Chicken Alfredo with Zucchini Noodles (Printable View)
Tender chicken and fresh zucchini noodles meet a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce in this comforting Italian-inspired meal, lightened for health.
# Ingredient List:
→ Poultry
01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.1 pounds)
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Zucchini Noodles
05 - 4 medium zucchini (about 1.8 pounds), spiralized
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Alfredo Sauce
07 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
08 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1 cup heavy cream
10 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 2 ounces)
11 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Garnishes
13 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
14 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese for serving
# How to Prepare:
01 - Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, pressing the seasoning into the meat.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken breasts and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
03 - Wipe the skillet clean if necessary. Return to medium heat and add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
04 - Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to combine with the garlic. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Add Parmesan cheese, nutmeg if using, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
05 - Add spiralized zucchini noodles and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the sauce. Toss gently with tongs to coat evenly. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until just tender but still crisp—do not overcook or the noodles will become watery.
06 - Return sliced chicken to the skillet and toss gently to coat with sauce and noodles. Heat through for 1 to 2 minutes. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- You get all the decadent flavor of a classic Alfredo without that heavy, post-meal slump.
- It's incredibly quick to pull together, making it perfect for those busy evenings when you still want a homemade meal.
02 -
- The biggest lesson I learned was to never, ever overcook your zucchini noodles; they'll turn into a watery mess and lose their delightful texture.
- Using freshly grated Parmesan is truly transformative for the sauce's texture and flavor; it's worth the extra minute.
03 -
- Always let your chicken rest after cooking; it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is tender and moist.
- For perfectly uniform zucchini noodles, invest in a good quality spiralizer; it makes all the difference in presentation and cooking consistency.