Keto Zoodle Pasta with Pesto & Grilled Chicken – A Refreshing, Weight-Loss Friendly Meal

By @Emily Carter – Certified Nutrition Coach & Keto Recipe Developer

Zippy Introduction

Elevate your lunch or dinner with our Keto Zoodle Pasta with Pesto & Grilled Chicken—a light, low-carb meal bursting with fresh zucchini noodles, homemade basil pesto, and perfectly grilled chicken. This nutrient-dense dish is designed for sustainable weight loss and easy meal prep, delivering vibrant Mediterranean flavors that keep you energized and satisfied.

Keywords: keto zoodle pasta, low-carb dinner recipe, healthy keto lunch, zucchini noodles recipe, grilled chicken keto, weight-loss friendly meal, easy keto meal prep

Keto Zoodle Pasta with Pesto & Grilled Chicken – A Refreshing, Weight-Loss Friendly Meal

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A Personal Note

“Hi, I’m Emily! One memorable weekend, I took a spontaneous road trip with my family, and during a long drive, we stopped at a charming little deli that served the freshest produce and most vibrant basil. Inspired by that visit, I decided to recreate the experience at home. I marinated chicken in a zesty lemon-garlic blend and tossed it with freshly spiralized zucchini and a homemade basil pesto that reminded me of that sunlit deli kitchen. This Keto Zoodle Pasta with Pesto & Grilled Chicken has since become a favorite in my meal prep routine. Every bite transports me back to that carefree, joyful day on the road, proving that healthy, weight-loss friendly meals can be both exciting and simple.” – Emily Carter

Ingredients Breakdown

Dry Ingredients

For the Zoodles

4 medium zucchinis, spiralized
A refreshing, low-carb alternative to traditional pasta.
Salt, to taste
Enhances natural flavor and draws out extra moisture.

For the Basil Pesto

1 cup fresh basil leaves
Bursting with flavor and essential nutrients.
1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
Adds a rich, nutty texture and healthy fats.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For a savory, cheesy kick.
1-2 cloves garlic
Brings a bold, aromatic flavor.
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
Creates a smooth, emulsified pesto.
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Grilled Chicken

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Lean protein that perfectly complements the zoodles.
1 tbsp olive oil
Keeps the chicken moist and flavorful on the grill.
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Adds brightness and helps tenderize the meat.
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Infuses a subtle Mediterranean touch.
Salt and pepper, to taste

Wet Ingredients

Optional Mix-Ins

For the Zoodles

4 medium zucchinis, spiralized
A refreshing, low-carb alternative to traditional pasta.
Salt, to taste
Enhances natural flavor and draws out extra moisture.

For the Basil Pesto

1 cup fresh basil leaves
Bursting with flavor and essential nutrients.
1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
Adds a rich, nutty texture and healthy fats.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For a savory, cheesy kick.
1-2 cloves garlic
Brings a bold, aromatic flavor.
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
Creates a smooth, emulsified pesto.
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Grilled Chicken

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Lean protein that perfectly complements the zoodles.
1 tbsp olive oil
Keeps the chicken moist and flavorful on the grill.
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Adds brightness and helps tenderize the meat.
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Infuses a subtle Mediterranean touch.
Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and marinate for at least 20 minutes.
Grill the Chicken:
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until cooked through and lightly charred. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
Make the Basil Pesto:
In a food processor, combine basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pulse until coarsely chopped. With the processor running, gradually drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto is smooth and emulsified.
Prepare the Zoodles:
Spiralize the zucchinis and lightly salt them. Let sit for 5 minutes to release excess moisture, then pat dry with a paper towel.
Assemble the Dish:
In a large bowl, toss the zoodles with the basil pesto until evenly coated. Arrange the zoodles on serving plates, and top with the sliced grilled chicken.
Serve & Enjoy:
Serve immediately with an optional extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different nut in the pesto?
A: Yes, walnuts make an excellent alternative to pine nuts and provide a slightly different, yet delicious, flavor.

Q: Should the zucchini noodles be cooked?
A: For the best texture and nutritional benefits, serve the zoodles raw. However, if you prefer a softer texture, you can lightly sauté them for 1–2 minutes.

Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A: The pesto and grilled chicken can be made in advance. For optimal texture, assemble the zoodles just before serving.

Keto Zoodle Pasta with Pesto & Grilled Chicken – A Refreshing, Weight-Loss Friendly Meal

Servings

Prep Time

Cook Time

Total Time

Recipe Card

Keto Zoodle Pasta with Pesto & Grilled Chicken
Servings: 2-3
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 20 minutes marinating)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: ~50 minutes

Ingredients

For the Zoodles:

4 medium zucchinis, spiralized
Salt, to taste

For the Basil Pesto:

1 cup fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1-2 cloves garlic
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Grilled Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Marinate chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper for 20 minutes. Grill until cooked (6–7 minutes per side) and slice.
Blend basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, salt, and pepper in a processor; gradually add olive oil to form pesto.
Spiralize zucchinis, lightly salt, let sit, and pat dry.
Toss zoodles with pesto, arrange on plates, and top with grilled chicken.
Serve immediately with extra Parmesan or lemon juice if desired.

Nutritional Highlights

Calories: ~350
Protein: ~30g
Net Carbs: ~7g
Fat: ~20g

Keto Zoodle Pasta with Pesto & Grilled Chicken – A Refreshing, Weight-Loss Friendly Meal

Lunch & Dinner