Pesto Zucchini Noodles Recipe with Chicken Sausage - Cookin Canuck (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Dara · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. · 13 Comments

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Pesto zucchini noodles, with a dose of chicken sausage, are a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of your favorite pasta dish without all of the carbs. 205 calories and 4 Weight Watchers Freestyle SP
Pesto Zucchini Noodles Recipe with Chicken Sausage - Cookin Canuck (1)

There is one dish, and one dish only, that my family deems worthy of the first night's dinner on a camping trip. Pesto pasta with veggies and chicken sausage. We make a big batch and eat it cold, like a pasta salad, right after setting up the campsite. Every single time.

But pesto pasta isn't just for camping trips. It's also one of our fallback recipes on a busy weeknight. There is almost always a package or two of pre-cooked chicken sausages in the freezer, and a container of homemade or Costco pesto in the fridge. Dinner in 20!

Pesto Zucchini Noodles Recipe with Chicken Sausage - Cookin Canuck (2)

As much as we love our standard pasta dish, there are times when I just don't want a big bowl of carbs, but am craving all of the other flavors - pesto, vegetables and chicken sausage. And so these pesto zucchini noodles were born. That being said, if you have a hankering for carbs, grilled potatoes would be a fantastic side dish to serve with these zucchini noodles.

After making my Thai Chickpea Zucchini Noodles a couple of weeks ago, the spiralizer has been in almost constant use. With all of the zucchini available right now, it's the perfect tool to whip up quick, healthy meals.

Pesto Zucchini Noodles Recipe with Chicken Sausage - Cookin Canuck (3)

Brown the sausages, spiralize the zucchini and yellow, and toss it all together with dollop of pesto and a little salt and pepper for seasoning. Fifteen minutes and six ingredients, and a healthy, delicious dinner is served!

Pesto Zucchini Noodles Recipe with Chicken Sausage - Cookin Canuck (4)

Other easy, healthy recipes with pesto:

Chicken Pesto Artichoke Naan Pizza
Pesto Turkey Tortellini Soup {30-Minute Meal}
Skinny Pesto Pizza Crostini {Vegetarian}

Printable Recipe

Pesto Zucchini Noodles Recipe with Chicken Sausage - Cookin Canuck (5)

Pesto Zucchini Noodles Recipe with Chicken Sausage

Pesto Zucchini Noodles with Chicken Sausage…Only 6 ingredients! When you’re craving pesto pasta, but want a light and healthy recipe. 205 calories and 4 Weight Watchers Freestyle SP

3.88 from 8 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Entrees

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Gluten Free, Poultry Recipes

Servings: 8 Cups

Calories: 204.6kcal

Author: Dara Michalski | Cookin' Canuck

Ingredients

  • 2 medium zucchini 4 cups noodles
  • 1 large yellow squash 3 cups noodles
  • 4 precooked chicken sausages sliced into half-circles
  • 5 tablespoons basil pesto
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

Instructions

  • Cut the ends off of the zucchini and yellow squash, and cut eat vegetable in half crosswise. Run the zucchini and squash through the skinniest blade on the spiralizer to produce noodles. Place them in a large serving bowl.

  • Preheat a large nonstick skillet to medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and heated through.

  • Add the cooked sausage, basil pesto, salt and pepper to the “noodles”. Toss to coat. Serve.

Notes

Weight Watchers Points:4 (Freestyle SmartPoints), 5 (Points+)

Nutrition

Serving: 1.33Cups | Calories: 204.6kcal | Carbohydrates: 10.7g | Protein: 11.4g | Fat: 13.7g | Saturated Fat: 3.4g | Cholesterol: 66.5mg | Sodium: 684.4mg | Fiber: 3.2g | Sugar: 4.4g

Tried this recipe?If you make this recipe, I'd love to see it on Instagram! Just use the hashtag #COOKINCANUCK and I'll be sure to find it.

Disclosure: This post contains links to my Amazon affiliate page. Any revenue made from sales through these links helps to support this blog. Thank you!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Comment

    • Dara

      Becky, the SmartPoints calculations can be a little confusing. Yes, it's 7 points if you enter the nutritional info that you see at the bottom of the recipe. However, since vegetables and fruits are not counted in the SmartPoints system, the SmartPoints for this recipe are calculated without the calories, etc. for the vegetables included. When calculated that way, it's actually 5 SmartPoints for serving. Does that make sense?

      Reply

  1. json editor

    Pesto Zucchini Noodles Recipe with Chicken Sausage - Cookin Canuck (12)
    This looks so delicious! I'll try it! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  2. RK

    Looks so good! What brand of sausage do you usually use? I often chicken sausage very high in sodium so would like to find a delicious & healthy brand. Also what spiralizer do you have?

    Reply

  3. Krista

    This sounds amazing! I love Zucchini Noodles!

    Reply

    • Ann

      I’m a bit confused. Do you not cook the noodles?

