Keto Creamy Pesto Chicken Casserole is a rich, cheesy, and deeply satisfying low-carb dinner made with juicy chicken, sugar-free basil pesto, heavy cream, and melted mozzarella for a restaurant-quality result with almost no effort. This recipe delivers the perfect balance of creamy, savory flavor without any pasta or carbs, making it ideal for weight loss, meal prep, busy weeknights, or anyone who wants a comforting casserole that still fits perfectly into a keto lifestyle. The sauce bakes into the chicken, creating tender bites coated in creamy pesto richness, while the golden cheesy top adds classic casserole comfort. Keto Creamy Pesto Chicken Casserole uses simple ingredients, minimal prep time, and an easy bake-and-serve method that guarantees consistent results every time. If you want a high-protein, low-carb dinner that feels indulgent but keeps you on track, this Keto Creamy Pesto Chicken Casserole is the perfect recipe to add to your rotation.

About This Recipe

This casserole is built around the combination of juicy chicken and rich basil pesto, which creates a naturally flavorful base without needing complicated ingredients. When baked together with heavy cream and cheese, the pesto transforms into a luxurious sauce that clings to every piece of chicken and gives the entire dish a deep, herbaceous aroma that feels far more gourmet than the short ingredient list suggests.

The texture is exactly what you want in a comfort-food casserole—creamy underneath, bubbly and golden on top. The melted mozzarella forms a stretchy, cheesy layer, while the parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish that balances the richness of the cream. Every serving feels warm and satisfying, but because it’s keto, it never leaves you feeling weighed down.

What makes this recipe especially practical is how effortlessly it fits into a weekly low-carb routine. There’s almost no prep required, it reheats beautifully, and it pairs well with virtually any keto side—zoodles, roasted vegetables, cauliflower mash, or a fresh salad. It’s also perfect for meal prepping because the flavors deepen as it rests, making leftovers even better.

Visually, the dish has the kind of rustic, home-cooked charm that looks great on any dinner table. The golden cheese contrasts with vibrant green pesto peeking through the layers, and a few fresh basil leaves instantly make it look like something served in a cozy Italian farmhouse kitchen. Simple ingredients, easy technique, huge payoff—this casserole checks every box for an everyday keto dinner that never feels boring.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy, cheesy, high-protein comfort food
Minimal prep time
Perfect for meal prep
Big flavor without carbs

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup sugar-free basil pesto
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella
½ cup grated parmesan
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
Salt & pepper, to taste
Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a medium baking dish.
Add the chicken pieces to the dish and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
In a bowl, mix pesto with heavy cream until smooth.
Pour the creamy pesto mixture over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
Top with mozzarella and parmesan.
Bake 22–25 minutes or until the cheese is golden and the chicken is fully cooked.
Let rest 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 480
Fat: 36g
Protein: 33g
Carbs: 4g Net

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, they stay even more tender.
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes—just pick a sugar-free version.
Does it freeze well?
It freezes perfectly for up to 2 months.

Variations & Substitutions

Add spinach for extra volume
Use cheddar instead of mozzarella
Swap pesto for a sugar-free red pesto

Serving Suggestions

Serve with cauliflower mash, roasted broccoli, zucchini noodles, or a simple green salad with olive oil.

Keto Creamy Pesto Chicken Bake (Rich, Cheesy & Low-Carb)

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