Presto Pesto Chicken and Leek Penne
with Cheddar and Rocket
- Cereals containing gluten
- Milk
Hey presto! This speedy Presto Pesto Chicken and Leek Penne is ready in under 25 minutes. Chicken has been added here for an elevated version of classic pesto pasta.
Ingredients
180 grams
Penne Pasta
(Contains: Cereals containing gluten)
1 unit(s)
Garlic Clove
30 grams
Mature Cheddar Cheese
(Contains: Milk)
1 unit(s)
Leek
240 grams
Diced British Chicken Breast
10 grams
Chicken Stock Paste
150 grams
Creme Fraiche
(Contains: Milk)
32 grams
Pesto
(Contains: Milk)
20 grams
Wild Rocket
Not included in your delivery
100 milliliter(s)
Water for the Sauce
Nutrition Values
Utensils
Cooking Steps
a) Boil a full kettle.
b) Pour the boiled water into a large saucepan with 1/2 tsp salt on high heat.
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.
c) Trim the root and dark green leafy part from the leek and discard. Halve lengthways, then thinly slice.
a) Heat a drizzle of oil in a large frying pan on medium-high heat.
b) Once hot, add the diced chicken and leek 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. It's cooked when no longer pink in the middle.
a) Add the garlic to the cooked chicken and cook for 1 min.
b) Stir in the water for the sauce (see pantry for amount) and chicken stock paste.
c) Bring to a boil, then simmer until reduced by half, 3-4 mins.
a) Stir the creme fraiche into the sauce and simmer for 3-4 mins, then remove from the heat.
b) Mix in the cooked penne, half the cheese and three quarters of the pesto.
c) Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed. Add a splash of water if the sauce is a little too thick.
a) Share the creamy chicken pesto pasta between your bowls.
b) Drizzle over the remaining pesto and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
c) Top with a handful of rocket to finish.
Enjoy!
Customer reviews
Review summary
Updated on Sept 2026- Flavour: The pesto and creme fraiche sauce is creamy and well-received, though some find the balance tips too far towards richness if the full amount of creme fraiche is used.
- Ease of prep: Quick and straightforward to make, with most finding it ready well within the stated time.
- Suggestions: Use a little less creme fraiche if you prefer a lighter sauce, and add more pesto for a stronger flavour. Consider swapping rocket for peas or another green if you find rocket too bitter, and add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
- Next-day meals: The pasta keeps well and makes a satisfying lunch the following day.
- Portions: Portions are generous — some found there was enough for three people, or enough to save a portion for lunch the next day.
