30 High-Protein Weeknight Dinners My Family Loves
Developed and tested by Robyn Conley Downs
on Jun 29, 2023 (last updated Jul 24, 2025) 
As a habits-expert, when dinner rolls around on a busy weeknight, I want something easy, satisfying, and high in protein. These recipes are some of my family’s favorites: real-life tested, full of feel-good ingredients, and simple enough to pull off any night of the week. Whether you’re planning ahead or pulling things together last minute, this list has something will have something for you!
15-Minute Beef & Ramen Noodles (1-Pan!)
This quick weeknight skillet beef and ramen noodles comes together in one-pan in 15 minutes, without any chopping. A true family favorite thanks to ramen, ground beef, and bagged coleslaw; it’s a simple, delicious meal bound for the regular rotation!
Ingredients You'll Need: olive oil, ground beef, salt, garlic, tamari, chicken stock, brown sugar, ramen noodles, slaw mix, shredded carrots.
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Baked Chicken Orzo (with Boursin!)
This incredibly simple baked chicken orzo is loaded with flavor from Boursin cheese, chicken (pre-cooked or rotisserie), orzo pasta, cherry tomatoes, and spinach. It's a dump-and-bake, one-pan recipe with no chopping + no pre-cooking, and just 30-minutes of cook time.
Ingredients Needed: shredded chicken, orzo pasta, chicken stock, salt, black pepper, Boursin cheese, cherry tomatoes, spinach.
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Crispy Baked Chicken Tacos (4-Ingredients!)
Baked to crunchy, crispy perfection, these ridiculously simple 4-ingredient baked tacos are loaded with shredded chicken (rotisserie or pre-cooked), refried beans, and melty cheese. It’s the perfect super-fast, 30-minute dinner that requires no chopping and will satisfy everyone’s taco cravings.
Ingredients Needed: flour tortillas, refried beans, shredded cooked chicken, Mexican cheese, cooking spray.
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Quick Ground Beef + Potatoes (1-Pan Dinner!)
The beloved classic combo of meat + potatoes just got a weeknight make-over in this easy one-pan ground beef and potatoes recipe. With family-friendly flavors, this crave-able dinner is so simple & hearty!
Ingredients: olive oil, ground beef, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Russet potatoes, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, katsup, cheddar cheese.
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Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas
With only 4 ingredients, this green chili chicken enchiladas recipe is easy to make, yields super flavorful results, and is an excellent make ahead meal.
Ingredients: chicken, salsa verde, Mexican cheese blend, tortillas
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Chicken Enchilada Skillet (1-Pan!)
Easy dinner ideas are my specialty, especially one-pot meals that are ready in under 30-minutes. This quick chicken enchilada skillet comes together fast with rotisserie chicken (or any leftover pre-cooked chicken), and red enchilada sauce.
Ingredients: shredded chicken, olive oil, onion, bell pepper, red enchilada sauce, black beans, tortillas, cheese, chicken broth.
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Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad (w/ Chicken!)
A fresh, flavor-packed twist on pasta salad featuring juicy chicken, sweet corn (fresh or frozen), a creamy (yogurt + mayo) lime dressing, and just the right amount of char. It’s summer in a bowl, ready in 20 minutes!
Ingredients You'll Need: pasta. olive oil, corn, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime, granulated garlic, chili powder, salt, cooked chicken, red onion, cilantro, and cotija cheese.
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Zucchini & Ground Turkey Skillet with Ricotta
This easy skillet dinner is everything good about lasagna, just waaaaaay simpler. With ground turkey, marinara, and dollops of creamy ricotta; it’s light yet satisfying without turning on the oven or dirtying half your kitchen!
Ingredients You'll Need: olive oil, ground turkey, salt, Italian seasoning, zucchini, garlic, marinara sauce, ricotta, Parmesan, and basil.
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta (Weeknight Favorite!)
This creamy and easy marry me chicken pasta is made with a combo of sun dried tomatoes + tomato paste to ensure tons of punchy “marry me” flavor. And with just a touch of cream & fresh spinach, this 30-minute weeknight dinner is hearty without feeling heavy.
Ingredients: pasta. chicken, paprika, granulated garlic, thyme, salt, olive oil, onion, pepper, tomato paste, sugar, chicken stock, sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, Parmesan, red wine vinegar, and spinach.
