Creamy Chicken and Zucchini Zoodles

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Enjoy a healthy twist on a classic dish with these Creamy Chicken and Zucchini Zoodles, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-16T19:30:18.316Z

This creamy chicken and zucchini zoodles dish combines the richness of cream with the fresh taste of zucchini, making it a deliciously healthy meal option.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Rich and creamy sauce that complements the tender chicken
  • Low-carb alternative to traditional pasta with zoodles
  • Quick and easy to prepare for busy weeknights

A Healthy Alternative to Pasta

If you're looking to cut back on carbs without sacrificing flavor, zucchini noodles, or zoodles, are the perfect solution. They provide a light, refreshing base for your favorite pasta dishes while delivering essential nutrients. Zoodles are low in calories and high in vitamins, making them a fantastic choice for anyone watching their diet.

In this Creamy Chicken and Zucchini Zoodles recipe, the zoodles soak up the rich sauce, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. This makes the dish not only satisfying but also guilt-free. By incorporating zoodles, you can enjoy a comforting meal that aligns with your health goals.

Quick and Effortless Weeknight Dinner

Busy weeknights can make cooking a challenge, but this recipe offers a quick and easy solution. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a delicious and nutritious meal on the table in under 30 minutes. The simplicity of this recipe makes it ideal for families and individuals alike.

By using one skillet, cleanup is a breeze, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal and less time in the kitchen. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting, this dish is designed to fit seamlessly into your evening routine.

Customizable for Your Taste

One of the best aspects of this Creamy Chicken and Zucchini Zoodles recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or spinach, to the mix. This not only enhances the flavor but also boosts the nutritional profile of your meal.

Feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian option. The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with various proteins, making it a flexible recipe that can cater to different dietary needs and preferences.

Ingredients

Ingredients

For the creamy sauce and chicken

  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the zoodles

  • 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Make sure to spiralize the zucchini just before cooking to keep them fresh!

Instructions

Instructions

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.

Remove from the pan and set aside.

Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Combine Ingredients

Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir until well coated with the creamy sauce. Mix in the spiralized zucchini and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the zoodles are tender but not mushy.

Serve

Remove from heat, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil before serving. Enjoy your delicious and healthy Creamy Chicken and Zucchini Zoodles!

Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture!

Tips for Perfect Zoodles

When making zoodles, it's essential to avoid overcooking them. To maintain their crunch, sauté them for just a few minutes until they're tender yet still retain some bite. This ensures that they complement the creamy sauce without becoming mushy, preserving the dish's overall texture.

For the best results, choose firm zucchinis that are not overly ripe. They should be smooth and free of blemishes. If you don't have a spiralizer, you can also use a vegetable peeler to create thin ribbons or julienne them with a knife for a different presentation.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store the creamy chicken and zoodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to three days. However, keep in mind that the zoodles may release some moisture, so the dish might not be as creamy upon reheating.

To reheat, simply warm the dish in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to the pan to revive the sauce. Stir gently until heated through, ensuring the zoodles maintain their texture while absorbing the flavors.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other vegetables instead of zucchini?

Yes, you can substitute zucchini with other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for a different twist.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses zucchini instead of traditional pasta.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and skip the cheese for a dairy-free option.

Creamy Chicken and Zucchini Zoodles

Enjoy a healthy twist on a classic dish with these Creamy Chicken and Zucchini Zoodles, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time35 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the creamy sauce and chicken

  1. 1 lb chicken breast, diced
  2. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 1 cup heavy cream
  5. 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  6. Salt and pepper to taste

For the zoodles

  1. 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized
  2. 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  3. Fresh basil for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 02

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 03

Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir until well coated with the creamy sauce. Mix in the spiralized zucchini and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the zoodles are tender but not mushy.

Step 04

Remove from heat, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil before serving. Enjoy your delicious and healthy Creamy Chicken and Zucchini Zoodles!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Total Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 130mg
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 30g