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  1 lb chicken breast

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  ½ tsp salt, divided

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  ½ tsp pepper, divided

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  2 tbs olive oil

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  ½ white onion, diced

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  ¾ cup chicken broth

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  ½ cup heavy cream

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  ¼ cup basil pesto

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  ¼ cup parmesan cheese

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  3 roma tomatoes, diced

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  1 tbs cornstarch

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  1 tbs water

Optional sides to serve with:

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  Egg noodles

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  White rice

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  Cauliflower rice

• Serving Suggestions: This dish is incredibly versatile. It pairs perfectly with egg noodles, white rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad can also complement the richness of the sauce. For a more indulgent meal, consider serving it with garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up the flavorful pesto cream sauce.

• Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half thin horizontally. Season chicken on both sides with a dash of salt and pepper. This ensures even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
• Sear the Chicken: To a large skillet over medium heat add the oil once the oil is hot add the chicken to the pan cook on each side for 5 minutes or until cooked flipping once. Once the chicken is completely cooked remove to a separate plate cover with aluminum foil and set to the side.
• Sauté the Onion: To the same skillet you cooked the chicken in over medium heat add the diced onion and broth with your spatula scrape the bits off the bottom of the pan and let simmer for 2 minutes. This step adds depth of flavor to the sauce. The chicken broth deglazes the pan, incorporating all the flavorful browned bits from the chicken.
• Create the Cream Sauce: Stir in heavy cream, a dash of salt and pepper let simmer stirring frequently for 2 minutes. The heavy cream provides the luxurious texture that makes this sauce so irresistible.
• Add Pesto and Cheese: Stir in pesto, parmesan cheese, and tomatoes let the cheese melt down. The pesto infuses the sauce with its vibrant herbal aroma, while the parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty depth. The diced tomatoes provide a touch of acidity and freshness to balance the richness of the cream.
• Thicken the Sauce (Optional): (For a thicker sauce in a small bowl whisk together the cornstarch and water stir it into the sauce mixture) It will thicken up immediately.
• Combine and Serve: Add the cooked chicken back in to the skillet coat it in the sauce and enjoy over egg noodles, rice, or anything you want! Make sure each piece of chicken is generously coated with the creamy pesto sauce for maximum flavor.
• Pro-Tips: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a clove of minced garlic to the pan when sautéing the onion. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end can also brighten the sauce. If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Feel free to experiment with different types of pesto, such as sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula pesto, to create your own unique twist. This recipe is also a great way to use leftover cooked chicken. Simply skip the first two steps and add the cooked chicken to the sauce during the final stage.

Nutrition