Keto Chicken Pesto Pasta
Indulge in the ultimate low-carb comfort meal with this Keto Chicken Pesto Pasta, a delightful twist on a classic favorite! Tender zucchini noodles replace traditional pasta, making this dish both keto-friendly and gluten-free, while juicy, golden seared chicken strips add a hearty protein boost. The star of the dish is the homemade pesto, crafted with fragrant fresh basil, rich Parmesan cheese, crunchy pine nuts, and a hint of bright lemon juice for a vibrant, herbaceous sauce. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds just the right touch of heat to elevate the flavor profile. Ready in just 35 minutes, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a crowd-pleasing dinner. Serve it warm with a sprinkle of Parmesan for a satisfying meal that’s light, nourishing, and bursting with bold flavors!
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Ingredients
- 3 medium Zucchini
- 2 large Chicken breast
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 2 cups Basil leaves
- 0.25 cup Pine nuts
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 0.25 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
Directions
Step 1
Start by spiralizing the zucchini into noodles using a spiralizer. Set aside and lightly sprinkle with salt to drain excess moisture.
Step 2
Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips. Season with salt and black pepper evenly on both sides.
Step 3
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and slightly golden. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 4
In a food processor, combine basil leaves, pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, and lemon juice. Slowly drizzle in two tablespoons of olive oil while processing until a smooth pesto forms. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5
In the same skillet used for cooking the chicken, add a little more olive oil if necessary, and sauté the spiralized zucchini noodles for about 2-3 minutes until just tender. Be careful not to overcook them.
Step 6
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add the prepared pesto, and toss everything together until the noodles and chicken are nicely coated.
Step 7
Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a little heat and extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Step 8
Serve immediately while warm.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1058.5g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1462.5 |
| Total Fat 92.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 20.2g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 17.4g | |
| Cholesterol 302.5mg | 0% |
| Sodium 9260.5mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 54.4g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 7.3g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 42.5g | |
| Protein 111.9g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 622.9mg | 0% |
| Iron 6.4mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2459.5mg | 0% |
Source of Calories