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Eat well

Chicken and leek pasta bake

A tasty, filling supper with simple ingredients - perfect for a family meal and also suitable for home freezing.

Chicken and leek pasta bake

Meal type: Main meal

Serves: 2

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes

1. Bring a large pan of water to the boil. Throw in the pasta, stir well and return to the boil. Cook for five minutes, then add the vegetables and chicken. Simmer gently for a further 10 minutes or until both the pasta and chicken are tender. Drain well.

2. Meanwhile, put the reduced-fat spread, flour and milk in a small saucepan. Set over a medium heat and whisk constantly until the mixture comes to the boil. Reduce the heat, continue whisking until the sauce is thickened and smooth. Stir in all but a teaspoon of the cheese. Season with black pepper.

3. Divide the pasta and chicken mixture between two small, deep ovenproof dishes. Spoon over the sauce and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. If freezing the dish, do so now, and then defrost overnight in the fridge before using.

4. If eating immediately, grill until golden. Alternatively, keep chilled for up to one day and then bake at 170°C/150°C fan/ gas mark 3 for 30–40 minutes until piping hot. 

Reader-tested recipe

This recipe has been tried and tested by members of our Patient Information Panel.

I added some dried herbes de Provence for extra flavour

Heart Matters reader John Burden said:

"Tasty, filling and easy to make. I made it quicker by serving without grilling it. The ingredients were easy and cheap to source. I added some dried herbes de Provence for extra flavour."

Nutritional Information

Each Portion Contains:

Energy 2102kJ 499kcal 25%
Carbs 57.4g -
Fat 13.1g Medium 19%
Saturates 4.3g Low 22%
Sugar 8.3g Low 9%
Salt 0.65g Low 11%

% = an adult's reference intake

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Ingredients

115g (4oz) dried wholemeal pasta shapes 

55g (2oz) leek, finely chopped 

55g (2oz) fresh broccoli, chopped 

55g (2oz) peas, fresh or frozen 

175g (6oz) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces. 

25g (1oz) reduced-fat spread 

25g (1oz) plain flour 

200ml (7fl oz) semi-skimmed milk 

25g (1oz) reduced-fat cheddar cheese, grated

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