Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Chicken Soup

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By Emmy Minucci

Published: Sep 23, 2025

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Looking for a soul-warming low carb soup that fits your healthy goals? This zucchini noodle chicken soup delivers cozy fall flavor, tender veggies, and protein-packed comfort—all without the heavy carbs. Let’s simmer something simple.

Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Chicken Soup

Why This Low Carb Zucchini Noodle Chicken Soup Is a Must-Try

Comfort Food Without the Carbs

When the chill of autumn sets in, nothing hits the spot like a steamy bowl of soup. But what if you could have that comforting spoonful without the carb-heavy noodles? That’s where this low carb soup comes in strong. With zucchini noodles taking center stage, you still get that slurp-worthy pasta vibe—but with fewer carbs and more fiber. The tender pieces of chicken add wholesome protein that fills you up without weighing you down.

This dish checks every box:

  • Cozy and satisfying
  • Loaded with lean protein
  • Naturally low in carbs
  • Full of fall-season flavor

Whether you’re craving a warming dinner or a light lunch, this recipe fits perfectly into your rotation of low carb recipes.

Soup That Loves Your Body Back

Every ingredient in this bowl was chosen with care. Onion, celery, and carrot bring that comforting soup base you know and love, while chicken or turkey makes it hearty. Zucchini noodles slide in at the end to keep things fresh and balanced. The result? A vibrant, nutrient-rich low carb dinner that supports your wellness goals.

This is one of those easy soup recipes you’ll return to often, especially when paired with veggie-forward dishes like the veggie-packed minestrone. It’s all about getting maximum flavor with minimal effort—and zero pasta guilt.

Recipe

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Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Chicken Soup

Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Chicken Soup


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  • Author: Evardi Romano
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

This Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Chicken Soup is a cozy, healthy, and protein-packed dinner perfect for chilly fall and winter nights. Ready in 30 minutes and bursting with clean flavors.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil (5 ml)
  • 1 large onion, diced (150 g)
  • 8 cups chicken or turkey broth (1.9 L)
  • 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning (1 g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (1 g)
  • 1 cup sliced carrots (120 g)
  • 1 cup sliced celery (100 g)
  • 2 cups chopped cooked chicken or turkey (280 g)
  • 1 large zucchini, spiralized (200 g)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (4 g)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Spiralize zucchini using the medium blade and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Sauté onion until tender.
  3. If using raw chicken, add it now and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add broth, poultry seasoning, basil, carrots, and celery. Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  5. Stir in zucchini noodles and cook for 1–2 minutes until just softened.
  6. Alternatively, place raw zucchini noodles in bowls and ladle hot soup over them to soften.
  7. Garnish with chopped parsley and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Notes

  • For firmer zucchini noodles, don’t simmer them—let hot broth soften them in serving bowls.
  • Use leftover rotisserie chicken for faster prep.
  • Store the soup base without zucchini in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • Add lemon juice or red pepper flakes for an extra flavor kick.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 78
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 895mg
  • Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 16mg

Ingredients Breakdown for Maximum Flavor and Nutrition

Key Ingredients and Smart Swaps

The beauty of this low carb soup lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient pulls its weight—whether for taste, texture, or nutrition. Here’s what makes it work and how you can adapt it to suit your pantry.

  • Zucchini: Acts as a pasta alternative. Spiralized zucchini (or zoodles) adds that satisfying slurp without the carbs.
  • Chicken or Turkey: Offers a lean protein base. You can use leftover roast chicken or quickly cook cubed breast meat in the pot.
  • Carrots and Celery: Add a soft crunch and subtle sweetness. Keep portions balanced for lower carb count.
  • Onion and Garlic: Essential aromatics that give your broth real depth.
  • Broth: Go for a quality chicken or turkey broth—preferably low-sodium to control flavor.
  • Herbs: Poultry seasoning, dried basil, and fresh parsley provide a comforting and savory profile.
  • Olive Oil: Just a touch helps sauté the onion without overpowering the soup.

Need a swap? Sub red pepper for carrot if you want to cut carbs further, or add a pinch of turmeric for anti-inflammatory benefits and color.

This soup isn’t just quick—it’s nutrient-dense, balanced, and customizable. If you enjoy this clean-ingredient style, you’ll likely love the 198-calorie lentil soup with spinach that’s equally veggie-packed and light.

Ingredient Tips for Low Carb Success

To stay true to your low carb dinner goals, a few simple tips will make this recipe a repeat-worthy winner:

  • Spiralize right before cooking to avoid soggy zoodles.
  • Chop vegetables evenly so everything cooks at the same pace.
  • Don’t overcook the zucchini—toss it in at the end and let it soften in the hot broth.
  • Season gradually. Start light and adjust with salt and pepper after simmering.

You get a warming, full-flavored bowl without any unnecessary heaviness—and all in about 30 minutes.

Step-by-Step Cooking Tips for the Best Texture

How to Build Layers of Flavor in One Pot

One of the best things about this low carb soup is how much flavor you can build in such a short time. It’s a one-pot wonder, and each step adds depth without complication.

