Chicken Caesar Zoodle Casserole

Ingredients

• 2 large zucchinis, spiralized into noodles (zoodles)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 cup Caesar dressing, preferably low-fat
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Non-stick cooking spray

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the zoodles using a spiralizer and place them in a colander. Sprinkle with salt and let them sit for about 10-15 minutes to release excess moisture, then gently squeeze the zoodles to remove additional water.
3. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, red onion, and half of the chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add the zoodles into the chicken mixture and toss until they are well coated.
5. Lightly spray a casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. Transfer the zoodle and chicken mixture into the dish.
6. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish and top with cherry tomatoes and shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through.
8. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with the remaining chopped parsley.
9. Serve warm and enjoy this guilt-free twist on a classic indulgence.

Nutrition Tips

By swapping traditional pasta for zucchini noodles, you substantially cut down on calories and carbs, making this casserole a more nutritious option. Additionally, opting for low-fat Caesar dressing can help reduce your intake of unnecessary fats.

Cooking Tips

To avoid a watery casserole, it’s crucial to draw out as much moisture as possible from the zoodles before baking. Letting the salted zoodles sit and then squeezing them ensures a better texture in your final dish.

This delicious Chicken Caesar Zoodle Casserole is a great way to indulge in the rich flavors of a Caesar salad with the comforting warmth of a casserole, all while keeping it light and healthy. Ready in under an hour, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner for the whole family.