If you’re wondering how to make zucchini pasta for a quick and healthy low-carb meal, you’re in the right place! This zoodles recipe with grilled chicken is my go-to for a quick, healthy lunch. This is an awesome low-carb, protein-packed meal to help you stay on track, even on busy days. The reason is, it’s tasty, easy, and doesn’t require much planning at all. How awesome is that?
How to Make Zucchini Pasta
The Vegetable Spiralizer
I purchased my Paderno Spiralizer several years ago when I decided to cut back on carbs. I use it all the time, to make zoodles as a substitution for pasta. As a result, it’s one of my favorite kitchen gadgets. The reason is, it’s really easy and fun to use. And, because it’s so much fun, it’s a great way to get your little ones excited about veggies too!
Even though it’s one of my favorite gadgets, I honestly haven’t used it for anything besides making zucchini pasta. I’ll need to give some other veggies a try…
Currently, I do not own a spiralizer cookbook. But, there are several good-looking ones out there. I plan to purchase one in the near future so I can expand my spiralizer horizons!
Create the Zoodles
Usually, I prepare this zoodles recipe for my lunch, so I use one small to medium-sized zucchini.
I like to leave the skin on. The reason is, the skin is a good source of fiber and nutrients. However, be sure to use a vegetable peeler to remove any bumpy parts first. Because this bumpy skin is gritty, it will ruin your experience, for sure!
Then, cut off the ends of the zucchini, so it sits nicely in the spiralizer.
Next, just turn the handle and watch the beautiful zoodles appear!
Be sure to place a large bowl like this one in front to catch all of the zucchini spirals.
And voila – zoodles!
Cook the Zoodles
Next, cook the zucchini pasta. Sometimes I will quickly saute the zoodles in a bit of olive oil. But if you are in a hurry, give them a quick steam in the microwave. Just a minute or two, depending on your microwave. Cooking too long will create mushy spirals. And no one wants mushy zoodles!
Then, after cooking, squeeze the excess water from the zoodles with a paper towel.
Keep squeezing – there will be a LOT of moisture.
How to Make Zucchini Pasta a Meal – Add Cooked Chicken Breast
Next, add some protein to make this a meal!
Sometimes on a Sunday, I grill several chicken breasts to use during the coming week for quick, healthy meals.
But then, sometimes I binge-watch The Real Housewives and I forget about the chicken. This leaves me without a plan – and that’s never a good thing!
It’s SO important to always have a plan if you want to stay on track with a healthy diet. Therefore, for busy-day emergencies I keep these Springer Mountain Farms frozen grilled chicken breasts in the freezer. They are great to keep on hand for super-busy times when I don’t have any prepared chicken in the frig.
Now, nothing compares to a freshly grilled chicken breast. But, eating healthy takes serious planning. Having these in the freezer helps keep me on track. Furthermore, I have to say that these are the best packaged frozen grilled chicken breasts I’ve tried.
Add Salt, Pepper, and Olive Oil to Your Zoodles
Next, season with salt and pepper to taste.
Then, drizzle with a little extra-virgin olive oil. We buy Kirkland extra-virgin olive oil. It has good flavor and is economical.
I keep the oil in both the dispenser bottle and in my Misto sprayer. The Misto is perfect for portion-control, and can be used to add just a fine mist of olive oil for flavor enhancement.
Add Shredded Parmesan
Finally, garnish the zoodles with about a tablespoon of good quality, freshly shredded parmesan cheese.
The parm and the olive oil are where the flavor comes from – delish!
How to Make Zucchini Pasta – Your Way
Experiment with Add-Ins or Another Protein
Feel free to experiment! Try adding in other items for flavor. I have made this more times than I can count, and have added sliced cherry or grape tomatoes, sliced black olives, or pine nuts. I have also substituted crumbled feta for the shredded parmesan cheese.
Also, feel free to experiment with your protein – a grilled tuna filet or grilled salmon steak, or even tofu sounds yummy!
Stay on Track with this Zoodles Recipe
If you are watching your carbs, trying to eat healthier, or simply need a light lunch option, this is a great recipe to learn how to make zucchini pasta in a hurry. Because it’s so easy and quick to throw together, it will really help you to stay on track.
This zoodles recipe makes a delicious, healthy meal with fresh grilled chicken, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of freshly shredded parmesan cheese. But, if you’re short on time, keep it simple, girlfriend! In a pinch, just use pre-cooked frozen chicken breasts. Because, sometimes, life gets in the way!
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About Champagne Casual
A quick and easy recipe for healthy spiralized zucchini and grilled chicken
- 1 Small to medium zucchini
- 1 Prepared grilled chicken breast
- 1 tbsp Shredded parmesan cheese
- Olive oil, to taste extra virgin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
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Wash and dry zucchini.
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Using a vegetable peeler, remove any bumpy or tough skin. Cut off the ends of the zucchini.
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Create zucchini spirals with vegetable spiralizer.
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Microwave zucchini "noodles" for 1 - 2 minutes. Using a paper towel, squeeze excess water from cooked zucchini.
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Top with grilled chicken breast. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil.
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Sprinkle with shredded parmesan cheese.
