Creamy Chicken Pesto Penne
with Cheddar and Rocket
- Cereals containing gluten
- Milk
Looking for a quick and tasty midweek dinner option? Try cooking up our Creamy Chicken Pesto Penne in just 20 minutes for a delicious and speedy meal.
Ingredients
180
Penne Pasta
(Contains: Cereals containing gluten)
1
Garlic Clove
30
Mature Cheddar Cheese
(Contains: Milk)
260
Diced Chicken Breast
10
Chicken Stock Paste
150
Creme Fraiche
(Contains: Milk)
50
Fresh Pesto
(Contains: Milk)
20
Wild Rocket
Not included in your delivery
100
Water for the Sauce
Nutrition Values
Utensils
Cooking Steps
a) Boil a full kettle.
b) Pour the boiled water into a large saucepan on high heat with 1/2 tsp salt.
c) Add the penne and bring back to the boil. Cook until tender, 12 mins.
d) Once cooked, drain in a colander and pop back in the pan. Drizzle with oil and stir through to stop it sticking together.
a) While the pasta cooks, peel and grate the garlic (or use a garlic press).
b) Grate the cheese.
a) Heat a drizzle of oil in a large frying pan on medium-high heat.
b) Once hot, add the diced chicken to the pan and season with salt and pepper.
c) Fry until golden brown on the outside and cooked through, 8-10 mins. IMPORTANT: Wash your hands and equipment after handling raw chicken and its packaging. The chicken is cooked when no longer pink in the middle.
a) Add the garlic to the chicken and cook for 1 min.
b) Stir in the water for the sauce (see pantry for amount) and chicken stock paste. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down slightly.
c) Simmer until reduced by half, 3-4 mins.
a) Stir the creme fraiche into the pan and simmer for 3-4 mins, then remove from the heat.
b) Mix in the cooked penne, half the cheese and and three quarters of the pesto.
c) Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed, adding a splash of water if it's a little too thick.
a) Share the creamy chicken pesto pasta between your bowls.
b) Drizzle over the remaining pesto and scatter with the remaining cheese.
c) Top with a handful of rocket to finish.
Enjoy!
Customer reviews
Review summary
Updated on Aug 2026- Flavour: The creamy pesto sauce is a real highlight, with the fresh pesto adding a bright, well-balanced finish to the dish.
- Ease of prep: Quick and straightforward to pull together, though some found it took a little longer than the stated 20 minutes.
- Suggestions: Season the chicken well before cooking; consider reducing the crème fraîche slightly or swapping for a lower-fat version if you prefer a lighter sauce. Adding mushrooms, bacon lardons, spinach, or peas works well for extra texture and variety.
- Next-day meals: Reheats well, making it a solid choice for next-day lunches.
- Portions: Portion size is generous and filling, which some found ideal for sharing or stretching across multiple meals.
