Protein Veggie Packed Zucchini Noodle Chicken Alfredo (Printable)

Creamy Alfredo sauce with tender chicken and fresh vegetables over zucchini noodles for a high-protein, low-carb twist on the classic Italian-American favorite.

# What You Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.1 pounds), cut into strips

→ Vegetables

02 - 4 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles
03 - 1 cup broccoli florets
04 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
05 - 1 cup baby spinach
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Sauce

07 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
08 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
09 - 1 cup light cream or half-and-half
10 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
11 - 1/4 cup low-fat cream cheese
12 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Garnish

13 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
14 - Extra Parmesan cheese for serving

# How-To Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken strips with salt and pepper, then sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
02 - Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
03 - Add broccoli florets and sliced red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until vegetables are just tender-crisp.
04 - Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour in light cream and stir in cream cheese until completely melted and smooth, forming a consistent base.
05 - Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated and sauce reaches desired creamy consistency. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
06 - Gently fold in zucchini noodles and baby spinach. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, tossing frequently until noodles are just tender and spinach is wilted. Avoid overcooking to prevent sogginess.
07 - Return cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined and heated through. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese.

# Helpful Tips:

01 -
  • You get all the creamy comfort of classic Alfredo without the heavy pasta crash that follows
  • The protein to veggie ratio keeps you full for hours while feeling surprisingly fresh
  • Everything cooks in one skillet, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal
02 -
  • Overcooking zucchini noodles turns them into a watery disappointment, so watch them closely once they hit the pan
  • The sauce continues thickening off the heat, so remove it slightly earlier than you think is necessary
  • Room temperature cream cheese incorporates smoothly without creating stubborn lumps in your sauce
03 -
  • Spiralize the zucchini by hand rather than buying pre-spiralized noodles, which tend to be waterlogged
  • Pat your zucchini noodles with paper towels before cooking to remove excess moisture
  • Use a microplane for the garlic to ensure it disappears into the sauce without any harsh bits

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