Chicken Breast Creamy Pesto Zucchini (Printer-Friendly)
Tender chicken and zucchini noodles in a creamy pesto blend for a fresh, flavorful meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1.1 pounds chicken breast, boneless and skinless
02 -
3.5 ounces pesto sauce, homemade or store-bought
03 -
2 medium zucchini
04 -
2 garlic cloves
05 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
06 -
Salt, to taste
07 -
Black pepper, to taste
→ For Serving
08 -
Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Wash zucchini thoroughly and trim the ends. Using a spiralizer or vegetable peeler, cut zucchini into long, spaghetti-style strips to create noodles. Set aside on a paper towel to absorb extra moisture.
02 -
Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towel. Slice each breast into medallions approximately 1/2 inch thick. Season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper.
03 -
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside, covered.
04 -
Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet, then add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring continuously to avoid burning.
05 -
Add pesto sauce to the pan with garlic. If needed, splash in 2-3 tablespoons of water to reach a creamy consistency. Stir well until smooth and heated through.
06 -
Return cooked chicken medallions to skillet. Toss to thoroughly coat in creamy pesto sauce, ensuring chicken is heated through, about 2 minutes.
07 -
Add zucchini noodles to skillet, gently folding them into the sauce and chicken. Cook for 1-2 minutes, just until zucchini is tender but still crisp. Avoid overcooking to prevent sogginess.
08 -
Transfer mixture to serving plates. Optional: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
# Extra Suggestions:
01 -
For best texture, do not salt zucchini noodles before cooking, as this releases excess liquid.
02 -
Adjust pesto quantity according to your flavor preference. Homemade pesto with fresh basil delivers optimal aroma.