Description
A creamy, garlicky, and comforting 15-minute weeknight dinner that uses zucchini noodles instead of pasta. This low-carb, gluten-free friendly meal is kid-approved and ready in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 large zucchini (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for drawing out moisture)
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Spiralize or peel zucchini into noodles. Place in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture. Firmly squeeze zucchini with hands or a clean towel to remove as much liquid as possible.
- Pat chicken pieces dry and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken in a single layer for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Stir and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove skillet from heat. Gradually add grated Parmesan, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. If too thick, add a splash of milk or cream.
- Add the squeezed zucchini noodles and cooked chicken back into the skillet. Toss gently over low heat for 1-2 minutes until zucchini is warmed through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately topped with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs.
Notes
Key tips: Squeeze the zucchini thoroughly to prevent a watery sauce. Always remove the pan from heat before adding cheese to prevent graininess. Use freshly grated Parmesan, as pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Zucchini cooks quickly, so add it at the very end to avoid mushiness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 35
Keywords: low-carb, zucchini noodles, chicken alfredo, healthy weeknight dinner, gluten-free, keto-friendly, 15-minute meals, comfort food