Are you looking for simple, tasty dinners packed with protein? This post gives you five recipes that are quick to make and full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for one or for the whole family, these meals will become your new favorites.
Thai Basil Chicken
This dish uses ground chicken, a great source of protein. Just one serving has 22 grams of protein! The ingredients are simple but full of flavor:
- Jalapeno
- Garlic
- Green onions
- Basil
The sauce is a mix of sweet and salty:
- Brown sugar
- White sugar
- Soy sauce
- Chicken stock
- Oyster sauce
- Fish sauce (optional, but it adds a lot of flavor!)
Cook the chicken in a hot pan until it’s brown. Add the jalapeno, garlic, and green onions. Then, pour in the sauce. Let it bubble and thicken. Finally, stir in the basil.
Serve it in lettuce wraps or over rice. Top with extra green onion, jalapenos, and fresh basil.
Why you’ll love it: This dish is full of protein and feels light, perfect for a summer meal.
Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas
Tired of chicken? Try these easy shrimp fajitas. Shrimp cooks quickly in the oven, making this a fast and healthy meal.
Cut your favorite fajita veggies into strips:
- Bell peppers
- Jalapeno
- Red onion
Toss the veggies and shrimp with oil and fajita seasoning. If you don’t have fajita seasoning, make your own with:
- Cumin
- Chili powder
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
Spread everything on a sheet pan and bake in a hot oven for about 10 minutes. For the last minute, turn on the broiler to get some color.
Serve in corn tortillas with cheese, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
Why you’ll love it: Shrimp has 24 grams of protein per serving, even more than chicken!
Spicy Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
If you liked cabbage rolls, you’ll love this quick and easy version. It’s packed with protein from sausage and ground beef.
Shred a head of cabbage. Brown the sausage and ground beef in a skillet. Drain off the fat.
Add:
- Onion
- Diced tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- White vinegar
- Chili powder
- Crushed red pepper
- Salt
Add the cabbage and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the cabbage is tender.
Why you’ll love it: This is a one-pot meal that doesn’t need any sides. The cabbage makes you feel like you’re eating noodles!
Mexican Quinoa Skillet with Chicken
Quinoa is a grain that’s high in protein. This recipe mixes it with southwestern flavors for a tasty and healthy meal.
Chop a jalapeno and some garlic. Cook them in olive oil until fragrant. Add:
- Black beans
- Fire roasted diced tomatoes
- Corn
- Quinoa
- Chicken broth
Season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
Top with cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
Why you’ll love it: This dish is hearty and full of flavor. It’s also great for meal prep!
Broiled Tilapia Parmesan
This recipe is a classic that’s quick and easy to make. Tilapia is a great source of protein, with 26 grams per serving.
Cook cauliflower in a casserole dish with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. While that cooks, make the sauce:
- Mayonnaise
- Softened butter
- Lemon zest and juice
- Mediterranean seasoning
- Parmesan cheese
Lay tilapia fillets on top of the cauliflower. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Spread the parmesan mixture on top. Bake at 450°F for 10 minutes, then broil for 1 minute.
Serve with sauteed spinach.
Why you’ll love it: This dish is like a restaurant meal that you can make at home in just 25 minutes.
Which Dinner Will You Try First?
These high-protein dinners are quick, easy, and full of flavor. They are different so you can add variety. From chicken and shrimp to beef and fish, these meals have you covered!