Sun. Oct 1st, 2023

KETO CREAMY TUSCAN ZUCCHINI NOODLES WITH SAUSAGE

Get ready for a weeknight win! Our Keto Zucchini Noodles, featuring the smoky Roasted Garlic Smoked Sausage from our buddies at Kiolbassa Smoked Meats, are loaded with flavor and all the good stuff from veggies.

The roasted garlic sausage really stands out, melding harmoniously with the Italian vibes of sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, and basil. Can’t find this sausage flavor? No sweat! You can sub it with any smoked sausage you fancy. Just a quick tip – toss in a couple of roasted garlic cloves to keep that delicious garlicky note alive!

Creamy Tuscan Zoodles with Sausage with kiolbassa packaging in the foreground

Preparation and cooking overview

First, we heat things up by browning our Kiolbassa slices in a well-oiled cast-iron skillet, then give way to the aromatic minced garlic. Next, we blend in a rich, creamy sauce using heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and parmesan, followed by fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a reunion with our cooked sausage. Toss in those tasty zucchini noodles and let them heat up for a few minutes, and just like that – in about 20 minutes total – you’ve got a hearty, keto-friendly skillet meal ready to savor!

Chef’s note

Having fun in the kitchen is part of the journey, and when it comes to keto cooking, creativity is limitless! Sprinkle your favorite herbs, or some spice can turn this classic skillet dish into a whole new flavor adventure.

Creamy Tuscan Sauce before the sausage is added.          Sausage and cream sauce being mixed and beginning to be cooked            Sausage an creamy sauce in a cast iron skillet

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 4 Servings

Ingredients for this keto zucchini noodles recipe

  • 1 (13-ounce) package of Kiolbassa Roasted Garlic sausage – you can also use any other sausage you like
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
  • Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • 12 ounces zucchini noodles
  • Fresh basil

Ingredient substitutions

  • You can use any type of sausage you prefer, such as spicy Italian sausage or chicken sausage.
  • You can also add additional vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition.

Additional ingredients

  • Fresh basil for garnish

Cooking tools required

To make this Keto Zucchini Noodles recipe, you’ll need the following tools:

Preparation steps

  1. Spiralize the zucchini and set aside.
  2. Begin by heating the olive oil in a large cast iron skillet on medium heat.
  3. Add the sliced sausage and sauté for 5-7 minutes or until browned.
  4. Add minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
  6. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes or until it has thickened.
  7. Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
  8. Continue cooking for 3 to 5 minutes or until the zucchini noodles are fully warmed.
Creamy Tuscan Zoodles with Sausage finished dish

Chef’s pro tip

Be mindful of your zucchini noodles! The most common hiccup in this recipe is overcooking them, which can leave you with a soggy dish. To avoid this, ensure you only toss them in towards the end and let them cook for just 2-3 minutes – just enough time to heat up and soak in all that flavorful sauce.

What to serve with these keto zoodles?

  • Pesto: Pesto is a vibrant, punchy blend of fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and olive oil, perfect for adding a zingy touch to your favorite keto dishes.
  • Keto Alfredo sauce: This creamy, dreamy concoction is made with heavy cream, parmesan cheese, garlic, and butter, making it a delectably rich, low-carb addition to your culinary arsenal.
  • Grilled chicken: Grilled chicken is a keto superstar, offering lean protein and a beautiful charred flavor that pairs beautifully with a multitude of spices and marinades.
  • Lemon garlic sauce: This tangy, aromatic sauce combines the zesty freshness of lemon with the robust flavor of garlic, making it a heavenly match for everything from seafood to vegetables.
  • Seafood: Seafood is a treasure trove of lean proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, and delectable flavors, providing countless possibilities for mouthwatering keto meals, from grilled salmon to shrimp stir-fry.

Time-saving tips

  • Use pre-made zucchini noodles instead of making them yourself with a spiralizer.
  • Use pre-cooked sausage to save time.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • The zucchini noodles can be prepped and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • The sausage can be cooked ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Close-up: Keto Tuscan Zoodles with Sausage

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage tips

  • Store the leftover Creamy Tuscan Zucchini Noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Let the dish cool to room temperature before storing it in the fridge.
  • Keep any leftover sausage separate from the zucchini noodles to prevent sogginess.

Meal prep tips

  • The zucchini noodles can be spiralized and cooked in advance to save time.
  • Cook the sausage and prepare the sauce while the zucchini noodles are cooking.
  • Store the zucchini noodles, sausage, and sauce separately in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and heat.

Reheating best practices

  • Heat a skillet over medium heat to reheat the Creamy Tuscan Zucchini Noodles with Sausage.
  • Place the zucchini noodles and sausage in the skillet and cook them until they are warmed through.
  • Pour the sauce over the noodles and sausage and continue heating until the sauce is warm.
  • Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
Creamy Tuscan Zoodles with Sausage finished dish

KETO CREAMY TUSCAN ZUCCHINI NOODLES WITH SAUSAGE

Keto Creamy Tuscan Zucchini Noodles with Sausage finished dish

This Keto Creamy Tuscan Zucchini Noodles with Sausage is packed full of flavor and veggie goodness for a deliciously low-carb one-pan dinner!
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: 30-minute, easy, low carb
Prep Time: 10minutes 
Cook Time: 20minutes 
Total Time: 30minutes 
Servings: 4
Calories: 563kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 package Kiolbassa Roasted Garlic sausage cut into rounds
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup spinach chopped
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 12 ounces zucchini noodles
  • Fresh basil for topping

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large (10-12”) cast-iron skillet. Once hot add in the sliced Kiolbassa and cook 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
  • Add the garlic to the pan and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add the heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese to the skillet. Increase the heat to medium-high and whisk until the sauce starts to bubble and thicken.
  • Add in the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Bring to a simmer until the spinach is wilted. Add the sausage back to the skillet and add in the zucchini noodles. Cook 2-3 minutes until hot. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Creamy Tuscan Zucchini Noodles with Sausage
Amount Per Serving
Calories 563Calories from Fat 467
% Daily Value*
Fat 51.9g80%
Carbohydrates 11.1g4%
Fiber 2g8%
Protein 21.2g42%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.