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Ground Beef Potato Casserole (Easy + Cheesy!)
If you’re craving a cozy, no‑fuss dinner, this ground beef potato casserole is the perfect solution! Made with tomato sauce (no canned soup!), ground beef, potatoes, and just the right amount of melty cheddar. Hearty, comforting, and easy to make, it’ll have the whole family going back for more.
Ingredients: olive oil, potatoes, ground beef, salt, garlic powder, chili powder, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, cheddar cheese.
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Easy Chicken Vegetable Soup
This easy chicken vegetable soup recipe is simple to make with easy to find ingredients, yet tastes like it’s from your favorite restaurant. Includes stovetop and slow cooker instructions, too!
Ingredients: chicken tenders, chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, Russet potatoes, garlic powder, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, green beans, corn, peas, bay leaf, olive oil and salt.
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15-Minute Egg Roll in a Bowl (1-Pan Dinner!)
This egg roll in a bowl recipe checks all the boxes: it's made in 15-minutes in one-pan, and requires no chopping! All you need is ground beef, ground turkey or ground pork; bagged coleslaw mix, plus optional egg and edamame.
Ingredients: eggs, oil, salt, ground beef, minced garlic, grated ginger, coleslaw mix, soy sauce, sriracha, sesame oil, hoisin sauce, edamame.
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Easy Chicken Enchiladas
This easy chicken enchilada recipe is simple to prepare and yields super flavorful, delicious results every time!
Ingredients: shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, corn tortillas, and shredded Mexican cheese blend.
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Baked Ground Chicken Meatballs (Cheesy & Saucy!)
If you're craving something cozy, cheesy, and ridiculously easy, these baked ground chicken meatballs in tomato sauce are your new go-to! Juicy, oven-baked, and tucked into a bubbling layer of tomato sauce and cheese, they're just the kind of comfort food dinner that feels special and is ready in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients: panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, egg, ground chicken, marinara, Italian cheese.
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Easy BBQ Chicken Bowl
Packed with color and flavor, these easy BBQ chicken bowls are perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep, and can be simply assembled with homemade or store bought ingredients. They’re so tasty, you’ll wanna make these again and again!
Ingredients: cooked chicken, rice, black beans, corn, green onions, cabbage slaw and bbq sauce.
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Marry Me Chicken Soup (Creamy 30-Minute Dinner!)
If you love the viral Marry Me Chicken, this creamy soup version brings all those cozy flavors together in just one pot. Juicy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, parmesan, and a swirl of cream make every spoonful rich and comforting, with tender pasta and fresh spinach to keep it hearty yet bright. Perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels a little special, ready in about 30 minutes!
Ingredients: olive oil, onion, pepper, salt, garlic powder, thyme, tomato paste, chicken stock, water, sugar, sun dried tomatoes, chicken, pasta, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, spinach, red wine vinegar.
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Easy Pesto Salmon (20 Minutes + 3-Ingredients!)
This 3-ingredient pesto salmon is a weeknight-friendly dinner that feels fancy but takes almost no effort. Oven baked or air fried, it’s ready in 20 minutes for crispy-edged, pesto-crusted, perfectly cooked salmon!
Ingredients Needed: salmon fillets, salt, pepper, pesto.
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Incredible Baked Chicken Legs (4-Ingredients!)
Succulent, juicy, oven baked chicken legs have never been easier with just 4-ingredients and 3-minutes of prep. This simple dump-and-bake recipe is always a crowd-pleaser so get ready for succulent, fall–of-the-bone chicken drumsticks every time!
Ingredients Needed: smoked paprika, garlic powder, chicken drumsticks, salt, BBQ sauce.
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Lighter Lemon Chicken Asparagus Skillet (1-Pan!)
A handful of simple ingredients combine in this easy chicken asparagus recipe, made of golden chicken, tender asparagus, and a luscious garlic lemon cream sauce that's light but still feels decadent. The ultimate low-effort, one-pan meal that'll be on the table in less than 30-minutes!
Ingredients: chicken, asparagus, chicken broth, cream, olive oil, butter, lemon juice and salt.
