Sautéed Chicken with Zucchini Noodles and Creamy Herb Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and served over zucchini noodles in a rich, herb-infused cream sauce. This low-carb dinner is simple and satisfying. This american-inspired keto (low-carb, high-protein) ready in about 45 minutes blends boneless skinless chicken breasts, medium zucchinis, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 425 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 American cuisine 425 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season evenly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, then transfer to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
  2. Step 2: While the chicken cooks, spiralize the zucchinis into noodles using a spiralizer or julienne peeler, then place in a colander and toss with a pinch of salt to draw out excess moisture; let sit for 5 minutes and pat dry with paper towels.
  3. Step 3: Return the skillet to medium heat and add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, then pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Step 4: Stir in the chopped basil and 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Add the dried zucchini noodles and toss to coat evenly, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the noodles are tender but still firm.
  5. Step 5: Slice the rested chicken and arrange on top of the zucchini noodles. Serve immediately with additional Parmesan for garnish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Chicken with Zucchini Noodles and Creamy Herb Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (25 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Sautéed Chicken with Zucchini Noodles and Creamy Herb Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Chicken with Zucchini Noodles and Creamy Herb Sauce?

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 Sautéed Chicken with Zucchini Noodles and Creamy Herb Sauce 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 Sautéed Chicken with Zucchini Noodles and Creamy Herb Sauce low-carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb, high-protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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