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This post is all about Healthy Pesto Chicken Zucchini Noodles Recipe.
This Healthy Pesto Chicken Zucchini Noodles recipe is a light and nutritious dish that combines tender chicken breast with fresh zucchini noodles and vibrant pesto. It’s a perfect option for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal prep solution.
The recipe is simple and can be prepared in under 30 minutes making it ideal for busy lifestyles. You can easily adjust the ingredients to include your favorite vegetables or protein options.
Quick and Nutritious Pesto Chicken Zucchini Noodles
This dish brings together the freshness of zucchini noodles with the heartiness of tender chicken, all enveloped in a vibrant pesto sauce.
The spiralized zucchini serves as a delightful alternative to traditional pasta, making it a fantastic choice for those seeking lighter meal options.
In just about 25 minutes, you can create a satisfying dish that not only pleases the palate but also nourishes the body.
Ingredients That Shine
The simplicity of the ingredients is one of the highlights of this recipe.
With just a handful of items, including fresh zucchinis, chicken breasts, and basil pesto, you can whip up a meal that feels both indulgent and healthy.
The addition of cherry tomatoes and Parmesan cheese enhances the dish, adding bursts of flavor and color that make it visually appealing.
Preparation Made Easy
Preparing this dish is straightforward, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Start by spiralizing the zucchinis into noodles, which can be done quickly with a spiralizer.
Next, cook the seasoned chicken in a skillet until it’s golden brown, then sauté garlic for an aromatic touch before adding the zucchini noodles. This method ensures the noodles remain slightly firm, providing a satisfying texture.
Combining Flavors
Once the zucchini noodles are added to the skillet, they only need a few minutes to soften slightly.
Removing the skillet from heat before mixing in the pesto allows the flavors to meld without overcooking the noodles.
This step is crucial for maintaining the vibrant color and fresh taste of the dish.
Garnishing for Presentation
Presentation plays a significant role in the enjoyment of a meal.
Garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and halved cherry tomatoes not only adds flavor but also creates a beautiful contrast against the green of the zucchini noodles.
Serving this dish on a rustic wooden table enhances its inviting nature, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Nutritional Benefits
This Healthy Pesto Chicken Zucchini Noodles dish is not just delicious but also packed with nutrients.
With approximately 320 calories per serving, it offers a balanced meal option that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates.
This makes it suitable for various dietary preferences, including those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing flavor.
Quick and Nutritious Pesto Chicken Zucchini Noodles
This dish features spiralized zucchini noodles sautéed with seasoned chicken breast and tossed in a homemade or store-bought pesto sauce. It takes about 25 minutes to prepare and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
- Cherry tomatoes, halved for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Zucchini Noodles: Spiralize the zucchinis into noodles and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Zucchini Noodles: Toss in the spiralized zucchini noodles and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until the noodles are slightly tender but still al dente.
- Combine with Pesto: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the pesto until the chicken and zucchini noodles are well coated.
- Serve: Plate the dish and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and cherry tomatoes if desired. Serve immediately.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
