Elevate your dining experience with our light and flavorful Zucchini Noodles with Pesto Chicken. This vibrant dish combines the freshness of zucchini noodles with the rich, aromatic notes of homemade basil pesto and succulent pieces of grilled chicken. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb alternative or simply want to savor a delightful and nutritious meal, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients:
For the Basil Pesto:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pesto Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup prepared basil pesto (from the above recipe)
For the Zucchini Noodles:
- 3 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
Instructions:
- Prepare the Basil Pesto:
- In a food processor, combine basil leaves, pine nuts or walnuts, garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Pulse the ingredients until finely chopped.
- With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Marinate and Grill the Pesto Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Brush both sides of the chicken breasts with olive oil.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked with no pink in the center.
- During the last 2 minutes of grilling, brush the chicken with the prepared basil pesto on both sides. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Prepare the Zucchini Noodles:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the spiralized zucchini noodles and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they are just tender but still slightly crisp.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Divide the sautéed zucchini noodles among serving plates.
- Top with slices of pesto-marinated grilled chicken.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Drizzle a little extra pesto sauce over the chicken and noodles.
- Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, and halved cherry tomatoes if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful flavors and textures of this Zucchini Noodles with Pesto Chicken dish.
Indulge in the freshness and satisfying combination of zucchini noodles, fragrant pesto, and tender grilled chicken. This dish not only pleases the palate but also nourishes the body, making it a fantastic choice for a wholesome and delightful meal.
