Sunshine Zucchini Noodles with Lemon-Herb Chicken
A vibrant, light dinner featuring spiralized zucchini noodles tossed in a bright lemon-herb sauce with pan-seared chicken breast, ready in under 30 minutes. This italian-inspired pasta (gluten-free, low-carb) ready in about 30 minutes pairs medium (about 1 lb) Zucchini, (6 oz each) Boneless chicken breasts, Olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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 (about 1 lb) Zucchini
- 2 (6 oz each) Boneless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 (zest and 2 tbsp juice) Lemon
- 1/4 cup (chopped) Fresh basil
- 2 cloves (minced) Garlic
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Spiralize zucchinis into noodles using a spiralizer, then pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Step 2: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through, then set aside to rest.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, then add lemon zest, juice, and basil. Cook for 2 minutes until aromatic.
- Step 4: Toss zucchini noodles into the sauce, cooking for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp and coated, then slice rested chicken and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sunshine Zucchini Noodles with Lemon-Herb Chicken take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Sunshine Zucchini Noodles with Lemon-Herb Chicken?
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 medium (about 1 lb) zucchini from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sunshine Zucchini Noodles with Lemon-Herb Chicken?
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 Sunshine Zucchini Noodles with Lemon-Herb Chicken 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 Sunshine Zucchini Noodles with Lemon-Herb Chicken gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free, low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this sunshine are incredible.
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★★
Quick to prep and the results are amazing. A real keeper.