Weeknight dinners get complicated fast. Multiple pans, endless cleanup, trying to eat healthy. One pot low carb meals fix this problem.
These meals come together in 30 minutes or less. Easy cleanup too. Most contain 15 grams of carbohydrates or fewer per serving. Perfect for staying on track.
The recipes deliver complete nutrition. Hearty proteins, healthy fats, plenty of vegetables. You’ll find low-carb gluten-free options that actually taste good. No boring diet food here.
Busy family schedule? These 23 recipes work. Want less kitchen time? They work for that too. Good flavor, good nutrition, less mess.
Garlic Chicken and Steak Stir Fry
“The meals I wind up cooking the most often in real life are the ones that take just 30 minutes – period.” — Michele Rosen, Recipe developer and founder of Paleo Running Momma, specializing in paleo and Whole30 meal planning
Image Source: Stem and Spoon
Overall, solid protein-packed dinner. Two proteins in one pan keeps you full without spiking blood sugar. Ready in under 30 minutes.
Key Ingredients in Garlic Chicken and Steak Stir Fry
For me, this combination works well:
- Proteins: ½ pound flank steak (sliced thin) and ½ pound boneless chicken thighs (cubed)
- Low-carb vegetables: Baby bella mushrooms, bell peppers, green beans, bok choy, and green onions
- Flavor enhancers: Fresh minced garlic, grated ginger, tamari or coconut aminos
- Healthy fats: Avocado oil and toasted sesame oil for cooking
I use tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Better flavor. The sauce gets body from xanthan gum without adding carbs.
Cooking Time and Prep
Takes under 30 minutes start to finish. I whisk the sauce first, marinate the steak briefly. Cook chicken 3-4 minutes, add steak for another 3-5 minutes. Remove meat, cook vegetables in same pan. Everything comes together with the sauce.
Why This Stir Fry Works
It’s versatile. I swap vegetables based on what’s in my fridge. The double protein makes it filling despite low carbs. Everything cooks in one pan so flavors blend nicely.
At 7g net carbs per serving, it fits keto plans perfectly. No sacrifice on satisfaction.
Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice
Image Source: Feelin Fabulous
Want Chinese takeout without the carbs? This delivers. Shrimp cauliflower fried rice tastes like the real thing but cuts carbs from 45 grams per cup to just 5-8 grams.
Key Ingredients in Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice
Simple ingredients, big flavor:
- Protein Base: 1 pound peeled shrimp (31-35 count)
- Cauliflower Rice: 3-6 cups, fresh or frozen works
- Aromatics: Garlic, ginger, green onions, sesame oil
- Vegetables: Carrots, peas, bell peppers, sometimes cabbage
- Eggs: 2-3 eggs scrambled right in
- Sauce: Coconut aminos or soy sauce (3-4 tablespoons)
Use whatever vegetables you have. Perfect for cleaning out the fridge.
Cooking Time and Prep
Takes under 30 minutes. Get everything ready first. Stir-fries move fast.
Cook shrimp until pink, about 2 minutes per side. Remove them. Sauté aromatics and vegetables, add cauliflower rice. Cook until slightly toasted, not soggy. Push everything aside, scramble the eggs. Combine with sauce, add shrimp back.
Why This Works
Satisfies takeout cravings without the carb crash. Even people who don’t like cauliflower can’t tell the difference when it’s cooked right.
The nutrition is solid. Cauliflower provides compounds that may protect against cancer. Shrimp gives lean protein with virtually no fat. Around 225-230 calories per serving with complete nutrition in one skillet.
Egg Roll in a Bowl
Image Source: The Girl Who Ate Everything
Takeout cravings without the wrapper mess. This egg roll in a bowl gives you all the savory filling without the deep-fried carbs. Takes under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy nights.
Key Ingredients in Egg Roll in a Bowl
Simple ingredients make this work:
- Ground Meat: Ground pork is traditional. I use ground turkey or chicken just as often. Pork breakfast sausage adds extra flavor.
- Cabbage Base: One medium head of cabbage works. Pre-packaged coleslaw mix saves time.
- Aromatics: Fresh garlic and ginger. Pre-peeled garlic and ginger paste work fine for convenience.
