Keto Creamy Pesto Chicken (Print version)

Tender chicken with creamy pesto sauce and roasted cherry tomatoes, perfect for a flavorful low-carb meal.

# What You Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.5 pounds)
02 - 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
03 - 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
04 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Creamy Pesto Sauce

05 - 0.5 cup basil pesto
06 - 0.75 cup heavy cream
07 - 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Roasted Tomatoes

08 - 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved (approximately 12 ounces)
09 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
10 - 0.25 teaspoon sea salt
11 - 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Garnish

12 - Fresh basil leaves
13 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange halved cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and season with 0.25 teaspoon salt and 0.25 teaspoon pepper. Roast for 15–18 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
02 - Season chicken breasts with 0.5 teaspoon salt and 0.5 teaspoon pepper on both sides.
03 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate.
04 - Reduce heat to medium. Add pesto and heavy cream to the same skillet. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and sauce reaches a creamy consistency.
05 - Return chicken to the skillet, coating thoroughly with sauce. Cover and simmer for 8–10 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
06 - Transfer chicken to serving plates. Top with roasted tomatoes and garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes indulgent and restaurant-worthy, yet comes together in less time than ordering takeout.
  • The creamy pesto sauce clings to tender chicken in a way that makes you feel like you're eating something you shouldn't on a keto diet.
  • Roasted cherry tomatoes add a burst of natural sweetness that balances the richness perfectly.
02 -
  • Don't let the sauce boil vigorously or the cream can separate; keep it at a gentle simmer so everything stays smooth and beautiful.
  • If your pesto is very garlicky or salty, taste the sauce before adding extra seasoning—store-bought pesto can be potent.
03 -
  • Make your pesto sauce first while the tomatoes roast, so you're not juggling multiple hot pans when the chicken comes off the heat.
  • If you accidentally overcook the chicken slightly, the creamy sauce masks it beautifully—one less thing to stress about on a busy evening.
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