Chicken Pesto Zoodle Bake
Indulge in the comforting flavors of a cheesy, herby pasta bake transformed into a nourishing meal with our Chicken Pesto Zoodle Bake. This dish replaces pasta with zucchini noodles, making it a deliciously low-carb option that doesn’t skimp on taste. Perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep for the week ahead, follow this simple recipe to create a new favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 2 large zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
- 1 cup basil pesto
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Use a spiralizer to turn the zucchinis into noodles, also known as ‘zoodles’. Gently pat them with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a large bowl, combine the zoodles, cooked diced chicken, and cherry tomatoes.
- In a separate small bowl, mix the basil pesto with minced garlic and olive oil until well combined.
- Add the pesto mixture to the zoodle and chicken bowl, tossing until everything is well coated.
- Season with salt and pepper, and mix again.
- Transfer the mixture into a baking dish.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes.
- If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Pro Tips:
- To ensure your zoodles do not become soggy, make sure to pat them dry adequately after spiralizing and before adding them to the bake.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto mixture.
- You can personalize this dish by adding other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers according to your preference.
- Leftover Chicken Pesto Zoodle Bake can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and makes excellent next-day lunches.
Enjoy your wholesome and scrumptious Chicken Pesto Zoodle Bake! It’s a guilt-free comfort food that will keep you satisfied and on track with your healthy eating goals.