- Sauces: Soy sauce, tamari for gluten-free, or coconut aminos. Rice vinegar and sesame oil for authentic flavor.
About 7-8g net carbs per serving. Fits keto plans easily.
Cooking Time and Prep
Takes 15-20 minutes total. Really straightforward:
Heat oil in a large skillet. Brown the ground meat for 5-7 minutes. Add onions until translucent, then carrots, garlic, and ginger. I deglaze with chicken broth for extra flavor.
Add cabbage with soy sauce, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook 12-15 minutes until cabbage is tender. Stir in sesame oil right before serving.
Why This Works
Satisfies takeout cravings without the carb crash. You get all the flavors, skip the wrapper.
Really versatile too. I add mushrooms or bell peppers when I have them. Sriracha for heat. Sometimes scramble an egg right in there. Naturally gluten-free with tamari or coconut aminos.
Leftovers store great. Refrigerator for 4 days or freeze for 3 months. Perfect for meal prep.
One-Pot Chicken Cacciatore
“Even though I generally love to cook, standing in front of the stove isn’t my favorite thing to do if I have other options!” — Michele Rosen, Recipe developer and founder of Paleo Running Momma, specializing in paleo and Whole30 meal planning
Image Source: Broke foodies
Classic Italian comfort food, naturally low-carb. This chicken cacciatore comes together in 30 minutes. Hunter-style dish with tender chicken and rich tomato sauce.
Key Ingredients in Chicken Cacciatore
Simple ingredients, big flavor:
- Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on thighs work best. Stay juicy throughout cooking
- Vegetables: Onions, bell peppers, mushrooms. Sometimes carrots
- Aromatics: Fresh garlic, oregano, thyme, parsley
- Liquids: Chicken broth plus red or white wine
- Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes with basil, 28 oz can
- Optional: Olives, capers, red pepper flakes
You can swap vegetables based on what’s available. Flavor stays authentic.
Cooking Time and Prep
About 30 minutes total. Pretty straightforward process.
Season and sear chicken thighs until golden, 5 minutes per side. Remove temporarily. Same pan, sauté onions, garlic, peppers, mushrooms until soft. Add wine to deglaze, scrape up those brown bits.
Return chicken with tomatoes, broth, seasonings. Simmer covered 20-25 minutes until fork-tender.
Why Chicken Cacciatore Works
Naturally low-carb at 4-7g net carbs per serving. Most carbs just come from tomatoes and vegetables.
Complete nutrition too. Protein from chicken, healthy fats from olive oil, vitamins from vegetables. One-pot means flavors meld beautifully, easy cleanup.
Serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Leftovers keep 3 days refrigerated. Freezes well for meal prep.
Cheesy Ground Beef & Cauliflower Casserole
Image Source: Savory Nature –
Comfort food without the carb guilt. This casserole combines ground beef with cauliflower in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Ready in 30 minutes.
Key Ingredients in Ground Beef Cauliflower Casserole
Simple ingredients make this work:
- Protein Base: 1-1.5 pounds lean ground beef (90/10 or 85/15 recommended for less grease)
- Vegetable Base: One medium to large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- Dairy Components: Cream cheese, heavy cream, and a mix of cheeses (sharp cheddar, mild cheddar, and mozzarella work particularly well)
- Aromatics: Onion, garlic, and sometimes bell peppers
- Seasonings: Typically includes smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, and sometimes Italian seasoning
I swap ground turkey for beef sometimes. Works just as well.
Cooking Time and Prep
About 25-30 minutes total. Steam the cauliflower first, just until fork-tender. Takes 3-5 minutes. Brown the beef with onions and garlic until no longer pink. Drain the grease.
Mix everything together, add the creamy sauce ingredients, top with cheese. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Why This Casserole Works
Only 5-7g net carbs per serving. Really satisfying though. The cauliflower soaks up all the flavors from the beef and cheese. Even people who don’t like cauliflower eat this.
One pot means easy cleanup. Everything melts together during baking. It’s naturally gluten-free and keto-friendly.
Moo Goo Gai Pan
Image Source: I Heart Umami
Chinese takeout at home. This Moo Goo Gai Pan dish delivers authentic flavors without the carb load. Sliced chicken with mushrooms – that’s what the name means. Simple ingredients, big flavor.
