27 protein-packed and filling dinner ideas

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These 27 protein-packed and filling dinner ideas highlight straightforward meals that are each designed to help meet your protein goals while enjoying flavorful dishes.

Creamy spinach chicken bake in a glass baking dish.
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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

In just 40 minutes, enjoy this Creamy Tuscan Chicken featuring perfectly crisped chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a delectable creamy sauce.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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.

Experience a speedy and well-rounded dinner option with this Cheesy Beef Casserole featuring Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. In just 30 minutes, enjoy the flavorful combination of ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar cheese.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Creamy spinach chicken bake in a glass baking dish.
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Elevate your dinner with a Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake featuring marinated chicken thighs, cream cheese, mozzarella, and a generous amount of spinach.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

Treat yourself to the convenience and taste of Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce, all cooked in one pan within 30 minutes. It’s high in protein and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Sausage Curry

Sausage curry in a skillet.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a satisfying family dinner, try this one-pan Sausage Curry, blending sausages, vegetables, and a rich and creamy curry sauce.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

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 meal with this unique Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole. Experience the flavors of traditional jalapeño poppers in a protein-packed salad format.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

Create an easy and well-balanced Creamy Garlic Chicken in one pan, paired with cauliflower rice or regular rice for a protein-packed dinner.
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.

Make and enjoy this Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad, offering a fun twist to your dinner routine. Whip this protein-packed salad up tonight and enjoy leftovers for lunch tomorrow.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

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, fuss-free, and high-protein meal, try this Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner that combines roasted sausage and veggies in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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

Enjoy this quick and satisfying Fried Cabbage with Bacon, combining cabbage, bacon, and onion for a harmonious dish.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Italian sausage soup in a pot with a spoon and garnishes on the side.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Prepare this high-protein and flavorful Creamy Italian Sausage Soup in just 30 minutes, featuring Italian sausage, cream cheese, canned tomatoes, and heavy whipping cream.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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

Savor this quick and flavorful Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach dish featuring succulent shrimp, garlic sauce, grape tomatoes, and spinach.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Bowl of instant pot butter chicken atop cauliflower rice in a bowl.
Instant Pot Butter Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced,

Whip up this Indian-inspired Instant Pot Butter Chicken in under 40 minutes, featuring tender chicken thighs in a flavorful sauce.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

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

Indulge in the rich flavors of this Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken with boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce.
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 taste of a Big Mac in a bowl with this Bacon Cheeseburger Salad. This hassle-free choice requires minimal preparation and is high in protein.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This filling and flavorful Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice features seasoned ground beef, cheddar cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms in a single skillet.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Crock Pot Taco Soup

A bowl of crock pot taco soup topped with sour cream and cilantro.
Crock Pot Taco Soup. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Try this delicious and high-protein Crock Pot Taco Soup featuring ground beef and pantry staples, cooked in a slow cooker for an easy meal.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

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.

Experience the flavors of Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs in just 30 minutes, made with ground turkey, coconut aminos, canned coconut milk, and curry spices.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Canned Chicken Patties

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

Prepare quick and kid-friendly Canned Chicken Patties in just 20 minutes, perfect for serving on their own or in a sandwich.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

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

Whip up these Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties. In just 30 minutes, you can have this high-protein recipe on the table. It features canned salmon, jalapeño, and a hint of cayenne pepper, topped with lemon dill aioli.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

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 that is high in protein with this Creamy Dijon Chicken, featuring seared chicken topped with a creamy Dijon mustard sauce, spinach, and bacon.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

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

Indulge in a Philly Cheese Steak Casserole featuring thinly sliced steak, peppers, onions, and mushrooms topped with provolone cheese.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

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

This Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken is a flavorful dinner option. The recipe showcases seasoned chicken breasts, cream cheese, sweet peppers, and melted mozzarella.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy

Curry salmon with coconut milk and bok choy in a bowl with a fork.
Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Enjoy a nutrient-dense and high-protein Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy, featuring homemade curry paste, coconut milk, fresh ginger, and curry powder.
Get the Recipe: Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy

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 Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts, featuring a blend of spices and a creamy sauce.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Lemon Garlic Scallops

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

Cook these Lemon Garlic Scallops in under 30 minutes for a flavorful, impressive, and high-protein meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

Cabbage and Sausage

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

Enjoy a burst of flavors with this Cabbage and Sausage. In less than 30 minutes, you can enjoy a mouthwatering, protein-packed, and filling dish.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

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