Stovetop dinners are perfect for busy weeknights, but quick cooking doesn’t mean you have to ditch your low-carb diet.
35 Low-Carb Skillet Dinners
Updated on Jan. 05, 2022
1/35
Blackened Tilapia with Zucchini Noodles
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love quick and bright meals like this one-skillet wonder. The way it tastes, you'd think it takes a lot more effort, but it goes from prep to dinner table in half an hour. The recipe works well with any light fish, or even shrimp. —Tammy Brownlow, Dallas, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 203 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 522mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
2/35
Chicken Thighs with Shallots & Spinach
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
What could be better than an entree that comes with its own creamy vegetable side? This healthy supper goes together in no time flat and makes an eye-catching presentation. —Genna Johannes, Wrightstown, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 1/4 cup spinach mixture: 223 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 360mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
3/35
Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Strawberry Sauce
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pork tenderloin paired with strawberries is a heavenly match, made even more special with a tangy feta garnish. Serve with roasted spring vegetables. —Katherine Wollgast, Florissant, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 244 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 649mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
4/35
Spicy Beef Stir Fry
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Think of this stir-fry as your chance to play with heat and spice. I balance the savory beef with coconut milk and a spritz of lime. —Joy Zacharia, Clearwater, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 312 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 641mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
5/35
Chicken & Goat Cheese Skillet
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband was completely bowled over by this on-a-whim goat cheese and chicken skillet meal. I can't wait to make it again very soon! —Ericka Barber, Eureka, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups chicken mixture: 251 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 447mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
6/35
Turkey Marsala
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This Marsala sauce for turkey is really rich, like you fussed all day in the kitchen. Here’s the shocker: We make it fast. —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 295 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 482mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 36g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch.
7/35
Shrimp Scampi Spinach Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I really enjoy both shrimp scampi and fresh spinach salad, so I put the two together. My oldest son loves it, too, and he's only 3! —Jamie Porter, Garnett, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 201 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 153mg cholesterol, 291mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
8/35
In-a-Pinch Chicken & Spinach
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I needed a fast supper while babysitting my grandchild. I used what my daughter-in-law had in the fridge and turned it into what's now one of our favorite chicken and spinach recipes. —Sandra Ellis, Stockbridge, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 1/3 cup spinach mixture: 297 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 376mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 36g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
9/35
Green Pepper Steak
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a delicious, fast meal, try this flavorful beef dinner loaded with tomatoes and peppers. What a perfect recipe to use garden vegetables of the season! —Emmalee Thomas, Laddonia, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 259 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 647mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat.
10/35
Poached Eggs with Tarragon Asparagus
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I adapted this recipe from a dish I had in Napa Valley. I decided to add toasted bread crumbs as a garnish. The result was a breakfast option that everyone loves. —Jennifer Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 170 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 194mg cholesterol, 513mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1 medium-fat meat.
11/35
Chinese Pepper Steak
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Bell peppers, mushrooms and ginger provide the bulk of the flavor in this stir-fry that’s not too saucy. Hot rice makes it even better. —Billie Moss, Walnut Creek, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups beef mixture: 241 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 841mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 fat.
12/35
Chicken Veggie Skillet
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I invented this chicken and veggie dish to use up extra mushrooms and asparagus. My husband suggested I write it down because it's a keeper. —Rebekah Beyer, Sabetha, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 228 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 384mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
13/35
Lemon-Pepper Tilapia with Mushrooms
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I are trying to add more fish and healthy entrees to our diet and this one makes it easy. It comes together in less than 30 minutes, so it's perfect for hectic weeknights. —Donna McDonald, Lake Elsinore, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 216 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 173mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
14/35
Scallop Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
What an easy way to fix a special and delicious meal. The balsamic, tarragon and honey blend beautifully. —Mary E. Relyea, Canastota, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 247 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 821mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
15/35
Herb Salmon
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My roasted salmon is so simple but elegant enough to serve to company. I make it on days when I have less than an hour to cook. The salmon seasoning is an easy way to add flavor. —Luanne Asta, Hampton Bays, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 301 calories, 19g fat (4g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 529mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 fat.
16/35
Southwest Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you're tired of the same old taco routine, give these a try. I tweaked a friend's recipe to suit our tastes and my family's loved it since. It's so tasty and low maintenance. —Ally Billhorn, Wilton, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
3 filled lettuce wraps (calculated without optional toppings): 251 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 806mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 43g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
17/35
Garlic-Mushroom Turkey Slices
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter is a picky eater, and even she likes this enticing dish! There’s minimal fat, and it’s delicious, easy and affordable for weeknight dining. —Rick Fleishman, Beverly Hills, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 218 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 440mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
18/35
Meat and Potato Patties
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
During World War II, when meat was rationed and had to be purchased with tokens, this recipe went a long way in feeding a family. To this day, I still reach for it whenever I want something different from regular hamburgers. By the way, children really like these (just as I did when I was a child!).— Gladys Klein, Burlington Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 patty: 237 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 99mg cholesterol, 373mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein.