Key Ingredients in Moo Goo Gai Pan
Keep it simple:
- Protein Base: 1-2 pounds boneless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced thin
- Mushroom Medley: White button, shiitake, or straw mushrooms
- Vegetables: Snow peas, water chestnuts, bamboo shoots. Add carrots or broccoli if you want
- Aromatic Elements: Minced garlic, ginger, green onions
- Sauce Components: Chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, oyster sauce. Use keto-friendly sweetener instead of sugar
Most ingredients work in other Asian dishes too. Good for stocking up.
Cooking Time and Prep
Takes about 30 minutes start to finish. Marinate the chicken first – egg white, cornstarch, soy sauce for 15-30 minutes. Makes it tender like restaurant chicken.
Cook the chicken until golden, about 3-4 minutes. Set aside. Sauté vegetables until crisp-tender, 5-7 minutes. Return chicken to pan, add sauce, simmer until thickened.
Why Moo Goo Gai Pan Works
This works because it’s actually low carb. Just 3g net carbs per serving. Good protein too – 27-40g per serving.
I like using tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Makes it gluten-free. You control the sodium and oil, unlike restaurant versions. Much healthier.
It’s filling. The sauce coats everything nicely.
One-Pot Garlicky Shrimp & Broccoli
Image Source: EatingWell
Simple shrimp and broccoli in one skillet. Ready in 15-30 minutes. Perfect for busy nights when you need something quick and healthy.
Key Ingredients in Shrimp & Broccoli
Simple ingredients make this work:
- Protein: 1 pound peeled and deveined raw shrimp (21-30 count)
- Vegetables: 4 cups small broccoli florets and ½ cup diced red bell pepper
- Aromatics: 6 medium cloves garlic, sliced
- Healthy fats: 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Flavor enhancers: Salt, pepper, and 2 teaspoons lemon juice
You can add cauliflower, asparagus, green beans, mushrooms, or zucchini. Use what you have.
Cooking Time and Prep
Takes 15-30 minutes total. Pretty straightforward.
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add half the garlic, cook until beginning to brown (about 1 minute). Add broccoli, bell pepper, seasonings. Cover and cook 3-5 minutes until vegetables are tender. Transfer to a bowl.
Increase heat to medium-high. Add remaining oil and garlic to the same pot. Cook garlic for about 1 minute. Add shrimp with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until shrimp are cooked through (3-5 minutes). Return the broccoli mixture, add lemon juice, stir to combine.
Why This Dish Works
It’s packed with nutrition. Broccoli provides fiber and antioxidants that may reduce risk of cancer and heart disease. Red bell pepper adds similar benefits. Both reduce inflammation.
Shrimp delivers lean protein with virtually no saturated fat. Heart-healthy choice. About 214 calories per serving. Fits keto and low-carb plans perfectly.
One-pot means easy cleanup. Even picky eaters like this thanks to the garlic butter sauce.
Low-Carb Shepherd’s Pie
Image Source: Ketofocus
Missing comfort food? This shepherd’s pie fixes that problem. Swap potatoes for cauliflower mash. Same hearty flavors, way fewer carbs.
Key Ingredients in Low-Carb Shepherd’s Pie
Simple ingredients make this work:
- Meat Base: Ground lamb or beef (I prefer beef for American taste)
- Vegetable Mix: Onions, carrots, celery, mushrooms. Go easy on peas and carrots for lower carbs
- Liquids: Beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce
- Seasonings: Garlic, rosemary, thyme, bay leaves
- Cauliflower Topping: Mashed with butter, cream cheese, maybe some sharp cheddar
I add extra mushrooms instead of lots of carrots. Better flavor, fewer carbs.
Cooking Time and Prep
Takes about 30 minutes total. Brown the meat with onions and garlic first, about 5-7 minutes. Add vegetables, cook until soft. Stir in broth, tomato paste, seasonings. Simmer 10 minutes.
Steam cauliflower until tender. Drain well – this is important. Mash with butter and cream cheese until smooth. Spread over meat, top with cheese if using. Broil 3-5 minutes until golden.
