Creamy Parmesan Zucchini Noodles with Lemon-Herb Chicken
A high-protein, low-carb dinner featuring tender chicken breast and zucchini noodles smothered in a rich, tangy parmesan sauce. Perfect for post-workout recovery with minimal carbs. This keto-inspired keto (keto, high-protein) ready in about 35 minutes pairs (340g), thinly sliced Chicken breast, (113g), softened Cream cheese, (50g), finely grated Parmesan cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 452 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 medium (about 600g), spiralized into noodles Zucchini
- 12 oz (340g), thinly sliced Chicken breast
- 4 oz (113g), softened Cream cheese
- 1/2 cup (50g), finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp Dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
- 1/4 tsp Salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 12 oz sliced chicken breast and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, then set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and minced 2 garlic cloves. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 600g spiralized zucchini noodles and toss for 2 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
- Step 4: Stir in 4 oz softened cream cheese, 50g grated parmesan, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp salt. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the zucchini noodles.
- Step 5: Return cooked chicken to the skillet, toss to coat, and heat for 1 minute until warmed through.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Creamy Parmesan Zucchini Noodles with Lemon-Herb Chicken take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Creamy Parmesan Zucchini Noodles with Lemon-Herb Chicken?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (113g), softened cream cheese from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Parmesan Zucchini Noodles with Lemon-Herb Chicken?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Creamy Parmesan Zucchini Noodles with Lemon-Herb Chicken for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Creamy Parmesan Zucchini Noodles with Lemon-Herb Chicken keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, high-protein, low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The step-by-step instructions were super clear. Turned out perfect on my first try.
- ★★★★★
Made exactly as written. Wouldn't change a thing.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
