Chicken Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

Chicken Zucchini Pasta tossed with pesto and topped with burst tomatoes.

No ratings yet

Herb marinated chicken thighs top zucchini noodles tossed in a zesty basil pesto, and served with burst tomatoes and additional cheese. This healthy, low carb zucchini noodle recipe is so good, you won't miss the pasta!

Prep Time15

Cook Time10

Total Time25

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: chicken pesto zoodles, chicken zucchini pasta, Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

Servings: servings

Calories: 513kcal

Ingredients

Herb Marinated Chicken Thighs

1 1/2 pounds chicken thighs or boneless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon thyme
black pepper to taste

Pesto Zoodles

2 zucchini spiralized (see how to make zoodles)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4-1/2 cup pesto
cherry tomatoes sauteed until burst, optional
parmesan cheese to garnish, optional
pine nuts to garnish, optional

Instructions

Herb Marinated Chicken

Add the chicken thighs to a marinating container, and drizzle on the lemon juice, olive oil, sea salt, thyme, and back pepper. Toss to coat evenly, cover, and marinate refrigerated for 1-4 hours.
Cook chicken over a heated grill on about 350º F for about 4 minutes per side, or until chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165º F. If pan frying, heat a skillet over medium high heat, and cook chicken for about 5 minutes per side, or until chicken is cooked throughout.

Pesto Zoodles

Use a spiralizer or other technique to make zoodles. Learn how to make zoodles if here if you’ve never done it before!
If cooking zoodles, heat a skillet over medium high heat, and drizzle with olive oil. Add zoodles, and toss to heat through, 3-4 minutes. Do not overcook zoodles or they will release too much water and become mushy.
I prefer to use zoodles raw most of the time.
Add a couple spoonfuls of your favorite pesto. My favorite is this authentic Pesto Genovese.
Serve Pesto Zoodles hot, topped with sliced chicken, garnished with additional parmesan cheese, pine nuts, or burst cherry tomatoes, if desired.

Notes

How to Store Leftovers

I recommend only tossing the zucchini noodles you plan on eating right away with pesto. Store the raw zucchini noodles, pesto, and grilled or pan fried chicken separately, and combine when ready to enjoy again.

Meal Prep Zucchini Noodles

Spiralize zucchini for multiple meals at once! Store noodles in large air tight containers in the fridge for up to a week. Combine with prepared pesto, alfredo sauce, and proteins when ready to enjoy!

Pesto is also a great meal-prep item. It's perfect for adding flavor to grilled meats and seafood, zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, and even salad dressings!

Nutrition