21 High Protein Thanksgiving Recipes for Families

By Karolina Miles reviewed by Brenda Peralta, RD

on Oct 24, 2025

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Thanksgiving is one of the most beautiful celebrations there is, and I love all those delicious comforting meals to serve.

So, I thought I’d show you just the Thanksgiving dishes I like to serve that are also high-protein.

21 High Protein Thanksgiving Recipes for Families

From creamy high protein pastas to high protein casseroles that are super easy to share. I’ve got them all, enjoy!

1. Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Spice up your fall dinner with this bold and satisfying pasta dish. The Cajun seasoning blend creates layers of smoky heat that gradually build up with each bite you take.

But the cream sauce creates the perfect base to create a harmonious sauce.

The result is a restaurant-quality meal that brings something different to your next family dinner.

Per Serving:

Calories: 745
Fats: 49g
Protein: 34g
Carbs: 42g
Fiber: 2.8g
Sugar: 5g

2. Creamy Chicken in Parmesan Sauce

This creamy chicken transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into something special. The succulent chicken breasts are bathed in a rich Parmesan cream sauce that’s infused with garlic, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes.

Each serving delivers 27 grams of protein, and after one bite, you’ll family will think that you spent hours cooking this delicious meal. But we will both know it took less than 30 minutes to prepare.

Per Serving:

Calories: 409
Fats: 28g
Protein: 27g
Carbs: 13g
Fiber: 2.7g
Sugar: 2.2g

3. Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes

Can you think of something better than the combination of pesto and tomatoes? This recipe elevates this traditional pairing into a luxurious experience.

The roasted tomatoes become sweet, while the pesto gives a delicious, earthy taste. And, those flavors are all soaked in the tasty chicken.

Per Serving:

Calories: 642
Fats: 43g
Protein: 50g
Carbs: 13g
Fiber: 2.6g
Sugar: 5.5g

4. Chicken Parmesan Casserole

This deconstructed version of chicken parm is a great way to treat your family with this delicious recipe, without having to spend hours and hours in the kitchen.

The tender chicken combines with pasta and rich tomato sauce, all topped with melted cheese. This is the ultimate comfort food experience.

Per Serving:

Calories: 503
Fats: 11g
Protein: 37g
Carbs: 61g
Fiber: 4.6g
Sugar: 7.7g

5. Slow Cooker Protein Chili

Nothing says fall comfort food like a hearty bowl of chili. This high-protein version delivers all the warm spices and rich flavors you expect, but with 39 grams of protein per serving.

What makes this chili apart is the addition of cocoa powder. Yes, I know it may sound unusual but it adds depth and richness that just elevates this dish.

Per Serving:

Calories: 471
Fats: 15g
Protein: 39g
Carbs: 50g
Fiber: 17g
Sugar: 12g

6. Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo

The intense flavor of sun-dried tomatoes elevates this creamy chicken and orzo dish into something that is truly special. Each serving gives you 40 grams of protein while delivering impressive flavors.

This recipe is a great way to show that quality ingredients can create maximum impact. I recommend using this recipe when you want to impress but only have 30 minutes to cook.

Per Serving:

Calories: 618
Fats: 54g
Protein: 40g
Carbs: 54g
Fiber: 4.6g
Sugar: 9.4g

7. Mediterranean Stuffed Salmon

Want to impress your dinner guests? This elegant recipe is great when you want something fancy without taking too much time cooking.

In less than 40 minutes, you’ll have a meal that combines delicious Mediterranean flavors. The salmon, feta cheese, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning all come together to create a meal that both adults and children are going to enjoy.

Per Serving:

Calories: 234
Fats: 11g
Protein: 29g
Carbs: 5.1g
Fiber: 1.4g
Sugar: 0.9g

8. Chicken Meatballs with Orzo

These tender chicken meatballs are mixed with creamy orzo. The result is the ultimate Italian-inspired comfort food.

What I love is the combination of flavors. The meatballs stay incredibly moist, while the orzo makes the perfect base to soak up all the delicious flavors.

Per Serving:

Calories: 551
Fats: 25g
Protein: 28g
Carbs: 54g
Fiber: 2.7g
Sugar: 3.1g

9. Prawn Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Take your family into a Mediterranean bistro with this one-pan meal. The combination of prawns, creamy orzo, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes creates a sophisticated flavor that feels both indulgent and nutritious.

This dish proves that high protein doesn’t have to be complicated. Everything cooks in one pan. So, it’s not just easy cooking, but also easy cleaning.

Per Serving:

Calories: 676
Fats: 35g
Protein: 36g
Carbs: 56g
Fiber: 4.4g
Sugar: 6.9g

10. Mexican Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet

This vibrant one-pan meal combines the earthy sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with bold Mexican flavors and tender chicken. Not only does it provide 41 grams of protein, but its high fiber content can help you stay full for a long time.

