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Zucchini noodles with pesto sauce and grilled chicken on a plate.
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Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Grilled Chicken

A delightful dish featuring vibrant zucchini noodles, rich pesto, and juicy grilled chicken, perfect for a healthy meal.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Keyword: Grilled Chicken, Healthy Dinner, Low-Carb, Pesto, Zucchini Noodles
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 350kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 3 medium zucchini Fresh, vibrant, and slightly crisp.
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts Juicy and lean.

For Grilling Chicken

  • 1 tbsp olive oil For brushing chicken before grilling.
  • 1/4 tsp salt Essential for flavor.
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper Adds depth to the dish.
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder Infuses chicken with savory flavor.
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning Fragrant blend for seasoning.

For the Pesto

  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves Heart of the pesto.
  • 2 cloves garlic Fresh for the pesto.
  • 1/3 cup olive oil For richness in the pesto.
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Elevates the pesto.
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts) Add a delightful crunch.
  • 1/2 tsp salt Balances flavors.
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper Adds nuance to the pesto.
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice Adds brightness to the pesto.

For Sautéing

  • 1 tbsp olive oil For sautéing zucchini noodles.

Instructions

Grill the Chicken

  • Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium heat. Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
  • Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Prepare the Pesto

  • In a food processor, combine basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts (or walnuts), salt, and black pepper. Pulse until finely chopped.
  • With the processor running, drizzle in olive oil until smooth. Stir in lemon juice and taste for perfection.

Sauté the Zucchini Noodles

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add zucchini noodles and sauté for about 2 minutes until slightly softened, being careful not to overcook.
  • Sprinkle with salt and pepper for seasoning.

Toss & Serve

  • In a mixing bowl, combine warm zucchini noodles with pesto, tossing gently to coat.
  • Serve on plates topped with sliced grilled chicken, additional Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Notes

Ensure your grill is preheated for perfect chicken searing. Be gentle while sautéing zucchini to maintain al dente texture.