Black Garlic Spinach and Chicken Zoodles have completely changed pasta night in my house. My kids adore a big bowl of noodles, but let’s be honest—sometimes, traditional pasta feels like a carb overload waiting to happen. So, in my quest to keep that same cozy, twirl-worthy goodness without the crash, I discovered zoodles. And let me tell you—it was love at first bite.
Zucchini noodles bring all the fun of pasta but with a light, fresh twist. They soak up flavors beautifully, have just the right amount of bite, and (bonus points) they get my kids excited about eating veggies. But I knew I could make them even better. Enter black garlic—the rich, caramelized, umami-packed star of this dish. If regular garlic is bold and punchy, black garlic is its mysterious, slow-aged cousin that melts into the sauce, adding a deep, almost balsamic-like sweetness.
Paired with tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and a creamy, savory sauce, this dish is light, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re watching your carbs, looking for a gluten-free pasta alternative, or just craving something ridiculously tasty, this Black Garlic Spinach and Chicken Zoodles recipe is about to be your new weeknight favorite.
The Rise of Low-Carb and Ketogenic Diets
It feels like everywhere you turn, someone is raving about low-carb and ketogenic diets—and for good reason. These aren’t just passing fads; they’re rooted in real science and, honestly, they just make sense. The idea is simple: cut down on carbs, shift your body into fat-burning mode, and enjoy stable energy levels without the rollercoaster of sugar spikes and crashes. Sounds like a dream, right?
At the heart of it all is ketosis, a natural metabolic state where your body switches from burning glucose to running on ketones—essentially, fuel made from fat. This shift doesn’t just help with weight loss; it’s been linked to better blood sugar control, reduced inflammation, and even improved brain function. Some people even say they experience a mental clarity they didn’t know was possible (goodbye, afternoon brain fog!).
But beyond the science, there’s something deeply satisfying about a low-carb lifestyle. No more feeling sluggish after a big meal, no more relying on caffeine to push through the day—just steady, clean energy from wholesome foods. And while giving up traditional pasta and bread might seem daunting at first, with delicious swaps like zoodles and cauliflower rice, you won’t even miss them. Whether you’re in it for weight loss, health benefits, or just to feel better, the low-carb way of eating has earned its place in the spotlight—for all the right reasons.
Zoodles: The Perfect Pasta Alternative
Let’s be honest—pasta is comfort food at its finest. But if you’ve ever found yourself in a carb coma after a big bowl of spaghetti, you’ll love zoodles—a fresh, light, and surprisingly satisfying low-carb alternative. Made from spiralized zucchini, zoodles deliver that twirlable, slurp-worthy experience without the starch overload. They soak up sauces beautifully, add a gentle crunch, and keep meals light and energizing instead of heavy and sluggish.
Getting the perfect zoodles? It’s all in the prep! A spiralizer is the easiest way to turn zucchini into delicate, pasta-like strands, and I swear by my Best-Selling Handheld Spiralizer—compact, easy to clean, and perfect for small kitchens. If you’re making zoodles often, a Heavy-Duty 5-Blade Spiralizer is a game-changer, letting you choose different noodle shapes for extra fun.
Or, if you’re all about convenience, this Electric Spiralizer & Slicer makes prepping zoodles effortless—just press a button and let it do the work! The key is to avoid sogginess—lightly sauté them for a minute or two or enjoy them raw for a crisp bite. Salting and draining them beforehand can also help remove excess moisture if you want that perfect “al dente” texture.
And let’s talk nutrition, because this swap is a game-changer. Regular pasta packs over 40 grams of carbs per serving, while zoodles clock in at around 4 grams—yes, really! Plus, they’re rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants, making them a powerhouse ingredient that fuels your body instead of weighing it down. So, whether you’re cutting carbs, going gluten-free, or just looking for a fresh twist on dinner, zoodles are the deliciously guilt-free answer to your pasta cravings.
Spinach: A Nutrient-Dense Superfood
There’s a reason Popeye swore by spinach—this nutrient-dense leafy green is an absolute powerhouse. Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, plus iron, folate, and calcium, it’s the kind of ingredient that makes your body thank you with every bite. But here’s the secret: spinach is at its best when it’s fresh—straight from the garden, vibrant, and bursting with flavor. Store-bought spinach? It’s fine, but if you’ve ever picked a handful of tender leaves from your own backyard or windowsill, you know the difference.
Beyond its vitamin-rich profile, spinach is loaded with antioxidants that help fight oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and support everything from brain function to heart health. It’s basically a green superhero, quietly working behind the scenes to keep your body thriving. And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to grow. A little patch of soil, some sunshine, and regular watering, and you’ll have fresh spinach ready for harvest in just a few weeks. Want to give it a go? Check out my guide to growing spinach here—it’s perfect for beginners and guarantees a harvest that will make store-bought greens seem dull in comparison.
And let’s not forget how versatile spinach is! Toss it into a salad for a crisp, earthy bite, wilt it into soups and pasta, or blend it into smoothies for a sneaky nutrient boost. Whether it’s the star of the dish or just along for the ride, this leafy green brings a fresh, vibrant touch to any meal.