The combination of spices creates warmth and depth that just screams autumn. And, what better season to use sweet potatoes than fall?

Per Serving:

Calories: 454
Fats: 13g
Protein: 41g
Carbs: 45g
Fiber: 14g
Sugar: 7.5g

11. Creamy Dijon Pork Chops

Who says elegant has to be complicated? The creamy Dijon sauce creates a sophisticated flavor that transforms simple pork chops into a restaurant experience.

This dish provides 27 grams of protein per serving and is so rich that you won’t be able to stop at just one bite.

Per Serving:

Calories: 618
Fats: 55g
Protein: 27g
Carbs: 6.1g
Fiber: 1.2g
Sugar: 2.3g

12. Baked Tuscan Chicken

The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and creamy sauce creates layers of flavor that develop beautifully as it bakes. The best thing is that this recipe provides 32 grams of protein per serving.

Also, this is another one-pan wonder, making it perfect for busy families who want impressive results without having a complicated cleanup duty.

Per Serving:

Calories: 471
Fats: 32g
Protein: 32g
Carbs: 17g
Fiber: 3.3g
Sugar: 1.8g

13. Cottage Cheese Pasta

This family-friendly meal delivers 23 grams of protein per serving while keeping the comfort food appeal that everyone craves. The pasta dish uses cottage cheese as a creamy base, and it’s mixed with other ingredients like onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, and marinara sauce.

Since you are using very neutral flavors, this is a great meal when you have to feed both adults and children.

Per Serving:

Calories: 368
Fats: 12g
Protein: 23g
Carbs: 42g
Fiber: 4.2g
Sugar: 8.8g

14. Creamy Ground Beef Orzo

This hearty one-pan meal combines the comfort of ground beef with the sophistication of orzo pasta. The creamy sauce ties everything together, all while delivering you 39 grams of protein.

I love using ground beef since it’s a versatile protein and extremely affordable. This is a meal I normally use when I have to feed my large family.

Per Serving:

Calories: 723
Fats: 38g
Protein: 39g
Carbs: 58g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 9g

15. Stuffed Pepper Casserole

This deconstructed version of stuffed peppers delivers all the beloved flavors but in a convenient casserole dish. The combination of meat, peppers, and rice creates a complete meal that gives you 23 grams of protein per serving.

And, you can easily make this ahead of time, allowing you to spend more time with your family.

Per Serving:

Calories: 386
Fats: 17g
Protein: 23g
Carbs: 35g
Fiber: 3.3g
Sugar: 4.6g

16. Lazy Lasagna Casserole

Imagine making a delicious lasagna but in half the time. This lazy lasagna casserole delivers all the lasagna flavors with significantly less effort.

The combination of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese creates the familiar taste profile everyone loves, but with a whopping 32 grams of protein per serving.

Per Serving:

Calories: 449
Fats: 22g
Protein: 32g
Carbs: 28g
Fiber: 3.9g
Sugar: 9.2g

17. Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole

This creative mix between buffalo chicken and sweet potatoes creates a delicious casserole dish. The recipe delivers 35 grams of protein per serving while providing comfort food satisfaction that families crave.

So, if your family asked you for buffalo chicken wings, but you want a healthier choice. This is your go-to recipe.

Per Serving:

Calories: 443
Fats: 22g
Protein: 35g
Carbs: 29g
Fiber: 6.8g
Sugar: 6.5g

18. Chili Chicken Stir Fry

Quick, nutritious, and packed with vegetables, this stir-fry brings Asian-inspired flavors to your fall dinner rotation. The beauty of this recipe lies in its efficiency, everything comes together in one pan in less than 20 minutes.

For this recipe, you’ll need basic ingredients like bell peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, chicken, chili powder, garlic powder, and avocado oil. This makes it a budget-friendly option to feed large families.

Per Serving:

Calories: 290
Fats: 12g
Protein: 30g
Carbs: 18g
Fiber: 7.3g
Sugar: 8.4g

19. Sweet Potato Black Bean Casserole

This vegetarian-friendly option proves that plant-based meals can be just as satisfying as their meat-based counterparts. The combination of sweet potatoes and black beans creates a recipe that delivers 23 grams of protein per serving.

And, its high fiber content makes it a great option if you want to keep everyone full for hours.

Per Serving:

Calories: 492
Fats: 14g
Protein: 23g
Carbs: 71g
Fiber: 15g
Sugar: 9g

20. Creamy Pork Chops

These pork chops develop incredible tenderness through careful cooking, while the creamy sauce adds richness and depth. The best thing is that it provides 26 grams of protein per serving.

Now, the key to success with this recipe is its cooking. Make sure you don’t overcook the pork, to allow it to stay juicy and tender.

Per Serving: