Easy Pesto Chicken Zoodles Recipe Hearty

What Makes This Easy Pesto Chicken Zoodles Recipe So Special

There’s a moment, right when the warm, garlicky scent of basil pesto hits the sizzling chicken in the pan, that my kitchen feels like the heart of the home. It’s a smell that takes me right back to summers in Burgundy, but this dish, our easy pesto chicken zoodles recipe, is a whirlwind of fresh, vibrant flavors that comes together in a flash. The zucchini noodles stay wonderfully crisp-tender, making it a healthy, low-carb dinner that never tastes like a compromise.

I remember my eldest daughter, after a long day of school and soccer, poking her head into the kitchen and asking, “Is that the green pasta, Dad?” Her smile when I told her it was, confirmed that this was a winner. It’s the perfect creamy, satisfying meal for those busy nights when you need something special without the fuss. If you’re new to using spiralized veggies, you might wonder, what’s the best way to handle zucchinis? Don’t worry, it’s simpler than you think, much like my Easy Zucchini Noodle Casserole.

Grant Logan

Easy Pesto Chicken Zoodles

This 20-minute low-carb meal features tender chicken tossed in garlicky basil pesto with crisp-tender zucchini noodles. Fast, fresh, and packed with flavor, it’s a weeknight winner that never feels like a compromise.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 2 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Healthy, Low Carb

Calories: 410

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 large zucchinis, spiralized
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp pine nuts, toasted

Equipment

• spiralizer or vegetable peeler
• large skillet
• tongs
• paper towels

Method

 

1. Spiralize the zucchinis and set aside in a bowl. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Season chicken chunks with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Cook chicken for 5–7 minutes, until cooked through.
4. Lower heat to medium-low and stir in pesto until chicken is coated.
5. Add zoodles to the skillet and toss gently with chicken and pesto using tongs.
6. Cook for 2–3 minutes, tossing frequently until zoodles are tender but firm.
7. Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until creamy.
8. Top with toasted pine nuts and serve immediately.

Notes

Pat your zoodles dry to avoid excess moisture. Don’t overcook! Add Parmesan off heat for best texture. Swap proteins like shrimp or chickpeas for variety. Store leftovers for up to 3 days — reheating gently prevents sogginess.

Ingredients for Your Easy Pesto Chicken Zoodles

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to a successful meal. Here’s your simple shopping list for this flavorful pesto chicken zoodles recipe:

• 2 large zucchinis, spiralized
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted

Cook Time for a Quick & Flavorful Dinner

Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is the answer to your busy weeknight prayers. The total time is incredibly short, making it a fantastic option when you need a healthy meal fast. If you love quick chicken dishes, you might also enjoy my thin-sliced chicken breast recipes for even faster cooking.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

How to Make This Easy Pesto Chicken Zoodles Recipe

Follow these simple steps for a foolproof, delicious result every time. It’s all about layering flavors quickly and efficiently.

Step 1: Prepare the Zoodles

Spiralize the zucchinis into noodles and set them aside in a bowl. If you don’t have a spiralizer, a simple vegetable peeler can create wide, ribbon-like “noodles” that work just as well.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Season the chicken chunks with salt and pepper. This simple step ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned. For more tips on cooking chicken perfectly, check out my guide on how long to cook thin-sliced chicken breast.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s cooked through and no longer pink in the center.

Step 4: Add the Pesto

Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the pesto until the chicken is fully coated. That glorious aroma will fill your kitchen now! Wondering about the best time to add pesto? I delve into that in my article, Do You Add Pesto to Hot or Cold Pasta?

Step 5: Combine with Zoodles

Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss everything gently to combine with the pesto chicken. Use tongs for the easiest mixing.

Step 6: Gently Cook the Zoodles

Cook for just 2-3 minutes, tossing frequently. You want the zoodles to be tender but still firm (al dente). Overcooking will make them watery.

Step 7: Finish with Cheese

Remove the skillet from the heat and immediately stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. The residual heat will melt it into a creamy sauce.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with the toasted pine nuts for a delightful crunch and serve immediately. This is when the dish is at its absolute best!

Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks

• Toast Your Nuts: Toasting the pine nuts in a dry pan for a few minutes until golden brown unlocks a deep, nutty flavor.
• Avoid Soggy Zoodles: After spiralizing, pat the zoodles dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
• Protein Swap: Try this with shrimp or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist on this easy pesto chicken zoodles recipe.
• Creamier Sauce: Stir in a tablespoon or two of Greek yogurt or cream at the end for an even richer, creamier sauce.

If you love the combination of chicken and pasta, you have to try my Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta or this comforting Ragu Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo.

Nutrition and Health Benefits

This dish isn’t just delicious; it’s a nourishing choice for you and your family. So, what makes this easy pesto chicken zoodles recipe a healthy option? Zucchini is low in calories and carbohydrates but high in fiber and vitamins like Vitamin C. Chicken breast provides lean protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied. According to nutrition experts, swapping traditional pasta for vegetable noodles is a simple way to increase your daily veggie intake. For another healthy, veggie-packed idea, my Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad is a fantastic option.

A Lighter Version of Pesto Chicken Zoodles

If you’re looking to lighten this dish even further, a few simple swaps can do the trick. A common question I get is, “How can I make it healthier?” The answer is easier than you might think!

You can use a low-fat or vegan pesto, reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese, or increase the ratio of zoodles to chicken. For a dairy-free version, nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor without the dairy. If you enjoy casseroles, my Italian Ground Beef Pasta Casserole can also be adapted with leaner meat and whole wheat pasta.

Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets

I believe good food should be accessible to everyone. Here’s how you can adapt this recipe for various needs, including for those managing sugar intake or focusing on glycemic control.

For a Diabetic-Friendly Version: This recipe is naturally low sugar and low-carb, making it an excellent choice. Just be sure to check your pesto label for added sugars. You can also experiment with a pinch of stevia in your homemade pesto if a touch of sweetness is desired, though it’s not traditional.

Gluten-Free: This dish is naturally gluten-free, as long as your store-bought pesto is certified GF (some contain breadcrumbs).

Dairy-Free: Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. The pesto itself can be made without cheese as well.

How to Serve Your Pesto Chicken Zoodles

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides. I love serving it with a bright, crisp side salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the pesto. A slice of crusty, warm bread is also perfect for soaking up any extra sauce left in the bowl. For another complete meal idea that feels like a hug in a bowl, my Crockpot Chicken Alfredo is a family favorite.

Mistakes to Avoid

Even the simplest recipes can have pitfalls. Here are a few common mistakes and how to sidestep them for the best easy pesto chicken zoodles recipe experience.

• Overcooking the Zoodles: This is the biggest mistake! Zoodles need just 2-3 minutes in the pan. They should be al dente, not mushy.
• Not Drying the Zucchini: Zucchinis contain a lot of water. Pat them dry after spiralizing to prevent a watery sauce.
• Crowding the Pan: When browning the chicken, make sure your skillet is large enough so the pieces aren’t touching. This ensures a good sear instead of steaming.
• Adding Cheese Over Heat: Always remove the skillet from the heat before stirring in the Parmesan. Adding it over direct heat can cause it to clump.

Don’t worry if you make a mistake—cooking is a journey! Every attempt makes you a better cook.

How to Store Pesto Chicken Zoodles

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The zoodles will release water as they sit, so reheating is best done gently in a skillet over low heat. I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the zucchini will become very soft and watery upon thawing.

Try This Easy Pesto Chicken Zoodles Recipe Yourself

This dish truly embodies what I love about cooking: creating something fresh, healthy, and deeply satisfying that brings everyone to the table with a smile. It’s a recipe that proves you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create a meal filled with love and flavor. I hope it becomes a new family favorite in your home, just as it has in mine.

If you enjoyed this, I think you’ll love exploring more of my recipes. From classic comforts to quick weeknight solutions, there’s something for every mood:
Easy Zucchini Noodle Casserole,
Crockpot Chicken Alfredo,
Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad,
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta,
Ragu Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo, and
Italian Ground Beef Pasta Casserole.

Frequently Asked Questions