Looking for a low-carb, flavor-packed dinner that’s fast and satisfying? This Pesto Chicken with Zucchini Noodles is everything you love about a comforting pasta dish — without the carbs. It’s light, vibrant, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Juicy, pan-seared chicken breast slices are coated in a rich basil pesto sauce and tossed with freshly spiralized zucchini noodles. The result? A crave-worthy meal that’s bursting with fresh flavors and healthy ingredients.
Whether you’re trying to eat cleaner, reduce carbs, or simply want a quick one-pan dinner, this recipe checks all the boxes. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies while still feeling like you’re indulging.
The pesto adds bold flavor, thanks to fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan. You can use store-bought pesto for convenience or make your own if you have extra herbs lying around.
Zucchini noodles (aka zoodles) are a fantastic pasta substitute. They’re light, naturally gluten-free, and cook in just minutes, soaking up all the delicious sauce without getting soggy.
This meal is family-friendly, meal-prep approved, and suitable for many dietary preferences. It’s naturally gluten-free, low in carbs, and can easily be made dairy-free by omitting cheese in the pesto or using a dairy-free version.
One of the best things about this dish is how fresh it tastes. The zucchini stays slightly crisp, the chicken is golden and juicy, and the pesto brings it all together with its herby, garlicky goodness.
You won’t believe how easy this comes together. From start to finish, it’s just a few simple steps: cook the chicken, spiralize the zucchini, toss it all with pesto, and dinner’s served.
You can also customize this dish to your preferences. Add cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or even sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.
This is a great recipe to have on hand when basil is in season or when you’re craving something green and satisfying.
Zoodles reheat well too — just be careful not to overcook them, or they’ll release too much moisture.
This dish also works beautifully with shrimp or turkey instead of chicken. It’s incredibly flexible depending on what you have on hand.
Serve it hot for dinner or enjoy it cold as a lunchbox pasta salad. Either way, it’s delicious.
With bold flavor and minimal effort, Pesto Chicken with Zucchini Noodles will quickly become a go-to meal in your healthy recipe rotation.
Servings
Serves: 2–3
Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 medium zucchinis, spiralized
- 1/3 cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- Optional: grated Parmesan, cherry tomatoes, or crushed red pepper
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and let rest for a few minutes.
- Add spiralized zucchini noodles to the same skillet and cook for 1–2 minutes, just until slightly softened.
- Slice chicken into strips and return to skillet. Add pesto and toss everything together until well coated.
- Serve immediately, topped with optional Parmesan, cherry tomatoes, or red pepper flakes.
Tips
- Don’t overcook the zoodles; they should be just tender, not mushy.
- Use a spiralizer or buy pre-spiralized zucchini for convenience.
- For extra flavor, add garlic or sautéed onions before the zoodles.
- Homemade pesto adds great freshness, but store-bought works fine too.
- Make it dairy-free by using vegan pesto.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light, fresh, and bursting with flavor
- Low-carb and gluten-free
- Quick and easy one-pan meal
- Customizable with your favorite add-ins
- Perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights
Summary
This Pesto Chicken with Zucchini Noodles is a light and flavorful dinner that’s quick to make and packed with fresh, wholesome ingredients. It’s low-carb, gluten-free, and a delicious way to eat more veggies while enjoying big flavor.
