23 flavorful and protein-packed family dinner ideas

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These 23 protein-packed family dinners are flavorful, filling, and easy to make. Each recipe is designed to yield a delicious meal, yet is simple to prepare. All while helping you to meet your protein goals.

Cheesy beef casserole with cauliflower rice and spinach being spooned out of a baking dish.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

Prepare this high-protein Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce in just 30 minutes. Using only one pan, this recipe offers convenience without compromising on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Sausage Curry

Garnished sausage curry with a wooden spoon.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a satisfying dinner with the family, try this one-pan Sausage Curry. Combining sausages, vegetables, and a rich, creamy curry sauce, it creates a protein-packed meal that’s both quick and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy beef casserole with cauliflower rice and spinach being spooned out of a baking dish.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Looking for a speedy and well-rounded dinner option? You’ll love this flavorful Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. In just 30 minutes, it combines ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar cheese for a protein-packed dish.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

Cheesy chicken fajita bake in a baking pan.
Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Indulge in the flavors of this Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken. Seasoned chicken breasts, cream cheese, sweet peppers, and melted mozzarella create a satisfying combination that’s packed with protein.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Coconut curry Thai turkey meatballs on top of cauliflower rice in a bowl.
Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Try this recipe for flavorful Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs. Ground turkey, coconut aminos, canned coconut milk, and curry spices come together to create tasty meatballs in just 30 minutes. Enjoy a protein-packed dinner with a touch of Thai-inspired flavors.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Tuscan chicken in a skillet.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Create a one-pan, protein-packed dish with this Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Perfectly crisped chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach are cooked in a creamy sauce, resulting in a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Cabbage and Sausage

A pan of cabbage and sausage garnished with fresh herbs.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Enjoy the burst of flavors in this Chicken Sausage and Cabbage Skillet. In less than 30 minutes, you can savor a mouthwatering and filling main dish that’s packed with protein.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Creamy Garlic Chicken

Garnished creamy garlic chicken over cauliflower rice in a bowl.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Whip up this hassle-free and well-balanced Creamy Garlic Chicken in one pan. Pair it with cauliflower rice or regular rice for a complete and protein-packed dinner. With simple ingredients and a quick cooking time, it’s a satisfying meal without the stress.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

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

Add a creative twist to your dinner routine with this Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. It offers a unique flavor combination inspired by traditional jalapeño poppers, providing a protein-packed and delightful salad option.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Elevate your dinner with this Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake. Marinated chicken thighs, a creamy blend of cream cheese and mozzarella, and a generous amount of spinach come together to create a quick and protein-packed meal bursting with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner with a spoon.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a flavorful and fuss-free meal, try this Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Ready in just 30 minutes, it offers a delightful combination of roasted sausage and veggies that will satisfy your protein needs. Plus, cleanup is a breeze with only one pan to wash.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Canned Chicken Patties

Chicken patties with broccoli on a plate.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Whip up these quick and kid-friendly Canned Chicken Patties in just 20 minutes. Serve them on their own, with steamed vegetables, or in a sandwich for a protein-packed meal.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Fried cabbage with bacon garnished with parsley in a pot.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Enjoy a quick and satisfying meal with this Fried Cabbage with Bacon. It takes just 25 minutes to prepare and combines cabbage, bacon, and onion for a well-rounded dish bursting with flavors and textures.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Tuscan garlic shrimp and spinach with tomatoes in a pan.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Try this quick and flavorful Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach dish. Succulent shrimp, garlic sauce, grape tomatoes, and spinach come together in just 30 minutes to create a protein-packed and delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Creamy sun dried tomato chicken served on a plate.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Make this Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken tonight. It’s a high-protein skillet dish that features boneless, skinless chicken thighs smothered in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, ready in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

Hands scooping up a serving of bacon cheeseburger salad from a bowl.
Bacon Cheeseburger Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Enjoy the flavors of a Big Mac in a bowl with this Bacon Cheeseburger Salad. This hassle-free choice offers the smoky bacon and tangy dressing you love in a salad format that’s packed with protein.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Spoon scooping up jalapeño popper casserole from a baking dish.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Add a creative twist to your dinner recipe rotation with this protein-packed Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole. It offers a unique and effortless combination of flavors that will satisfy your protein needs.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Creamy Dijon Chicken

Pan of creamy dijon chicken with a spatula.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Create a quick and easy one-pan meal with Creamy Dijon Chicken. In just 30 minutes, seared chicken is topped with a creamy Dijon mustard sauce, spinach, and bacon. It’s a protein-packed dish that is bursting with flavor in each bite.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

Mini spicy canned salmon patties in a serving bowl.
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties are a delightful dish ready in just 30 minutes. Made with canned salmon, jalapeño, and a touch of cayenne pepper, these patties are pan-fried to golden perfection and topped with a drizzle of lemon dill aioli.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

Lemon Garlic Scallops

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

Prepare these Lemon Garlic Scallops in less than 30 minutes. Cooked in a pan with lemon and garlic, they offer a delightful combination of flavors, perfect for a high-protein dinner.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

Creamy ground beef and cauliflower rice skillet garnished with fresh herbs with a fork.
Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This flavorful Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet is a 30-minute recipe that combines seasoned ground beef, cheddar cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms in a single skillet for a protein-packed meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Creamy chicken thighs with artichoke hearts in a pan.
Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Savor the creaminess of this dish featuring skinless chicken thighs and artichoke hearts. With a blend of spices and a creamy sauce, it’s a satisfying and flavorful option that’s packed with protein.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Philly cheesesteak casserole on a plate with a fork.
Philly Cheesesteak Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

This flavorful Philly Cheesesteak Casserole showcases thinly sliced steak, peppers, onions, and mushrooms topped with provolone cheese. It’s a delicious dish that can be prepared, cooked, and served in less than an hour.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

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