Tuscan Chicken Broccoli Bake (Low Carb) Recipe

Introduction

This Tuscan Chicken Broccoli Bake is a delicious low-carb dinner option packed with flavor and creamy textures. Combining tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a cheesy pesto sauce, it’s an easy recipe perfect for weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 heaping cup cottage cheese
• 1/3 cup pesto
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 4 small broccoli crowns, cut into small florets
• 1½ lbs chicken breasts, cubed
• Salt, to taste
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 8 oz shredded mozzarella
• 5 oz mini fresh mozzarella balls (optional)
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• Garnish: chili pepper flakes and fresh basil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, cottage cheese, and pesto until smooth. Set the mixture aside.
3. Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and sauté for 3–4 minutes, until just fork-tender. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Season the cubed chicken with salt and cook for about 5 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked broccoli, chicken, cherry tomatoes, and shredded mozzarella to the bowl with the cottage cheese mixture. Stir gently until everything is well coated.
6. Step 6: Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread evenly. If using, dot the top with mini mozzarella balls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
8. Step 8: Let the bake rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chili pepper flakes and fresh basil for added flavor and color.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili pepper flakes in the garnish or add a pinch to the mixture before baking.
• You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier texture or turkey breast for a leaner option.
• If you don’t have cottage cheese, ricotta cheese works well as a creamy alternative.
• Add some sliced mushrooms or bell peppers for extra vegetables and color.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can use dairy-free cheese substitutes and a tofu-based ricotta alternative to keep the dish dairy-free, but it may alter the texture and flavor slightly.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this bake makes an excellent meal prep option. Prepare and bake as directed, then portion into containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Tuscan Chicken Broccoli Bake (Low Carb) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 116 reviews

This Tuscan Chicken Broccoli Bake is a flavorful low-carb casserole that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy pesto-infused cheese sauce, baked to golden perfection. Ideal for a hearty family dinner or meal prep, it blends Italian-inspired flavors with wholesome ingredients for a delicious and satisfying dish.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Egg Mixture

• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 heaping cup cottage cheese
• 1/3 cup pesto

Vegetables & Protein

• 4 small broccoli crowns, cut into small florets
• 1½ lbs chicken breasts, cubed
• Salt, to taste
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes

Cheeses & Oils

• 8 oz shredded mozzarella
• 5 oz mini fresh mozzarella balls (optional)
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

Garnish

• Chili pepper flakes
• Fresh basil

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the lightly beaten eggs, cottage cheese, and pesto until you achieve a smooth and well-blended sauce. Set this mixture aside for combining later.
3. Cook the Broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they become just fork-tender. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then remove from heat and set aside.
4. Cook the Chicken: Using the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Season the cubed chicken breasts with salt, then cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and cooked through.
5. Combine Ingredients: Add the sautéed broccoli, cooked chicken, cherry tomatoes, and shredded mozzarella cheese to the bowl with the cottage cheese mixture. Stir thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the cheese and pesto sauce.
6. Assemble the Bake: Transfer the combined mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. If using, dot the top with mini mozzarella balls and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the surface.
7. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden, bubbling, and the casserole is heated through.
8. Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes to set. Before serving, garnish with chili pepper flakes and fresh basil leaves for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

• Broccoli can be steamed instead of sautéed if preferred for a softer texture.
• Mini mozzarella balls are optional but add a creamy, melty texture when baked on top.
• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili pepper flakes used as garnish.
• Use fresh pesto or store-bought pesto based on convenience and flavor preference.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.

Keywords: Tuscan chicken bake, low carb casserole, chicken broccoli bake, pesto chicken casserole, mozzarella bake, healthy chicken dinner