The Perfect Zucchini Noodle Chicken Pesto Bowl Recipe For Busy Days

Savory zucchini chicken pesto bowl reimagines ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience that delights the senses.

Home cooks seeking nutritious and quick meals will fall in love with this innovative dish.

Light yet substantial, the combination offers remarkable depth without overwhelming complexity.

Spiralized vegetables mingle perfectly with succulent protein, creating a harmonious flavor profile that feels both comforting and exciting.

Fresh herbs and rich sauce elevate simple components into something truly memorable.

Delicate zucchini strands provide a low-carb alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste or satisfaction.

Weeknight dinners just got significantly more delicious and health-conscious.

Tips for Vibrant Pesto and Juicy Chicken

• Master Zucchini Spiralizing: Choose firm, medium-sized zucchinis for the best noodle texture and avoid watery, oversized vegetables.
• Prevent Soggy Noodles: Pat zucchini noodles with paper towels after draining to remove excess moisture and maintain a crisp, al dente consistency.
• Season Chicken Strategically: Let chicken rest after cooking to lock in juices, ensuring tender and flavorful protein for your bowl.
• Pesto Coating Technique: Gently toss zucchini noodles with pesto off the heat to preserve the fresh herb flavor and prevent wilting.
• Quick Meal Prep Hack: Spiralize zucchini and slice chicken in advance to streamline weeknight dinner assembly and reduce cooking time.

How to Keep Zoodles from Getting Mushy Later

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep the zucchini noodles and chicken separate to prevent soggy texture and maintain freshness. Consume refrigerated portions within 3-4 days for optimal taste and quality.
• Reheating Chicken: Warm sliced chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of olive oil. Alternatively, microwave in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out.
• Zucchini Noodle Care: Quickly reheat zucchini noodles in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Avoid overcooking to prevent turning mushy.

Bowl Buddies That Make It a Meal

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio perfectly complements the light, fresh flavors of the zucchini noodles and herb-infused pesto chicken.
• Elevate with Sparkling Water: Add a splash of lemon or cucumber-infused sparkling water to enhance the dish's bright, summery profile and cleanse the palate between bites.
• Match with Herbal Side Salad: Create a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to echo the basil notes in the pesto and add a peppery, fresh counterpoint to the tender chicken.
• Serve with Rustic Bread: Include a slice of crusty sourdough or whole grain bread to soak up the delicious pesto and provide a satisfying textural contrast to the zucchini noodles.

Flavor Variations That Keep It Interesting

• Mediterranean Magic: Replace basil pesto with sun-dried tomato pesto and add crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavor profile. Sprinkle kalamata olives on top for extra Mediterranean authenticity.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Mix in diced jalapeños and swap basil pesto for chipotle pesto. Top with black beans, corn kernels, and a drizzle of lime juice for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Creamy Herb Garden: Use a lighter green herb pesto like cilantro or parsley. Incorporate roasted pine nuts and a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess and protein boost. Garnish with fresh chives for a bright, herbal finish.
• Asian-Inspired Fusion: Replace basil pesto with a ginger-soy sauce. Add sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and a quick splash of sriracha for an umami-rich transformation that brings bold Asian flavors to the classic zucchini chicken bowl.

Why Zucchini Noodle Chicken Pesto Bowls Feel So Fresh

• Craft Quick Healthy Meals: This recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into a nutritious, low-carb dinner that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy professionals seeking delicious wellness options.
• Elevate Veggie Noodle Experience: By spiralizing zucchini, you create a light, fresh alternative to traditional pasta that absorbs pesto's aromatic flavors while providing a satisfying, crunchy texture without heavy carbohydrates.
• Protein-Packed Flavor Explosion: The perfectly seasoned and seared chicken breast combines with vibrant basil pesto and juicy cherry tomatoes, creating a balanced meal that's high in protein, low in calories, and bursting with Mediterranean-inspired taste profiles.
• Simplify Gourmet Cooking: This one-pan recipe eliminates complex techniques, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels while delivering a visually appealing, nutritionally balanced meal that looks like it came from a trendy health restaurant.

