Chicken Alfredo Zucchini Noodles: A Delicious & Healthy Recipe
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 4 medium zucchini, ends trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Red pepper flakes
- Prepare the Chicken Breasts: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them with a meat mallet until they are about 1/2 inch thick.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken breasts.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165u00b0F (74u00b0C).
- Rest and Slice the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the Zucchini: Wash and dry the zucchini. Trim off the ends. Use a spiralizer, vegetable peeler, or mandoline to create the zucchini noodles.
- Cook the Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
- Sautu00e9 the Zucchini Noodles: Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss to coat them with the garlic-infused oil. Sautu00e9 for about 3-5 minutes, or until the zucchini noodles are tender-crisp.
- Season the Zucchini Noodles: Season the zucchini noodles with salt and pepper to taste. Toss to combine.
- Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Sautu00e9 the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
- Add the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Simmer and Thicken: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add the Parmesan Cheese: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and nutmeg. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season the Sauce: Season the Alfredo sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Combine the Ingredients: Add the cooked zucchini noodles and sliced chicken to the saucepan with the Alfredo sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Heat Through: Return the saucepan to low heat and cook for a minute or two, or until everything is heated through.
- Serve: Serve the Chicken Alfredo Zucchini Noodles immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a nice touch of heat.