Our 20 Most Popular High-Protein Dinner Recipes (2024)

Whether your goal is to stay energized, support healthy digestion or maintain muscle and bone strength, popular high-protein recipes like these can be a big help. From easy casseroles and skillets to hearty soups and salads, these are the filling dinners that have gotten the most attention from EatingWell readers. Each of these dishes offers at least 15 grams of protein per serving from foods like lean proteins, vegetables and whole grains to help you stay satisfied. Flavorful and nutritious recipes like our fan-favorite Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup with Rotisserie Chicken and Garlic Butter-Roasted Salmon with Potatoes & Asparagus are sure to become staples on your dinner table.

01of 20

Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan

Our 20 Most Popular High-Protein Dinner Recipes (1)

This one-pan chicken pasta combines lean chicken breast and sautéed spinach for a one-bowl meal that's garlicky, lemony and best served with a little Parm on top. I call it "Mom's Skillet Pasta," and she called it "Devon's Favorite Pasta." Either way, it's a quick and easy weeknight dinner we created together and scribbled on a little recipe card more than a decade ago, and it remains in my weekly dinner rotation to this day. It's a simple dinner the whole family will love.

View Recipe

02of 20

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup with Rotisserie Chicken

Our 20 Most Popular High-Protein Dinner Recipes (2)

This creamy chicken noodle soup recipe has a delicious potpie feel to it. We call for rotisserie chicken to streamline your prep time—look for a nice big one with lots of breast meat on it. Pair this comforting soup with a green salad.

View Recipe

03of 20

Chicken Cutlets with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Our 20 Most Popular High-Protein Dinner Recipes (3)

Though a chicken cutlet may be a chicken breast cut in half, this recipe shows how to make chicken cutlets with double the deliciousness. A jar of sun-dried tomatoes does double duty for this healthy dinner idea. The flavorful oil they're packed in is used to sauté the chicken, and the tomatoes go into the cream sauce.

View Recipe

04of 20

Garlic Butter-Roasted Salmon with Potatoes & Asparagus

Our 20 Most Popular High-Protein Dinner Recipes (4)

This one-pan salmon and potatoes recipe makes a healthy and satisfying weeknight dinner. Melted garlic butter coats the salmon and vegetables, adding depth of flavor and richness to the dish.

View Recipe

05of 20

Pea Soup

Our 20 Most Popular High-Protein Dinner Recipes (5)

This simple pea soup recipe makes an elegant start to a spring meal. It's also a great way to use frozen vegetables when the produce section is looking bleak.

06of 20

Ground Beef & Potatoes Skillet

Our 20 Most Popular High-Protein Dinner Recipes (6)

In this healthy one-pan meal, ground beef and potatoes are paired with colorful veggies, including kale, tomato and peppers. Everything is cooked in one skillet,whichbuilds layers of flavor while also cutting back on the number of dishes.

View Recipe

07of 20

Loaded Broccoli & Chicken Casserole

Our 20 Most Popular High-Protein Dinner Recipes (7)

This delightfully creamy broccoli and chicken casserole is a satisfying dinner that is sure to please a crowd. To keep prep simple, look for bags of pre-cut broccoli florets. If you like a little spice, swap out the Monterey Jack cheese for pepper Jack instead.

View Recipe

08of 20

Grilled Red Snapper

Our 20 Most Popular High-Protein Dinner Recipes (8)

This simple grilled red snapper recipe has clean flavors and a nice char from the grill. It's well-seasoned but not overly spicy. Serve with grilled veggies or a green salad to make it a meal.

View Recipe

09of 20

One-Pot Garlicky Shrimp & Broccoli

Our 20 Most Popular High-Protein Dinner Recipes (9)

Shrimp and broccoli cook quickly in this easy, one-pot recipe, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Serve this healthy shrimp recipe over whole grains or rice.

View Recipe

10of 20

One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta

Our 20 Most Popular High-Protein Dinner Recipes (10)

Make this cheesy ground chicken pasta recipe for a busy weeknight dinner. Serve with a simple side salad and a glass of red wine.

