One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Zoodles are the perfect solution when you’re craving comfort food without the carb overload. This delicious dish combines tender chicken, spiralized zucchini, and a rich garlic cream sauce that comes together in just one pan. As someone always on the lookout for quick healthy dinner recipes, I’ve found this meal to be a game-changer for busy weeknights when you want something nutritious yet satisfying.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish offers a balanced combination of protein from the chicken, vegetables from the zucchini, and healthy fats from the olive oil and cream. By substituting traditional pasta with zucchini noodles, you dramatically reduce the carbohydrate content while increasing your vegetable intake.
| Nutrition | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 325 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Sodium | 380mg |
| Calcium | 85mg |
| Iron | 1.5mg |
Ingredients & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Role | Possible Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 lb boneless chicken breast | Main protein source | Chicken thighs, turkey breast, or tofu for vegetarian option |
| 4 medium zucchini, spiralized | Low-carb pasta alternative | Yellow squash, butternut squash, or regular pasta if not watching carbs |
| 6 cloves garlic, minced | Flavor base | Garlic powder (1 tsp), shallots, or garlic paste |
| 1 cup chicken broth | Creates sauce base | Vegetable broth, bone broth, or water with bouillon |
| ½ cup heavy cream | Creates creamy texture | Half and half, coconut cream, or cashew cream |
| 2 Tbsp olive oil | For sautéing | Avocado oil, butter, or ghee |
| ½ cup grated parmesan cheese | Flavor and thickening | Pecorino Romano, nutritional yeast, or cream cheese |
| 1 tsp Italian seasoning | Flavor enhancement | Herbs de Provence, oregano, or basil and thyme |
| Salt and pepper to taste | Seasoning | Garlic salt, seasoned salt, or lemon pepper |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | Adds heat | Cayenne pepper, fresh chili, or black pepper |
Equipment Needed
– Large skillet or sauté pan with lid
– Spiralizer or vegetable peeler
– Cutting board and knife
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
– Tongs for handling chicken
– Cheese grater (if using block parmesan)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the zucchini noodles: Spiralize the zucchini into noodles (zoodles). If you don’t have a spiralizer, use a vegetable peeler to create ribbon-like strands. Place the zoodles on paper towels and sprinkle with a little salt to draw out excess moisture. Let sit for 15 minutes, then pat dry.
2. Season and cook the chicken: Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Create the garlic base: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Build the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan to release any flavorful bits. Bring to a simmer and let reduce by about ⅓, approximately 3-4 minutes.
5. Add the cream: Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream and remaining Italian seasoning. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Incorporate the cheese: Add the grated parmesan cheese and stir until melted and incorporated into the sauce.
7. Return chicken to the pan: Add the cooked chicken back to the pan, stirring to coat in the sauce.
8. Cook the zoodles: Add the drained zucchini noodles to the pan, tossing gently to coat with the sauce. Cover and cook for just 2-3 minutes until the zoodles are slightly tender but still have some bite. For One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Zoodles, it’s important not to overcook the zucchini or it will release too much water and dilute your sauce.
9. Final seasoning: Taste and adjust seasonings with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Turn off heat.
10. Serve: Portion into bowls and garnish with additional parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs if desired. This quick healthy dinner recipe is best served immediately while hot.
Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
– Watery sauce? If your sauce becomes too thin after adding the zoodles, remove the lid and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to evaporate excess moisture.
– Too thick? Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to thin it out.
– Make it dairy-free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.
– Meal prep tip: Spiralize zucchini in advance and store in the refrigerator separated by paper towels to absorb moisture.
– Extra protein: Add cooked bacon bits or Italian sausage for additional flavor and protein.
– Veggie boost: Toss in some cherry tomatoes, spinach, or mushrooms in step 7 for added nutrition and flavor.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
– Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
– Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water. Microwave reheating is not ideal as it may make the zoodles too soft.
– Freezing: Not recommended as zucchini noodles become mushy when frozen and thawed.
– Make-ahead components: You can prepare the chicken and sauce up to 2 days ahead, refrigerate, and then reheat before adding fresh zoodles when ready to serve.
– Packed lunches: If taking for lunch, store the zoodles separate from the sauce and chicken, then combine just before heating.
Conclusion
One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Zoodles offer the perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition in one convenient dish. This low-carb alternative to traditional pasta provides all the comfort of a creamy pasta dish while keeping your meal light and nutritious. Whether you’re following a specific eating plan or simply looking for quick healthy dinner recipes to add to your rotation, this versatile recipe delivers on flavor without compromising your health goals.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and adaptability—customize it with your favorite proteins, adjust the creaminess to your preference, or add different vegetables based on what’s in season. With just one pot to clean afterward, it’s as convenient as it is delicious!
FAQ
Can I use regular pasta instead of zucchini noodles?
Yes! Simply cook pasta separately according to package directions, then add to the sauce. You’ll need to adjust cooking times and may want to add a little pasta water to the sauce.
How can I prevent my zoodles from getting soggy?
Don’t overcook them—2-3 minutes is usually sufficient. Also, salting and draining them before cooking helps remove excess moisture.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, with approximately 8g of carbs per serving, this recipe works well for ketogenic diets.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with mushrooms, tofu, or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What sides go well with this dish?
A simple green salad, garlic bread (for non-low-carb diets), or quick healthy dinner recipes like roasted vegetables complement this dish nicely.
Can I add more vegetables to the dish?
Yes! Bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes would make excellent additions. Add them when you return the chicken to the pan.
How spicy is this dish?
The recipe as written is very mild. Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preference for heat.
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