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Chicken Zucchini Pasta

Chicken Zucchini Pasta
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Chicken Zucchini Pasta is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dinner featuring tender chicken, fresh zucchini noodles, garlic, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, this low-carb, nutrient-packed dish is perfect for busy weeknights and offers versatility to suit various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Base

  • 2 chicken breasts, skinless, boneless, and diced
  • 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Fats and Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste

Finishing Touches

  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

Instructions

  1. Prepare the zucchini noodles: Spiralize fresh zucchinis into noodles using a spiralizer or julienne peeler. If unavailable, thinly slice the zucchini into strips. Lay them on paper towels to absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess.
  2. Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season diced chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and fully cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté garlic and tomatoes: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil if needed. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften and release their juices.
  4. Combine zucchini noodles and chicken: Add zucchini noodles to the skillet with the garlic and tomatoes. Toss gently over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until noodles are warmed but still al dente. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and mix everything together carefully.
  5. Finish with seasoning and garnish: Season the dish with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and torn basil leaves to enhance flavor and freshness.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook zucchini noodles; they become mushy quickly.
  • Pat zucchini noodles dry before cooking to avoid watery sauce and soggy texture.
  • Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley for brighter flavor compared to dried herbs.
  • Cook chicken in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding and ensure a good sear.
  • You can reserve a tablespoon of pasta water (or cooking liquid) to loosen the sauce if necessary.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken, zucchini noodles, low carb, healthy dinner, quick meal, one-pan, gluten free, low carb pasta

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/chicken-zucchini-pasta/