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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Initial Roasting: Roast cauliflower for 15-20 minutes, flipping midway to achieve uniform caramelization, then reduce oven temperature to 180°C (350°F).
- Protein Integration: Gently fold shredded rotisserie chicken into the roasted cauliflower, creating a cohesive base for the casserole.
- Sauce Creation: Whisk basil pesto with heavy cream until smooth and glossy, then pour over the chicken and cauliflower, stirring to ensure complete coating.
- Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the casserole surface, covering all ingredients.
- Final Baking: Return dish to oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly crust.
- 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