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Quick Chicken and Pesto Cream Sauce
Quick Chicken and Pesto Cream Sauce

Quick Chicken and Pesto Cream Sauce

with Leek, Mashed Potatoes and Tenderstem® Broccoli

Recipe Development Team
Recipe Development TeamPublished on September 17, 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
Allergens:
Milk
Nuts
Cashew nuts

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

Tenderstem® Broccoli

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)

30 grams

Basil Pesto

(Contains: Milk, Nuts, Cashew nuts May contain traces of: Peanut)

Not included in your delivery

100 milliliter(s)

Water for the Sauce

15 grams

Butter

Nutritional information

Energy (kJ)2898 kJ
Energy (kcal)693 kcal
Fat34.8 g
of which saturates14.4 g
Carbohydrate55.1 g
of which sugars9.3 g
Dietary Fibre12 g
Protein42.3 g
Salt1.8 g
Potassium1545.4 mg
Calcium93.2 mg
Iron2 mg
Always refer to the product label for the most accurate ingredient and allergen information.

Utensils

Baking Tray
Kettle
Large Frying Pan
Chopping Board
Colander
Knife
Large Saucepan
Garlic Press

Instructions

1

a) Preheat your oven to 240°C/220°C fan/gas mark 9. Boil a full kettle. Halve any thick broccoli stems lengthways.

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. 

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

d) Transfer to a baking tray, skin-side up. Add the broccoli, drizzle with oil and season. Roast on the top shelf of your oven until cooked through, 12-15 mins. IMPORTANT: Wash your hands and equipment after handling raw chicken and its packaging. It's cooked when no longer pink in the middle. 

2

a) Meanwhile, fill a large saucepan with the boiling water and 0.5 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.

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.

4

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

b) Once hot, add the leek and season. Cook 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. Simmer until slightly reduced, 2 mins.

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

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.

6

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

b) Serve your mashed potatoes and roasted broccoli alongside. 

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

Enjoy!

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