Low Carb Pesto Chicken Pasta
Indulge in a guilt-free twist on a classic favorite with this Low Carb Pesto Chicken Pasta recipe! This dish swaps traditional pasta for fresh, spiralized zucchini noodles, creating a low-carb, gluten-free base that’s loaded with nutrients. Tender, golden chicken slices are paired with a vibrant homemade basil pesto, bursting with rich flavors from garlic, parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and a splash of lemon juice for a tangy finish. Sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes add a pop of color and freshness, while the entire dish comes together in just 40 minutes—perfect for a quick, healthy dinner. Whether you’re following a low-carb lifestyle or simply seeking a lighter, veggie-packed pasta alternative, this recipe is as satisfying as it is nutritious!
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Ingredients
- 3 zucchini
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups basil leaves
- 2 garlic cloves
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.25 cup pine nuts
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Directions
Step 1
Spiralize the zucchini to create zucchini noodles and set aside.
Step 2
Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
Step 3
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 4
Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked through and golden brown.
Step 5
Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
Step 6
In a food processor, combine basil leaves, garlic cloves, parmesan cheese, pine nuts, lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Step 7
Blend until smooth to make the pesto sauce. Taste and add more salt if necessary.
Step 8
In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the spiralized zucchini noodles and cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until just tender.
Step 9
Add the prepared pesto to the zucchini noodles and toss to coat evenly.
Step 10
Add the sliced chicken and cherry tomatoes to the skillet, gently mixing them with the pesto zucchini noodles.
Step 11
Heat everything through for 1-2 minutes, then serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1019.2g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1322.1 |
| Total Fat 86.2g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 18.5g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 15.9g | |
| Cholesterol 210mg | 0% |
| Sodium 8048.7mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 52.6g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 8.3g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 40.9g | |
| Protein 90.3g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 2IU | 0% |
| Calcium 600.8mg | 0% |
| Iron 7.0mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2292.3mg | 0% |
Source of Calories