Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish delivers all the creamy goodness of Alfredo, but with a lighter, guilt-free twist. The zucchini noodles soak up the rich sauce, while the chicken adds a satisfying protein boost. The garlic and Parmesan create the perfect flavor base, and this recipe is quick and easy, taking only 30 minutes to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb meal or simply want to enjoy a lighter version of a classic, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 medium fresh zucchinis (spiralized or sliced into noodles)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Prep Your Ingredients
Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces, spiralize the zucchinis to create noodles, and grate the Parmesan cheese.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
3. Sauté Garlic
Lower the heat slightly and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Add Zoodles
Toss the zucchini noodles into the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the noodles are slightly soft but still crisp. You want them to retain a bit of texture so they don’t become too mushy.
5. Create the Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and gently simmer, stirring to combine. Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is melted, smooth, and creamy.
6. Combine and Serve
Mix everything together, ensuring the chicken and zucchini noodles are well coated in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Add Vegetables: For extra flavor and nutrients, consider adding spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes to the skillet along with the garlic.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
- Different Cheese: Try adding a bit of mozzarella or Gruyère for a richer cheese flavor.
- Chicken Alternatives: Swap the chicken for shrimp or even grilled turkey breast for a different protein option.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the dish in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use regular pasta instead of zucchini noodles?
Yes, you can use regular pasta if you prefer. Just cook it according to the package instructions, then toss it into the sauce instead of the zucchini noodles.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make this dish dairy-free, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative for the Parmesan.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
This dish is best served fresh, as the zucchini noodles can release moisture if stored for too long. However, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and then assemble and cook the noodles when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use pre-made zucchini noodles?
Yes, you can use store-bought zucchini noodles if you’re short on time. Just make sure to cook them as directed and avoid overcooking them.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a bit more Parmesan cheese, or simmer the sauce for a few extra minutes to reduce it and concentrate the flavors.
Conclusion
This Creamy Zucchini Noodle Chicken Alfredo is the perfect lighter take on a classic dish. With its rich, velvety sauce and healthy zucchini noodles, it’s a satisfying meal that won’t leave you feeling weighed down. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, this dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special treat for your family and friends. Enjoy this guilt-free comfort food with all the creamy goodness and none of the carbs!
Creamy Zucchini Noodle Chicken Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Zucchini Noodle Chicken Alfredo is a lighter take on the classic, replacing pasta with zucchini noodles for a healthier dish. Tender chicken, a creamy Parmesan sauce, and garlic make this a quick and indulgent meal, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
2 medium fresh zucchinis (spiralized or sliced into noodles)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic (minced)
2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces, spiralize the zucchinis to create noodles, and grate the Parmesan cheese.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Lower the heat slightly and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, until slightly soft but still crisp. You want them to retain a bit of texture.
- Pour in the heavy cream and gently simmer, stirring to combine. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Mix everything together, ensuring the chicken and zucchini noodles are well coated in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately.
Notes
Add spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes to the skillet for extra flavor and nutrients.
For a spicy twist, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Try substituting mozzarella or Gruyère cheese for a richer flavor.
For a different protein, swap the chicken for shrimp or grilled turkey breast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
