ItalianKetoGluten-Free

Keto Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

Name: Keto Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 medium zucchini, spiralized; 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed; 1/4 cup pine nuts; 2 garlic cloves; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Cherry tomatoes and extra Parmesan for garnish

A italian dinner built for repeat cooking, with a clear ingredient list, tested timings, and practical variations.

20 min total

2 servings

Skillet

Calories

320 kcal

Protein

10g

Carbs

Fat

28g

Numbered instructions

1Spiralize zucchini, place on paper towels, sprinkle with salt, and let sit 10 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat dry.

2In a food processor, pulse basil, pine nuts, and garlic until finely chopped.

3With processor running, drizzle in olive oil until smooth. Add Parmesan, lemon juice, salt, and pepper; pulse to combine.

4Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add zucchini noodles and cook, tossing, for 2–3 minutes until just tender but still slightly firm.

5Remove from heat and toss immediately with 3–4 tablespoons of pesto, adding more to taste.

6Serve garnished with cherry tomatoes, extra Parmesan, and red pepper flakes.

Chef's Tips

Salting and patting zucchini noodles dry is crucial — zucchini is 95% water and a soggy dish results if skipped.

Cook zoodles over high heat for only 2–3 minutes; they continue cooking from residual heat.

Toss zoodles with pesto OFF the heat — direct heat turns basil pesto dark and bitter.

Store leftover pesto under a thin layer of olive oil in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Recipe Variations

Pesto Chicken Zoodles: Add 2 grilled sliced chicken breasts to push protein over 40 g per serving.

Avocado Pesto: Replace half the olive oil with ripe avocado for an even creamier, healthy-fat-rich sauce.

Shrimp Pesto Zoodles: Sauté 12 large shrimp in garlic butter until pink, then toss with the pesto zoodles.

Source: Ruled.me at https://www.ruled.me/keto-pesto-chicken-pasta/

Keto Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

Ingredients checklist

Numbered instructions

Chef's Tips

Recipe Variations

Keep the same cooking streak going

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