Save There's something magical about the combination of tender chicken, vibrant basil pesto, and sweet roasted tomatoes. This Keto Creamy Pesto Chicken brings together these classic Italian flavors in a dish that's as comforting as it is elegant. The rich, velvety sauce clings to perfectly seared chicken, while the roasted cherry tomatoes add bursts of concentrated sweetness in every bite. Best of all, this restaurant-quality meal comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Save This recipe transforms ordinary chicken breasts into an extraordinary meal with just a handful of quality ingredients. The pesto brings herbal complexity, while the heavy cream creates a silky sauce that's irresistible. Meanwhile, roasting the cherry tomatoes concentrates their natural sweetness and adds a beautiful color contrast to the creamy green sauce. Each element plays an essential role in creating a harmonious dish that satisfies both your palate and your nutritional goals.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 pint (about 300 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
- Extra grated Parmesan (optional)
Instructions
- Roast the tomatoes
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange cherry tomato halves on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Roast for 15–18 minutes, until softened and slightly caramelized.
- Prepare the chicken
- While tomatoes roast, season chicken breasts with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown (chicken will finish cooking in sauce). Remove to a plate.
- Make the sauce
- Lower heat to medium. In the same skillet, add pesto and heavy cream. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and sauce is creamy.
- Finish cooking
- Return chicken to pan, coating with sauce. Cover and simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Top chicken with roasted tomatoes and garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan, if desired. Serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the most flavorful results, use a high-quality pesto. While store-bought works perfectly well, homemade pesto can elevate this dish to new heights. Don't rush the chicken searing process—those golden-brown edges contribute incredible flavor to the final dish. When making the sauce, be careful not to let it boil, as this can cause the cream to separate. A gentle simmer is all you need to create a perfectly smooth, velvety sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is wonderfully versatile and can be adapted in several ways while maintaining its keto-friendly status. For a different protein option, substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts—they tend to be more forgiving and stay juicier during cooking. If you'd like to add more vegetables, a handful of baby spinach stirred into the sauce just before returning the chicken will wilt perfectly and add beautiful color and nutrients. For a dairy-free version, coconut cream can replace heavy cream, though the flavor profile will shift slightly toward the tropical.
Serviervorschläge
To keep this meal firmly in keto territory, serve the creamy pesto chicken alongside zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to soak up the delicious sauce. A simple side salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the rich flavors beautifully. For a special occasion, consider adding some sautéed mushrooms as a side dish, or even stirring them directly into the sauce. If you're feeding family members who aren't following a keto diet, you can serve theirs with regular pasta or crusty bread for dipping into the sauce.
Save This Keto Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes proves that eating low-carb doesn't mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. The combination of succulent chicken, rich pesto cream sauce, and sweet roasted tomatoes creates a meal that's both nourishing and indulgent. Whether you're strictly following a ketogenic diet or simply looking for a delicious, protein-rich dinner option, this Italian-inspired dish delivers restaurant-quality results in the comfort of your home. With minimal preparation time and straightforward techniques, it's bound to become a regular feature in your weekly meal rotation.
Kitchen Help
- → How do I achieve a creamy pesto sauce?
Combine basil pesto with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, then simmer gently until smooth and creamy to enhance the flavor.
- → What’s the best way to roast cherry tomatoes?
Toss halved cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 400°F for 15–18 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be substituted for a juicier texture; adjust cooking time until fully cooked through.
- → How should I season the chicken breasts?
Season chicken with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper before searing to lock in flavor.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice are excellent low-carb sides that complement the creamy pesto chicken.