Black Garlic: The Mysterious Superfood
If garlic had a mysterious, slow-aged, umami-packed cousin, it would be black garlic. Gone is the sharp bite of raw garlic—in its place, you get something deeply caramelized, mellow, and almost balsamic-like, with hints of molasses and tamarind. It’s the kind of ingredient that makes you wonder why you ever settled for ordinary garlic in the first place. But here’s the best part: it’s not just about the flavor. Black garlic is packed with twice the antioxidants of raw garlic, plus compounds like S-allyl cysteine, known for its heart-healthy and immune-boosting properties. So basically, it’s delicious and secretly working to keep you feeling great.
We’ve been making our own black garlic for years, using only the finest bulbs (grown without a trace of chemicals) and slow-fermented to perfection. If you’ve never tried it, now’s the time—grab a jar from our shop here and get ready to level up your cooking. And if you’re curious about the science, history, and endless ways to use this culinary gem, you’ll want to check out my comprehensive guide to black garlic—a deep dive into everything that makes it so special.
One-Pot Black Garlic Spinach and chicken Zoodles
A low-carb, flavor-packed dish with the deep, caramelized goodness of black garlic.
Servings: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- For the zoodles
- 2 medium zucchini (about 400g / 2 large zucchini), spiralized
- 1 tbsp olive oil (15ml)
- For the chicken & sauce
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (300g / ~10.5 oz), sliced into strips
- 1 tbsp olive oil (15ml)
- 3 cloves black garlic, mashed into a paste
- 2 cloves regular garlic, minced
- 100g (3.5 oz / 2 cups) fresh spinach
- 125ml (½ cup) heavy cream or coconut cream
- 30g (¼ cup) grated Parmesan (optional, for a richer sauce)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Zest of ½ lemon
- For garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Extra black garlic slices (optional)
- More grated Parmesan
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
(Values may vary slightly depending on exact ingredients)
- Calories: ~450
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Net Carbs: ~7g
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Zoodles
- Wash and trim the zucchini, then spiralize them using your favorite spiralizer.
- Place the zoodles in a colander, sprinkle lightly with salt, and let them sit for 5-10 minutes to release excess moisture.
- Pat dry with a paper towel to avoid a watery dish.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken strips and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Sear for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Black Garlic Sauce
- In the same skillet, add another 1 tbsp olive oil. Lower the heat to medium and sauté the regular garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the mashed black garlic, stirring for another 30 seconds.
- Pour in the cream and stir well, scraping up any brown bits from the chicken. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the Parmesan (if using) and lemon zest. Let the sauce thicken slightly.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
- Add the spinach and stir until wilted (1-2 minutes).
- Return the chicken to the pan, tossing it in the sauce.
- Finally, add the zoodles, gently stirring to coat them in the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes—just enough to warm them without making them soggy.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Divide the zoodles and chicken into bowls.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, extra black garlic slices, and more Parmesan.
- Serve immediately and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite!
Variations and Serving Suggestions
One of the best things about this Black Garlic Spinach & Chicken Zoodles recipe? It’s incredibly versatile! Whether you’re looking to switch up the protein, sneak in more veggies, or find the perfect pairing, here are a few ways to make it your own:
Alternative Proteins
- Not in the mood for chicken? Swap it out for shrimp, which cooks in just a few minutes and pairs beautifully with the rich, garlicky sauce.
- If you’re keeping it plant-based, tofu makes a fantastic substitute—pan-fry it until golden and crisp before adding it to the sauce.
- For an extra flavor boost, try thinly sliced steak or even salmon, both of which soak up the black garlic magic beautifully.
Additional Vegetables
- Want more color and crunch? Toss in some sautéed bell peppers, which add a subtle sweetness and vibrant pop.
- Mushrooms work wonderfully too, soaking up the creamy sauce while adding an earthy depth.
- For a burst of freshness, halved cherry tomatoes bring a juicy contrast to the rich black garlic.
Serving Ideas
- Keep it light by pairing it with a crisp side salad, dressed simply with olive oil and lemon juice.
- Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top for that irresistible cheesy finish.
- Want a heartier meal? Serve it with a side of roasted veggies or even a slice of keto-friendly garlic bread (because who says low-carb can’t feel indulgent?).
Conclusion: A Flavor-Packed, Guilt-Free Delight
With Black Garlic Spinach & Chicken Zoodles, you get all the comfort of a creamy, garlicky pasta dish—without the carb overload. This recipe is proof that eating healthy, low-carb, and keto-friendly doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. In fact, with the deep, umami richness of black garlic, the tender bites of chicken, and the fresh vibrance of spinach, it’s a meal that feels both nourishing and indulgent.
What makes it even better? It’s quick, versatile, and customizable. Whether you switch up the protein, throw in extra veggies, or top it with Parmesan, this dish adapts effortlessly to your taste. And let’s not forget how easy it is to spiralize zucchini and get that perfect pasta-like texture—especially when you have the right spiralizer on hand!
If you haven’t yet experimented with black garlic, this is your sign. Its sweet, earthy complexity elevates every dish, making it a must-have ingredient in your kitchen. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out our Black Garlic Guide for even more ways to use it, or grab a jar of our shop’s own black garlic to experience the magic for yourself.
So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and whip up this flavor-packed, feel-good meal. Your taste buds (and your body) will thank you!