Introduction

Embarking on a low-carb diet can seem challenging at first, especially if you’re used to enjoying hearty, carb-loaded meals. However, transitioning to a low-carb lifestyle doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, there are many delicious and easy-to-make dinner recipes that are not only low in carbs but also bursting with flavor. Whether you’re a beginner or just looking to try something new, these low-carb dinner ideas will help you stay on track while enjoying satisfying meals. In this article, we’ll share a fantastic low-carb recipe for beginners that is simple to prepare and perfect for any night of the week.

Zucchini Noodles with Grilled Chicken and Pesto

This simple yet flavorful low-carb dish features zucchini noodles paired with tender grilled chicken and topped with a fresh homemade pesto sauce.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Servings plates

Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

Grill Pan
Spiralizer

Ingredients

2 medium zucchini spiralized into noodles
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts grilled
1/4 cup pesto sauce store-bought or homemade
1 tbsp olive oil for grilling
1 tbsp lemon juice for flavor

Instructions

Grill the chicken breasts on a grill pan over medium heat, using olive oil, for 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked. Let them rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Meanwhile, spiralize the zucchini into noodles and set aside.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the zucchini noodles for 2-3 minutes, just until tender but not mushy.
Place the zucchini noodles on a plate, top with sliced chicken, and drizzle with pesto sauce. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra flavor.

Notes

This dish is perfect for a light yet filling dinner. You can make the pesto sauce from scratch by blending basil, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil for a truly homemade experience.

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 35gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2.5mg

Keyword chicken, healthy, Low-Carb

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How to Make Zucchini Noodles with Grilled Chicken and Pesto

Start by grilling your chicken breasts on a grill pan over medium heat. Coat the pan with olive oil and grill each side for 6-7 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked through. Once done, set the chicken aside and allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

While the chicken is grilling, spiralize the zucchini into noodles using a spiralizer. If you don’t have one, you can also use a julienne peeler or a vegetable peeler to create thin strips of zucchini.

Next, heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly sauté the zucchini noodles for 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them, as you want them to remain firm and resemble traditional pasta in texture. Once the noodles are ready, place them on a plate and top with the freshly sliced chicken.

Drizzle a generous amount of pesto sauce over the chicken and zucchini noodles, adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a zesty kick. The combination of the fragrant pesto, savory grilled chicken, and tender zucchini noodles makes this low-carb meal a delicious and filling choice for any beginner.

Conclusion

Low-carb dinners don’t have to be boring or difficult to prepare. This Zucchini Noodles with Grilled Chicken and Pesto recipe is a perfect example of how you can enjoy a flavorful, satisfying meal without the carbs. Whether you’re new to the low-carb lifestyle or simply looking for fresh dinner ideas, this dish is sure to become a favorite. The best part? It’s quick to make, healthy, and perfect for those who want to eat clean without compromising on taste.