Why This Pie Works
Traditional potato topping has 30+ grams of carbs. Cauliflower version has 5-7g net carbs. Huge difference.
It tastes like the real thing. Even people who don’t like cauliflower enjoy this. The vegetable absorbs all the meat flavors. Comfort food without the carb crash.
Chicken Cutlets with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
Image Source: EatingWell
Overall, restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy. This sun-dried tomato chicken comes together in 30 minutes. Rich cream sauce with tangy tomatoes and spinach.
Key Ingredients in Marry Me Chicken
Simple ingredients make this work:
- Chicken base: 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs or 4 chicken breasts, pounded thin
- Aromatic foundation: Minced garlic and Italian seasoning
- Star ingredient: ½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Creamy elements: ¾ cup heavy cream and ½ cup chicken broth
- Fresh additions: 1 cup spinach and fresh basil
- Flavor enhancer: 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
For me, I’d add extra garlic. Can substitute coconut cream for dairy-free option.
Cooking Time and Prep
Takes under 30 minutes. Simple steps:
Season chicken first. Sear in butter until browned – 7-8 minutes per side for thighs, 5-6 minutes for breasts. Remove temporarily.
Same skillet, add garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Add tomatoes, cook another minute. Pour in cream and broth, simmer. Add parmesan to thicken.
Return chicken with spinach. Turn off heat, let spinach wilt.
Why This Chicken Works
Cream sauce is naturally low-carb but satisfying. Approximately 7g carbs per serving. Perfect for keto plans.
Great nutrition balance – protein from chicken, healthy fats from cream. I serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. It was delicious.
Easy Salmon Stir Fry
Image Source: Low Carb with Jennifer
Quick salmon dinner with vegetables. Takes under 30 minutes. Good for busy nights.
Key Ingredients in Salmon Stir Fry
Simple ingredients work best:
- Salmon: 1 pound fresh salmon filets cut into 1-inch cubes
- Vegetables: Bell peppers, broccoli, asparagus, bok choy, and carrots
- Aromatics: Fresh garlic, ginger, green onions
- Sauce Components: Low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey or brown sugar substitute
I serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. Keeps the carbs low.
Cooking Time and Prep
Takes about 20-30 minutes total.
Marinate salmon briefly in soy sauce and aromatics for 10-15 minutes. Heat oil in a large skillet. Cook vegetables until crisp-tender, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Add more oil to the same pan. Cook salmon pieces for 2-3 minutes per side. Don’t overcook. Salmon gets dry fast.
Combine everything with sauce. Heat just until bubbling.
Why This Stir Fry Works
High-quality protein plus omega-3 fatty acids. Colorful vegetables add vitamins without excessive carbs.
Very customizable. Use whatever vegetables you have. Leftovers store well for 2-3 days. Perfect for meal prep.
Skillet Tater Tot Casserole
Image Source: FlavCity
Comfort food without the carb crash. This tater tot casserole swaps potato tots for cauliflower tots. Same hearty feeling, way fewer carbs.
Key Ingredients in Tater Tot Casserole
Simple ingredients for maximum comfort:
- Protein Base: 1 pound of ground beef or turkey (drained well after cooking)
- Veggie Alternative: Cauliflower tots instead of potato tots (saving approximately 50 calories and 4g of fat per serving)
- Creamy Elements: Cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, or a homemade sauce using butter, mushrooms, shallots, and broth
- Vegetables: Green beans, spinach, or broccoli add nutrition
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper create depth of flavor
- Cheese Topping: 1-2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (use full-fat for keto)
I’d make the sauce from scratch. Way better flavor than canned soup.
Cooking Time and Prep
Takes about 30-40 minutes total. Brown the meat with onions first. Make your sauce while that cooks.
Mix everything in the skillet. Top with cheese, then arrange cauliflower tots in circles. Bake at 350-400°F for 30 minutes until golden.
Why This Casserole Works
Cauliflower tots have 9g net carbs versus 15+ for potato tots. Big difference. Complete nutrition too – protein, fiber, healthy fats from cheese.
Even cauliflower haters like this dish. The tots soak up all the savory flavors. Leftovers keep for 4-5 days. Perfect for busy families.
