NANDOS CREAMY CHICKEN PASTA

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Of course! That Nando’s Creamy Chicken Pasta is a legendary, comforting dish. While the official recipe is a secret, this is a widely loved copycat that captures its essential flavors: spicy, creamy, and slightly tangy from the PERi-PERi sauce.

Here’s how you can make it at home.

Nando’s Style Creamy Chicken & Spinach Pasta

This recipe recreates the famous creamy, spicy, and cheesy sauce that coats tender chicken and pasta perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

· Signature Flavor: It perfectly balances the heat of PERi-PERi with the coolness of cream and cheese.
· One-Pan Sauce: The sauce is made in one skillet for easy cleanup.
· Customizable Heat: You have complete control over the spice level.
· Comfort Food at its Best: It’s incredibly rich, satisfying, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Marinade:

· 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
· 2 tbsp Nando’s PERi-PERi sauce (any heat level – Medium is a good start)
· 1 tbsp olive oil
· 1 tsp smoked paprika
· Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Pasta & Sauce:

· 250g (approx. 9 oz) penne pasta (or fusilli, rigatoni)
· 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
· 1 medium onion, finely chopped
· 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
· 150ml (approx. 2/3 cup) double/heavy cream
· 100g (approx. 1 cup) grated Cheddar cheese, mild
· 50g (approx. 1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
· 3-4 tbsp Nando’s PERi-PERi sauce (adjust to taste)
· 2 large handfuls of fresh spinach
· Optional Garnish: Fresh chopped parsley, extra grated Parmesan, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to cool it down.

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

  1. In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the 2 tablespoons of PERi-PERi sauce, 1 tbsp olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes (or longer in the fridge for more flavor).

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of well-salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente.
  2. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This is crucial for thinning the sauce later.
  3. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

  1. While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and nicely browned.
  3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil or butter.
  2. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and the remaining 3-4 tablespoons of PERi-PERi sauce. Stir to combine.

Step 5: Combine Everything

  1. Gradually add the grated Cheddar and Parmesan cheese to the cream sauce, stirring constantly until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
  2. Add the fresh spinach and stir until it has wilted into the sauce.
  3. Return the cooked chicken (and any juices) to the skillet.
  4. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
  5. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve

  1. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or PERi-PERi sauce if desired.
  2. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.

Tips for the Perfect Nando’s Pasta

· Control the Heat: This is the most important part! Start with the recommended amount of PERi-PERi sauce. You can always add more at the end, but you can’t take it out. Taste as you go!
· The Cheese: Use a mild, medium, or mature Cheddar based on your preference. A good melting cheese like Gouda can also work well.
· Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: The starchy water is the key to a silky, restaurant-quality sauce that clings to the pasta.
· Add Vegetables: Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes along with the onions for extra flavor and texture.
· For a Lighter Version: Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half, single cream, or even full-fat coconut milk (which works surprisingly well with the PERi-PERi flavor).

Enjoy your homemade Nando’s feast

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