Zucchini Zoodles With Chicken and Basil
Welcome to a delightful and healthy dish that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner! Our Zucchini Zoodles with Chicken and Basil recipe combines tender chicken fillets with creamy coconut milk, fresh basil, and juicy tomatoes, all served on top of flavorful zucchini noodles, also known as zoodles. This quick, easy-to-make meal is bursting with fresh flavors and is low in carbs, making it ideal for those following a ketogenic or paleo diet.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Serving Size: 3 servings
Difficulty: Medium
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
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Chicken fillets, cubed | 2 fillets (about 1 pound) |
Ghee | 2 tablespoons |
Tomatoes, diced | 1 pound |
Fresh basil, chopped | 1 cup |
Coconut milk | 1 cup |
Garlic clove, peeled and minced | 1 clove |
Zucchini, shredded into zoodles | 2 medium zucchinis |
Allergen Information
- Contains: Dairy-free (no butter, cream, or cheese), gluten-free (ideal for those with gluten sensitivities), and nut-free.
- Caution: Always check your ghee for trace ingredients, especially if you are sensitive to milk products.
Dietary Preferences
- Paleo: This recipe uses coconut milk and ghee, making it paleo-friendly.
- Low-carb/Keto: Zucchini noodles offer a healthy alternative to traditional pasta, keeping the carbs in check while still providing a satisfying meal.
- Dairy-free: This recipe avoids dairy and instead uses coconut milk for a creamy texture.
Instructions
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Sauté the Chicken: Start by heating the ghee in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken fillets and sauté until they’re fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
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Add the Tomatoes: Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the diced tomatoes and season the mixture with a pinch of salt. Allow the tomatoes to simmer, stirring occasionally. As the tomatoes cook, they will release their juices, creating a flavorful base for the sauce. Let the liquid reduce for a few minutes to thicken up.
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Prepare Zoodles: While the chicken and tomatoes are cooking, shred your zucchinis into zoodles using a food processor or a spiralizer. You can also use a vegetable peeler for wider ribbons, but thin zoodles tend to mimic pasta the best!
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Add the Creamy Sauce: To the chicken and tomato mixture, add the minced garlic, chopped basil, and coconut milk. Stir everything together, and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the coconut milk to thicken and blend into the sauce, creating a creamy, flavorful coating.
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Combine and Serve: In a large bowl, place half of your zucchini zoodles. Top them with the creamy, basil-infused chicken mixture. Toss lightly to combine the zoodles with the sauce, ensuring that every noodle is coated with the delicious chicken and creamy basil sauce.
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Garnish and Enjoy!: For a finishing touch, garnish with extra fresh basil or a sprinkle of chili flakes if you like a little heat. Serve immediately and enjoy the perfect balance of fresh vegetables, protein, and creamy goodness!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 540
- Fat: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Protein: 59g
Tips & Advice
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Customizing Zoodles: If you prefer your zucchini zoodles to be a little softer, you can lightly sauté them in the same skillet with a bit of ghee or olive oil for a couple of minutes before serving. This will make them more tender and resemble traditional pasta more closely.
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Add More Veggies: Feel free to add extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition. These vegetables will blend beautifully with the creamy coconut milk and basil sauce.
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Make Ahead: The chicken mixture can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Just reheat it when ready to serve and pair with freshly made zucchini noodles for a quick, nutritious meal.
Conclusion
This Zucchini Zoodles with Chicken and Basil is a meal that combines health, flavor, and simplicity. The creamy coconut milk and fresh basil create a rich and aromatic sauce, while the zucchini noodles provide a light and satisfying base for this hearty dish. With just 10 minutes of preparation and cooking time, this recipe proves that a delicious, low-carb meal doesn’t have to be complicated. Try it tonight for a wholesome and fulfilling dinner that everyone in your family will enjoy!