Low-Carb High Protein Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Grilled Chicken For Healthy Dinner Recipes

This dish features fresh zucchini noodles tossed in a vibrant pesto sauce and topped with juicy grilled chicken. It's a healthy and satisfying meal that highlights the flavors of summer vegetables.

The recipe is simple and quick to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences.

Vibrant Ingredients for a Healthy Meal

This dish showcases the beauty of fresh ingredients, particularly zucchini, which serves as a fantastic alternative to traditional pasta.

Spiralized zucchini noodles provide a light and nutritious base, making this meal both satisfying and guilt-free.

The bright green pesto, made from fresh basil, nuts, and Parmesan, adds a burst of flavor that complements the zucchini perfectly.

Grilled chicken breast contributes lean protein, making this dish a well-rounded option for any meal.

Creating the Perfect Pesto

Pesto is the star of this dish, and making it from scratch is simple and rewarding.

Combining fresh basil leaves, garlic, nuts, and Parmesan cheese in a food processor creates a vibrant sauce that elevates the zucchini noodles.

Drizzling in olive oil while blending ensures a smooth consistency, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Seasoning with salt and pepper enhances the overall taste, making it irresistible.

Grilling Chicken to Perfection

Grilling chicken adds a smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the fresh ingredients.

Brushing the chicken breasts with olive oil and seasoning them simply allows the natural flavors to shine through.

Cooking them on medium-high heat ensures they remain juicy and tender, making for a delightful topping on the zucchini noodles.

Preparing Zucchini Noodles

Cooking zucchini noodles is quick and easy, requiring only a few minutes in a hot skillet.

Lightly sautéing them helps retain their crunch while warming them through, ensuring they don’t become mushy.

Once combined with the pesto, the noodles take on a vibrant green hue, making the dish visually appealing.

Garnishing for Presentation

Presentation plays a key role in making this dish inviting.

Halved cherry tomatoes add a pop of color and a hint of sweetness, while fresh basil leaves provide an aromatic touch.

Arranging these garnishes artfully on the plate enhances the overall appeal, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This dish is versatile and can be customized to suit various tastes.

For a vegetarian option, consider omitting the chicken or substituting it with grilled tofu or chickpeas for added protein.

Experimenting with different nuts in the pesto or adding other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach can also create new flavor profiles.

Whether served as a light lunch or a hearty dinner, this zucchini noodle dish is sure to impress.

Healthy Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Grilled Chicken

This recipe combines spiralized zucchini, homemade or store-bought pesto, and grilled chicken breast for a light yet filling meal. The dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and serves 4 people.

Ingredients

• 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil for grilling
• Cherry tomatoes, halved for garnish (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Make the Pesto: In a food processor, combine basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil. Blend until smooth, adding salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
2. Grill the Chicken: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for 6-7 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Let rest before slicing.
3. Prepare the Zucchini Noodles: In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the zucchini noodles and sauté for 2-3 minutes until just tender.
4. Combine: Remove the skillet from heat and toss the zucchini noodles with the prepared pesto until well coated.
5. Serve: Plate the zucchini noodles and top with sliced grilled chicken. Garnish with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil if desired.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: 350kcal
• Fat: 25g
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 10g