Caprese Zucchini and Quinoa Skillet with Chicken

Caprese Zucchini and Quinoa Skillet with Chicken

Gluten Free, 30 Minute Meals, Entrees, Meat & Poultry, Zucchini + Summer Squash
This one pan meal is full of summer produce and flavor, made under 30 minutes on the stovetop, and full of protein, healthy grains, and veggies!
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A skillet spin on a caprese salad using sautéed zucchini noodles, fluffy quinoa, rotisserie chicken, tomatoes, and melted mozzarella.

Caprese Zucchini and Quinoa Skillet with Chicken

If you love caprese salads and chicken, you’ll love this skillet version! Skillet meals are easy cleanup, quick to make, and pack in so much flavor, texture, and nutrition.

First off, what is a caprese salad? A caprese salad is an Italian salad made of sliced fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, seasoned with salt and olive oil.

So obviously, I’m turning it into a family-friendly meal, still preserving that nostalgic flavor from my Italian grandparents’ table.

Caprese Zucchini and Quinoa Skillet with Chicken

How to make this recipe without a spiralizer

You can use a mandolin or a knife to simply slice the zucchini into thin round slices.

How to serve this to a vegetarian

As someone who doesn’t eat chicken, I simply spoon out my portion and set it aside before adding in the kitchen. I’ll put it in a separate skillet, sprinkle with cheese, cover, and let melt. It’s a little extra time, but it’s not complicated and then you can eat with the family without making an entirely separate meal.

Additional recipe tips

  • Drizzle with a balsamic glaze
  • Add some extra red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
  • Use roasted tofu instead of chicken OR omit the chicken entirely
  • Make the dish heartier with farro instead of quinoa
  • Top with toasted pine nuts for a little crunch and nutty flavor

Caprese Zucchini and Quinoa Skillet with Chicken

Caprese Zucchini and Quinoa Skillet with Chicken

5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
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Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes
  • 1 medium to large zucchini Blade A, noodles trimmed
  • ½ 15oz can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken
  • ¼ cup chicken broth
  • 1.5 cups cooked quinoa
  • 2/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • to garnish: chopped basil

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil in a 10” skillet over medium-high heat. Once oil is shimmering, add the tomatoes and let cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the zucchini, white beans, and season with garlic powder, salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until zucchini is al dente and tomatoes are about to burst. Add the chicken and broth and cook for 2-3 more minutes to heat the chicken through. Add in the quinoa and stir well to combine. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, cover, and let melt. Sprinkle with basil and serve.

with love, Ali

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comments

  • This recipe is amazing, Already made it twice!
    Reply
    • We LOVE that!! Post a picture next time, we'd love to see!
      Reply
      • Made this without chicken, used farro and added some Italian seasoning. Super easy to make with all of my garden veggies and so delicious!
        Reply
  • I made this tonight and it was very flavorful! I used cut up sauteed chicken breasts since I had no rotisserie chicken, which was fine. I loved the idea of adding pine nuts, but all I had were walnuts -- so I used those instead and they were terrific. This was a great way to use the HUGE homegrown zucchini in our refrigerator as well as our cherry tomatoes and basil. I am looking forward to eating the leftovers tomorrow!
    Reply
    • Lynn! Thank you so much for rating this recipe. Let us know how those leftovers tasted!
      Reply
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