Low Carb Penne Pasta with Chicken
Delight in the wholesome and flavorful goodness of this **Low Carb Penne Pasta with Chicken**, a perfect guilt-free twist on an Italian classic. Instead of traditional pasta, this recipe uses spiralized zucchini to create light, nutrient-packed "penne" that pairs beautifully with tender, pan-seared chicken strips. A rich and creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce envelops every bite, while a hint of red pepper flakes adds just the right amount of heat. Ready in just 40 minutes, this quick and easy dish is a fantastic option for busy weeknights or health-conscious meals, and it’s topped with fresh basil for a vibrant, aromatic finish. Perfect for those following low-carb or keto diets, this recipe proves that indulgence and healthy eating can go hand-in-hand!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 units zucchini
- 2 units chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 units garlic cloves
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves
Instructions
Start by preparing the zucchini penne. Use a spiralizer fitted with a straight blade to cut the zucchinis into noodle-shaped slices.
Slice each chicken breast into thin strips.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for about 5-7 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant.
Add the heavy cream to the skillet, stirring well. Allow the cream to gently simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted into the sauce.
Add the zucchini penne to the skillet, tossing it in the cream sauce for about 3-4 minutes. The zucchini should be tender but not mushy.
Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet, mixing them in with the zucchini and sauce. Let everything simmer for an additional 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
Remove from heat and sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top before serving.
Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your low-carb chicken penne!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1815 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 132.7 g | 170% | |
| Saturated Fat | 63.8 g | 319% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 491 mg | 164% | |
| Sodium | 9142 mg | 397% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 48.8 g | 18% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.5 g | 20% | |
| Total Sugars | 40.9 g | ||
| Protein | 89.9 g | 180% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 589 mg | 45% | |
| Iron | 3.7 mg | 21% | |
| Potassium | 2024 mg | 43% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