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Skillet Chicken and Sweet Potatoes
This easy chicken and sweet potatoes skillet can be made quickly on the stovetop and then baked in the oven. Plus it includes a delicious honey butter & chipotle pan sauce everyone will love!
Ingredients: chicken, sweet potatoes, avocado oil, honey, butter, chipotle peppers (from canned in adobo sauce), garlic and salt.
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Easy Italian Chicken Zucchini Skillet (with Tomatoes)
This Easy Italian Chicken Zucchini Skillet combines chicken, zucchini, and tomatoes with classic Italian flavors for an easy, one-pot, high-protein dinner that simmers together on the stovetop for a full meal in under 30 minutes. Made with just a few easy-to-find ingredients, it works equally well with chicken breasts or chicken thighs.
Ingredients: chicken breasts (or chicken thighs), zucchini, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken stock, butter (optional: traditional or dairy-free), fresh basil, red pepper flakes, garlic, Italian seasoning, olive oil and salt.
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Ground Turkey Enchiladas
This ground turkey enchiladas recipe is a delicious and healthy meal that’s easy to make and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or as a make ahead meal. It’s a time saving main course that uses just a handful of ingredients and is sure to be a new family favorite!
Ingredients: olive oil, onion, ground turkey, salt, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, black beans, cheese, enchilada sauce, tortillas.
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Ground Turkey Pasta (30-Minute Dinner!)
This quick, easy ground turkey pasta comes together quickly in under 30 minutes! Packed with fresh, wholesome veggies like zucchini and carrots that are "hidden" so they melt right into the Italian-style creamy sauce; you will love this easy dinner idea that actually makes ground turkey taste good!
Ingredients: pasta shells, olive oil, salt, onion, zucchini, carrot, ground turkey, garlic, Italian seasoning, marinara sauce, cream cheese.
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Easy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
This healthy ground turkey sweet potato skillet is a fast, easy last minute dinner idea that’s so tasty you’ll want to put into your regular weeknight rotation. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, so keep this one in your backpocket for busy weeks!
Ingredients: ground turkey, sweet potatoes, olive oil, garlic powder, shredded cheese (traditional or dairy-free), baby spinach, chipotle honey vinaigrette and salt.
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20-Minute Ground Turkey Taco Skillet (w/ Beans & Corn)
Solve dinner tonight with this quick & easy turkey taco skillet! Made with ground turkey, beans and corn, it’s a flavorful and filling protein-packed meal that comes together in just 20 minutes. Trust me, this is one is a family dinner win you'll want to make on repeat!
Ingredients: ground turkey, onion, garlic powder, cumin, canned black beans, canned fire-roasted tomatoes, frozen corn, olive oil and salt.
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Ground Turkey + Green Bean Skillet (20-Minute Dinner!)
This ground turkey and green beans skillet with sauce comes together in 20 minutes using one pan! It's savory, satisfying, and packed full of Asian-inspired My top tip? Double this quick and easy recipe. You'll want leftovers!
Ingredients: ground turkey (light or dark meat), green beans, garlic, ginger, honey, chicken stock, lime juice (or rice wine vinegar), tamari, arrowroot powder, olive oil, and salt.
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Summer Ground Turkey Tacos (with Sweet Corn Salsa!)
These super tasty ground turkey tacos take just 20-minutes to make, and are full of simple, yet super-flavorful, fresh ingredients. Paired with a ultra-fast homemade sweet corn salsa, this is a easy dinner idea that will fill you up without weighing you down!
Ingredients: olive oil, ground turkey, cumin, mild chili powder, garlic powder, salt, tomatillo salsa, corn tortillas, corn, red onion, lime juice, cilantro.
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Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef
This hearty and easy stuffed shells with ground beef recipe is the perfect make ahead meal that the whole family will love!
Ingredients: jumbo pasta shells, ground beef, garlic, onion, salt, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, egg, spinach, Italian cheese blend, parmesan cheese
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Southwest Beef & Sweet Potato Skillet (1-Pan Dinner!)
This easy Southwest Beef & Sweet Potato Skillet is a super simple and flavorful weeknight meal made in just one pan with ground beef, sweet potatoes, and simple spices. It's a one-pan dinner you'll want on your repeat list!
Ingredients: ground beef, sweet potato, canned diced tomatoes, mild chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, water, baby spinach, lime juice, olive oil, and salt.
