Keto & Low-Carb
Keto Chicken Alfredo Zoodles
Zucchini noodles stand in for pasta in this rich, garlicky alfredo, keeping the dish genuinely low-carb without sacrificing the creamy, parmesan-heavy sauce the dish is loved for. The key is cooking the zoodles briefly and separately so they don't water down the sauce.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Genuinely low-carb without sacrificing creaminess
- Zucchini noodles cook in minutes
- Rich, garlicky parmesan sauce
- Naturally gluten-free
Ingredients
Full ingredient list below — check off items as you shop or cook.
Instructions
- Toss the zucchini noodles with 1/2 tsp salt and let them sit in a colander for 10-15 minutes to release excess water, then pat dry with paper towels.
- Season the diced chicken with the remaining salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Remove to a plate.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the garlic, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk in the parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Return the chicken to the sauce, then add the zucchini noodles and toss gently for 1-2 minutes, just until warmed through and slightly softened.
- Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Tips for success
- Salting the zucchini noodles and letting them drain is essential — skipping this step leads to a watery, thin sauce.
- Add the zoodles at the very end and toss only briefly; overcooking turns them mushy and releases even more water.
- Use a good-quality, finely grated parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
- This dish is best served immediately, since zucchini noodles continue to release water as they sit.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my zucchini alfredo watery?
Zucchini releases a lot of water as it cooks; salting and draining the noodles beforehand, and adding them only at the very end, both help minimize this.
Can I use a different low-carb noodle?
Yes, spaghetti squash or shirataki noodles both work as alternatives to zucchini.
Can I make the sauce ahead and add the zoodles later?
Yes, the alfredo sauce and chicken can be made ahead and reheated; add fresh zucchini noodles just before serving.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, it's naturally low in carbs and high in fat, making it well-suited to a keto diet.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 428 |
| Protein | 34g |
| Carbs | 8g |
| Fat | 30g |
| Sodium | 680mg |
| Sugar | 4g |
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary based on exact ingredients and brands used.
You might also like
Keto & Low-CarbKeto Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
Keto garlic butter chicken thighs are proof that low-carb dinners don't have to be boring: a ric…
Keto & Low-CarbKeto Chicken Parmesan
An almond flour and parmesan coating replaces traditional breadcrumbs in this keto chicken parme…
Keto & Low-CarbKeto Chicken Casserole
This keto chicken casserole skips the usual pasta or rice filler entirely, leaning on broccoli, …