19/35
Veggie Steak Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This salad just explodes with flavors. It's easy and quick to prepare, tastes delicious, and is a healthy dinner all on one plate. —Tiffany Martinez, Aliso Viejo, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 301 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 301mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 fat, 2 vegetable.
20/35
Spicy Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My go-to meal after an evening run is this satisfying turkey wrap with jicama, a potato-like root veggie used in Mexican cooking. —Christie Arp, Blue Ridge, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
3 wraps: 212 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 655mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
21/35
Caesar Salmon with Roasted Tomatoes & Artichokes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my "go to" recipe for quick dinners, family or guests. It's colorful, healthy, easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. The best part is it only calls for five ingredients! —Mary Hawkes, Prescott, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 3/4 cup tomato mixture: 318 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 674mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
22/35
Snow Peas & Beef Stir-Fry
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Skip greasy takeout food and go for this healthy and fast dinner that's so much more enjoyable. To make it even easier, warm up ready-to-serve brown rice in the microwave and supper is ready to go (with one less pan to wash). —Donna Lindecamp, Morganton, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 265 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 863mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 fat.
23/35
Sauteed Pork Chops with Garlic Spinach
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family enjoys cooking easy and delicious meals. This pork chop recipe is also inexpensive, which makes cooking easier for everyone. Keep an eye on the spinach—it cooks fast! —Joe Valerio, Whitinsville, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 1/2 cup spinach: 310 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 607mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 36g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
24/35
Naked Fish Tacos
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of my husband's all-time favorite meals. I've even converted some friends to fish after they've eaten this. I serve the dish with fresh melon when it's in season to balance the subtle heat of the cabbage mixture. —Elizabeth Bramkamp, Gig Harbor, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 293 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 663mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 3 fat, 1 vegetable.
25/35
Artichoke Chicken
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Rosemary, mushrooms and artichokes combine to give chicken a wonderful savory flavor. I've served this dish for a large group by doubling the recipe. It's always a big hit with everyone—especially my family! —Ruth Stenson, Santa Ana, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 235 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 773mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein.
26/35
Cod with Bacon & Balsamic Tomatoes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Let's face it, everything really is better with bacon. I fry it, add cod fillets to the pan and finish it all with a big, tomato-y pop. —Maureen McClanahan, St. Louis, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 1/4 cup tomato mixture and 1 tablespoon bacon: 178 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 485mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
27/35
Twisted Eggs Benedict Salad
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Salad for breakfast? Absolutely. You can prep everything except the dressing and chill it overnight. In the morning, dress the salad and poach the eggs. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup salad with 1 egg: 199 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 200mg cholesterol, 710mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
28/35
Strawberry-Blue Cheese Steak Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
At lunch one day, a friend told me about a steak salad she'd had at a party. It sounded so fantastic I had to try it for myself. My family would eat it nonstop if we could. Can't seem to get enough of that tangy dressing! —Alma Winberry, Great Falls, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 289 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 452mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 2 fat, 1/2 fruit.
29/35
Spicy Mongolian Beef Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This light and loaded beef salad even satisfies my meat-loving husband. —Marla Clark, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 396 calories, 26g fat (5g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 550mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
30/35
Turkey Medallions with Tomato Salad
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a quick-to-cook meal using turkey medallions with a crisp coating. The turkey is enhanced by the bright flavor of a simple tomato salad. —Gilda Lester, Millsboro, Delaware
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 351 calories, 21g fat (3g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 458mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein.
31/35
Apple Pork Loin
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love making this slow cooker pork roast with apples for chilly fall dinners with my family. The apple pork loin tastes even better served with homemade mashed potatoes. —Rachel Schultz, Lansing, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 290 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 241mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fruit, 1/2 fat.
32/35
Tuscan Chicken
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy, rich chicken dish is special enough to serve to company. Even better, it comes together in only 45 minutes. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 1/2 cup sauce: 591 calories, 41g fat (21g saturated fat), 187mg cholesterol, 857mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 43g protein.
33/35
Mushroom Pork Chops
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother-in-law gave me this recipe years ago, and I have used it ever since. My family loves the sweetness with a little kick.—Hilary Rigo, Wickenburg, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 1/3 cup mushrooms: 299 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 515mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
34/35
Asian Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is as tasty as the lettuce wraps found in national restaurants, but it's healthier! — Linda Rowley, Richardson, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3 lettuce wraps: 259 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 503mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
35/35
Chicken & Spanish Cauliflower “Rice”
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I learned about the paleo diet from some friends who now have tons of energy and are super fit. Since then, I’ve changed my eating habits, too. Everyone from my dad to my little nephew loves this chicken in Spanish cauliflower rice. —Megan Schmoldt, Westminster, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 227 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 492mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
