Of course! Here is a comprehensive, “big” recipe for Nando’s-Style Creamy Chicken & Spinach Pasta, complete with all the sections you requested.
Introduction
There’s something irresistibly comforting about a bowl of creamy pasta, especially when it’s infused with the vibrant, tangy, and slightly fiery kick of PERi-PERi. While you won’t find an official “Creamy Chicken Pasta” on the Nando’s menu, this recipe captures the soul of their famous PERi-PERi flame-grilled chicken and translates it into a luxurious, one-pan pasta dish. It’s a celebration of flavor, combining tender, spice-marinated chicken with a velvety, garlic-infused cream sauce, fresh spinach, and a generous blanket of cheese. This is a restaurant-quality meal that you can proudly recreate in your own kitchen.
A Brief History & The “Nando’s” Connection
Nando’s, founded in South Africa in 1987, brought the world the unique flavor of PERi-PERi—a sauce made from the African Bird’s Eye Chili. The brand built its global reputation on flame-grilled chicken marinated in this iconic sauce, offering varying heat levels from Lemon & Herb to Extra Hot.
This pasta recipe is a beloved “hack” or inspired creation by home cooks and Nando’s fans worldwide. It takes the core flavor profile of the restaurant—the PERi-PERi marinade—and incorporates it into a creamy pasta sauce, creating a dish that feels authentically “Nando’s” even if it never originated in their kitchens. It’s a testament to how a iconic flavor can inspire endless culinary creativity.
The Benefits: Why You’ll Love This Dish
· Flavor Explosion: It perfectly balances creamy, tangy, spicy, and savory notes.
· Versatile Heat: You have complete control over the spice level by choosing your favorite Nando’s sauce strength.
· Nutrient-Packed: With lean chicken protein and fresh spinach, it’s a satisfying and relatively balanced meal.
· Impressive & Comforting: It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for both weeknight dinners and serving to guests.
· One-Pan Potential: The recipe can be adapted to use a single large pan or skillet, minimizing cleanup.
Formation: The Flavor Architecture
The success of this dish lies in building layers of flavor:
1. The Foundation: The chicken is marinated and seared, creating a flavorful base and fond in the pan.
2. The Aromatic Base: Onions and garlic are sautéed in the same pan, absorbing all the leftover chicken goodness.
3. The Creamy Matrix: Cream and cheese create a rich, luxurious sauce that coats the pasta.
4. The Signature Kick: Nando’s PERi-PERi sauce is stirred in, transforming a simple cream sauce into the star of the show.
5. The Fresh Element: Spinach adds color, a slight bitterness, and vital nutrients.
6. The Finale: A final garnish of fresh herbs and more sauce ties everything together.
Ingredients
(Serves 4-6)
For the Chicken:
· 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 thighs), cut into bite-sized strips
· 3 tablespoons Nando’s PERi-PERi sauce (choose your heat level: Medium is a great start)
· 1 tablespoon olive oil
· 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
· Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Pasta and Sauce:
· 400g (14 oz) penne or fettuccine pasta
· 1 tablespoon olive oil
· 1 large onion, finely chopped
· 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
· 200ml (¾ cup + 1 tbsp) heavy/double cream
· 100g (1 cup) grated Mozzarella cheese
· 50g (½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese
· 4-5 tablespoons Nando’s PERi-PERi sauce (plus extra for serving)
· 120g (4 cups) fresh spinach
· 1 chicken stock cube, crumbled (or 1 tsp stock powder)
· Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish:
· Fresh parsley or coriander, chopped
· Extra grated Parmesan cheese
· A final drizzle of Nando’s sauce
Instructions & Methods
Method 1: The Classic Stovetop & Oven Method
1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken strips with 3 tablespoons of Nando’s sauce, 1 tbsp olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes (or longer for more flavor).
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. Set the drained pasta aside.
3. Cook the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat a large, oven-safe skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
4. Build the Sauce: In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium. Add the other tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent (about 5 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Create the Cream Base: Pour in the heavy cream and add the crumbled chicken stock cube. Bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Incorporate the Signature Flavor: Stir in the 4-5 tablespoons of Nando’s PERi-PERi sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The sauce should be a beautiful orange-pink color.
7. Combine Everything: Add the fresh spinach to the sauce and stir until it wilts. Return the cooked chicken and any accumulated juices to the pan. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until thoroughly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
8. Optional Gratinée (Browning): For a restaurant-style finish, sprinkle a little extra cheese on top and place the oven-safe skillet under a preheated broiler/grill for 2-3 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
9. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, an extra drizzle of PERi-PERi sauce, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Method 2: The One-Pan Wonder (Simplified)
This method is for minimal cleanup and maximum ease.
1. Follow steps 1 and 2 from above.
2. After removing the cooked chicken, build the sauce directly in the same pan (steps 4-6).
3. Instead of draining the pasta fully, use tongs to transfer the al dente pasta directly from the pot into the sauce pan, bringing along some of the starchy water.
4. Add the spinach and cooked chicken. Toss everything together over low heat until the spinach wilts and the sauce clings to the pasta. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
· Calories: ~700-800 kcal
· Carbohydrates: ~65g
· Protein: ~40g
· Fat: ~35g
· Saturated Fat: ~18g
· Fiber: ~4g
· Sodium: ~900mg
Note: Values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
For the Lovers: Pairing and Community
This dish is a true love affair for Nando’s devotees and comfort food enthusiasts. It’s the perfect centerpiece for a casual dinner party or a cozy night in.
· Perfect Pairings: Serve with a side of garlic bread for dipping and a crisp, green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A chilled, slightly sweet Rosé or a light lager beer pairs wonderfully.
· The Heat-Seeker’s Challenge: Dare your friends to use the “Extra Hot” PERi-PERi sauce for a truly fiery experience.
· A Global Fan Favorite: Sharing a photo of this dish online with hashtags like #NandosAtHome or #PeriPeriPasta will connect you with a global community of fans who have embraced this unofficial creation.
Conclusion
This Nando’s-Style Creamy Chicken & Spinach Pasta is more than just a recipe; it’s a flavorful journey that brings the bold spirit of PERi-PERi into a comforting, familiar format. It proves that you don’t need a grill to capture that iconic Nando’s magic. With its creamy texture, perfectly spiced sauce, and tender chicken, this dish is guaranteed to become a beloved favorite in your home cooking repertoire. So, grab your bottle of PERi-PERi sauce and get ready to create a pasta masterpiece that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Bom Apetite!
