Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Just keep the sauce, chicken, and spiralized veggies separate until you’re ready to combine and heat. This helps maintain the zucchini's texture.

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Definitely. Shrimp, tofu, or strips of lean beef work great. Adjust cooking time as needed since shrimp cooks very quickly and tofu just needs to brown a bit.

What should I do if my zucchini noodles release too much water?

Zucchini has a high water content. After spiralizing, you can pat them dry with a paper towel or give them a quick sprinkle of salt, let sit, then blot before cooking.

Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

For sure! Simply omit the chicken and use tofu or tempeh. Swap honey for maple syrup or agave if you want to keep it fully plant-based.

Chicken Zucchini Pasta Recipe

If you’re on the lookout for a superstar weeknight dinner that’s big on flavor, brings a boatload of protein, and doesn’t load you down with calories, this Chicken Zucchini Pasta is calling your name. Imagine tender pieces of chicken mingling with crunchy spiralized zucchini and sweet onions, all swirled in a tangy, garlicky soy-honey sauce. The moment the aroma starts filling your kitchen, you won’t believe that something so satisfying could come together this quickly—or taste this good.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick From Start to Table: This recipe is a true lifesaver when you’re short on time. Dinner can be ready in about 25 minutes, so it’s basically built for busy schedules (or those nights when you just can’t deal with complicated cooking).
Low Calorie, High Protein: It’s not always easy to find meals that tick both boxes, but the zucchini “noodles” keep things light, while chicken brings the protein power. You get that hearty, comforting pasta feeling—minus the food coma.
Unbelievably Flavorful: Between the sesame oil, soy sauce, fresh ginger and a good hit of garlic, every single bite is bursting with sweet, salty, umami-laden goodness.
Minimal Ingredients, Big Results: With just a handful of kitchen staples and a couple fresh veggies, you get a meal that feels way more complex than the ingredient list suggests.
Flexible for Any Diet: Whether you’re low-carb, gluten-free (just swap the soy sauce!), or simply trying to sneak in more veggies, this dish plays well with all eating styles.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s take a look at what goes into this dish, and why each ingredient matters:

Chicken Breast: The main source of protein. Cube it for quick cooking and even flavor.
Olive Oil: For sautéing the chicken and veggies—adds a touch of healthy richness.
White Onions: Spiralized for a mild sweetness and subtle crunch. They play beautifully with the zucchini.
Zucchini: Spiralized to replace traditional pasta. It soaks up all the flavors and gives a lovely light texture.

For the Sauce:

Soy Sauce (Low Sodium): The backbone of that classic, savory flavor. Opt for low sodium to keep it lighter.
Honey: Just the right amount of sweetness to balance the salt and add a lovely glaze.
Garlic Cloves: Minced for a punch of aromatic, zesty flavor.
Fresh Ginger: Grated; brings a bright, warm undertone that’s simply essential.
Cornstarch: This thickens your sauce just enough to coat the noodles and chicken perfectly.
Sesame Oil: Adds that unmistakable nutty finish. Even a little makes a big difference, so don’t skip it!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Let’s be honest: the heart of this dish is its adaptability. Make it your own with these ideas:

Add Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, carrots, snow peas, or broccoli for more color and nutrients.
Switch Up Proteins: Try shrimp, tofu, or thinly-sliced beef instead of chicken.
Kick Up the Heat: Add a squirt of Sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Make it Gluten-Free: Swap the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
Low FODMAP: Use green onion tops instead of white onion and leave out the garlic.

How to Make Chicken Zucchini Pasta

Step 1: Prep the Veggies and Chicken

Start by spiralizing your onions and zucchini. Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized cubes so everything cooks evenly and quickly.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, cornstarch, and sesame oil until smooth. This will be your magic flavor mixture.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and sauté until no longer pink and golden at the edges. This should take about 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Veggies

In the same skillet, add another splash of olive oil if needed, then toss in the spiralized onions and zucchini. Sauté for just 2-3 minutes—just enough to soften them a bit, but you want them to stay crisp-tender.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the chicken to the skillet, give the sauce another stir, then pour it over the veggies and chicken. Toss or stir everything together for another 1-2 minutes, letting the sauce thicken and coat everything beautifully.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Serve immediately while the “noodles” are still slightly crisp and the sauce is glossy and fragrant.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Zucchini: Zucchini releases water and softens super fast, so keep an eye on it. Stop cooking once it’s just heated through to avoid sogginess.
Give That Sauce a Stir: Cornstarch can settle—whisk it again before adding to the pan.
Chicken Tip: If you want ultra-juicy chicken, marinate it in half the sauce for 15 minutes, then use the rest for stir-frying.
Meal Prepping? Keep sauce, noodles, and chicken separate until ready to reheat for best texture.

How to Serve

This Chicken Zucchini Pasta is a star all by itself, but it plays well with others:

Garnish: Sprinkle with thinly sliced green onions or a handful of toasted sesame seeds for texture and a pop of green.
Add a Crunch: A side of fresh cucumber salad or a few roasted peanuts can add delightful contrast.
Pairing: It’s amazing alongside a miso soup, or a crisp green salad with ginger dressing for a well-rounded meal.
For Extra Heft: If you need more substance, serve with a scoop of steamed brown rice or quinoa.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days. Note: The zucchini noodles will soften as they sit, so best enjoyed sooner than later.

Freezing

This dish is not ideal for freezing, as zucchini tends to get mushy after thawing. If you plan on freezing, keep the sauce and cooked chicken separate—then spiralize and add fresh zucchini when reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, toss everything in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, just until warmed through. If it looks a little dry, splash in a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth.

FAQs

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Just keep the sauce, chicken, and spiralized veggies separate until you’re ready to combine and heat. This helps maintain the zucchini’s texture.
Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Definitely. Shrimp, tofu, or strips of lean beef work great. Adjust cooking time as needed since shrimp cooks very quickly and tofu just needs to brown a bit.
What should I do if my zucchini noodles release too much water?

Zucchini has a high water content. After spiralizing, you can pat them dry with a paper towel or give them a quick sprinkle of salt, let sit, then blot before cooking.
Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

For sure! Simply omit the chicken and use tofu or tempeh. Swap honey for maple syrup or agave if you want to keep it fully plant-based.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Zucchini Pasta is one of those recipes that checks every box: quick, healthy, satisfying, and downright tasty. Whether you’re after a lighter dinner, meal-prepping your week, or just craving something cozy yet fresh, this dish stands ready to impress. Grab a pan, experiment with what you’ve got in your fridge, and give it a try. You might just discover your new weeknight obsession!