11of 20

Chopped Power Salad with Chicken

Our 20 Most Popular High-Protein Dinner Recipes (11)

Enjoy this fillingandcolorful salad for lunch or dinner. The dressing gets made in the same bowl that the salad is tossed in, so the greens absorb every bit of flavor.

View Recipe

12of 20

Honey-Garlic Chicken Thighs with Carrots & Broccoli

Our 20 Most Popular High-Protein Dinner Recipes (12)

This sweet and savory baked honey-garlic chicken thigh recipe comes with a side of veggies that cook on the same sheet pan as the chicken for the perfect weeknight dinner.

View Recipe

13of 20

Salmon Rice Bowl

Our 20 Most Popular High-Protein Dinner Recipes (13)

Inspired by the viral TikTok trend, this salmon rice bowl makes for a tasty lunch or dinner. With healthy ingredients like instant brown rice, salmon and veggies, you'll have a flavorful meal in just 25 minutes.

View Recipe

14of 20

Ground Beef & Pasta Skillet

Our 20 Most Popular High-Protein Dinner Recipes (14)

Add extra vegetables to your day with this easy one-skillet pasta recipe. Finely chop mushrooms to resemble the texture of ground beef and stir them into a classic meat sauce for a healthy twist on a dinnertime favorite.

View Recipe

15of 20

One-Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Our 20 Most Popular High-Protein Dinner Recipes (15)

This chicken Parmesan pasta uses the one-pot pasta method to cook your noodles, chicken and sauce all in one skillet for a fast and easy dinner with minimal cleanup.

View Recipe

16of 20

Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach

Our 20 Most Popular High-Protein Dinner Recipes (16)

Quick-cooking chicken cutlets are coated in a garlic cream sauce, while spinach adds a boost of color and nutrition in this easy, one-skillet recipe.

View Recipe

17of 20

Cheesy Ground Beef & Cauliflower Casserole

Our 20 Most Popular High-Protein Dinner Recipes (17)

Ground beef and cauliflower combine to create a hearty weeknight casserole that both kids and adults will love. Serve with tortilla chips and sour cream.

View Recipe

18of 20

American Goulash

Our 20 Most Popular High-Protein Dinner Recipes (18)

American goulash, also known as old-fashioned goulash, is the perfect economical family meal. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, so this satisfying dish can be made in just one pot.

View Recipe

19of 20

Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Our 20 Most Popular High-Protein Dinner Recipes (19)

You won't be stuffing any peppers for this stuffed pepper casserole, but you will be enjoying the sweet and smoky combination of flavors coming from bell peppers, fire-roasted tomatoes, smoked paprika and ground beef. You can use precooked rice from the package or leftover brown rice if you have it. If using leftover rice, you will need about 1 1/2 cups.

View Recipe

20of 20

Chicken & Zucchini Casserole

Our 20 Most Popular High-Protein Dinner Recipes (20)

This baked chicken and zucchini casserole is creamy, hearty and low-carb! The whole family will love this easy casserole, plus it's a great way to get the kids to eat their veggies.

View Recipe

Our 20 Most Popular High-Protein Dinner Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What foods are high in protein for dinner? ›

Foods that are highest in protein typically include lean meat, poultry, and seafood. But you can also get protein from eggs, beans, nuts, seeds, and soy products.

What is a simple protein meal for the elderly? ›

A grilled chicken breast is quick, simple and tasty to add to a plate of vegetables or high protein grains. Add some cheese. Cheese adds flavour and is a nice start or finish to a meal. Try a cup of cottage cheese, a few slices of hard cheese or sprinkling cheese onto your soup as a finishing touch!

What is an example of a high-protein meal? ›

Fish and poultry: Fish, chicken and turkey are all healthy protein sources that can help keep us full. According to the USDA, a 3.5-ounce serving of cooked chicken packs in about 31 g of protein.

What's the best protein to eat to lose weight? ›

Choose protein sources that are nutrient-rich and lower in saturated fat and calories, such as:
  • Lean meats.
  • Seafood.
  • Beans.
  • Soy.
  • Low-fat dairy.
  • Eggs.
  • Nuts and seeds.

