Looking for a low-carb pasta alternative that still feels hearty and satisfying?
This Ground Chicken & Zucchini Pasta is packed with juicy ground chicken, fresh veggies, and a rich, savory tomato sauce — all tossed with light, spiralized zucchini noodles.
It’s quick, nourishing, and easy enough for busy weeknights, yet flavorful enough to feel like a total comfort meal.
⏳ Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1–2 tbsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- ½ tbsp oregano
- ½ tbsp garlic powder
- ½ tbsp onion powder
- ½ tbsp paprika
- 1–2 tbsp chicken bouillon powder (or 1 crushed cube)
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup green bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup carrots, finely diced
- ½ cup celery, finely diced
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce (or 2 tbsp tomato paste + ½ cup water)
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
For the Noodles:
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized (or store-bought zucchini noodles)
🔥 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Vegetables
- Wash and chop the bell peppers, carrots, celery, and onions into small, even pieces.
- Mince the garlic.
- Spiralize the zucchini (or grab your pre-spiralized noodles) and set aside.
2️⃣ Season the Ground Chicken
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken with salt, pepper, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and bouillon.
- Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly with spices.
3️⃣ Cook the Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced bell peppers and onions.
- Sauté for 3–5 minutes until the onions are translucent and peppers soften.
- Stir in carrots, celery, and minced garlic.
- Cook for another 3–4 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
4️⃣ Cook the Ground Chicken
- Add the seasoned ground chicken to the skillet.
- Break it into small crumbles as it cooks.
- Sauté until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes.
5️⃣ Add the Tomato Sauce
- Stir in the tomato sauce (or tomato paste mixture) and simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine.
- Let it simmer gently for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
6️⃣ Cook the Zucchini Noodles
- Gently stir the zucchini noodles into the skillet with the sauce.
- For crisp-tender noodles: Cook uncovered for 5–7 minutes.
- For softer noodles: Cover the skillet and cook for up to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7️⃣ Serve & Garnish
- Remove from heat once the zucchini noodles reach your desired texture.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil, parsley, or a sprinkle of Parmesan (dairy-free if needed).
💡 Tips & Variations
- Want it creamier? Add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk for a velvety sauce.
- Add more protein: Stir in grated Parmesan or mozzarella before serving.
- Make it vegetarian: Swap ground chicken for chickpeas, tofu, or lentils.
- Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Make it gluten-free: Double-check that your marinara sauce and bouillon are certified gluten-free.
📊 Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~280
- Protein: ~22g
- Carbohydrates: ~14g
- Fat: ~15g
- Fiber: ~4g
✨ Final Thoughts: Hearty Meets Healthy
This Ground Chicken & Zucchini Pasta is the perfect balance of hearty and light — big flavor, simple ingredients, and a nourishing spin on traditional comfort food.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or whipping up a quick, cozy dinner, this dish delivers every time — no pasta crash, no heavy feeling. Just pure, satisfying goodness.
💬 Have you tried swapping traditional pasta for zucchini noodles? What’s your favorite sauce pairing? Let’s swap ideas in the comments!
📩 Want more low-carb, flavor-packed recipes? Explore my collection here! 🍝✨
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