Peri Peri Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the bold flavors of peri peri sauce with tender chicken and pasta, making it a perfect weeknight meal or a special dinner for guests. This recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also brings a little warmth and excitement to your dining table. With its vibrant colors and aromatic qualities, Peri Peri Chicken Pasta becomes an instant favorite that is both comforting and invigorating.
Why Make This Peri Peri Chicken Pasta
This Peri Peri Chicken Pasta is not just flavorful; it’s also quick and easy to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights. The spicy and tangy peri peri sauce gives the dish a unique kick, which elevates ordinary pasta to something extraordinary. Plus, it’s versatile! You can customize it to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Whether you’re cooking for a family or impressing friends, this recipe delivers bold flavors without demanding hours in the kitchen.
How to Make Peri Peri Chicken Pasta
Creating this mouthwatering dish involves a few simple steps. First, you’ll cook the pasta until it’s just right, then enhance the meal with sautéed chicken and sautéed veggies, all brought together by the zesty peri peri sauce. In just a short time, you’ll have a delicious meal that is bursting with flavor!
Ingredients:
- 200g pasta
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons peri peri sauce
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add the sliced bell pepper and cook until tender.
- Cut the chicken breasts into strips, season with salt and pepper, and add to the pan. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Stir in the peri peri sauce and mix well.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the chicken mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutritional Information
Per serving, this dish contains approximately:
- Calories: 450
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 35g
How to Serve Peri Peri Chicken Pasta
Serve your Peri Peri Chicken Pasta hot, straight from the pan. To enhance the experience, consider pairing it with a simple green salad or garlic bread. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, but fancy enough to impress guests at a dinner party. You can even add a sprinkling of grated cheese on top for a creamy touch.
How to Store Peri Peri Chicken Pasta
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing, and reheat thoroughly before enjoying it again.
Expert Tips for Perfect Peri Peri Chicken Pasta
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder dish, use less peri peri sauce or try a milder sauce altogether.
- Cook the chicken thoroughly: Make sure the chicken is browned and cooked through to ensure a juicy texture.
- Add more veggies: You can throw in additional vegetables like zucchini or spinach for added nutrition and color.
- Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option!
Delicious Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with chickpeas or grilled tofu, and make sure the peri peri sauce is plant-based.
- Seafood Delight: Try using shrimp instead of chicken for a delightful seafood twist.
- Cheesy Peri Peri Bake: After combining everything, transfer the dish to a baking dish, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake until bubbly and golden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you like, such as penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free options like quinoa or rice pasta.
Q: Is peri peri sauce very spicy?
A: The heat level of peri peri sauce can vary by brand. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your taste preference.
Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can pre-cook the pasta and prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time. Just combine and heat up when you’re ready to serve!
Conclusion
Peri Peri Chicken Pasta is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With its vibrant flavors and satisfying textures, it’s perfect for any occasion. We encourage you to try it out and share your results or variations! Enjoy the delicious adventure of cooking, and don’t hesitate to engage with the recipe by leaving your comments and feedback!
Peri Peri Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add the sliced bell pepper and cook until tender.
- Cut the chicken breasts into strips, season with salt and pepper, and add to the pan. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Stir in the peri peri sauce and mix well.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the chicken mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.