Cajun Chicken Alfredo Zoodles

$- 2 medium zucchinis (zoodles) - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish To make Cajun Chicken Alfredo Zoodles, you need: - A spiralizer for the zoodles - A large skillet for cooking - A mixing bowl for seasoning the chicken - A spatula for stirring When picking zucchini, look for ones that are firm and bright green. Avoid any that feel soft or have dark spots. Fresh zucchini should feel heavy for its size. Smaller zucchinis are often sweeter and more tender. If you can, buy organic. This helps you avoid chemicals. Always wash your zucchinis before cooking to remove dirt. {{ingredient_image_1}} To make zoodles, you first need to spiralize the zucchinis. Here’s how: 1. Wash the zucchinis under cold water. 2. Trim the ends off each zucchini. 3. Using a spiralizer, turn the zucchinis into long, curly noodles. 4. Once done, set the zoodles aside. They will be added later. Next, let’s cook the Cajun chicken. Follow these steps: 1. Slice the chicken breast into thin pieces. 2. In a bowl, toss the chicken with Cajun seasoning until it’s well coated. 3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. 4. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. 5. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often. It should be golden brown and fully cooked. 6. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate. Now it’s time for the creamy Alfredo sauce: 1. In the same skillet, add the other tablespoon of olive oil. 2. Sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute until it smells great. 3. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir for about 3 minutes. 4. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and mix it in until melted. 5. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. 6. Incorporate the zoodles into the sauce. Toss them gently to coat. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. The zoodles should be tender but still firm. 7. Finally, add the cooked Cajun chicken back into the skillet. Mix well to spread the flavors. 8. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your flavorful and easy Cajun Chicken Alfredo Zoodles! To get the best flavor, make your own Cajun seasoning. Here’s a simple mix: - 1 tablespoon paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried oregano Mix these spices well in a bowl. Store in a jar for future use. This blend gives your chicken a bold taste that makes the dish pop. Zoodles are made from zucchini, which is light and fresh. To cook them well: 1. Spiralize your zucchini to create long strands. 2. Avoid overcooking them. Cook for just 2-3 minutes in the sauce. They should be tender but still firm. 3. You can lightly sauté them in a pan with a bit of oil for extra flavor. Just don’t let them get mushy. Zoodles are best when they maintain a slight crunch. When serving your Cajun Chicken Alfredo Zoodles, add some color and flavor: - Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a bright touch. - Serve with a side salad for crunch and freshness. - Pair with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. These small touches elevate your meal and make it feel special. Enjoy your flavorful and easy meal! Pro Tips Perfect Zoodles: To keep your zoodles from becoming soggy, avoid overcooking them. Just a few minutes in the sauce will do! Custom Cajun Spice: If you like it spicier, feel free to add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken. Cheese Selection: For a richer flavor, try using a mix of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheese in the sauce. Fresh Herbs: Enhance the flavor by adding fresh basil or thyme along with the parsley for garnish. {{image_2}} If you want a low-carb meal, zoodles are perfect. Zoodles are made from zucchini, so they have fewer carbs than pasta. You can use other veggies, too. Try spaghetti squash or eggplant for a change. Each of these options keeps the meal light and tasty. You can make this sauce lighter if you want. Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt. It gives a creamy texture with fewer calories. If you want a nut-free option, use cashew cream. This adds a rich flavor without dairy. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a vegan twist. It offers a cheesy taste that is great. Chicken is a great choice, but feel free to mix it up! Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice flavor. You can season it just like chicken. Tofu is a good plant-based choice. Make sure to press it first to remove extra moisture. This helps it absorb flavors better. Each protein option gives a new spin to the dish while keeping it delicious. To keep your Cajun Chicken Alfredo Zoodles fresh, let them cool first. Use an airtight container. Place the zoodles and chicken in the container. They will stay good for about 3 days in the fridge. Make sure to store the sauce separately if possible. This keeps the zoodles from getting too soggy. When you reheat your leftovers, use a skillet for the best results. Heat it on medium-low. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Stir often to avoid burning. You can also use a microwave if you are short on time. Just cover the dish to keep moisture in. Heat it in 30-second bursts until hot. Freezing zoodles is not ideal, but you can do it. Cool the dish completely before freezing. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as you can. They can stay good for up to 2 months. To eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove. The zoodles may become softer, but the flavor will still be great. Yes, you can use other noodles. Some great options are spaghetti or fettuccine. If you prefer whole wheat, that works too. Just cook them according to package directions. If you want a gluten-free option, try rice noodles. They pair well with the Cajun flavors. Absolutely! To make it dairy-free, swap heavy cream for coconut milk or almond milk. Use a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for the cheesy flavor. Check the Cajun seasoning to ensure it’s dairy-free too. This way, you can still enjoy the creamy sauce without the dairy. To crank up the heat, add extra Cajun seasoning. You can also add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. For a smoky flavor, try smoked paprika. Another option is to drizzle hot sauce over the dish before serving. Adjust the spice to fit your taste! You now have everything you need to make delicious Cajun Chicken Alfredo Zoodles. We covered the essential ingredients, equipment, and tips for choosing fresh zucchini. You learned how to prepare zoodles, cook the chicken perfectly, and whip up a creamy Alfredo sauce. Don’t forget the tips for seasoning and serving! Feel free to try the variations and storage tips for leftovers. Enjoy crafting a meal that is both tasty and healthier. With these steps, you can impress your friends and family. Happy cooking!$

Cajun Chicken Alfredo Zoodles

A delicious and healthy twist on traditional Alfredo pasta using zucchini noodles and Cajun-spiced chicken.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

2 medium zucchinis
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Start by spiralizing the zucchinis to create zoodles. Set them aside.
In a bowl, toss the sliced chicken breast with Cajun seasoning, ensuring it's evenly coated.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally for about 3 minutes.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Incorporate the zoodles into the sauce and toss gently to coat; cook for another 2-3 minutes until the zoodles are tender yet still al dente.
Finally, add the cooked Cajun chicken back to the skillet, mixing everything together to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add more Cajun seasoning or serve with additional Parmesan cheese.

Keyword Alfredo, Cajun, chicken, healthy, zoodles