Zucchini Noodles with Pesto & Grilled Chicken

Zucchini noodles cook fast, so the trick is not overcooking them — a quick two or three minutes in the skillet is enough to soften them while keeping some bite, closer to al dente pasta than mush.

Swapping noodles for zucchini keeps carbs low, which makes this a natural fit for a keto lifestyle, while the grilled chicken on top keeps it filling enough to count as a full dinner rather than a side dish. Tossing the noodles with pesto off the heat, rather than in the hot pan, helps the sauce stay vibrant instead of breaking. A scattering of parmesan and fresh basil finishes it off.