Tuscan Chicken Broccoli Bake (Low Carb)

The Tuscan Chicken Broccoli Bake is a deliciously hearty and low-carb dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Tender chicken breast, fresh broccoli florets, and sweet cherry tomatoes are baked in a creamy cottage cheese and pesto sauce, then topped with melty mozzarella. This dish captures the cozy comfort of a casserole with a Tuscan twist—minus the carbs. It’s perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or anyone looking for a high-protein, gluten-free option.

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

Directions:

1. Preheat Oven
   Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Sauce
   In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, cottage cheese, and pesto until smooth. Set aside.

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 3–4 minutes, until just fork-tender. Season with salt and pepper. Remove and set aside.

4. Cook the Chicken
   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.

5. Combine Ingredients
   Add the broccoli, cooked chicken, cherry tomatoes, and shredded mozzarella to the bowl with the cottage cheese mixture. Mix until everything is well coated.

6. Assemble the Bake
   Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread evenly. If using, dot the top with mini mozzarella balls and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

7. Bake
   Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.

8. Serve
   Allow the dish to rest for 5–10 minutes after baking. Garnish with chili flakes and fresh basil before serving.

Serving Size:

Makes approximately 6 servings.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 380 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 5 g

• Protein: 36 g

• Fat: 23 g

• Saturated Fat: 8 g

• Cholesterol: 160 mg

• Sodium: 557 mg

• Potassium: 646 mg

• Fiber: 1 g

• Sugar: 3 g

• Vitamin A: 1051 IU

• Vitamin C: 20 mg

• Calcium: 251 mg

• Iron: 2 mg

Ideal for Low-Carb and Keto Lifestyles

With only 5 grams of net carbs per serving, this dish easily fits into most low-carb or ketogenic meal plans. Its macronutrient profile—high in protein and fat, low in carbohydrates—makes it ideal for supporting stable energy levels and minimizing cravings.

For those following keto specifically, you might consider swapping out the cottage cheese with a higher-fat alternative like mascarpone or full-fat ricotta to increase the fat ratio.

This recipe is also gluten-free, grain-free, and free from added sugars—making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences.

Substitution Ideas and Add-Ins

One of the best aspects of a baked dish like this is how easily you can adapt it to suit what you have on hand or to change things up.

Here are some delicious ideas:

• Vegetable swaps: Try cauliflower, zucchini, or spinach in place of broccoli. Roasted bell peppers or artichokes also complement the Tuscan flavors beautifully.

• Protein options: Substitute the chicken for turkey breast or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.

• Sauce variations: While pesto is classic, sun-dried tomato pesto or a creamy Alfredo sauce can add a new twist.

• Cheese additions: Try adding crumbled goat cheese or ricotta in place of or alongside the mozzarella for even more depth.

• Low-carb pasta addition: If you want a pasta feel without real pasta, toss in some cooked and drained shirataki noodles or zucchini ribbons.

Tips for the Best Results

To make sure your Tuscan Chicken Broccoli Bake turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:

• Don’t overcook the broccoli: Sauté it until just tender before baking to maintain a pleasant texture after baking.

• Pre-cook the chicken thoroughly: While it will continue to cook in the oven, searing it first ensures better flavor and moisture retention.

• Use fresh pesto when possible: Homemade or refrigerated pesto tends to offer better flavor and texture than shelf-stable jars.

• Let it rest after baking: Allowing the dish to cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven helps everything set and makes for cleaner servings.

Serving Suggestions

While the dish is a complete meal on its own, you can pair it with simple low-carb sides to round out your plate. Consider serving it with:

• A crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette

• Roasted green beans or asparagus

• Cauliflower mash or grilled eggplant slices

• A side of marinated olives for a Mediterranean touch

For non-low-carb eaters at your table, serve it alongside garlic bread or a side of pasta to create a flexible family-style meal.

Why It’s Perfect for Meal Prep

Meal prepping can be a game-changer for anyone with a busy schedule. This Tuscan Chicken Broccoli Bake stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes beautifully.

To store:

• Divide into individual portions in airtight containers.

• Store in the fridge for quick lunches or dinners.

• To freeze, wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months.

To reheat:

• Microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes.

• Or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15 minutes.

The cheese stays melty, and the flavors continue to develop, making it just as good (if not better) the next day.

Conclusion: 

Whether you’re embracing a low-carb lifestyle, looking for high-protein meal options, or simply craving a comfort food bake that doesn’t derail your nutrition goals, the Tuscan Chicken Broccoli Bake is a recipe worth bookmarking.

With its creamy, cheesy layers and fresh, wholesome ingredients, it offers everything we love about comfort food—minus the guilt. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable, meal-prep friendly, and totally crowd-pleasing.

Try it once, and you’ll see why this dish has become a staple for anyone who wants easy, nourishing meals that don’t sacrifice flavor. It’s proof that healthy eating can be anything but boring.