Parmesan Zucchini Chicken Spaghetti

What are some of the best comfort food recipes? Remember the classic spaghetti carbonara? What does Parmesan Zucchini Chicken Spaghetti taste like? What is the same comforting vibe as the original, but with a whole lot more goodness packed in. I feel no guilt serving this to my pickiest eater. Is this a good one to try?

What is Parmesan Zucchini Chicken Spaghetti?

What is Parmesan Zucchini Chicken Spaghetti? Chicken and grated zucchini. Is this a leveled-up version of chicken spaghetti? Is there a freshness that cuts through the richness beautifully? The parmesan cheese creates a light sauce without being overly heavy, it’s an easy pasta dish. Is there a way to satisfy without feeling like I need to nap? It comes together so quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something. What are some of the best recipes that can be prepared in under an hour?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I start? What are some of the best Parmesan Zucchini Chicken Spaghetti recipes? First and foremost, the flavor is incredible. The parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth, while the zucchini brings sweetness and sweetness. What a subtle vegetal note. The chicken is tender and juicy, and the whole dish is just incredibly comforting and satisfying. Is it about taste? Is this one of those meals that you can throw together with pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients? No fancy techniques or complicated steps required! If you can boil pasta and grate zucchini, you could make this dish. What I love about this is its versatility. Can you substitute chicken for sausage? What are some good ways to add spinach to your diet? Is it a good meal if you use chicken thighs? It’s similar in concept to a creamy Pesto Pasta but with completely different flavor profile. What makes it a great alternative when you want something lighter and brighter? My family asks for this all the time, and it’s always a hit when I serve it to guests. What are some of the best recipes ever made?

How do I make Parmesan Zucchini Chicken Spaghetti?

Quick Overview

How do I make Parmesan Zucchini Chicken Spaghetti? You’ll start by cooking spaghetti and chicken. While that’s going, you’ll sauté the zucchini and garlic. Once the pasta is cooked, you toss everything together with parmesan cheese and a little bit of sour cream. How do you make a creamy sauce? Is it quick, easy, and totally satisfying? How do you avoid overcooking zucchini?

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

What is a 1 pound spaghetti
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.
2 medium zucchini, grated.
4 cloves garlic, minced. 1 clove per
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving.
2 tablespoons olive oil. 1 tablespoon of almond oil
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley. 3 tbsp.
Salt and pepper to taste.
1/2 cup pasta water (reserved after cooking spaghetti)

What are the steps to

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. What is the best way to drain pasta water? When it comes to making a creamy sauce, this starchy water is liquid gold. Don’t skip this step!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

While spaghetti is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Zucchini and Garlic

In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the grated zucchini and minced garlic to the pan. Mix well. Sauté zucchini until tender-crisp, about 3-5 minutes. Don’t let it get mushy so keep a close eye on it!

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked spaghetti and chicken to the skillet with the zucchini and garlic. Toss to combine.

Step 5: Add Parmesan and Pasta Water

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over pasta. How do I make a creamy pasta sauce? Pour in the reserved pasta water. What’s the best way to make sauce? Toss until everything is well combined and the sauce is smooth. I always do this over low heat to ensure the cheese melts evenly and doesn’t clump.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Stir in chopped parsley. Serve immediately, garnished with Parmesan cheese, if desired.

What should I serve it with?

What are some good side dishes to serve with chicken spaghetti? What are some ideas for rounding it out?What is a simple weeknight dinner?A side of garlic bread or a crusty baguette is always welcome. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also provides an nice contrast to the richness of the greens.For a More Elegant Meal:Start with Caprese salad or a platter of assorted Italian appetizers. Serve spaghetti with a glass of white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. For dessert, a classic tiramisu or simple bowl of fresh berries would be perfect.What is a family friendly meal?Steamed broccoli or roasted carrots are great side dishes that kids will actually eat. What’s a good dessert to serve on movie night? Ice Cream. Is it perfect when everyone is curled up on the couch?

How do I make Parmesan Zucchini Chicken Spaghetti?

How do I make Parmesan Zucchini Chicken Spaghetti even better?Zucchini Prep:Don’t skip grating zucchini! It helps it cook more evenly and blend seamlessly into the sauce. If your zucchini is very watery, you can squeeze out some of the excess moisture before adding it to a bowl. I usually place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze gently.What is chicken cooking? Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken. Cook it in batches if necessary to ensure it browns properly. Overcrowding the pan will cause the chicken to steam instead of sear.

Cheese Choice:What is the best Parmesan cheese for melting? Pre-shredded Parmesan often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. If you like more flavor, try adding a touch of Pecorino Romano cheese along with the recipe.Pasta Water:Don’t be afraid to use pasta water! It’s the key to creating a creamy sauce. Add it gradually until you reach your desired consistency. If you don’t have enough pasta water, you can use chicken broth instead.Herb Addition:What are some good ways to use fresh parsley in a dish? What are some good basil, oregano, Add them towards the end of cooking to preserve their flavor. One time I used dried oregano because I didn’t have any fresh herbs, and it turned out just as good!Spice it Up:If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes to the skillet along with the garlic and cook until golden brown. What are the best spices to add to a dish? I also sometimes like to add a little bit of lemon zest for brightness.

What are the Storing and Reheating Tips?

How do you make Parmesan Zucchini Chicken Spaghetti?Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing it.

Reheating Instructions: Reheat the spaghetti in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it.

Freezer Instructions: While I don’t typically recommend freezing this dish, it can be done. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Keep in mind that the texture of the pasta and zucchini may change slightly after freezing and thawing.

The best thing to do is only cook how much you plan to eat in one sitting, but as a mom, I always end up making a little too much!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply use your favorite gluten-free spaghetti. I’ve had good results with brown rice pasta and quinoa pasta. Just be sure to cook it according to the package directions, as gluten-free pasta can sometimes be a bit more delicate than regular pasta.

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

Nope! There’s no need to peel the zucchini. The skin is perfectly edible and adds a bit of extra fiber and nutrients. Plus, it saves you time and effort! Just be sure to wash the zucchini well before grating it.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, you can! This is a great way to save time. Simply shred or dice the pre-cooked chicken and add it to the skillet along with the cooked spaghetti. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly!

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your veggies. Sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes would all be delicious additions. Just add them to the skillet along with the zucchini and garlic.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Of course! While Parmesan is the classic choice for this dish, you can also use other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago. Or, for a creamier sauce, try adding a little bit of mascarpone or ricotta cheese.

Final Thoughts

This Parmesan Zucchini Chicken Spaghetti has become a staple in my house, and I have a feeling it will become one of yours too! It’s quick, easy, delicious, and packed with hidden veggies. What’s not to love? It’s the perfect way to get a comforting and satisfying meal on the table in under an hour. If you enjoy this recipe, you should also try my Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta or my Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta for more quick and easy weeknight dinners.

I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And don’t forget to rate the recipe! Happy cooking!

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