Skin-Soothing Zucchini Noodles with Chicken & Herb Pesto
Light zucchini noodles tossed with pan-seared chicken and vibrant basil pesto, promoting clear skin and sustained energy without blood sugar spikes. This italian-inspired whole30 (whole30) ready in about 30 minutes blends medium zucchinis, chicken breast, avocado oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 6 oz chicken breast
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add 6 oz sliced chicken breast and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, then set aside.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup fresh basil, 1/4 cup fresh parsley, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper; pulse in a food processor until finely chopped, then slowly drizzle in 1 tbsp avocado oil while blending until smooth.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, heat 1 tbsp avocado oil over medium heat; add 2 cups spiralized zucchini noodles and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp, stirring frequently; add the cooked chicken and 1/2 cup pesto, tossing to coat evenly until heated through.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Skin-Soothing Zucchini Noodles with Chicken & Herb Pesto take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Skin-Soothing Zucchini Noodles with Chicken & Herb Pesto?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Skin-Soothing Zucchini Noodles with Chicken & Herb Pesto?
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 Skin-Soothing Zucchini Noodles with Chicken & Herb Pesto 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.
Is Skin-Soothing Zucchini Noodles with Chicken & Herb Pesto whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.