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RECIPE: Zucchini Noodles with Pesto Chicken
- Kayla Hilhorst
- Jan 10
- 3 min read
Hey, girlie! If you're on the lookout for a meal that feels indulgent but keeps things light and healthy, this Zucchini Noodles with Pesto Chicken is your new best friend. We’re talking fresh zucchini noodles—aka "zoodles"—topped with juicy, tender pesto chicken, all drizzled with that fresh, herby pesto goodness. It’s the ultimate low-carb dinner that still tastes like a treat!
Key Points About the Recipe
Zucchini noodles (zoodles) are the perfect low-carb alternative to traditional pasta, packing in fiber, vitamins, and minerals while keeping your blood sugar stable.
Pesto chicken is bursting with flavor thanks to the basil, garlic, and parmesan, plus it’s full of healthy fats and protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
This meal is gluten-free, dairy-free (if you skip the cheese in the pesto), and super easy to make. Perfect for a busy weeknight!
You can prep the pesto in advance or make it fresh for a super easy week of meals—meal prep, anyone?
It’s light, fresh, and so satisfying without being heavy. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in those veggies without even realizing it!
Health Benefits of the Main Ingredients
Zucchini: Zucchini is low in calories but packed with fiber and water, making it super hydrating and filling. It’s also high in antioxidants, like vitamin C, which helps support your immune system and skin health. The fiber in zucchini promotes healthy digestion and keeps your blood sugar levels in check.
Chicken: Chicken is a fantastic source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and keeping you full longer. It’s also rich in niacin (vitamin B3), which helps improve cholesterol levels, and selenium, an important mineral for your thyroid function and immune health.
Pesto: Pesto is made with fresh basil, which is loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. The olive oil used in pesto provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which are great for reducing bad cholesterol. The garlic in pesto boosts your immune system and provides natural antibacterial properties. Not to mention the parmesan cheese, which gives you a hit of calcium for strong bones.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is packed with heart-healthy fats and has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It’s a great addition to any meal and helps promote good digestion and skin health.
Recipe and Instructions
Ingredients:
2 chicken breasts
2 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the chicken)
1 batch homemade or store-bought pesto (about ½ cup)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
For the pesto:
2 cups fresh basil leaves
2 cloves garlic
¼ cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
½ cup olive oil
¼ cup grated parmesan (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Make the pesto: In a blender or food processor, combine the basil, garlic, pine nuts, and parmesan. Blend until finely chopped. While blending, slowly stream in the olive oil until you get a smooth consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Cook the chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and cook for 6-7 minutes per side or until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown on the outside. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Sauté the zoodles: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil and toss in the zucchini noodles. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they’re tender but still have a slight crunch. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Assemble the dish: Divide the zoodles between two plates, top with the sliced pesto chicken, and drizzle generously with your fresh pesto. Top with parmesan cheese if you’d like!
Serve immediately and enjoy a flavorful, low-carb dinner that’s totally satisfying.
Looking to create more low-carb, nutrient-packed meals like this one? Book a nutritional consultation with me today! We’ll customize a plan that’s perfect for your health goals—whether it’s weight loss, energy boosting, or just feeling your best. Let’s make sure you’re nourishing your body with the best foods for your unique needs!
xo, Kayla
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