Description
Pesto Zucchini Noodles with Chicken is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish that pairs juicy chicken with crisp zucchini noodles, cherry tomatoes, and rich pesto. It’s a low-carb, high-protein meal that’s as satisfying as it is beautiful, perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Zucchini: 4 medium (spiralized into noodles or store-bought)
- Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless): 1 lb (cut into bite-sized chunks)
- Avocado or olive oil: 2 tbsp (for sautéing)
- Sea salt and black pepper: To taste (for seasoning chicken and noodles)
Toppings and Flavor Additions
- Pesto: ½ cup (store-bought or homemade)
- Cherry tomatoes: 2 cups (halved)
- Parmesan cheese: ⅓ cup (plus more for garnish)
- Fresh basil: For garnish
- Crushed red pepper: Optional (for a spicy kick)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Zucchini Noodles
- Use a spiralizer to create thin zucchini noodles. Alternatively, use a vegetable peeler for ribbon-style noodles or a mandolin with a julienne blade.
- Save time by using store-bought pre-spiralized zucchini noodles if needed.
2. Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken chunks and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for 6–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. Sauté the Zucchini Noodles
- In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
- Add the zucchini noodles, pesto, and cherry tomatoes.
- Stir to coat the noodles evenly with pesto, cooking for about 1 minute until the noodles are slightly softened.
4. Combine and Finish
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the zucchini noodles.
- Add Parmesan cheese and toss everything together, cooking for an additional 30 seconds.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
5. Serve and Garnish
- Portion the zucchini noodles and chicken into bowls or plates.
- Garnish with fresh basil, extra Parmesan cheese, and crushed red pepper (if desired).
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Avoid Soggy Noodles: Keep the cooking time short as zucchini releases water quickly.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh pesto, ripe cherry tomatoes, and crisp zucchini elevate the flavor.
- Prep Ahead: Spiralize zucchini and chop chicken in advance for an even quicker meal.
- Switch Proteins: Substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or plant-based alternatives for variety.
- Make It Your Own: Add toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired