Bright & Zingy Zucchini Noodle Chicken Pesto Bowl Recipe

Summer’s bounty meets culinary creativity in this vibrant zucchini noodle chicken pesto bowl that combines fresh ingredients with bold flavors.

Spiralized zucchini noodles dance elegantly with tender grilled chicken, creating a light yet satisfying meal.

The homemade pesto sauce adds a rich, herbaceous punch that perfectly complements the delicate zucchini strands.

Packed with nutrition and bursting with color, this bowl turns simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish.

Each forkful promises a delightful blend of textures and tastes that will make your taste buds sing.

Nutrition meets pleasure in this simple yet sophisticated recipe that comes together in mere minutes.

Let’s find out this zesty, wholesome bowl and transform your weeknight dinner routine.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 3

Ingredients List for Zucchini Noodle Chicken Pesto Bowl

• Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender meat that provides a delicious protein boost and creates a satisfying main component of the dish.
• Paprika: Adds warm, subtle spice and beautiful color to the chicken, enhancing its flavor profile.

• Zucchini: Creates low-carb noodle alternative with fresh, light texture and mild vegetable sweetness.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Brings bright, juicy burst of freshness and vibrant color to the bowl.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Provides aromatic finishing touch with classic herbaceous flavor and elegant garnish.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Delivers rich, smooth cooking fat with heart-healthy benefits and smooth cooking foundation.
• Garlic: Offers deep, pungent flavor that complements chicken and creates robust taste layer.
• Basil Pesto: Infuses creamy, herbal sauce with intense Mediterranean-inspired taste profile.
• Kosher Salt: Balances and elevates overall dish's seasoning, helping blend all ingredients harmoniously.

Tools for a Light and Healthy Chicken Pesto Bowl

• Large sauté pan: Essential for cooking chicken and zucchini noodles with even heat distribution.
• Spiralizer: Key tool for transforming zucchini into perfect noodle-like strands.
• Cutting board: Necessary for slicing chicken and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Crucial for precisely cutting chicken into bite-sized pieces and chopping basil.
• Colander: Helpful for draining excess moisture from zucchini noodles.
• Serving bowls: Final stage for presenting and serving the delicious meal.
• Tongs or spatula: Useful for flipping chicken and stirring zucchini noodles during cooking.

Making Zucchini Noodle Bowls with Chicken and Pesto

• Kitchen Preparation

Gather all necessary tools like spiralizer, cutting board, sharp knife, and large sauté pan.

• Chicken Seasoning

Sprinkle salt and paprika across both sides of chicken breast for deep flavor enhancement.

• Chicken Cooking

Sear chicken in hot olive oil, browning each side quickly, then reduce heat and cover to ensure complete cooking. Let chicken rest after removing from pan.

• Zucchini Transformation

Use spiralizer to create delicate green noodle strands from fresh zucchini. Quickly sauté these tender spirals with garlic, adding a touch of salt for brightness.

• Moisture Management

If zucchini releases excess liquid, drain carefully to maintain perfect texture and prevent sogginess.

• Protein Slicing

Cut rested chicken into convenient bite-sized pieces for easy eating.

• Pesto Coating

Gently toss zucchini noodles with fragrant basil pesto, ensuring every strand gets delicious herbal coverage.

• Final Presentation

Arrange zucchini noodles in serving bowls, crown with sliced chicken, scatter cherry tomatoes, and garnish with fresh basil for a colorful, appetizing meal.

Tips for Balancing Texture and Flavor in This Bowl

• Store leftover zucchini noodles separately from chicken and pesto to prevent soggy texture and maintain crisp freshness for up to 2 days in sealed containers.
• Replace chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or sliced turkey for diverse protein options that complement the vibrant pesto flavor profile.
• Add extra vegetables like roasted bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach to increase nutritional value and create more complex taste dimensions.
• Experiment with homemade or store-bought pesto variations like sun-dried tomato, cilantro, or arugula pesto to transform the dish's overall character and excitement.
• Spiralize zucchini and prepare chicken in advance, storing separately in refrigerator to streamline weeknight dinner preparation and reduce cooking stress.

How to Serve Chicken Pesto Zoodle Bowls Right

• Fresh Garden Garnish: Sprinkle extra cherry tomatoes and torn basil leaves around the bowl for a vibrant pop of color and added freshness that brings the dish to life.
• Mediterranean Side Companion: Serve alongside a small portion of greek yogurt or tzatziki sauce to add a cool, creamy element that complements the zesty pesto and tender chicken.
• Low-Carb Protein Boost: Enhance the meal with a handful of toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds for extra crunch and nutritional value, creating a more satisfying and textured experience.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the herbal pesto and light chicken with a crisp white wine like sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to elevate the overall dining experience.

Smart Storage for Chicken Zoodle Bowls

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare zucchini noodles and chicken separately, keeping them refrigerated for up to 3 days for easy meal prep and quick assembly.
• Moisture Management: Drain excess liquid from zucchini noodles before storing to prevent soggy texture and maintain crispness during refrigeration.
• Flavor Boost Technique: Reheat chicken gently in a skillet with a splash of olive oil to keep it moist and restore its original delicious taste when enjoying leftovers.

Vibrant Zucchini Noodle Chicken Pesto Bowl Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Creamy pesto chicken nestles atop zucchini noodle bowls, creating Mediterranean-inspired comfort without heavy carbohydrates. Herb-kissed sauce and tender protein promise delightful nutrition you can savor in minutes.

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Ingredients

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• 0.5 lb (227 g) chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
• 2 zucchini, medium
• 2 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
• 0.25 cup basil pesto, prepared
• 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 handful cherry tomatoes, halved
• 0.25 tsp paprika
• kosher salt, to taste
• basil leaves, fresh, thinly sliced, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Seasoning: Thoroughly coat chicken breast with salt and paprika on both sides to create a flavor-enhancing crust.
2. Searing: Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over high heat, then carefully place seasoned chicken in the skillet. Sear for 1-2 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown caramelized exterior.
3. Cooking: Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and allow chicken to gently cook for 2-5 minutes until reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove and let rest on a cutting board.
4. Zucchini Preparation: Using a spiralizer, transform zucchini into delicate noodle-like strands. In the same pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil and return to high heat.
5. Noodle Cooking: Add zucchini noodles and thinly sliced garlic to the pan. Stir continuously to prevent sticking, sprinkling salt over the noodles. Cook until softened but maintaining a slight crispness. If excess moisture appears, quickly drain in a colander.
6. Plating: Slice rested chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces. Toss zucchini noodles with basil pesto in a serving bowl, ensuring even coating. Arrange pesto-infused noodles on a plate, top with sliced chicken, and garnish with halved cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves.

Notes

• Optimize Chicken Seasoning: Use a blend of salt and paprika to create a flavorful, caramelized exterior that locks in moisture and adds depth to the chicken.
• Master Zucchini Noodle Technique: Drain excess moisture immediately after cooking to prevent soggy noodles and maintain a crisp, al dente texture.
• Control Cooking Temperature: Sear chicken on high heat for a golden crust, then reduce to low heat to ensure even cooking and prevent drying out.
• Elevate Presentation: Arrange sliced chicken and garnish with fresh cherry tomatoes and basil leaves to transform a simple dish into a visually appealing meal.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg