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Nando's

Chicken Pasta Recipe

Master how to make authentic Nando's-style peri-peri chicken pasta at home with this quick and easy recipe. The perfect balance of spicy, tangy and creamy flavors combine in this simple weeknight dinner that's ready in under 30 minutes. Learn how to cook restaurant-quality chicken pasta that's better than takeout!

Prep

15 mins

Cook

20 mins

Serve

Kcal

520

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">500g boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">300g penne pasta</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large red onion, finely diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 red bell peppers, deseeded and sliced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 cloves garlic, minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp Peri-Peri seasoning (or paprika, cayenne and oregano mix)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">400g canned chopped tomatoes</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200ml chicken stock</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">125ml single cream</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g baby spinach</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">50g grated Parmesan cheese</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Fresh coriander for garnish, chopped</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Salt and black pepper to taste</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)</li></ul>

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Begin by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente (typically 8-10 minutes). When done, drain but reserve about 100ml of the pasta cooking water for later use.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper and 1 tablespoon of the Peri-Peri seasoning, ensuring each piece is well coated.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion and sliced red peppers, cooking for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Sprinkle the remaining tablespoon of Peri-Peri seasoning over the vegetables and stir to coat them evenly. Pour in the canned tomatoes and chicken stock, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Reduce the heat to low and stir in the single cream. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and add the spinach, stirring until the spinach wilts into the sauce, which should take about 2 minutes.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Add the drained pasta to the pan with the sauce and chicken, tossing everything together to ensure the pasta is well coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Just before serving, sprinkle with the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh coriander. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the pasta for a fresh, zingy finish.</li></ol>

FAQ for

Chicken Pasta Recipe

What ingredients are used in Peri-Peri Chicken Pasta?

Key ingredients include chicken thighs, penne pasta, red onion, bell peppers, garlic, Peri-Peri seasoning, chopped tomatoes, chicken stock, single cream, baby spinach and Parmesan cheese. Fresh coriander and lemon wedges add a flavourful finish.

How to cook Peri-Peri Chicken Pasta at home?

Learn how to cook Peri-Peri Chicken Pasta by first seasoning and cooking chicken thighs, then sautéing vegetables with Peri-Peri spice. Create a rich sauce with tomatoes, stock and cream, combine with cooked pasta and finish with fresh herbs and Parmesan for an authentic spicy pasta dish with Portuguese-African flavours.

Can I make Peri-Peri Chicken Pasta less spicy for children or those who prefer milder food?

Absolutely! Simply reduce the amount of Peri-Peri seasoning or substitute with a milder paprika. You can also serve the dish with extra cream on the side, which helps counteract the heat while maintaining the dish's signature flavours.

What's the best way to store and reheat leftover spicy chicken pasta dishes?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or water to prevent dryness, and warm gently on the hob or in a microwave. The flavours often develop nicely overnight for an even tastier second serving.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for this Portuguese-inspired pasta recipe?

Yes! Replace chicken with roasted aubergine or firm tofu seasoned with the same Peri-Peri spice mix. Add extra vegetables like mushrooms or courgettes for texture. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a delicious vegetarian version with all the same bold flavours.

The calorie count is an approximation and can vary based on exact measurements and specific ingredients used. Always consult nutritional information if strict adherence to calorie counts is required. This recipe is inspired by the flavours of this restaurant's dishes and has been independently developed for home cooking. It is not an exact match to the proprietary recipe used by the restaurant. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the restaurant.

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  "name": "Nando's Peri-Peri Chicken Pasta Recipe",
  "author": {
    "@type": "Person",
    "name": "Peter Martin",
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  "recipeCuisine": "Portuguese-African Fusion",
  "nutrition": {
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    "carbohydrateContent": "58 g",
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    "cholesterolContent": "175 mg",
    "sodiumContent": "720 mg",
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    "500g boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces",
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    "1 large red onion, finely diced",
    "2 red bell peppers, deseeded and sliced",
    "3 cloves garlic, minced",
    "2 tbsp Peri-Peri seasoning (or paprika, cayenne and oregano mix)",
    "400g canned chopped tomatoes",
    "200ml chicken stock",
    "125ml single cream",
    "100g baby spinach",
    "50g grated Parmesan cheese",
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    "Salt and black pepper to taste",
    "1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)"
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      "name": "Season chicken",
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      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Cook chicken",
      "text": "Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside."
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Cook vegetables",
      "text": "In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion and sliced red peppers, cooking for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it."
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Make sauce",
      "text": "Sprinkle the remaining tablespoon of Peri-Peri seasoning over the vegetables and stir to coat them evenly. Pour in the canned tomatoes and chicken stock, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken slightly."
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
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      "text": "Reduce the heat to low and stir in the single cream. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and add the spinach, stirring until the spinach wilts into the sauce, which should take about 2 minutes."
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      "@type": "HowToStep",
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      "@type": "HowToStep",
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      "author": "Maria Rodriguez",
      "datePublished": "2024-04-18",
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      "@type": "Review",
      "author": "Ahmed Hassan",
      "datePublished": "2024-04-15",
      "reviewBody": "As a huge Nando's fan, I was skeptical, but this recipe delivers on flavor! The spice level was perfect and the creamy sauce balanced everything beautifully. Will definitely make again.",
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      "@type": "Review",
      "author": "Olivia Chen",
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      "reviewBody": "This recipe is now in my weekly rotation! It's quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests. The combination of spice and creaminess is just perfect.",
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      "datePublished": "2024-04-08",
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      "datePublished": "2024-04-05",
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Nando's

Chicken Pasta Recipe

Prep

Cook

Serve

Kcal

Ingredients

Directions

What ingredients are used in Peri-Peri Chicken Pasta?

How to cook Peri-Peri Chicken Pasta at home?

Can I make Peri-Peri Chicken Pasta less spicy for children or those who prefer milder food?

What's the best way to store and reheat leftover spicy chicken pasta dishes?

Is there a vegetarian alternative for this Portuguese-inspired pasta recipe?

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