Easy Keto Ground Chicken Bolognese with Zucchini Noodles Recipe for Beginners

Keto Ground Chicken Bolognese with Zucchini Noodles: A Low-Carb Delight

Welcome to a dish that promises to delight your taste buds while keeping your keto diet on point! Keto Ground Chicken Bolognese with Zucchini Noodles is not just a meal; it’s a flavorful journey into the heart of Italian cuisine with a low-carb twist. This recipe is a perfect example of how a ketogenic diet doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the joy of eating well. With a rich, savory sauce and tender zucchini noodles, this dish is a testament to the versatility and deliciousness of keto-friendly meals.

Whether you’re a seasoned keto enthusiast or just starting, this dish is designed to satisfy cravings while adhering to your nutritional goals. Ground chicken provides a lean, protein-rich base for the Bolognese, while the spiralized zucchini offers a nutritious and low-carb alternative to traditional pasta. Every bite is packed with flavor, ensuring that your journey into healthy eating is as enjoyable as it is beneficial.

Keto Ground Chicken Bolognese with Zucchini Noodles

The Origin and Keto Benefits of Ground Chicken Bolognese with Zucchini Noodles

When I first embarked on my keto journey, I was on a mission to recreate some of my favorite dishes in a way that aligned with my new dietary choices. The classic Bolognese sauce, with its rich, meaty flavor, was one of the first recipes I wanted to tackle. By swapping out the traditional pasta for zucchini noodles and using ground chicken, I found a way to enjoy this Italian staple without the extra carbs.

Ground chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, making it a perfect fit for the keto diet. It’s lower in fat than beef, which allows for a lighter version of Bolognese that still delivers on taste. The addition of olive oil ensures that we’re incorporating healthy fats, essential for maintaining ketosis. The tomatoes and tomato paste add a burst of flavor and are low in net carbs, while the herbs and spices bring the sauce to life without adding any carbs at all.

Let’s not forget about the zucchini noodles. Zucchini is a keto superstar, offering low net carbs and a high fiber content. By using a spiralizer, we transform this humble vegetable into a pasta-like shape that perfectly complements the Bolognese sauce. It’s a simple swap that significantly reduces the carbohydrate content of the meal, making it a guilt-free pleasure for anyone on a ketogenic diet.

Preparing Keto Ground Chicken Bolognese

Mastering the Method: Tips for Perfect Keto Ground Chicken Bolognese

The secret to a great Bolognese lies not just in the ingredients, but in the method of preparation. Here are some chef’s tips to elevate your Keto Ground Chicken Bolognese with Zucchini Noodles:

Start with the Sauté: The foundation of any great sauce is the sauté. Begin by gently cooking the onions and garlic in olive oil until they’re translucent. This step is crucial for developing depth of flavor, so don’t rush it. The onions should be soft and golden before you move on to the next step.

Brown the Chicken Thoroughly: When adding the ground chicken, ensure that you brown it well. This not only cooks the meat through but also adds a layer of flavor that comes from the caramelization of the meat. Use a spatula to break the chicken into small pieces, ensuring even cooking and better integration with the sauce.

Simmer to Perfection: Once all the ingredients for the sauce are in the skillet, the simmering process begins. This slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken. Don’t cover the skillet; allowing the sauce to simmer uncovered will enable excess moisture to evaporate, resulting in a richer, more concentrated sauce.

Keto Ground Chicken Bolognese Simmering

Variation 1: Spicy Chicken Bolognese

For those who love a bit of heat, turn up the spice in your Bolognese. Add extra red pepper flakes or even a diced jalapeño to the sauce as it simmers. The spicy kick will not only add flavor but also boost your metabolism, which is a welcome bonus on a keto diet.

Variation 2: Creamy Bolognese

If you’re in the mood for something a bit more indulgent, stir in some heavy cream towards the end of the simmering process. This will create a luxurious, creamy sauce that’s still keto-friendly. Top with some fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Variation 3: Mushroom Bolognese

Mushrooms are a fantastic way to add umami and heartiness to your Bolognese. Sauté some sliced mushrooms along with the onions and garlic. They’ll absorb all the delicious flavors and add a lovely texture to your dish.

Substitutions for Keto Ground Chicken Bolognese

One of the beauties of this dish is its versatility. Here are some keto-friendly substitutions you can make:

Ground Turkey for Ground Chicken: If you prefer, you can easily substitute ground turkey for the chicken. It’s similarly low in fat and high in protein, making it another excellent choice for a keto diet.

Crushed Tomatoes for Diced: If you prefer a smoother sauce, use crushed tomatoes instead of diced. They blend seamlessly into the sauce, providing a consistent texture throughout.

Beef Broth for Chicken Broth: For a deeper flavor, you can use beef broth instead of chicken broth. This will give the sauce a richer taste that pairs wonderfully with the ground chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this dish dairy-free?

A: Absolutely! Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative to garnish.

Q: How can I store leftovers?

A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

A: Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. You can make the sauce in advance and quickly sauté the zucchini noodles when you’re ready to eat.

Q: Can I freeze the Bolognese sauce?

A: The ground chicken Bolognese sauce freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Q: How can I ensure my zucchini noodles don’t become soggy?

A: Sauté the zucchini noodles just until they’re slightly softened but still al dente. Overcooking will lead to soggy noodles, so keep a close eye on them.

Keto Ground Chicken Bolognese with Zucchini Noodles

A hearty and satisfying dish, this Keto Ground Chicken Bolognese with Zucchini Noodles is a perfect low-carb alternative to traditional pasta meals. Packed with protein and fiber, it's a delicious way to keep your keto goals on track.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 people
Calories 330 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Spiralizer
  • Cutting board
  • Chef’s knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Grater for Parmesan

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 4 medium zucchini, spiralized about 600g
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped about 70g
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes, no sugar added 14.5 ounces or 411g
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Break apart with a spatula and cook until browned, about 8 minutes.
  • Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, dried basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  • Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • While the sauce simmers, prepare the zucchini noodles. Use a spiralizer to turn the zucchini into noodles, then set aside.
  • After the sauce has thickened, taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  • In a separate pan, quickly sauté the zucchini noodles in a touch of olive oil for 2-3 minutes, until slightly softened but still al dente.
  • Divide the zucchini noodles among plates and top with the ground chicken Bolognese sauce.
  • Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

If you don't have a spiralizer, use a vegetable peeler to create thin strips of zucchini.
For a cheesier Bolognese, you can stir in some shredded mozzarella or provolone into the sauce just before serving.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 330kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 28gFat: 18gFiber: 3gNet Carbs: 7g
Keyword Keto Dinner, Keto Ground Chicken Bolognese, Low Carb Pasta, Zucchini Noodles
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating