This creamy chicken Alfredo made with zucchini noodles is a tasty twist on a classic dish. It has all the rich flavors you love but is lighter and gluten-free!
Who knew zucchini could be this fun? I love watching the noodles swirl around my plate. It feels like a party at dinner! 🎉 Serve it right away for the best taste and enjoy every bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchinis: These are the star of the show! They create a wonderful pasta-like texture. If you can’t find zucchinis, you can use yellow squash or even carrots for a different twist.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy and quick to cook. For a quicker option, you could use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken.
Heavy Cream: This gives creaminess to the sauce. For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or even a plant-based cream if needed.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best for flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast as a substitute.
Nutmeg: It’s optional but adds a warm depth to the sauce. If you don’t have it, you can skip it or try a pinch of Italian seasoning for a flavor boost.
How Do You Make Perfect Zucchini Noodles Without Them Getting Soggy?
Making zucchini noodles is fun, but they can get watery if not handled right! Here’s how to avoid that:
- Spiralize or peel your zucchinis and lay them out on paper towels. This helps draw out excess moisture.
- When adding them to the pan, keep cooking time short, only 1-2 minutes, just enough to heat them through. This keeps them from getting mushy.
- Always add zucchini noodles at the end of your cooking process, after the sauce thickens.
With these tips, your zucchini noodles will be just right in this creamy dish! Enjoy your meal! 🍽️
Creamy Zucchini Noodle Chicken Alfredo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 3 medium zucchinis
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless), cut into strips or bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy zucchini noodle chicken Alfredo takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, so you can expect the whole process to take roughly 25 minutes from start to finish. A quick, tasty meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini Noodles:
Using a spiralizer or vegetable peeler, create noodles from the zucchinis. Once done, lay the noodles on paper towels to help drain any excess moisture. This step is crucial to keep your dish from getting soggy.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes until it’s golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant but not burnt. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and nutmeg (if using). Allow the sauce to simmer for about 3-5 minutes while stirring frequently until it slightly thickens.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, tossing it well to coat in the creamy Alfredo sauce. Next, gently add the zucchini noodles to the skillet, carefully mixing everything together. Cook for just 1-2 minutes, allowing the noodles to warm up without becoming mushy.
5. Final Touches:
Give the dish a taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Once everything is well combined and warm, it’s ready to serve!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the creamy zucchini noodle chicken Alfredo immediately on plates, garnished with fresh parsley if you like. Enjoy this delicious, light dinner!
FAQ for Creamy Zucchini Noodle Chicken Alfredo
Can I Use Store-Bought Zucchini Noodles?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, pre-packaged zucchini noodles are a great shortcut. Just make sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package, as they might have a shorter cooking time than homemade noodles.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative. For the cheese, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor without dairy. Just be sure to check labels for any additives if you’re looking for a completely clean option!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat to avoid making the zucchini noodles soggy. You might need to add a splash of cream or broth to loosen up the sauce.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Dish?
Of course! Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli for added nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them along with the chicken or add them to the sauce for a delicious veggie boost!