Greek Chicken Bowl
Image Source: Cooked & Loved
Greek flavors, one bowl. Simple.
These bowls work because they’re flexible. Marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese. Authentic taste without the carb mess.
Key Ingredients in Greek Chicken Bowl
Simple ingredients make this work:
- Marinated Chicken: Boneless chicken breasts with olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, and herbs
- Fresh Vegetables: Cucumber, tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, avocado
- Mediterranean Additions: Kalamata olives and feta cheese
- Base Options: Cauliflower rice for low-carb or quinoa if you want more protein
- Tzatziki Sauce: Greek yogurt with cucumber, garlic, lemon, fresh dill
I marinate the chicken for at least 20 minutes. Longer is better.
Cooking Time and Prep
Takes 30 minutes total. Marinate chicken first—20 minutes minimum, 8 hours if you plan ahead. Make tzatziki while chicken marinates.
Cook chicken 4-5 minutes per side until it hits 165°F. Let it rest while you prep everything else.
Why This Bowl Works
Versatile. Serve hot or cold, meal prep for the week, customize with whatever vegetables you have. Use cauliflower rice instead of regular grains for keto.
Good nutrition balance—protein from chicken, healthy fats from olives and feta, fiber from vegetables. Naturally gluten-free too.
Perfect for meal prep. Make extra.
Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup
Image Source: Allrecipes
Classic chicken noodle soup with a kick. Replace regular noodles with zucchini spirals. All the comfort, way fewer carbs.
Key Ingredients in Chicken Noodle Soup
Simple ingredients make this work:
- Protein: Boneless chicken breasts or thighs, diced or shredded (about 1-2 cups)
- Low-Carb Noodle Options: Zucchini noodles (zoodles) as the primary substitute, or keto-friendly noodles made from mozzarella, egg yolk, and xanthan gum
- Vegetables: Carrots, celery, onions, mushrooms, and sometimes bok choy or spinach
- Spice Elements: Thai chili peppers, Sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or red pepper flakes for heat
- Broth Base: Chicken broth enhanced with ginger, garlic, and sometimes coconut milk
- Flavor Boosters: Fresh lime juice, fish sauce, sesame oil, and fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil
For Thai-inspired version, add sugar-free peanut butter, fish sauce, and tamari. Creates a rich, spicy peanut broth.
Cooking Time and Prep
Takes about 20-30 minutes total. Cook diced chicken with garlic and ginger until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add vegetables and sauté until slightly softened.
Pour broth with your spice elements. Bring to a boil, then simmer 5-10 minutes until vegetables reach desired tenderness. Add zucchini noodles just 1-2 minutes before serving. Otherwise they get soggy.
Why This Soup Works
Remarkably low carbs—just 2-6g net carbs per serving. Adjust spice level easily with more or less chili garlic sauce.
Lean protein, vegetables, aromatic spices create an immunity-boosting meal. Perfect for cold weather. Customize with different vegetables or proteins while keeping low-carb. It’s versatile.
Creamy Chicken & Mushrooms
Image Source: Eatwell101
Restaurant-quality flavor at home. This creamy chicken and mushrooms dish delivers rich taste without the carb overload. Ready in under 30 minutes.
Key Ingredients in Chicken & Mushrooms
Simple ingredients make this work:
- Chicken: Boneless breasts cut horizontally into thinner pieces. I prefer chicken thighs for extra flavor.
- Mushrooms: Button, cremini, or shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- Aromatics: Fresh garlic and onions
- Sauce Base: Heavy cream creates the velvety sauce. Can substitute evaporated milk for fewer calories.
- Flavor Enhancers: White wine, parmesan cheese, chicken broth, Dijon mustard
- Flour: Light dusting gives chicken a crispy exterior
Add lemon juice for brightness. Fresh thyme or parsley for color.
Cooking Time and Prep
Takes just 15-20 minutes. Cut chicken horizontally first, then dust lightly with flour. Sear in hot butter until golden, about 2 minutes per side. Set aside.
Sauté mushrooms until browned, roughly 4-5 minutes. Add garlic briefly until fragrant. Pour in white wine to deglaze, scraping up brown bits. Let wine reduce, then add broth, cream, Dijon, and parmesan. Simmer until thickened, return chicken to coat.
