Skin-Soothing Zucchini Noodles with Chicken & Herb Pesto

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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.

★ 3.6 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

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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.

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