Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Grilled Chicken

Directions

1. Prepare the Zucchini Noodles: a. Wash the zucchinis thoroughly. b. Using a spiralizer, cut the zucchinis into noodle-like shapes. If you don't have a spiralizer, you can use a vegetable peeler to create long, thin strips. c. Set the zucchini noodles aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Rub the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. Grill the chicken breasts for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it into thin strips.
4. Make the Pesto: In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic cloves. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped.
5. With the food processor running, slowly pour in the extra-virgin olive oil until the pesto is smooth and creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cook the Zucchini Noodles: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
7. Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are slightly tender but still firm (al dente). Do not overcook them, as they can become mushy.
8. Assemble the Dish: a. Remove the skillet from heat and add the pesto to the zucchini noodles. Toss until the noodles are well coated with the pesto sauce. b. Transfer the zucchini noodles to serving plates and top with the grilled chicken slices.
9. Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with cherry tomatoes for a pop of color. Serve immediately and enjoy your keto-friendly Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Grilled Chicken!
10. If you want to get more recipes like this, check out my free e-book that I've created for you: https://vitalvista.aweb.page/Free-Keto-Recipe-Book
11. Tips: 1. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can add a little extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving. 2. To save time, you can prepare the pesto and marinate the chicken ahead of time. 3. Feel free to add other keto-friendly vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the dish for extra nutrition.