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In the hustle and bustle of modern life, finding a meal that is both satisfying and quick to prepare can often feel like a daunting task. Enter Creamy Pesto Chicken & Zucchini Noodles: a dish that perfectly balances flavor, nutrition, and convenience. This recipe has gained popularity for its ability to deliver a rich and creamy experience while maintaining a healthy profile, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Creamy Pesto Chicken and Zucchini Noodles

Looking for a quick and healthy meal option? Try Creamy Pesto Chicken & Zucchini Noodles! This one-pan dish combines tender chicken with vibrant zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist on a classic. With a creamy pesto sauce made from fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan, each bite is bursting with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is not only nutritious but also easy to make, ensuring dinner is ready in under 30 minutes. Enjoy a delicious, guilt-free meal your family will love!
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Ingredients
  

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.

    Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and basil pesto. Allow to simmer gently while stirring, for about 5 minutes.

      Add Cheese & Season: Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste.

        Cook the Zucchini Noodles: In another pan or in the same skillet if there’s enough space, add a touch of olive oil and sauté the zucchini noodles over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring gently until they are just tender, but still have a slight crunch.

          Combine & Serve: Add the sliced chicken to the creamy pesto sauce and mix well. Then, toss in the zucchini noodles, making sure everything is coated with the sauce. Cook for another minute to heat through.

            Plate & Garnish: Serve the creamy pesto chicken over a bed of zucchini noodles garnished with fresh basil leaves and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings