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Quick Chicken and Pesto Cream Sauce

Quick Chicken and Pesto Cream Sauce

with Leek, Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Green Beans

Recipe Development Team
Recipe Development TeamUpdated on August 13, 2025

On the table in less than 25 minutes, this Quick Chicken and Pesto Cream Sauce is quick but still full of flavour. Part of the leafy kale family, cavolo nero (which translates as 'black cabbage' is characterised by its intensely dark green leaves. Originating from Tuscany, this nutrient-rich green is a go-to in Italian cuisine for its versatility and unique flavour.

Tags:
Family Friendly
High Protein
Low Carb
Allergens:
Milk

The quantities provided above are averages only.

Produced in a facility that processes eggs, milk, fish, peanuts, sesame, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, and wheat.

Total25 minutes
Active 25 minutes
DifficultyMedium

Ingredients

serving amount

160 grams

Green Beans

2 unit(s)

Skin-On British Chicken Breasts

450 grams

Potatoes

1 unit(s)

Garlic Clove

1 unit(s)

Leek

10 grams

Chicken Stock Paste

75 grams

Creme Fraiche

(Contains: Milk)

32 grams

Pesto

(Contains: Milk)

Not included in your delivery

100 milliliter(s)

Water for the Sauce

15 grams

Butter

Nutritional information

Energy (kJ)2751 kJ
Energy (kcal)657 kcal
Fat31.7 g
of which saturates14.3 g
Carbohydrate54.7 g
of which sugars9 g
Dietary Fibre10.3 g
Protein41 g
Salt1.8 g
Potassium1225.6 mg
Calcium57.4 mg
Iron1.5 mg
Always refer to the product label for the most accurate ingredient and allergen information.

Utensils

Baking Tray
Pan
Kettle
Colander
Lid
Large Saucepan
Garlic Press
Potato Masher

Instructions

Roast the Chicken and Beans
1

a) Preheat your oven to 240°C/220°C fan/gas mark 9. Boil a full kettle. Trim the green beans.

b) Heat a drizzle of oil in a large frying pan on high heat. Once hot, lay the chicken into the pan, skin-side down. Season with salt and pepper.

c) Fry until golden, 3-4 mins, then turn and cook for 1 min on the other side.

d) Transfer to a baking tray, skin-side up. Add the green beans alongside, drizzle with oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast on the top shelf of your oven until cooked through, 10-12 mins. IMPORTANT: Wash your hands and equipment after handling raw chicken and its packaging. It's cooked when no longer pink in the middle

Potato Time
2

a) Meanwhile, fill a large saucepan with the boiling water and ½ tsp salt and pop on high heat.

b) Chop the potatoes into 2cm chunks (no need to peel) and add to the pan.

c) Cook until you can easily slip a knife through, 12-15 mins.. 

d) Once cooked, drain well in a colander and return to the pan, off the heat. Cover with a lid to keep warm.

Finish the Prep
3

a) While the potatoes cook, peel and grate the garlic (or use a garlic press). 

b) Trim the root and dark green leafy part from the leek and discard. Halve lengthways, then thinly slice.

Make the Pesto Sauce
4

a) Return the (now empty) frying pan to medium heat with a drizzle of oil.

b) Once hot, add the leek and season with salt and pepper. Cook the leek until softened, 4-6 mins, stirring occasionally. add the garlic to the pan. Fry for 1 min.

c) Add the water for the sauce (see pantry for amount) and chicken stock paste. Stir and bring to the boil, then simmer until slightly reduced, 2 mins.

d) Stir through the creme fraiche and pesto, then remove from the heat.

Finishing Touches
5

a) When the chicken is almost cooked, reheat the sauce if needed. Add a splash of water if it's a little thick.

b) Once the potatoes are cooked, drain in a colander and return to the pan, off the heat. Add a knob of butter and a splash of milk (if you have any) and mash until smooth.

c) Season with salt and pepper. Cover with a lid to keep warm.

Serve Up
6

a) Slice the chicken widthways and transfer to your plates.

b) Serve your mashed potatoes and roasted beans alongside. 

c) Spoon the creamy and pesto sauce over the chicken to finish.

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