How to Make Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Grilled Chicken in 20 Minutes

Are you ready to whip up a delicious, healthy meal in just 20 minutes? I know I am! Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Grilled Chicken. This dish is not only a fantastic way to enjoy a low-carb meal, but it also falls under the category of easy pasta recipes that your whole family will love. Let’s dive into this quick family dinner that’s bursting with flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Healthy and nutritious, making it a great option for clean eating.
• Low in carbs, ideal for those looking for no starch meals dinners.
• Versatile—can be served as a main dish or a side.
• Deliciously satisfying, thanks to the creamy basil pesto and grilled chicken.

Ingredients

To make this delightful dish, you will need the following ingredients:

• 3 zucchinis, spiralized
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Grilled Chicken:

1. Preheat your grill and season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until cooked through. You want that beautiful grill mark and juicy flavor!
3. While the chicken is grilling, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the spiralized zucchini noodles and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they are tender but still have a bit of crunch.
4. Toss the zoodles with the basil pesto until they are well coated. Slice the grilled chicken and serve it on top of the zoodles.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly:

• For a little extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the pesto for an hour before grilling.
• If you don’t have a grill, you can easily cook the chicken in a skillet on the stove.
• Feel free to add some cherry tomatoes or spinach to the zoodles for added nutrition and color.
• For a creamy twist, consider adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top.
• Don’t forget to check out my Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta for another delicious option!

How to Serve

This dish is best served immediately while the chicken is warm and the zoodles are fresh. You can plate it beautifully by twirling the zoodles into nests and topping them with the sliced chicken. A sprinkle of fresh basil or a squeeze of lemon juice can elevate the flavors even more. It’s a fantastic option for 30-minute meals that impress without the stress!

Make Ahead and Storage

If you want to prepare this meal ahead of time, you can grill the chicken and spiralize the zucchini in advance. Store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, just sauté the zoodles and toss them with the pesto. This makes it a great choice for dinner ideas without chicken as well, as you can easily substitute with tofu or shrimp!

For leftovers, store the zoodles and chicken separately to prevent the noodles from getting soggy. They can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave, and you’ll have a quick meal ready to go!

For more healthy meal ideas, check out my High Protein Chicken Salad and High Protein Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta recipes!

So there you have it! A delightful, healthy meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. I hope you enjoy making and eating this Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Grilled Chicken as much as I do. Happy cooking!