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Keto Creamy Tuscan Zucchini Noodles with Sausage

Published: · Updated: by Cast Iron Keto · 20 Comments

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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
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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:

  • Large skillet
  • Vegetable peeler
  • Spiralizer
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Tools substitute options

  • If you do not have a spiralizer, you can use a vegetable peeler to create thin zucchini strips for a similar texture.

How to make Keto Zucchini Noodles: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Sautéing

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

Frequently asked questions

Zoodles, or zucchini noodles, are typically cooked for just a few minutes until tender but firm. This can be done by sautéing, boiling, or steaming them for 2-3 minutes. It's important not to overcook zoodles, as they can quickly become mushy and lose their texture.

Zoodles can be a healthy substitute for pasta in various dishes. They can be eaten raw or cooked and are often used in salads, stir-fries, and pasta dishes. They can also be used instead of noodles in soups or served as a side dish with grilled meats or fish.

Zoodles can be made without a zoodle maker using a julienne or vegetable peeler. Simply slice the zucchini into thin strips, then use the peeler to create long, thin noodles. This method may not be as efficient as a zoodle maker, but it can still produce tasty and healthy zoodles.

To prevent zoodles from becoming soggy, it's important to cook them quickly and not overcook them. You can also squeeze out any excess moisture from the zucchini noodles by wrapping them in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel and gently pressing them down before cooking.

Boiling zoodles is one way to cook them, but it's not the only method. Zoodles can also be sautéed, steamed, or even eaten raw. The best method for cooking zoodles depends on the recipe and your preference.

Boiling zucchini typically takes just a few minutes. Cut the zucchini into bite-sized pieces and add them to boiling water for 2-3 minutes or until tender but firm.

Zoodles are a healthy and low-carb alternative to traditional pasta. They are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals and are a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. Zucchini is also low in calories, making zoodles a great weight loss and management option.

Cooked zoodles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, sauté or microwave them for a few minutes until heated.

📖 Recipe

Keto Creamy Tuscan Zucchini Noodles with Sausage finished dish

Keto Creamy Tuscan Zucchini Noodles with Sausage

This Keto Creamy Tuscan Zucchini Noodles with Sausage is packed full of flavor and veggie goodness for a deliciously low-carb one-pan dinner!
4.62 from 18 votes
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: 30-minute, easy, low carb
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
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 563 Calories 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.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Theresa says

    You didn't say how to cook the zucchini noodles... Precook them or if the 2-3 minutes at the end will cook them enough. Never tried zucchini no noodles before.

    Reply

    • Alex Lester says

      Hi Theresa, the zucchini noodles are raw when they go in at the end for the 2-3 minutes. If you cook them longer than that they end up too watery.

      Reply

  2. Theresa says

    What is the serving size that the macros are based on... Or is this the whole pan?

    Reply

    • Alex Lester says

      Hi Theresa! The nutrition info listed is always for one serving. Hope this helps!

      Reply

      • Tricia m McConegly says

        But it does not say what ONE serving size is

        Reply

        • Cast Iron Keto says

          Unfortunately, that’s not how recipes work. Unlike a packaged food product that is made by a single company, recipes can’t provide reliable serving weights due to the fluctuations in how different people measure and cook. To get a reliable serving size you’ll need to weigh your final dish then divide by the number of servings. You can also simply eyeball 1/4th of the recipe. Hope this helps!

          Reply

  3. Tom says

    5 stars
    Holy crap Batman! This recipe is PHENOMENAL!!! I was licking the plate clean! I'm very new to Keto meals and this one has inspired me to try more.
    So glad I came upon your website! Going to make the Pita chips tommorow!
    Keep cooking and creating!!!!!

    Reply

  4. Anne Marie says

    5 stars
    Delicious - will be making this a couple times a month. Fast and easy to make and tasted like gourmet keto.

    Reply

  5. CONNIE SAYLOR says

    This was one of my favorite recipes. I tried it today and it was amazing. I added onions but just because I like onions and it still was sooooo good. Thank you Cast Iron Skillet for the recipe.

    Reply

  6. April says

    Yum! I used Sabatino’s chicken mozzarella sausage from Costco and left out the sundried tomatoes, which cut the net carbs to 6! I followed the rest of the recipe exactly, and it was so delicious! Definitely one that I will be repeating. Thank you!!

    Reply

  7. Ellen says

    5 stars
    SO glad I tried this. We give it two thumbs way up!!! Absolutely delicious. I used the jalapeno sausage I had on hand, so I roasted my own garlic for the recipe. Subbed mushrooms for the sun dried tomatoes and whisked in 1 oz cream cheese at the end. Going on the regular (maybe weekly?!) rotation. Thank you so much for this recipe!

    Reply

  8. Kelly burgess says

    What can I use instead of the heavy cream? What would be a good substitute?

    Reply

    • Cast Iron Keto says

      Coconut milk would be the closest substitute.

      Reply

  9. Kris says

    4 stars
    Followed the recipe exactly. A tad bit bland because of the zucchini noodles, but a little added salt would enhance the flavor. Also, I’d cut the longer zoodles. I’ve already recommended this recipe to my friends.

    Reply

  10. Sarah S. says

    How many sausages is 1 package of sausage? My pack has 12!

    Reply

  11. Tanya says

    It says sun dried tomatoes are not keto and will throw you out of ketosis fast even a small amount. Will this still taste good without them?

    Reply

    • Cast Iron Keto says

      We're not sure who says sun-dried tomatoes aren't appropriate for a low-carb diet. As you can see in the nutritional information, there are 9g net carbs per serving which fits perfectly within most keto diets.

      Reply

  12. Holly says

    I bet this would be good even without the zucchini noodles and served over cauliflower rice!

    Reply

  13. Teresa says

    5 stars
    I've made this recipe several times changing it up once with chicken and once with pork, although my favorite is still sausage. It's so delicious my father-in-law asked me for the recipe.

    Reply

  14. Christy says

    How much is one serving ?

    Reply

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