Discover delicious, easy-to-make recipes focused on keto, low carb, and healthy eating. Fuel your body with nutritious, flavorful meals every day.

Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Grilled Chicken: A Delicious Low-Carb Dinner
Low Carb Meals

Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Grilled Chicken: A Delicious Low-Carb Dinner

slimfitrecipes

Looking for a flavorful, low-carb meal that’s both satisfying and healthy? Look no further than Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Grilled Chicken. This recipe swaps traditional pasta for light and refreshing zucchini noodles (or “zoodles”), paired with a delicious homemade pesto and juicy grilled chicken. It’s a perfect meal for anyone following a low-carb, keto, or gluten-free lifestyle.

Zucchini noodles are a fantastic alternative to pasta, offering the same texture without the carbs. The combination of fresh basil pesto and tender grilled chicken makes this dish incredibly tasty and nutritious. Plus, it’s super easy to make and can be on the table in under 30 minutes!

If you’re looking for a simple, healthy, and flavorful dinner idea, this recipe is sure to become one of your go-to meals. Ready to dig in? Let’s get started!

Ingredients for Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Grilled Chicken

  • 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Grilled Chicken: A Delicious Low-Carb Dinner

About the Ingredients & Preparation Time

This recipe features zucchini noodles as the base, which is a fantastic low-carb swap for traditional pasta. The spiralized zucchini noodles, also known as “zoodles,” have a similar texture to spaghetti but are light and refreshing. Grilled chicken adds lean protein, while the homemade pesto made with fresh basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan adds a rich, herby flavor that elevates the dish.

This meal takes about 25-30 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal option for a quick and healthy dinner. You can also make the pesto ahead of time to save even more time during busy weeknights.

Method of Preparation

  1. Grill the chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Set aside to rest for a few minutes before slicing.
  2. Prepare the pesto: In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and lemon juice. Pulse until finely chopped. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Spiralize the zucchini: While the chicken is grilling, use a spiralizer to create zucchini noodles. If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can use a vegetable peeler to create thin strips of zucchini.
  4. Sauté the zoodles: In a large pan, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add the zucchini noodles and sauté for 2-3 minutes, just until slightly softened. Be careful not to overcook the zoodles, as they can become mushy.
  5. Combine and serve: Toss the sautéed zucchini noodles with the fresh pesto until evenly coated. Slice the grilled chicken breasts and arrange them on top of the pesto zoodles. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired. Serve immediately.
Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Grilled Chicken: A Delicious Low-Carb Dinner

A Fun Variation: Creamy Pesto Zoodles

For a creamier version of this dish, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk into the pesto before tossing it with the zucchini noodles. This creates a richer, creamier sauce that pairs beautifully with the grilled chicken. It’s a comforting twist on the original recipe that still keeps it low-carb and keto-friendly.

Pair It with a Side: Low-Carb Garlic Bread

To make this meal even more satisfying, serve your Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Grilled Chicken with a side of Low-Carb Garlic Bread. Simply use low-carb bread, spread it with garlic butter, and toast it until golden and crispy. The garlic bread adds a wonderful crunch that complements the lightness of the zoodles.

More Recipes to Explore

If you loved this Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Grilled Chicken, check out our other low-carb dinner recipes!

Follow Us on Pinterest

For more low-carb and keto-friendly recipes, don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest! We’re always sharing new meal ideas that are perfect for anyone looking to live a healthier lifestyle without sacrificing flavor.

A Fresh and Healthy Dinner Option

This Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Grilled Chicken is a delicious, low-carb alternative to traditional pasta dishes. It’s light, flavorful, and full of fresh ingredients that make it a perfect choice for anyone looking to eat healthy while still enjoying satisfying meals.

With just a few simple steps and ingredients, you can create a nutritious dinner that’s as tasty as it is good for you. Whether you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, or simply looking for a lighter meal, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. So, grab your spiralizer and get cooking—this meal is a guaranteed hit!