Are you looking for delicious and easy-to-make keto recipes that incorporate the flavorful and nutritious ingredient, pesto? Look no further! Pesto is a classic Italian sauce made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It’s a perfect addition to any meal, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner. And when you combine it with creamy ingredients like cream cheese, avocado, and full-fat mozzarella, you get a dish that’s not only tasty but also keto-friendly.
In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 creamy keto pesto recipes that are sure to become your new go-to dishes for any meal. From savory meatballs to decadent fathead pizzas, and from breakfast egg muffins to indulgent cauliflower mac and cheese, we’ve got you covered. So if you’re ready to take your keto cooking game to the next level, let’s dive in and explore these delicious and creamy keto pesto recipes!
Keto Pesto Chicken Stuffed Avocados
Elevate your snack game with this creamy, savory, and nutritious recipe that combines the flavors of chicken, pesto, and avocado. This keto-friendly treat is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe avocados
– 1/2 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
– 2 tablespoons homemade or store-bought pesto
– 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cut the avocados in half and remove the pit.
2. In a bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, pesto, and salt and pepper to taste.
3. Stuff each avocado half with the chicken-pesto mixture, dividing it evenly among the four avocados.
4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top (if using).
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 5 minutes ( preparation only)
Creamy Keto Pesto Zoodles with Shrimp
Get ready for a flavorful and healthy meal that’s perfect for a keto diet! This recipe combines the creaminess of pesto sauce with the juiciness of shrimp, all wrapped up in zucchini noodles.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz zucchinis
– 1/4 cup pesto sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (keto-friendly)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Spiralize the zucchinis into noodles.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside. Reduce heat to low.
5. Pour pesto sauce into the skillet and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Add zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss with the creamy pesto sauce.
7. Return shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together to combine.
8. Season with salt, pepper, and garnish with parsley leaves.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Enjoy your delicious Creamy Keto Pesto Zoodles with Shrimp!
Low-Carb Pesto Cauliflower Rice Bowls
Get ready to revolutionize your low-carb meals with this flavorful and nutritious recipe! This dish is a game-changer for anyone looking for a delicious, cauliflower-based alternative to traditional rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup of pesto sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: protein of your choice (chicken, shrimp, or tofu)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the cauliflower and remove the leaves and stem.
2. Pulse the cauliflower in a food processor until it resembles rice.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add the cauliflower “rice” to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Stir in the pesto sauce and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve the cauliflower rice bowls hot, topped with your preferred protein and any additional desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Keto Pesto Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Elevate your keto dinner game with these creamy, flavorful mushrooms packed with pesto goodness.
Ingredients:
– 4 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed and caps cleaned
– 1/2 cup freshly made pesto (see our recipe or use store-bought)
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together pesto and 1/8 cup Parmesan cheese.
3. Stuff each mushroom cap with the pesto mixture, dividing it evenly among the four mushrooms.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed mushrooms and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Top each mushroom with remaining Parmesan cheese (about 1 tablespoon per mushroom).
6. Place the mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until tender and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Garlic Butter Keto Pesto Salmon
Elevate your salmon game with this flavorful and healthy recipe that combines the richness of garlic butter, the creaminess of pesto, and the simplicity of baking.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup keto pesto (homemade or store-bought)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
4. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter and minced garlic until well combined.
5. Spread 1-2 tablespoons of garlic butter mixture evenly over each salmon fillet.
6. Drizzle 1-2 teaspoons of keto pesto over the garlic butter.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Keto Pesto Egg Muffins with Spinach
Elevate your breakfast game with these creamy, flavorful Keto Pesto Egg Muffins featuring fresh spinach and a hint of garlic. Perfect for meal prep or a quick morning pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 6 large eggs
– 1/4 cup freshly made keto pesto (see our recipe)
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh spinach
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 6 almond flour muffin liners
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk eggs and season with salt and pepper.
3. Add chopped spinach and mix well.
4. Pour in keto pesto and stir until combined.
5. Divide egg mixture among muffin liners.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until edges are set and centers are slightly jiggly.
7. Allow to cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Cheesy Keto Pesto Fathead Pizza
Elevate your pizza game with this creamy, cheesy, and keto-friendly take on the classic fathead crust recipe. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying snack.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon pesto sauce
– 1 low-carb pizza crust (such as cauliflower or almond flour)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
3. Spread the mixture onto the low-carb pizza crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Drizzle pesto sauce over the top of the cheese mixture.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Keto Pesto Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles
Savor the flavors of Italy with these creamy keto meatballs and zucchini noodles, a perfect low-carb twist on traditional pasta dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
– 1/4 cup almond flour
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons pesto sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 medium zucchini
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, almond flour, garlic, egg, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Form into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, spiralize the zucchini into noodle-like strands.
6. Toss cooked meatballs with pesto sauce and serve over zucchini noodles. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Avocado Keto Pesto Deviled Eggs
Elevate your deviled egg game with this creamy and flavorful recipe that combines the richness of avocado, the tanginess of pesto, and the savory taste of eggs.
Ingredients:
– 6 large eggs, hard-boiled and peeled
– 1/2 ripe avocado, mashed
– 1 tablespoon keto pesto (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
– Chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cut the eggs in half lengthwise and carefully remove the yolks.
2. In a bowl, mix together the mashed avocado, pesto, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Add the mayonnaise to the bowl and mix until well combined.
4. Spoon the yolk mixture into the egg white halves.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives before serving.
Cooking Time:
– Preparation time: 10 minutes
– Total time: 20 minutes
Keto Pesto Grilled Halloumi Skewers
Elevate your outdoor gatherings with these easy-to-make Keto Pesto Grilled Halloumi Skewers. This recipe combines the creamy richness of pesto with the salty sweetness of halloumi cheese, all on a single skewer.
