Noodle Chicken Pesto Bowl

Noodle Chicken Pesto Bowl

Indulge in the fresh, vibrant flavors of this Noodle Chicken Pesto Bowl. This dish combines tender chicken breast, zucchini noodles, and a rich basil pesto, creating a healthy and satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. With only 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s an ideal recipe for those busy weeknights. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 2 medium zucchini (a little more than a pound)
• 2 garlic cloves, sliced
• 1/4 cup prepared basil pesto
• Handful cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• Several fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced, for garnish

Directions:

1. Cook the chicken breast:

1. Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breast(s) with a little salt and paprika.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil on high heat in a large sauté pan.
3. Place the chicken breast(s) in the pan and cook for a minute or two on each side, until well browned.
4. Lower the heat to low and cover the pan; cook for 2 to 5 more minutes (depending on the thickness of the breast) until the chicken is just cooked through.
5. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest while you make the zucchini noodles.

2. Make the zucchini noodles:

1. Use a spiralizer to make zucchini noodles with the zucchini.

3. Sauté the zucchini noodles and garlic:

1. Add another 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan you used to cook the chicken and heat it on high heat.
2. Add the zucchini noodles and the sliced garlic.
3. Sauté, stirring often, until the noodles begin to wilt. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of salt while you cook the zoodles.
4. When they are just barely cooked and if they are releasing moisture, remove them to a colander placed over a bowl to drain.

4. Cut the chicken:

1. Cut or slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

5. Toss the zucchini noodles with pesto:

1. Place the zucchini noodles in a serving bowl and toss with basil pesto.

6. Serve:

1. Serve the zucchini noodles in bowls topped with chicken, tomatoes, and sliced fresh basil leaves.

Nutrition Information:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Servings: 2

Enjoy this light yet satisfying Noodle Chicken Pesto Bowl, a perfect blend of flavors and textures that’s sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Happy cooking!