Lemon-Garlic Chicken Zoodles with Pine Nuts

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Spiralized zucchini noodles tossed with pan-seared chicken, garlic, lemon, and toasted pine nuts for a light yet satisfying meal. This italian-inspired keto ready in about 40 minutes pairs Zucchini, Chicken breast, Olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 6 oz diced chicken breast and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, then set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 4 cups spiralized zucchini noodles and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender but still crisp.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/2 tsp lemon zest, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp pine nuts, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper to the skillet. Toss for 1 minute until flavors are combined.
  4. Step 4: Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat. Cook for 1 more minute.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Garlic Chicken Zoodles with Pine Nuts take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Lemon-Garlic Chicken Zoodles with Pine Nuts?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep zucchini from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Garlic Chicken Zoodles with Pine Nuts?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Lemon-Garlic Chicken Zoodles with Pine Nuts for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Lemon-Garlic Chicken Zoodles with Pine Nuts?

Italian keto like this pair well with a low-carb side — cauliflower rice, roasted broccoli or asparagus, or a leafy salad with olive oil and parmesan. Rice, couscous and bread would blow the carb budget this recipe is built around. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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