Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Grilled Chicken

Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Grilled Chicken is a delightful dish that offers a symphony of tastes, flavors, and textures. The succulent grilled chicken, seasoned with garlic and oregano, provides a robust and savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the fresh and tender zucchini noodles. The homemade pesto sauce, rich with the aromatic essence of basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, adds a creamy and herbaceous touch. Together, these elements create a harmonious blend of flavors that dance on the palate, making it a satisfying and healthy meal that doesn't skimp on taste. Whether you're watching your carb intake or simply craving something fresh and flavourful, this dish is sure to please.

Ingredients for Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Grilled Chicken

For the Chicken:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide lean, protein-packed meat that grills up juicy and flavorful.
• Olive Oil: Adds moisture and helps the seasonings adhere to the chicken while grilling, ensuring a deliciously tender result.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, savory garlic flavor that complements the other seasonings.
• Dried Oregano: Infuses the chicken with an earthy, aromatic flavor, perfect for grilling.

For the Zucchini Noodles:

• Zucchinis: Fresh, spiralized zucchinis create a light and nutritious alternative to traditional pasta, soaking up the flavors of the pesto beautifully.
• Olive Oil: Lightly coats the zucchini noodles to prevent sticking and to enhance their natural flavor during a quick sauté.

For the Pesto Sauce:

• Fresh Basil Leaves: The star of the pesto, offering a bright, herbal flavor that defines the sauce.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, savory note that balances the fresh basil and garlic in the pesto.
• Olive Oil: Forms the base of the pesto, creating a smooth, velvety texture that ties all the ingredients together.
• Garlic: Provides a pungent, aromatic depth that enhances the flavor of the basil and cheese.
• Pine Nuts: Add a buttery, nutty richness to the pesto, complementing the basil and Parmesan.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and bringing out the flavors in the pesto, making it savory and delicious.

How to Prepare Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Grilled Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Grill the Chicken: Place chicken on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Remove from grill and let rest.
3. Make the Pesto Sauce: In a food processor, combine basil, Parmesan, olive oil, garlic, pine nuts, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth.
4. Prepare Zucchini Noodles: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add spiralized zucchini and sauté for 2-3 minutes or until tender. Be careful not to overcook, as zucchini can become mushy.
5. Combine with Pesto Sauce: Toss the zucchini noodles with the pesto sauce until well coated.
6. Serve: Slice the grilled chicken and serve over the zucchini noodles. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.

Recipe Variations

• Grilled or Sautéed Shrimp: Swap the chicken for shrimp for a lighter, seafood twist. Season the shrimp with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and a touch of lemon juice, then grill or sauté them for 2-3 minutes per side until they’re pink and cooked through. Shrimp pairs beautifully with the fresh, herbal flavors of pesto.
• Pan-Seared or Grilled Salmon: Salmon’s rich, buttery flavor works wonderfully with pesto. Season the salmon fillets with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon, then grill or pan-sear until cooked to your liking. Serve the salmon fillets whole or flake them into bite-sized pieces over the zucchini noodles.
• Crispy or Grilled Tofu: For a vegetarian option, use firm tofu. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then marinate it with olive oil, garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of lemon juice. Grill or pan-fry the tofu until golden and crispy. Tofu soaks up the flavors of the pesto well and adds a hearty, plant-based protein to the dish.
• Grilled or Pan-Seared Steak: For a more indulgent twist, use thinly sliced steak. Marinate the steak with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs, then grill or pan-sear to your preferred doneness. Slice the steak thinly and serve over the zucchini noodles for a rich, flavorful meal.
• Sautéed or Roasted Chickpeas: Another vegetarian option, chickpeas add a hearty, protein-rich element to the dish. You can sauté them with olive oil, garlic, and herbs, or roast them in the oven until crispy. Toss the chickpeas with the zucchini noodles and pesto for a filling, plant-based meal.
• Grilled or Pan-Seared Pork: Pork tenderloin is another great option that pairs well with pesto. Season the pork with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs, then grill or pan-sear until cooked through. Slice the pork thinly and serve over the zucchini noodles.
• Seared Scallops: For a touch of elegance, try seared scallops. Season them lightly with salt, pepper, and a bit of lemon juice, then sear in a hot pan with olive oil until golden on each side. The delicate flavor of scallops complements the fresh basil pesto beautifully.
• Grilled or Sautéed Turkey Breast: Swap chicken for lean turkey breast, seasoned and grilled or sautéed. Turkey is a lean protein that works well with the bright flavors of pesto.
• Shredded Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker meal, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Shred the chicken and toss it with the zucchini noodles and pesto for an easy, flavorful meal.
• Cannellini or Great Northern Beans: For a plant-based protein, add white beans like cannellini or Great Northern beans. Simply rinse and drain the beans, then toss them with the zucchini noodles and pesto for a creamy, satisfying addition.