Best Low Carb Keto Pesto Chicken Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

Low carb keto pesto chicken cauliflower casserole represents a game-changing meal that transforms ordinary dinner routines into something spectacular.

Culinary magic happens when simple ingredients combine with strategic nutrition planning.

Comfort food meets health-conscious cooking in this remarkably satisfying dish.

Mediterranean-inspired flavors dance through each carefully crafted bite, promising deliciousness without compromising wellness goals.

Creamy textures and herb-infused notes create a sensory experience that feels indulgent yet responsible.

Protein-packed and vegetable-rich, this casserole delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal carbohydrate impact.

Why Pesto Cauliflower Casserole Is So Satisfying

• Craft a Quick Keto Comfort Meal: This casserole transforms simple ingredients into a delightful low-carb dinner that satisfies hunger without heavy carbohydrates, making weeknight cooking a breeze.
• Enjoy Creamy Pesto Magic: The combination of basil pesto and cream creates a luscious sauce that coats every morsel of chicken and cauliflower, delivering rich, herbaceous flavors in each bite.
• Elevate Texture Excitement: Roasted cauliflower provides a crisp-tender base while melted mozzarella adds a golden, stretchy top layer, creating a delightful contrast of textures that makes every forkful interesting.

What’s in This Flavor-Packed Casserole

Main Ingredients:

• Cauliflower: Fresh vegetable with low carb profile, provides hearty texture and nutrition.
• Chicken: Shredded protein that adds substance and complements the casserole's flavor profile.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheese that creates creamy texture and golden brown top.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps bind the sauce with smooth consistency.

• Basil Pesto: Signature sauce with herbaceous flavor that infuses the entire dish.
• Olive Oil: Helps roast cauliflower and adds healthy fat.
• Sea Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and brings out natural ingredient flavors.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and complementary spice to the dish.

• Fresh Basil: Adds bright color and fresh herbal note to the finished casserole.

Directions for a Creamy, Cheesy Bake

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish

Crank up your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a 9×13 inch casserole dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Roast the Cauliflower

• Olive oil
• Sea salt
• Black pepper

Spread the florets evenly across the casserole dish. Roast for 15-20 minutes, giving them a quick stir halfway through. You’re looking for crisp-tender and slightly golden edges.

Step 3: Lower Oven Temperature

Dial down the oven to 350°F (180°C) for the next stage of cooking.

Step 4: Build the Base Layer

• Shredded chicken
• Half of the mozzarella cheese

Mix gently with the roasted cauliflower.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Pesto Sauce

• Basil pesto
• Heavy cream

Pour this luscious sauce evenly over the chicken and cauliflower mixture. Stir to ensure everything gets a delicious coating.

Step 6: Add the Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese across the top of the casserole. Return to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes gloriously bubbly.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

For an extra touch of freshness, scatter some torn fresh basil leaves on top just before serving. Enjoy your low-carb, keto-friendly masterpiece straight from the oven!

Expert Tips for the Best Cauliflower Layers

• Roast Cauliflower Correctly: Ensure perfect texture by thoroughly roasting the cauliflower to eliminate excess moisture. This step prevents a watery casserole and creates a delightful, slightly crispy base.
• Elevate with Fresh Pesto: Homemade basil pesto transforms the dish with vibrant, authentic flavors. Select high-quality jarred options with clean, natural ingredients if making from scratch isn't possible.
• Prevent Overcooking Disaster: Watch the casserole carefully during baking. Remove when cheese melts and bubbles to keep chicken tender and cauliflower perfectly cooked.
• Customize Sauce Consistency: Experiment with cream levels to achieve your ideal sauce richness. Extra heavy cream creates a luxurious texture, while less keeps the dish lighter.
• Master the Resting Period: Allow the casserole to sit for 5 minutes after baking. This crucial step helps sauce set, making serving easier and improving overall flavor melding.

Storing Tips to Keep Your Casserole Tasting Fresh

• Freeze: Preserve your delicious casserole for future enjoyment by wrapping it tightly in freezer-safe containers. Seal out air completely to maintain flavor and texture. This method keeps your meal fresh for up to 3 months, giving you a quick and convenient meal option when you're short on time or don't feel like cooking.
• Refrigerate: Extend the casserole's life by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup. Enjoy your leftovers within 4 days, ensuring maximum taste and food safety.
• Reheat: Restore the casserole's original mouthwatering appeal by warming it in the oven. Cover with foil to lock in moisture and prevent drying out.

