If you’re following a keto diet, you already know how important it is to plan meals that are low in carbs, moderate in protein, and high in healthy fats. But when life gets hectic, it can be challenging to stick to your plan without resorting to takeout or carb-heavy meals. The good news? You don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy delicious keto-friendly dinners. Below are 10 easy keto diet dinner recipes for busy weeknights that are tasty, quick, and perfect for those on the go.

1. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs

This delicious recipe is a low-carb lover’s dream. Chicken thighs, rich in flavor and fats, are cooked in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
3. Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Stir in the heavy cream, parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, coating them with the sauce. Cook for another 5 minutes.
6. Garnish with parsley and serve alongside steamed broccoli or cauliflower rice.

2. Keto Beef Stir-Fry

Stir-fries are always a great option when you’re pressed for time. This keto beef stir-fry is loaded with tender beef and colorful vegetables, making it both nutrient-dense and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 1/2 cup bell peppers, sliced
• 1/2 cup broccoli florets
• 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (optional)
• 1 tsp minced ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat coconut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté the garlic, ginger, and vegetables for 3-4 minutes until tender but still crisp.
4. Return the beef to the skillet and pour in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Stir well to coat.
5. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
6. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve over cauliflower rice.

3. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Grilled Shrimp

Zucchini noodles, or “zoodles,” are a low-carb alternative to traditional pasta. Paired with homemade pesto and grilled shrimp, this dish is light, flavorful, and keto-approved.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup olive oil (for pesto)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a grill pan over medium heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side until opaque. Set aside.
2. In a food processor, combine basil, pine nuts, parmesan, garlic, and 1/4 cup olive oil. Blend until smooth. Add salt to taste.
3. In the same pan used for shrimp, quickly sauté the zucchini noodles for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
4. Toss the zoodles with the pesto and grilled shrimp.
5. Serve with lemon wedges.

4. Bacon-Wrapped Salmon

Salmon is a keto superstar thanks to its healthy fats. Wrapping it in bacon not only elevates the flavor but also boosts its fat content, making it perfect for a keto dinner.

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 8 slices of bacon
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh dill for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Wrap each fillet with two slices of bacon, ensuring the ends are tucked underneath.
4. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear the salmon for 2-3 minutes on each side until the bacon is crispy.
5. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.
6. Garnish with fresh dill and serve with a side of asparagus.

5. Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet

This one-pan dish is incredibly simple and hearty, combining savory ground beef with tender cabbage for a low-carb comfort food option.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 head cabbage, shredded
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
4. Add the cabbage and paprika, cooking for 5-7 minutes until the cabbage is tender.
5. Stir in the cooked ground beef and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese (optional) and let it melt before serving.

6. Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Missing mac and cheese on your keto journey? This cauliflower version offers all the creamy, cheesy goodness without the carbs.

Ingredients:

• 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup cream cheese
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan
• 1 tsp mustard powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Steam the cauliflower florets until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
2. In a separate saucepan, heat the heavy cream over low heat. Stir in the cream cheese, cheddar, and parmesan until melted and smooth.
3. Add the mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Toss the steamed cauliflower with the cheese sauce until fully coated.
5. Serve warm and enjoy a keto-friendly twist on a classic.

7. Keto Chicken Alfredo

Rich, creamy, and absolutely indulgent, this keto chicken alfredo recipe replaces pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash to keep it low-carb.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized (or 1 spaghetti squash, cooked)

Instructions:

1. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken breasts and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened.
4. Stir in the parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
6. Serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a satisfying keto meal.

8. Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

When you’re craving something light yet filling, these avocado chicken salad lettuce wraps hit the spot. They’re packed with healthy fats and perfect for a quick dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded
• 2 ripe avocados, mashed
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Romaine lettuce leaves for wrapping

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mashed avocado, mayonnaise, lime juice, and cilantro.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Scoop the chicken salad into romaine lettuce leaves and wrap tightly.
4. Serve with a side of keto-friendly salsa or guacamole.

9. Egg Roll in a Bowl

This deconstructed egg roll skips the wrapper but keeps all the delicious flavors. It’s an easy, one-pan keto dinner that can be made in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground pork
• 1/2 head cabbage, shredded
• 1 small carrot, shredded
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground pork over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in the cabbage, carrot, and soy sauce. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
4. Drizzle with sesame oil and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
5. Serve hot for a quick and flavorful keto meal.

10. Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zoodles

This simple shrimp dish is bursting with flavor thanks to the garlic butter sauce. Paired with zucchini noodles, it’s a light yet satisfying keto dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
2. Add the shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they turn pink. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, heat the olive oil and sauté the zucchini noodles for 2-3 minutes until tender.
4. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat with the zoodles.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with parsley before serving.

Conclusion

These 10 easy keto dinner recipes are perfect for busy weeknights when time is limited, but you still want to stick to your low-carb, high-fat diet. From creamy chicken dishes to light seafood options, each recipe is quick to prepare, delicious, and keeps you on track with your keto goals. Happy cooking!