      Reply

      • Dara

        Nope! However, if you prefer you can saute for a couple of minutes. Take care not to overcook because they become soggy quickly.

        Reply

  4. Joanie @ ZagLeft

    I don't use my spiralizer nearly enough and with all the zucchini available, there's really no excuse not to. I love the flavors in this recipe and I know my family would love it too.

    Reply

  5. Michelle De La Cerda

    What great flavors. I am a fan of chicken sausage. Between the chicken sausage and the texture of the zoodles, yum!

    Reply

  6. Amanda | The Chunky Chef

    I love the pesto sauce with the zucchini noodles!

    Reply

  7. Jocelyn (Grandbaby cakes)

    I want to try this. I would love it for dinner.

    Reply

  8. Renee - Kudos Kitchen

    Basil pesto and zucchini noodles sounds like a match made in heaven. I also like that you added sausage, but I would happily eat this either way!

    Reply

  9. Sandi (@fearless_dining)

    I love how pretty those zoodles look in this dish. Can't wait to give it a try!

    Reply

Pesto Zucchini Noodles Recipe with Chicken Sausage - Cookin Canuck (2024)

FAQs

How do you make zucchini noodles not mushy? ›

To avoid soggy and limp noodles, I recommend cooking for only 3-5 minutes (5 if you're cooking more than 1-2 spiralized zucchinis) and tossing frequently. You want a slightly al dente noodle.

What are 3 advantages of having zucchini noodles over regular pasta? ›

Zucchini is low in fat, sugar, and calories, and high in vitamin C and fiber, making it a great substitute for traditional pasta noodles. Fiber helps to regulate bowels and maintain good digestive health, and vitamin C acts as an antioxidant to protect cells.

Can you pre cut zucchini noodles? ›

Pre-spiralized: You can pre-spiralize zucchini noodles and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. I like to store on a paper towel, which absorbs extra moisture and keeps them from getting slimy.

Should I salt my zucchini noodles before cooking? ›

Don't pre-salt your zucchini noodles.

First of all, one of the benefits of spiralizing is that it's SO quick (just spiralize, cook, and enjoy pasta in under 5 minutes!).

How do you keep noodles from getting mushy? ›

Water at an adequate boil will cook pasta faster, without suffering a significant temperature drop when the noodles are added, and this will keep your pasta from getting mushy.

What's the difference between zucchini noodles and zoodles? ›

Zucchini noodles can be made into different shapes, much like regular pasta. The most common way to make zoodles is to run the zucchini through a spiralizer, which makes a spaghetti-sized zoodle.

Does Olive Garden use zucchini noodles? ›

As of yesterday, the Italian chain's carb-heavy menu got a bit lighter with the introduction of Zoodles Primavera. Ahead of summer, Olive Garden is adding the zucchini noodle dish as a healthier alternative to similar, higher calorie offerings. Here's a hot take for you: Better for you can also mean better tasting.

What is healthier spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles? ›

A look into essential Vitamins & Minerals, shows that Zucchini Pasta outdoes Spaghetti Squash on every one, except for Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Calcium and Selenium. Information found from SELF's Nutrition Data calculator.

Can you hand cut zucchini noodles? ›

kitchen knife is always a good option for making zucchini noodles at home, especially if you're not looking to buy any specialized gadgets. To make zucchini noodles with a kitchen knife, slice off each end of the zucchini and then slice it lengthwise into thin planks.

Should you drain zucchini noodles? ›

It's quite simple to boil a pot of water, toss in your zucchini noodles and cook for one minute. It's similar to cooking frozen veggies on the stovetop. And once your noodles have cooked, drain the noodles in a colander and serve. If you'd like them super dry, blot them with a paper towel before serving.

Can I freeze my own zucchini noodles? ›

Zucchini noodles, aka “zoodles” freeze perfectly, and I think they are even better frozen-thawed than fresh! The process of blanching wilts and softens the zucchini, and once thawed, all they need is a quick sauté. Use zucchini noodles as a vegetable alternative to traditional pasta.

Can dogs eat zucchini? ›

The good news is that zucchini is totally safe for dogs to eat. And, even better, zucchini has some awesome health benefits for pups. Many pet parents add this dog-safe veggie into their pet's diet as a fresh food topper or tasty treat. Here's what you need to know about feeding dogs zucchini safely.

How long to salt zucchini to remove moisture? ›

If you do not have kosher salt on hand, use a teaspoon or so of regular table salt. 1. Place zucchini slices in colander and sprinkle with 2 teaspoons salt. Set colander over bowl until about 1/3 cup water drains from zucchini, about 30 minutes.

Are zucchini noodles supposed to be crunchy? ›

Don't overcook your zoodles

Zucchini noodles benefit from raw or quick-cooking preparations. Cooking them longer won't make them any crunchier — it'll just do the opposite. "They're not supposed to be mushy, but zucchini is also never going to be al dente like pasta," explained Gellman.

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