Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Grilled Chicken
If you love pasta but want something lighter, zucchini noodles (also called zoodles) are the perfect solution! They’re fresh, low in carbs, and soak up all the delicious flavors of pesto and grilled chicken. This dish is a fantastic way to enjoy a satisfying meal without feeling too heavy afterward.
Equipment
- Spiralizer
- Cutting Board and Knife
- Blender or Food Processor
- Grill pan or outdoor grill
- Large skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs or a spatula
Ingredients
For the Zucchini Noodles
- 4 medium zucchinis spiralized
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- For the Pesto Sauce
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- ¼ cup pine nuts or walnuts
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup olive oil
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Grilled Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pesto
- In a food processor or blender, combine basil leaves, pine nuts, grated Parmesan, and minced garlic.
- Pulse a few times to break everything down.
- Slowly add the olive oil while blending until smooth.
- Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat.
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C).
- Remove from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Step 3: Cook the Zucchini Noodles
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the spiralized zucchini noodles and sauté for 2-3 minutes until just tender. Be careful not to overcook, as they can become mushy.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
- Remove the skillet from heat and mix the zucchini noodles with the pesto sauce, tossing gently to coat.
- Divide into plates and top with sliced grilled chicken.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~450-500 kcal
- Protein: ~35g
- Carbohydrates: ~10-12g
- Fat: ~35g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Sugar: ~4g
- Sodium: ~500-600mg (varies based on seasoning and cheese)
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.