Why This Dish Works
Creates incredible richness without relying on carbs. The sauce gets thick from reduction and parmesan, not flour-based thickeners.
Excellent protein from chicken, healthy fats from cream. Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for keto-friendly option.
The flour-dusting technique prevents chicken from drying out while giving sauce something to cling to. Ordinary ingredients become restaurant-worthy with minimal cleanup.
Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry
Image Source: Budget Bytes
Overall, really good weeknight meal. Simple ingredients, big flavor. I cook this one pretty regularly.
Key Ingredients in Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry
Just basic stuff you probably have:
- Ground Beef: 1/2 to 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 or 85/15 recommended). Ground turkey, chicken, or pork work well as substitutes.
- Cabbage: One small to medium head, thinly sliced. Pre-packaged coleslaw mix offers a convenient time-saving alternative.
- Aromatics: Onion, minced garlic cloves, and freshly grated ginger create depth of flavor.
- Vegetables: Shredded carrots, bell peppers, and green onions add color and nutrition.
- Sauce Components: Coconut aminos (a soy-free alternative to soy sauce), rice vinegar, sesame oil, and optional red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat.
I add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini when I have them. For the sauce, combine 2-3 tablespoons coconut aminos, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, and a touch of sweetener like honey or a keto-friendly substitute.
Cooking Time and Prep
Takes about 15-25 minutes. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger, sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add ground beef, breaking it up while cooking until browned (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Then add the sliced cabbage and carrots, stirring to combine. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes until the cabbage is wilted but still has a slight crunch. Pour in the prepared sauce, stir to coat evenly, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is well combined.
Why This Stir Fry Works
Great for meal prep. Just 5-7g net carbs per serving. It’s both paleo and Whole30-friendly when using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
I customize it with different vegetables depending on what’s in my fridge. Leftovers store well in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator or can be frozen for several weeks. Easy dinner that actually tastes good.
Baked Pistachio Chicken
Image Source: JoyFoodSunshine
Overall, really good twist on regular breaded chicken. The pistachio coating gives you that crunch without all the carbs. For me, this beats traditional breadcrumbs every time.
Key Ingredients in Pistachio Chicken
Simple ingredients that actually work:
- Chicken Base: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips or 4 smaller chicken breasts
- Nutty Coating: 1 cup chopped pistachios combined with ½ cup bread crumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a completely gluten-free version)
- Binding Mixture: 2 tablespoons each of Dijon mustard, olive oil, and honey create the perfect adhesive for the coating
- Seasonings: Salt and pepper to taste
I would skip the breadcrumbs entirely for keto. Just use ground pistachios. Pistachios are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, potassium, and various antioxidants that support cellular function and improve glycemic control.
Cooking Time and Prep
Takes about 25 minutes total. Start with oven at 500°F, then lower to 375°F after you put the chicken in. This trick works perfectly.
Coat the chicken in Dijon mixture first, then roll in pistachios. Bake for 20 minutes until golden. Easy.
Why This Chicken Works
The pistachio coating actually stays crunchy. That’s the key. I sautéed some extra garlic with the pistachios before coating – adds more flavor.
The Dijon and honey balance works well with the nuts. Serve with a Greek salad for complete low-carb meal.
Leftovers keep for 5 days. Perfect for meal prep.
Can you make this ahead and freeze the coated chicken before baking?
One Pot Lemon Chicken Pasta
Image Source: Allrecipes
Lemon chicken pasta without the carb crash. This version swaps regular noodles for low-carb alternatives. Bright, citrusy flavors in under 30 minutes.
Key Ingredients in Lemon Chicken Pasta
Simple ingredients make this work:
- Low-Carb Pasta: Palmini pasta (made from hearts of palm) contains only 4g net carbs per serving. I use zucchini noodles when Palmini’s not available.
- Protein: Boneless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- Aromatics: 3-6 garlic cloves and fresh lemon juice plus zest
- Sauce Base: Chicken broth and heavy cream
- Flavor Enhancers: Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs
Add broccoli florets or spinach if you want extra vegetables.
