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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Seasoning: Thoroughly coat chicken breast with salt and paprika on both sides to create a flavor-enhancing crust.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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