Chicken Pesto Zoodle Bowl

If you’re looking for a light yet satisfying dish that’s both nutritious and easy to make, this Chicken Pesto Zoodle Bowl is the perfect recipe for you. Combining the fresh flavors of basil pesto with lean chicken served over a bed of spiralized zucchini noodles, this dish is not only delightful but also fits well within a low-carb, gluten-free, or paleo-diet framework.

Ingredients:

• 2 large zucchini, spiralized
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 tablespoons basil pesto, homemade or store-bought
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Parmesan cheese, shaved (optional)

Instructions:

1. Begin by preparring the chicken. In a mixing bowl, coat the chicken breasts with 2 tablespoons of pesto, ensuring they are fully covered. Set aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour for deeper flavor.
2. While the chicken is marinating, spiralize the zucchini into noodles using a spiralizer or a julienne peeler and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and no longer pink in the middle. Once cooked, remove from the skillet, let it rest for a few minutes, and slice it into strips.
4. In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed, and sauté the zucchini noodles for 1-2 minutes or until slightly softened. You want them to still have a bit of a crunch for texture.
5. Assemble the bowls by dividing the zoodle among serving dishes. Top with sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, and a drizzle of the remaining tablespoon of pesto. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and, if desired, shaved Parmesan cheese for an extra boost of flavor.

Additional Tips:

Avoid overcooking the zoodles as they can become watery. Just a quick toss in the pan is sufficient. You can also experiment with adding other vegetables or swapping the chicken for another protein like shrimp for variation.

Nutritional Information:

This Chicken Pesto Zoodle Bowl is low in carbs and high in protein, making it an excellent choice for those on a paleo or keto diet. A serving size without the optional Parmesan cheese typically contains roughly:

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 18g
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 2g

Enjoy your delectable and healthy Chicken Pesto Zoodle Bowl!