh mint add a bright, herby kick.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup fresh mint, chopped
• 1 cucumber, grated or sliced
• Cauliflower rice or greens for serving
• Tzatziki sauce

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium (about 350°F/175°C).
2. Add garlic, cook 1 minute.
3. Add turkey, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until turkey browns.
4. Prepare cauliflower rice or greens for your base.
5. Pile turkey over the base, then top with cucumber, mint, and tzatziki.
6. Serve warm.

5) Cauliflower Fried Rice

Craving fried rice but not the carbs? Cauliflower fried rice is your answer. Just swap in finely chopped cauliflower for the rice.

It’s quick—maybe 10 or 15 minutes from start to finish. Add your favorite veggies, eggs, and a splash of soy sauce or coconut aminos.

This one works as a main or a side. It’s light, healthy, and you can use up whatever’s in your fridge.

Try this easy recipe for a fast, tasty dinner that fits your low-carb goals. Find more details at keto cauliflower fried rice recipes like this one from Sugar Free Londoner.

Ingredients

• 1 medium head cauliflower (riced)
• 2 tablespoons oil (olive or sesame)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, bell peppers)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce or coconut aminos
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rice the cauliflower in a food processor.
2. Heat oil in a large pan over medium (about 350°F / 175°C).
3. Add garlic and veggies, cook 3-4 minutes until tender.
4. Push veggies aside and scramble eggs in the same pan.
5. Add cauliflower rice and soy sauce, mix everything together.
6. Cook another 5 minutes, stirring often.
7. Season and serve.

6) Lasagna Pepper Boats

Lasagna pepper boats are a fun twist on classic lasagna. Swap noodles for bell peppers, then stuff them with ground beef, tomato sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella.

You can sneak in spinach or other veggies for more nutrition. Bake until the peppers soften and cheese gets all melty and golden.

They’re easy to prep ahead or freeze for later. If you want lasagna flavor without the carbs, this one’s a winner.

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers, halved and seeded
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup spinach (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown beef in a skillet, then drain fat.
3. Stir in tomato sauce and spinach, cook 2 minutes.
4. Fill pepper halves with beef mixture.
5. Top with ricotta and mozzarella.
6. Place peppers in a baking dish, cover with foil.
7. Bake 30 minutes, then uncover and bake 10 more.
8. Let cool a bit before serving.

See more at Lasagna Pepper Boats recipe.

7) Greek Flank Steak and Veggie Salad

Greek flank steak and veggie salad is a powerhouse low carb dinner. You get juicy steak, fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions.

Marinate the steak in olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic, then grill it for big flavor. Slice thin and toss over the veggies.

Finish with feta cheese for a salty pop. This meal comes together in about 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights.

Ingredients

• 1½ pounds flank steak
• 3 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

2. Marinate the flank steak for at least 20 minutes.

3. Heat grill to medium-high (about 400°F / 204°C).

4. Grill steak 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare.

5. Let steak rest for 5 minutes, then slice thin.

6. Combine tomatoes, cucumber, and onion in a bowl.

7. Toss veggies with a little olive oil and salt.

8. Place veggies on a plate, top with sliced steak and feta.

8) Shrimp Florentine with Zoodles

You’ll love this low-carb dinner that brings together shrimp, spinach, and zoodles (zucchini noodles). It’s light but filling, with a buttery sauce that gives it so much flavor without loading up on carbs.

This dish comes together fast—honestly, it’s perfect for a weeknight when you don’t want to fuss. Cooking the zoodles and spinach together makes the meal vibrant and healthy.

Shrimp cooks up quickly and just soaks up the garlic and onion. You end up with a dinner that feels fresh and satisfying.

You can make this gluten-free and grain-free without any trouble. The ingredients are straightforward, and you won’t spend ages in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
• 1/2 large yellow onion, minced
• 1 (6-ounce) bag baby spinach
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add onion and garlic, and cook until the onion turns translucent.

3. Toss in the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque.

4. Add baby spinach and stir until wilted.

5. Add zucchini noodles and a pinch of salt. Cook until the zoodles soften, about 3-5 minutes.

6. Finish with pepper, mix everything, and serve warm.

For more details, check this Shrimp Florentine with Zoodles recipe.

9) Turkey Spaghetti Zoodles

Turkey Spaghetti Zoodles is a great low carb dinner that really feels like a classic pasta dish. You swap regular noodles for zucchini noodles—zoodles—and it’s lighter, gluten-free, and honestly, pretty fun to eat.

The turkey meat sauce is simple and quick but still packed with flavor. You can get this dish on the table in about 10 minutes, which is a lifesaver on busy nights.

This meal keeps carbs low without sacrificing that spaghetti taste you’re probably craving. It’s Paleo-friendly and low calorie, so it fits a lot of different diet plans.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 3 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
• 1 cup marinara or tomato sauce
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

2. Add onion and garlic, and cook until they’re soft.

3. Add ground turkey, breaking it up, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Pour in tomato sauce and let it simmer for 3 minutes.

5. Add zoodles and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until they’re a bit tender.

6. Season with salt and pepper.

7. Top with Parmesan cheese if you’re feeling cheesy.

You can find a simple recipe example at this Turkey Spaghetti Zoodles recipe.

10) Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs Salad

You can throw together a pretty tasty low carb dinner with herb roasted chicken thighs. Just roast the chicken until it turns juicy and golden brown.

Toss it with a fresh salad and you’ve got a meal that’s light and healthy. Add green olives, herbs, and a handful of feta cheese to your greens.

These flavors play off each other and keep things simple but honestly delicious. This salad comes together fast, making it a great weeknight option.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin on
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup mixed salad greens
• 1/4 cup green olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rub chicken with olive oil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast chicken on a baking sheet for 35-40 minutes until cooked through.
4. Mix salad greens, olives, and feta in a bowl.
5. Add lemon juice and toss the salad.
6. Slice chicken and place on top of the salad. Enjoy!