Recipe for Creamy Peri Peri Chicken Pasta
Creamy Peri Peri Chicken Pasta is a popular and delicious dish that originated in Portugal and made its way to other countries, including Africa and Asia. It is a perfect blend of creamy and spicy flavors, and it can be customized to suit different tastes and preferences.
The success of this dish depends on using the right ingredients and following the right techniques. In this blog, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of making Creamy Peri Peri Chicken Pasta, including the Peri Peri Chicken recipe and the Peri Peri Sauce.
Ingredients:
To make Creamy Peri Peri Chicken Pasta, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of boneless chicken breast, cut into small pieces
- 2 cups of penne pasta
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Peri Peri Chicken:
- 1 pound of boneless chicken breast, cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup of Peri Peri Sauce
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Peri Peri Sauce:
- 10-12 dried red chili peppers
- 1 tablespoon of paprika
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar
- Salt to taste
Peri Peri Chicken Recipe:
To prepare the Peri Peri Chicken, follow these simple steps:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, Peri Peri Sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure that the chicken is well coated with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the chicken to marinate.
- Once the chicken has marinated, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and heat it up.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook it for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for later use.
Peri Peri Sauce Recipe:
To prepare the Peri Peri Sauce, follow these simple steps:
- Soak the dried red chili peppers in hot water for about 10-15 minutes, or until they become soft.
- Drain the water from the peppers and remove the stems.
- In a blender, combine the soaked chili peppers, paprika, garlic powder, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and salt.
- Pour the Peri Peri Sauce into a small bowl and let it sit for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Creamy Peri Peri Chicken Pasta Recipe:
To bring together the Peri Peri Chicken, Peri Peri Sauce, and pasta, follow these simple steps:
- Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions, or until it is al dente.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until they become tender.
- Add the cooked Peri Peri Chicken to the skillet and stir it well to combine with the vegetables.
- Pour the Peri Peri Sauce over the chicken and vegetables and stir it well to ensure that the chicken is well coated with the sauce.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and stir it well to combine with the chicken and vegetables.
- Pour the heavy cream over the mixture and stir it well to ensure that the pasta is well coated with the cream.
- Cook the mixture for about 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and the pasta is heated through.
- Add salt and pepper to taste and stir it well.
- Serve the Creamy Peri Peri Chicken Pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for Success:
- Marinate the chicken for a minimum of 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to develop.
- Use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best results.
- Do not overcook the pasta, as it can become mushy and lose its texture.
- Adjust the spiciness level of the Peri Peri Sauce to your personal preference.
- Feel free to add other vegetables, such as mushrooms or zucchini, to the dish to make it more nutritious and flavorful.
- Use a large skillet or pot to ensure that all the ingredients fit comfortably and cook evenly.
Conclusion
Creamy Peri Peri Chicken Pasta is a delicious and flavorful dish that is easy to make and customize. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients and seasonings to make the dish your own. Enjoy! By following the simple steps and tips in this blog, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that your family and friends will love.
- FAQs:
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
- Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as fusilli, spaghetti, or linguine. Just make sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- How long can I store the leftover pasta?
- You can store the leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stove before serving.
- Can I make the Peri Peri Sauce ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make the Peri Peri Sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before using it.
- Can I use store-bought Peri Peri Sauce?
- Yes, you can use store-bought Peri Peri Sauce if you prefer. Just make sure to read the label and adjust the amount of salt and other seasonings accordingly.
- Can I use a different type of protein, such as shrimp or tofu?
- Yes, you can use any type of protein you prefer, such as shrimp, tofu, or even beef. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and seasonings accordingly.
- How spicy is the dish? Can I adjust the spice level?
- The spiciness level of the dish depends on the amount of Peri Peri Sauce you use. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use less sauce or remove the seeds from the chili peppers before blending them. If you prefer a hotter flavor, you can add more sauce or use spicier chili peppers.