Start with olive oil and onions—the base of most great soups. Let the onion cook until tender and golden, which brings out its natural sweetness. If you’re using raw chicken, this is the time to cook it right in the same pot. It browns quickly and releases flavor into the oil.

Next, add your broth, poultry seasoning, dried basil, carrots, and celery. Let this mixture simmer uncovered. This is when the magic happens. The broth reduces slightly and becomes infused with flavor from the herbs and vegetables.

Leave the parsley and zucchini noodles for the final minute or two. They need minimal cooking. Overdoing it will make them mushy. When done right, the texture is fresh, toothsome, and satisfying.

Want a thicker version? Remove ½ cup of the simmered carrots and celery, blend it with a ladle of broth, and stir it back in.

This technique works beautifully in other cozy soups too—like our creamy chicken and rice soup, where texture is everything.

Avoiding Soggy Zoodles

Zucchini is delicate, and when spiralized, it cooks fast. The key to great texture is knowing exactly when to add it.

Here’s how to keep your noodles light and never soggy:

  • Add zoodles only in the last 1–2 minutes of cooking
  • Don’t boil them—just stir into the hot soup right before serving
  • For even firmer texture, place raw zucchini noodles in individual bowls, then ladle hot soup over the top
  • Let the heat soften them naturally as the soup rests for two minutes

This method protects the structure of the zucchini and keeps the broth clear and clean. Bonus: it also prevents over-salting since zucchini can release water if overcooked.

For another fall-friendly twist with zucchini, check out these buffalo chicken stuffed zucchini boats—same low carb base, bold new flavor.

Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Chicken Soup

Low Carb Dinner Goals: Protein, Simplicity, and Balance

Macros That Make Sense

This bowl of soup may feel indulgent, but it stays true to your low carb dinner goals. It’s a go-to meal for anyone wanting to stay energized, satisfied, and light on carbs. Thanks to lean protein, hydrating vegetables, and broth-based cooking, you’re getting a nutrient-rich dinner in every spoonful.

Here’s a quick look at what you get per serving:

MacroPer Serving
Calories78 kcal
Protein5 g
Carbohydrates4 g
Fat4 g
Fiber0 g
Sugar1 g
Sodium895 mg
Potassium365 mg
Vitamin A2290 IU
Vitamin C22.8 mg

It’s light enough for lunch and satisfying enough for dinner—especially on chilly nights when you’re craving something warm but want to stay in control of your macros. And since the recipe uses whole foods and zero fillers, you know exactly what’s fueling your body.

Why This Soup Fits Real Life

Let’s be honest—some low carb meals are high-maintenance. This one isn’t. It takes 30 minutes, uses common ingredients, and works for meal prep or spontaneous weeknight dinners.

Here’s why it works so well in real life:

  • Quick cooking time—ready in 30 minutes
  • One-pot cleanup—less stress, more soup
  • Make-ahead friendly—just leave out the zoodles until reheating
  • Freezer option—store the base and add fresh zucchini when serving
  • Versatile for leftovers—toss in spinach, mushrooms, or swap protein sources

You can even serve it as part of a two-soup spread with this 198-calorie lentil soup with spinach. It’s a great combo for Sunday night batch cooking or a healthy dinner party setup.

This recipe doesn’t just taste good—it supports your wellness, saves you time, and makes low carb living feel doable, even during busy weeks.

More Cozy Fall Soups to Stay on Track

Make It Part of Your Weekly Rotation

This isn’t just another fall recipe—it’s one of those low carb soup ideas that become a weekly staple. Between the quick cook time, balanced macros, and warm comfort, it’s everything you need in a cold-weather dinner.

Here’s how to make it work for every week:

  • Double the batch for easy leftovers
  • Pack in thermoses for on-the-go lunches
  • Stir in red pepper flakes or cayenne for extra heat
  • Swap chicken for ground turkey or rotisserie meat to change it up
  • Freeze the soup base in batches, then add zucchini fresh when reheating

It’s the kind of recipe that keeps you nourished even when time is tight. And because it’s full of vegetables and clean protein, it won’t leave you feeling sluggish after dinner.

When you’re craving variety, add this to your cozy fall dinner rotation alongside recipes like our creamy chicken and rice soup or go bold with our easy Thai chicken soup. Both offer comforting twists while still staying aligned with your healthy soup recipes goals.

More Cozy Soup Ideas

There’s something about fall that makes soup feel like the only right answer for dinner. But the key to staying on track is having a few go-to options that fit your low carb lifestyle without skimping on taste.

Some delicious soup combinations that check all the boxes:

  • Pair this zucchini noodle soup with a crunchy side salad and roasted pumpkin seeds
  • Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt on top for a creamy protein boost
  • Serve with low-carb almond crackers or seed bread for added texture
  • Keep fresh lemon wedges on hand to brighten leftovers the next day

The best part? These recipes don’t feel like “health food.” They’re full-flavored, satisfying, and built for real life—just like everything at Evardi.

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