Ingredients:
– 1 block of halloumi cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup of pesto
– 10-12 bamboo skewers
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together pesto and olive oil.
3. Thread halloumi cubes onto skewers, leaving a 1-inch gap between each piece.
4. Brush pesto mixture evenly over the cheese cubes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Grill skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cheese is golden brown.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Bacon-Wrapped Keto Pesto Chicken
A flavorful and savory dish that combines the richness of bacon with the creaminess of pesto, all wrapped up in a delicious keto-friendly package.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon
– 1/4 cup of homemade or store-bought pesto
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wrap each chicken breast with a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if needed.
3. In a small bowl, mix together pesto and olive oil.
4. Place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Brush the top of each chicken breast with the pesto mixture.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Keto Pesto Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers
Elevate your low-carb game with these flavorful Keto Pesto Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers, packed with a rich and creamy filling. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup pesto sauce
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, pesto sauce, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
4. Stuff each pepper with the cream cheese mixture, filling to the top.
5. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes or until the peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Spicy Keto Pesto Shrimp Stir-Fry
A flavorful and spicy twist on traditional pesto shrimp, this recipe combines succulent shrimp with a zesty keto-friendly pesto sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/4 cup keto pesto (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp red pepper flakes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
4. Stir in the keto pesto and red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional minute, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Add the cooked shrimp back into the pan and toss to coat with the spicy pesto sauce.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Keto Pesto Butter Steak Bites
Elevate your steak game with this flavorful and indulgent recipe, perfect for a low-carb dinner or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound flank steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons pesto butter (see below)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Pesto Butter Recipe:
– 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons freshly made or store-bought pesto
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together pesto and butter until well combined.
3. Season steak pieces with salt and pepper.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak pieces for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked to your liking.
5. Remove steak from skillet and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Spread pesto butter evenly over each steak piece.
7. Bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until butter is melted and slightly caramelized.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: Approximately 12-15 minutes.
Keto Pesto Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Transform the comfort food classic into a keto-friendly dish by substituting pasta with cauliflower and adding creamy pesto sauce. This recipe is sure to become a new favorite!
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 1/2 cup pesto sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup melted cheddar cheese
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rinse the cauliflower and remove the leaves and stem. Cut it into florets.
3. Pulse the cauliflower in a food processor until it resembles macaroni.
4. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the processed cauliflower and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Stir in pesto sauce, Parmesan cheese, melted cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
6. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with additional grated Parmesan cheese (if desired).
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Keto Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breast
Elevate your chicken game with this creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious Keto Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe! Perfect for a low-carb dinner that’s both flavorful and impressive.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup keto pesto (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together pesto, mozzarella cheese, parsley, and garlic.
3. Lay chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket.
4. Stuff each breast with the pesto mixture, dividing it evenly among the four breasts.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Keto Pesto Avocado Egg Salad
A creamy and flavorful twist on the classic egg salad, this recipe combines the richness of avocado with the tanginess of pesto.
Ingredients:
– 4 large eggs, hard-boiled and diced
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 2 tablespoons pesto sauce (make sure it’s sugar-free)
– 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (make sure it’s full-fat)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the diced eggs, mashed avocado, pesto sauce, and mayonnaise.
2. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Just before serving, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired.
Cooking Time: None required! This salad is ready in just a few minutes of preparation.
Keto Pesto Parmesan Crisps
Transform ordinary crackers into a flavorful and crunchy treat by infusing them with the rich flavors of pesto and parmesan cheese. This recipe is perfect for keto dieters looking to satisfy their snack cravings while staying within their dietary guidelines.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup almond flour
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (dairy or dairy-free alternative)
– 2 tablespoons pesto
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, combine almond flour, Parmesan cheese, and pesto. Mix until well combined.
3. Add the beaten egg and mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to about 1/8 inch thickness.
5. Cut into desired shapes (e.g., squares or strips).
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Keto Pesto Creamed Spinach
This recipe combines the richness of cream and the savory flavor of pesto with the nutritional benefits of spinach, all within keto-friendly guidelines. Perfect as a side dish or used as a sauce for protein or vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed
– 2 tablespoons homemade or store-bought pesto
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 6 tablespoons heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Stir in the pesto and cook for an additional minute.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until well combined.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or basil if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Keto Pesto Garlic Breadsticks
Transform your low-carb diet with these delicious and crispy Keto Pesto Garlic Breadsticks, perfect for snacking or as a side dish. This recipe combines the flavors of garlic, parmesan, and pesto to create a mouth-watering treat that’s also keto-friendly.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup almond flour
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons freshly made pesto (see note)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix together almond flour, Parmesan cheese, and melted coconut oil until a dough forms.
3. Add garlic and pesto; mix well.
4. Roll out the dough into thin strips (about 1/4 inch thick).
5. Place on prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Enjoy your crispy and delicious Keto Pesto Garlic Breadsticks!
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a delicious array of creamy keto pesto recipes! From savory dishes like Keto Pesto Chicken Stuffed Avocados and Creamy Keto Pesto Zoodles with Shrimp, to cheesy favorites like Cheesy Keto Pesto Fathead Pizza and Keto Pesto Cauliflower Mac and Cheese, there’s something for everyone. These 20 mouth-watering recipes showcase the versatility of pesto in keto cooking, incorporating flavors like garlic butter, bacon, and avocado. Whether you’re a seasoned keto enthusiast or just starting out, these creamy concoctions are sure to satisfy your cravings while keeping your diet on track.
