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Bowl of zucchini noodles topped with pesto sauce and grilled chicken
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Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Grilled Chicken

A vibrant dish combining flavorful grilled chicken, aromatic basil pesto, and tender zucchini noodles for a delicious and healthy summer meal.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Keyword: Grilled Chicken, Healthy Meal, Pesto, Summer Recipe, Zucchini Noodles
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 400kcal

Ingredients

For the chicken

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Succulent and juicy.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil For brushing the chicken.
  • 1/4 tsp salt For seasoning.
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper For seasoning.
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder For additional flavor.
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning For additional flavor.

For the pesto

  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves Lush and fragrant.
  • 2 cloves garlic Bold and zesty.
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Creamy and nutty.
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts For a crunchy bite; substitute walnuts for a different twist.
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice To brighten the pesto.
  • 1/4 tsp salt For seasoning.
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper For seasoning.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil For blending into the pesto.

For the zucchini noodles

  • 3 medium zucchini Spiralized into long strands.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil For sautéing.
  • to taste salt For seasoning.
  • to taste black pepper For seasoning.

Instructions

Grilling the Chicken

  • Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat.
  • Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
  • Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until cooked through.
  • Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.

Preparing the Pesto

  • In a food processor, combine basil leaves, garlic, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, salt, and black pepper.
  • Drizzle in olive oil while blending until smooth.
  • Finish with lemon juice.

Sautéing the Zucchini

  • Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  • Add spiralized zucchini and sauté for around 2 minutes.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving

  • Toss zucchini noodles with pesto in a large bowl.
  • Top with grilled chicken strips and garnish with Parmesan and basil.

Notes

Experiment with different nuts in your pesto and seasonings for the chicken. Pre-spiralizing zucchini can save time.