Cooking Time and Prep
Takes less than 30 minutes total. Season and cook chicken until golden (7-10 minutes depending on thickness). Same pan, sauté garlic until fragrant. Add broth, cream, lemon juice, and zest for the sauce.
For Palmini pasta, drain and add directly to the sauce. Zucchini noodles need just 2-3 minutes or they get soggy. Return chicken to pan, toss everything together. Fresh parsley and extra Parmesan to finish.
Why This Pasta Works
Traditional pasta has 40+ grams of carbs per serving. This version delivers just 4g net carbs.
The one-pot method means minimal cleanup while the noodles absorb all the creamy lemon sauce. Faster than takeout, tastes like restaurant quality.
Can you make this ahead for meal prep?
Vegetarian Borscht Soup
Image Source: Spicy Saucy Vegan
Beautiful ruby color, surprisingly filling. This borscht brings Ukrainian tradition to low-carb eating. I was skeptical about beet soup at first. Turns out it’s hearty without being heavy.
Key Ingredients in Borscht Soup
Simple ingredients make this work:
- Beets: The star here – gives that gorgeous color and earthy sweetness (1-2 whole beets, shredded or cut into matchsticks)
- Cabbage: 2-4 cups finely chopped white or green cabbage provides body and fiber
- Vegetables: Onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and sometimes bell peppers form the aromatic base
- Liquids: Vegetable broth (3-5 cups) and a splash of red wine vinegar or lemon juice (1-3 tablespoons) for the characteristic tanginess
- Seasonings: Fresh dill, bay leaves, and sometimes juniper berries create authentic flavor
Traditional versions include potatoes and beef broth. Skip those for low-carb.
Cooking Time and Prep
Takes about 30 minutes total. Start by sautéing onions and shredded beets in olive oil for 3-5 minutes. Add carrots and celery, cook until slightly softened. Pour in vegetable stock, add bay leaves, vinegar, bring to a boil. Simmer 15-25 minutes until vegetables are tender. Add fresh garlic and dill in the final minutes.
Why This Soup Works
Only 8g net carbs per serving. The beets support liver function, cabbage adds more liver benefits as a cruciferous vegetable.
I add a dollop of coconut yogurt for creaminess without extra carbs. Fresh dill garnish makes it look restaurant-quality. Tastes even better the next day as flavors develop.
Conclusion
Overall, solid collection of recipes. 23 options that actually work for busy weeknights.
These recipes solve real problems. No juggling multiple pans. Easy cleanup. Most stay under 15 grams of carbs per serving.
The variety works well. Asian flavors like the Egg Roll in a Bowl. Mediterranean options with the Greek Chicken Bowls. Even comfort food versions like the Low-Carb Shepherd’s Pie. Something for everyone.
Time savings matter most. Thirty minutes or less for complete meals. Single-pot cooking means minimal cleanup.
Great for meal prep too. Most leftovers store well for 3-5 days. Some taste better the next day.
Start with whatever looks good. I’d pick the Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice or Creamy Chicken & Mushrooms first. Build from there.
These recipes make low-carb eating much easier. Good flavor, quick prep, less mess. It works.
FAQs
Q1. How long do these one-pot low carb meals typically take to prepare?
Most of these meals can be prepared in 30 minutes or less, making them perfect for busy weeknights when you want a quick and healthy dinner option.
Q2. What are some good low carb dinner options from this list?
Some tasty low carb dinner options include Garlic Chicken and Steak Stir Fry, Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice, Egg Roll in a Bowl, Greek Chicken Bowl, and Creamy Chicken & Mushrooms.
Q3. Which ingredients help make these meals filling while keeping carbs low?
Ingredients like lean proteins (chicken, beef, shrimp), non-starchy vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage), and healthy fats (olive oil, avocado) help keep these meals satisfying and low in carbs.
Q4. Can these recipes be customized for different dietary needs?
Yes, many of these recipes are versatile and can be adapted. For example, you can swap proteins, adjust spice levels, or substitute ingredients to make them gluten-free, dairy-free, or suitable for other dietary restrictions.
Q5. Are these meals suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Many of these one-pot meals store well in the refrigerator for 3-5 days, making them excellent for meal prep. Some, like the Egg Roll in a Bowl, even taste better the next day as flavors continue to develop.