What are the 3 best protein foods? ›

Foods that are particularly high in protein include: Lean meats such as chicken, turkey, beef, and pork are excellent sources of high-quality protein as well as important nutrients like iron and zinc.

What are the top 15 protein foods? ›

15 High-Protein Foods that Could Help Support Your Health and Weight-Loss Goals
  • Cheese. ...
  • Related: 28 delicious cheesy recipes. ...
  • Lentils. ...
  • Chickpeas. ...
  • Peanuts. ...
  • Edamame. ...
  • Pumpkin seeds. ...
  • Hemp seeds. Another small-but-mighty protein source, just 3 tbsp of hemp seeds (about 1 ½ ounces) provides 10 grams of plant-based protein.
Aug 28, 2020

Are baked beans high in protein? ›

Baked beans are a source of protein and are high in fibre, so are not a bad choice, especially on wholegrain toast or a jacket potato. But they do contain salt and sugar. Too much salt over time can contribute to high blood pressure, while sugar adds energy (calories) without any other nutritional value.

What is the best dinner for senior? ›

Allman also has a few go-to meals that typically meet nutritional needs for seniors:
  • Citrus salmon with baked sweet potato and steamed broccoli.
  • Hummus veggie wrap.
  • Chicken and veggies with whole grain pasta and pesto. ...
  • Roasted Veggie Couscous.
  • Curry Egg Salad lettuce wraps.
May 25, 2022

What is the best protein for 70 year olds? ›

The Best Sources. Meat, poultry, seafood, and dairy provide protein, as you probably know. But you can also get plenty from plant sources such as beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, soy, and whole grains. The main difference between animal and plant proteins is the variety of amino acids they contain.

How much protein should a 70 year old eat? ›

Research suggests that protein requirements may be higher in older adults. Researchers recommend that older adults consume 1-1.2 grams of protein per kilogram body weight (one kilogram is about 2.2 pounds). Endurance and resistance training exercises are also advised to promote muscle health.

How do I get more protein for dinner? ›

10 best sources of protein
  1. Eggs. We love to cook with them, but how much protein is in an egg? ...
  2. Yogurt. A combination of casein and whey protein, yogurt is a good protein-rich food. ...
  3. Fish and seafood. ...
  4. Chicken and turkey. ...
  5. Nuts and seeds. ...
  6. Pork. ...
  7. Beans and pulses. ...
  8. Tofu and tempeh.
Oct 24, 2023

What protein do I want for dinner tonight? ›

Low-fat seafood like shrimp and tuna are great for dinner because they are high in protein and deliver more protein ounce for ounce than higher fat meats like beef. Other high-protein meats include chicken breast, lean beef, and bison.

How can I add protein to dinner without meat? ›

5 Protein-Packed Foods for Healthy, Meatless Meals
  1. Eggs. Eggs are a great source of protein. ...
  2. Tree Nuts. Tree nuts include walnuts, almonds and pecans — don't confuse them with peanuts, which are legumes. ...
  3. Legumes. Legumes include a range of beans and peas such as black beans, chickpeas and lentils. ...
  4. Soy. ...
  5. Yogurt.

Does pasta have high-protein? ›

Traditional pasta is made with wheat flour and typically offers about 7 grams (g) of protein in a 2-ounce serving. “High-protein” may not be explicitly stated on every type of pasta in this selection. However, each one delivers 10 g of protein or more.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Neely Ledner

Last Updated:

Views: 6078

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (42 voted)

Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Neely Ledner

Birthday: 1998-06-09

Address: 443 Barrows Terrace, New Jodyberg, CO 57462-5329

Phone: +2433516856029

Job: Central Legal Facilitator

Hobby: Backpacking, Jogging, Magic, Driving, Macrame, Embroidery, Foraging

Introduction: My name is Neely Ledner, I am a bright, determined, beautiful, adventurous, adventurous, spotless, calm person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.