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Best EASY Fish Tacos (w/ Slaw!)
If you’re craving fish tacos that are fresh, flavorful, and doable for a busy weeknight, this recipe is for you! Made with flaky white fish, crunchy slaw, creamy sauce, and warm tortillas; it includes easy steps for light, quick, foolproof fish tacos for real life!
Ingredients: white fish (like rockfish, cod or tilapia), purple cabbage, lime juice, avocado, green onions, mayonnaise (or plain yogurt), honey, olive oil, cumin, mild chili powder, garlic powder, ground black pepper and salt.
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Quick Salmon Fish Tacos (w/ Easy Slaw!)
Making salmon fish tacos at home couldn't be easier or more delicious! With a quick 10 minute trip under the broiler, the salmon cooks perfectly while you whip up a creamy, crunchy homemade cabbage slaw. A light & fresh take on taco night you'll want to make on repeat!
Ingredients: salmon, cabbage, tortillas (or grain-free wraps or lettuce wraps), mayonnaise (or plain Greek yogurt), lime juice, and salt.
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20-Minute Tuna Pesto Pasta (w/ Canned Tuna)
Yes, tuna and pesto do go together and make a lovely combination in this tuna pesto pasta! A satisfying and wholesome meal that comes together easily in just 20-minutes using canned tuna and bail pesto.
Ingredients: pesto, pasta, tuna.
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Easy Chicken Vegetable Soup + High Protein Dinner Ideas
Servings: 6 servings
This easy, high protein chicken vegetable soup recipe is simple to make with easy to find ingredients, yet tastes like it’s from your favorite restaurant. Includes stovetop and slow cooker instructions, too! Plus 60+ high protein dinner recipes.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup chopped carrot, about 1 large
- ½ cup chopped celery, about 2 stalks
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 2 cups peeled, chopped Russet potatoes (about 1 large)
- 1 15- oz can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 quart chicken stock
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken tenders, or boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced into strips, or boneless skinless chicken thighs sliced into strips, or 2 cups shredded cooked rotisserie chicken
To Add at the End:
- 2 cups chopped green beans, fresh or frozen, defrosted
- 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen, defrosted
- 1 cup peas, fresh or frozen, defrosted
Optional Serving Suggestions:
- Fresh basil, fresh parsley, parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, extra virgin olive oil for drizzling, crusty bread
Equipment
Instructions
Stovetop Instructions
- To a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften, about 3 minutes.
- Add the carrot and celery, stirring to combine. Sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon salt and the garlic powder, then cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until slightly softened, stirring occasionally.
- Add the tomato paste, stirring until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the potatoes, diced tomatoes, bay leaf, remaining 1 teaspoon salt and chicken, stirring to combine.
- Add the stock, cover, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook, covered, for 15-25 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Uncover and remove the chicken to a cutting board. Add the green beans to the pot, and stir.
- Shred chicken with two forks, or chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Turn off the heat, then add back the chicken, along with adding the corn and peas, stirring to combine. Taste and add additional salt if desired.
Slow Cooker Instructions
- To a 6-quart slow cooker, add the onion, carrot, celery, potato, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaf, garlic powder, stock, salt, and chicken, stirring to combine.
- Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 7-8, until the potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked through. Do not uncover during this time.
- Uncover and remove the chicken to a cutting board. Add the green beans to the slow cooker, and stir and cover.
- Shred chicken with two forks, or chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Turn off the heat, then add back the chicken, along with adding the corn and peas, stirring to combine. Taste and add additional salt if desired.
Notes
Nutrition information calculated using boneless skinless chicken tenders and without the optional serving suggestions listed above.
Nutrition Information:
Serving: 1 (of 6), Calories: 300kcal, Carbohydrates: 29g, Protein: 32g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 73mg, Sodium: 676mg, Potassium: 1255mg, Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 9g, Vitamin A: 4258IU, Vitamin C: 30mg, Calcium: 80mg, Iron: 3mg
Did you make this recipe?If you do, be sure to share it on Instagram and tag me at @realfoodwholelife so I can see!
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Easiest way to get protein and veggies. YUM!
I agree, Colette, this is such a great protein dinner idea and so easy, too! Thanks so much for leaving a review!