Zucchini Noodle and Pesto Chicken

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approximately 374

Ingredients:

For the Pesto Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1/4 cup pesto (homemade or store-bought)

For the Zucchini Noodles:

• 4 medium zucchini

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional garnishes: cherry tomatoes, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, fresh basil

Instructions:

Preparing the Pesto Chicken:

1. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.

3. Add Pesto: Reduce the heat to low and spread the pesto evenly over each chicken breast. Cover the skillet and let the chicken simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the pesto flavors to infuse into the chicken. Remove from heat and let it rest.

4. Slice the Chicken: Once cooled slightly, slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces.

Making the Zucchini Noodles:

1. Prepare the Zucchini: Use a spiralizer to turn the zucchini into noodles. If you don't have a spiralizer, you can use a vegetable peeler to make wide zucchini ribbons.

2. Cook the Zucchini Noodles: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the zucchini noodles, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until just tender. Be careful not to overcook them to avoid a mushy texture.

3. Combine and Serve: Arrange the zucchini noodles on plates, top with sliced pesto chicken, and garnish with your choice of cherry tomatoes, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and fresh basil.

Tips:

• For a homemade pesto, blend together basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and olive oil until smooth.

• You can add a squeeze of lemon juice to the zucchini noodles for an extra zing.

• This dish is best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Enjoy your healthy and flavorful Zucchini Noodle and Pesto Chicken!