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Hey, friends!
Are you in the mood for a healthy twist on dinner? I’ve got something special for you!
Today, I’m sharing my zoodles with chicken sausage recipe.
It’s a fun, light dish that’s packed with flavor. Perfect for those busy weeknights!
Trust me, even if you’re not a veggie lover, you’ll be hooked.
Let’s dive into this tasty meal!
Ingredient Substitutions
Zucchini noodles (zoodles) can be replaced with spiralized carrots, butternut squash, or sweet potatoes for different flavors and nutrient profiles. These alternatives offer similar textures and cooking properties. Adjust cooking times slightly, as harder vegetables may require longer to soften. Chicken sausage can be substituted with plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option, or with turkey sausage for a leaner protein source. Use the same quantity and cooking method. Extra-virgin olive oil can be swapped with avocado oil or coconut oil for different flavor notes and potential health benefits. Use the same amount, as these oils have similar cooking properties to olive oil. For those avoiding dairy, nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese, providing a similar savory flavor and nutrient boost. Start with half the amount of nutritional yeast and adjust to taste.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Total Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 500-600
- Protein: 40-50 g
- Fat: 30-35 g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25 g
Ingredients
- 1/2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (additional as needed)
- 4 chicken sausage links, cut into 1/2-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic
- 1 large tomato, diced
- 4 zucchinis, spiralized with a 3mm blade, ends trimmed
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (adjust to your preference)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (or as desired)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Step 1: Cook the Chicken Sausage
Begin by heating extra-virgin olive oil or a nonstick spray in a large, nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Once the oil is hot, add the sliced chicken sausage to the skillet and cook until they are heated through, about 5 minutes.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes
In the same skillet, add garlic and tomatoes.
Sauté them for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and the tomatoes begin to soften slightly.
Stir occasionally to prevent the garlic from burning.
Step 3: Cook the Zucchini Noodles
Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet with the garlic and tomatoes.
Cook the noodles for 2 to 3 minutes, being careful not to overcook as they will continue to soften after being removed from the heat.
Once cooked, transfer the zucchini noodles to a colander to drain any excess moisture.
You can also pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they are not watery.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients and Serve
Toss the drained zucchini noodles in a serving bowl along with the cooked chicken sausage.
Mix them well to ensure even distribution of all ingredients.
Top with fresh chopped basil, red pepper flakes, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Season to taste with salt and pepper before serving.
Enjoy your delicious and healthy zucchini noodle dish!