What You Need for Green Goodness in a Bowl

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that forms the main protein source, best when fresh and boneless.
• Salt: Essential seasoning to enhance chicken flavor and bring out natural taste.
• Paprika: Adds mild warmth and beautiful color to the chicken.

• Zucchini: Fresh vegetable used to create low-carb noodle base, best when firm and medium-sized.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides depth and sharp flavor to zucchini noodles.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh and sweet tomato variety that adds bright color and fresh taste.
• Fresh Basil: Vibrant herb that brings fragrant and classic Italian flavor to the dish.

• Olive Oil: High-quality cooking fat for sautéing chicken and zucchini noodles, provides rich flavor.
• Basil Pesto: Creamy sauce that coats zucchini noodles, delivering herbaceous and nutty taste.

How to Spiral, Sauté, and Savor

Step 1: Prepare The Chicken

Season chicken breast with salt and paprika on both sides for rich flavor.

Step 2: Sear The Chicken

• Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over high heat
• Add chicken and cook 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown

Step 3: Finish Cooking Chicken

Reduce heat to low, cover pan, and cook 2-5 minutes until chicken is fully cooked. Remove from pan and let rest.

Step 4: Create Zucchini Noodles

Use a spiralizer to transform zucchini into delicate, pasta-like strands.

Step 5: Sauté Zucchini Noodles

• Heat olive oil in the same pan
• Add zucchini noodles and sliced garlic
• Sprinkle salt
• Stir frequently until noodles start to soften

Step 6: Drain Excess Moisture

If noodles release liquid, transfer to a colander to drain.

Step 7: Slice Rested Chicken

Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.

Step 8: Combine With Pesto

Toss zucchini noodles with basil pesto until evenly coated.

Step 9: Plate And Garnish

• Sliced chicken
• Cherry tomatoes
• Fresh basil slices

Zucchini Noodle Chicken Pesto Bowl Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Zucchini Noodle Chicken Pesto Bowl delivers Mediterranean freshness with spiralized zucchini and herb-packed basil sauce. Lean grilled chicken and homemade pesto create a light, protein-rich meal perfect for summer dining.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 0.5 pound (227 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 2 medium zucchini (just over 1 pound or 454 grams)
• 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 handful of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 0.25 teaspoon paprika
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced, for garnish

Oils and Sauces:

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 0.25 cup prepared basil pesto

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Instructions

1. Generously coat chicken breast with a blend of salt and paprika on both surfaces for enhanced flavor and seasoning.
2. Warm of olive oil in a large sauté pan over intense heat, then carefully place the seasoned chicken into the skillet.
3. Sear the chicken for approximately 1-2 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust develops, indicating proper caramelization.
4. Decrease the heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and allow the chicken to gently cook for 2-5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for optimal moisture retention.
6. Transform zucchini into delicate spirals using a spiralizer, creating thin, noodle-like strands.
7. Without cleaning the pan, add another tablespoon (15 milliliters) of olive oil and return to high heat.
8. Introduce zucchini noodles and thinly sliced garlic to the hot pan, continuously stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
9. Sprinkle of salt over the noodles and cook until they begin to soften but maintain a slight crispness.
10. If excess moisture accumulates, quickly transfer the zucchini noodles to a colander to drain and prevent sogginess.
11. Slice the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring even, uniform cuts.
12. Gently toss the zucchini noodles with basil pesto in a serving bowl, ensuring each strand is evenly coated with the aromatic sauce.
13. Plate the pesto-infused zucchini noodles and artfully arrange the sliced chicken on top.
14. Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes and delicate fresh basil leaves for a vibrant, fresh presentation.

Notes

• Chicken loves a quick sear for maximum flavor and beautiful golden-brown exterior.
• Spiralizing transforms ordinary zucchini into elegant, pasta-like strands perfect for low-carb meals.
• Draining excess moisture ensures zucchini noodles stay crisp and don’t become soggy during cooking.
• Fresh basil and cherry tomatoes add bright, summery colors and vibrant taste to the dish.
• Pesto provides a rich, herbal coating that elevates simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 85mg