Flavor Twists That Change the Whole Game

• Mediterranean Marvel: Replace basil pesto with sun-dried tomato pesto and add crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavor profile. Sprinkle kalamata olives on top for extra Mediterranean zest.
• Spicy Southwest Sensation: Swap basil pesto with chipotle pesto, add diced green chiles, and top with pepper jack cheese. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a bold, southwestern kick.
• Creamy Alfredo Alternative: Use alfredo sauce instead of pesto, incorporate roasted garlic, and mix in some spinach for added nutrition. Top with parmesan cheese for a rich, comforting version of the original recipe.
• Herb Garden Remix: Create a green goddess-style pesto using mixed herbs like parsley, dill, and chives. Add some roasted zucchini alongside the cauliflower for extra vegetable goodness and a fresh, herbaceous flavor.

A Cheesy Farewell to This Casserole

Keto cuisine reaches new heights with pesto chicken cauliflower casserole, blending Mediterranean flavors and nutritional balance.

Low-carb enthusiasts will discover a delightful meal packed with protein and rich herbal notes.

Cauliflower provides subtle complexity, while chicken delivers satisfying substance.

Mozzarella cheese melts into creamy perfection, creating irresistible comfort without compromising dietary goals.

Pesto’s aromatic basil elevates this dish beyond ordinary weeknight dinners.

Culinary adventurers: share this recipe, spread the keto love, and spark delicious conversations with fellow health-conscious friends.

Low Carb Keto Pesto Chicken Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

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

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Description

Keto pesto chicken cauliflower casserole delivers a Mediterranean-inspired low-carb feast packed with rich flavors and creamy textures. Saucy, cheesy goodness combines tender chicken, roasted cauliflower, and herbaceous pesto for a satisfying meal that keeps keto dieters delighted.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 450 grams / 1 pound shredded cooked chicken

Vegetables:

• 1 large head cauliflower (approximately 600 grams / 1.3 pounds), cut into florets

Dairy and Sauce:

• 180 milliliters / ¾ cup basil pesto
• 60 milliliters / ¼ cup heavy cream (double cream) or coconut cream
• 120 grams / 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Sea salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh basil, cut into ribbons (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 200°C (400°F) and lightly coat a 23×33 centimeter (9×13 inch) baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Transform cauliflower florets by drizzling with extra virgin olive oil, then sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring each piece is evenly seasoned.
3. Distribute seasoned cauliflower across the prepared baking dish in a single layer, creating space between pieces for optimal roasting and crisp edges.
4. Roast cauliflower in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, using tongs to rotate and flip the florets midway through cooking to guarantee uniform caramelization.
5. Reduce oven temperature to 180°C (350°F) and prepare the mixing stage by gently folding shredded rotisserie chicken into the roasted cauliflower.
6. Create a creamy sauce by whisking basil pesto with heavy cream until thoroughly combined and glossy.
7. Pour the pesto-cream mixture over the chicken and cauliflower, carefully stirring to ensure complete and even coating of all ingredients.
8. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese across the top of the casserole, covering the surface with a uniform layer.
9. Return the dish to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly surface.
10. Optional: Garnish with delicate fresh basil ribbons just before serving to add a vibrant, aromatic finish.

Notes

• Elevate your roasting technique to ensure cauliflower maintains a perfect texture, preventing mushiness and excess water in the final dish.
• Opt for homemade pesto to unlock vibrant, fresh flavors that store-bought versions can’t match, transforming the entire casserole’s taste profile.
• Watch your baking time closely, pulling the dish when cheese reaches golden, bubbly perfection to preserve chicken’s moisture and vegetable’s integrity.
• Customize your sauce consistency by experimenting with cream levels, creating a personalized richness that suits your dietary preferences.
• Allow the casserole a brief resting period after baking, letting flavors meld and sauce settle for a more cohesive, delectable serving experience.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 563 kcal
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 106mg
• Fat: 40.6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 11.8g
• Fiber: 4.7g
• Protein: 41.7g
• Cholesterol: 31mg