Scrumptious Keto Pesto Chicken Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand delicious, low-carb keto pesto chicken cauliflower casserole that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Packed with creamy textures and vibrant herb notes, this dish brings excitement to your healthy eating journey.

The combination of tender chicken and roasted cauliflower creates a nutritious meal that satisfies without compromising taste.

pesto adds a zesty punch, cutting through rich ingredients with its aromatic blend of basil and garlic.

Cheese melts into every crevice, forming a golden, crispy top that promises pure comfort.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of protein and vegetables, making nutrition feel like an indulgence.

Grab your skillet and get ready to enjoy a meal that proves healthy eating can be absolutely delicious.

Plating Ideas for Keto Pesto Chicken Cauliflower Casserole

• Sprinkle Fresh Herbs: Chop some fresh basil or parsley to add a vibrant green color and burst of herbal freshness right before serving.
• Pair with Crisp Salad: Complement the rich, cheesy casserole with a light mixed green salad dressed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette to balance the flavors.
• Add Protein Boost: Top with crispy bacon bits or sliced grilled almonds for extra crunch and protein, enhancing the dish's texture and nutritional value.
• Serve with Zesty Sides: Create a quick side of roasted cherry tomatoes or a small portion of cucumber salad to add brightness and freshness to the meal.

Saving & Storing Your Keto Pesto Chicken Cauliflower Casserole

• Prep Ahead Strategy: Chop cauliflower and shred chicken in advance to streamline weeknight cooking, saving valuable time during busy meal preparations.
• Refrigerate Smartly: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the casserole's texture and flavor intact for quick reheating.
• Freeze with Confidence: Pack individual portions in freezer-safe containers, which will stay delicious for 2-3 months when properly sealed and labeled.
• Reheat Like a Pro: Warm refrigerated portions in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes to maintain the crispy edges and melted cheese texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 375 kcal

Servings: 6

What’s in the Low Carb Keto Pesto Chicken Cauliflower Casserole

• Cauliflower Florets: Provides hearty low-carb foundation, choose fresh and firm without brown spots for best texture and flavor.
• Olive Oil: Ensures golden roasting and helps seasonings adhere, select extra virgin for richer taste.
• Sea Salt: Enhances natural vegetable flavors, use sparingly for balanced seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and complexity, freshly ground offers more vibrant taste.

• Shredded Chicken: Lean protein source, use rotisserie or home-cooked chicken for maximum tenderness.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creates creamy, stretchy texture, select low-moisture variety for better melting.

• Basil Pesto: Delivers herbaceous Mediterranean character, homemade or high-quality store-bought works best.
• Heavy Cream: Binds ingredients and adds luxurious richness, ensure full-fat version for keto compatibility.
• Fresh Basil: Optional garnish providing bright, fresh finishing touch, choose vibrant green leaves.

Equipment for the Pesto Chicken Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

• Casserole dish (23×33 cm): Essential for roasting cauliflower and baking the entire dish.
• Baking sheet: Helpful for spreading cauliflower evenly during roasting.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for tossing cauliflower with olive oil and mixing ingredients.
• Small bowl: Ideal for combining pesto and cream sauce.
• Cheese grater: Great for shredding fresh mozzarella.
• Sharp knife: Needed for cutting cauliflower into florets and chopping fresh basil.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Useful for stirring and mixing ingredients.

Instructions to Bake Pesto Chicken Cauliflower Casserole (Keto Friendly)

• Cauliflower Preparation

Chop cauliflower into bite-sized florets and spread across a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season with a light sprinkle of salt and pepper.

• Roasting Stage

Place cauliflower in a hot oven at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes. Stir midway to ensure even cooking and golden edges.

• Flavor Combination

Shred cooked chicken and add to roasted cauliflower. Pour creamy pesto sauce over the mixture, gently stirring to coat every morsel.

• Cheese Topping

Scatter mozzarella cheese generously across the top of the casserole. Reduce oven temperature to 180°C (350°F) and bake until cheese turns golden and bubbly.

• Final Touch

Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes. Optional: Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic finish. Serve warm and enjoy this low-carb comfort meal.

Pro Tips for Pesto Chicken Cauliflower Casserole on a Low Carb Diet

• Replace shredded chicken with diced turkey, ground beef, or even baked tofu for a delightful protein variation that keeps the dish exciting and adaptable to different dietary preferences.
• Experiment with different pesto styles like sun-dried tomato, roasted red pepper, or spinach pesto to transform the flavor profile and add unexpected zesty notes to the casserole.
• Enhance the nutritional value by mixing in additional low-carb vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers, creating a more complex and colorful dish that maintains the keto-friendly approach.
• Explore alternative cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, creamy goat cheese, or a blend of parmesan and provolone to introduce new taste dimensions and keep the casserole interesting for repeat meals.
• Prepare the entire casserole in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage, making meal prep easier and providing a convenient low-carb option for busy weeknights.

Skinny Keto Pesto Chicken Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Keto pesto chicken cauliflower casserole delivers creamy comfort without carbohydrate guilt. Mediterranean flavors blend seamlessly, promising satisfying nutrition with lean protein and rich herbal notes you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 450 g / 1 lb shredded cooked chicken
• 120 g / 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 large head cauliflower (approx. 600 g / 1.3 lbs), cut into florets
• 180 ml / ¾ cup basil pesto
• 60 ml / ¼ cup heavy cream (double cream) or coconut cream
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• sea salt, to taste
• black pepper, to taste
• fresh basil, cut into ribbons (optional)

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) and grease a 23×33 centimeter baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cauliflower Roasting: Toss cauliflower florets with extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper, then spread in a single layer on the baking dish, ensuring space between pieces for crisp edges.
3. Initial Roasting: Roast cauliflower for 15-20 minutes, flipping midway to achieve uniform caramelization, then reduce oven temperature to 180°C (350°F).
4. Protein Integration: Gently fold shredded rotisserie chicken into the roasted cauliflower, creating a cohesive base for the casserole.
5. Sauce Creation: Whisk basil pesto with heavy cream until smooth and glossy, then pour over the chicken and cauliflower, stirring to ensure complete coating.
6. Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the casserole surface, covering all ingredients.
7. Final Baking: Return dish to oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly crust.
8. Serving Flourish: Optional – Garnish with fresh basil ribbons just before serving to add a vibrant, aromatic finish.

Notes

• Maximize Cauliflower Roasting: Spacing between florets is crucial for achieving crispy, caramelized edges that enhance overall texture and flavor.
• Chicken Selection Tip: Rotisserie chicken provides superior moisture and pre-seasoned taste, making preparation faster and more delicious.
• Pesto-Cream Balance: Whisk pesto and cream thoroughly to create a smooth, glossy sauce that coats ingredients evenly without separating.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Watch the casserole closely during final baking to achieve a perfectly golden, bubbling cheese topping without burning.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 375
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg