Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love bold flavors with a creamy twist, this Peri Peri Chicken Pasta is about to become your new favorite. The spicy, smoky heat of peri peri seasoning paired with a rich, velvety sauce creates a perfect balance that’s comforting yet exciting in every bite. Add in tender, juicy chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, and you’ve got a dinner that feels indulgent without being complicated.
The best part? It’s quick, easy, and made with simple, budget-friendly ingredients. Using ready-made peri peri seasoning and creamy mascarpone keeps the flavor big while the effort stays minimal. In under 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-style pasta dish on the table—perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute guests, or whenever you’re craving something seriously delicious.
About This Dish / What Is Peri Peri?
Peri peri (also known as piri piri) is a bold, spicy seasoning blend with roots in Portuguese and South African cuisine. It’s made using African Bird’s Eye chilies along with herbs and spices, giving it that signature smoky heat and vibrant flavor. These days, you can easily find ready-made peri peri seasoning in most supermarkets, making it perfect for quick, flavorful meals like this creamy chicken pasta.
This dish strikes a great balance between heat and comfort. The spice level is warm and flavorful rather than overwhelming, so it suits most palates. If you’re cooking for spice lovers, you can easily turn up the heat. Prefer something milder? Just use a little less seasoning.
One of the best things about peri peri pasta is how customizable it is. You can bulk it up with vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, sweetcorn, peas, or cherry tomatoes for extra color, texture, and nutrition—making it a flexible, family-friendly meal that never gets boring.
Ingredients for Peri Peri Chicken Pasta
- Olive oil – 2 tsp, for cooking chicken and vegetables
- Chicken breast – 600 g (1.3 lb), skinless and boneless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Peri peri seasoning – 2 tsp, ready-made, available in most supermarkets
- Red peppers – 2, sliced for sweetness and color
- Red onion – 1, peeled and chopped (white onion can be used if preferred)
- Garlic – 2 cloves, peeled and crushed (fresh, frozen, or jarred works)
- Chicken stock – 750 ml (3.25 cups), made from a cube is fine
- Chopped tomatoes – 400 g (1 tin)
- Dried pasta – 250 g, your choice of type
- Cream cheese – 100 g, for a creamy sauce
- Sweetcorn – 198 g (1 tin) or frozen
- Salt & pepper – To taste
What Is Peri Peri Seasoning?
Peri peri (also known as piri piri) seasoning is a flavorful spice blend inspired by African and Portuguese cuisine. It’s made using a mix of chili, paprika, garlic, oregano, onion, and citrus notes, creating a bold balance of heat, tang, and savory depth. The result is a versatile seasoning that adds instant flavor to just about anything.
It pairs especially well with chicken, but it also works beautifully with beef, lamb, pork, fish, and even roasted vegetables. Best of all, peri peri seasoning is easy to find in most supermarkets, so you can enjoy that signature spicy kick without any extra prep. If you love a little extra heat, pairing the seasoning with peri peri sauce takes the flavor to the next level.
To Serve
Serve your Peri Peri Chicken Pasta hot and fresh, finished with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or pecorino for extra richness. A handful of chopped fresh parsley or basil adds a burst of color and freshness, while a squeeze of lemon can brighten up the spicy, creamy sauce.
For a complete meal, pair it with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables on the side. Whether you’re serving it for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, this dish is guaranteed to impress with minimal effort.
Recipe Tips & Notes
Cooking Time: Pasta shapes vary, so keep an eye on the sauce. Cook until it has thickened and the chicken is fully cooked through.
Peppers: Bell peppers are ideal for this recipe, but feel free to experiment with red, yellow, or orange peppers for color and sweetness.
Spice Level: Adjust the peri peri seasoning to taste. For extra heat, add an additional teaspoon or toss in a chopped red chili along with the peppers.
Leftovers: This pasta is just as delicious the next day, served hot or cold. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Protein Swaps: Prefer seafood? Try swapping the chicken for shrimp or prawns — add them at the same time as the creamy sauce so they cook perfectly.
Extra Veggies: Boost flavor and nutrition by adding zucchini, cherry tomatoes, sweetcorn, or spinach. They blend beautifully into the creamy sauce.
Best Served Fresh: While leftovers work well, the pasta tastes its absolute best served immediately after cooking, when the sauce is rich and creamy.
Starchy Pasta Water Tip
One simple trick to take your peri peri chicken pasta to the next level is saving a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. The starchy water is perfect for loosening the sauce, helping it cling to the pasta, and creating a silky, restaurant-style finish.
Add a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency — it keeps the sauce creamy without diluting the flavor. This tip also helps bind the chicken, vegetables, and pasta together, making every bite perfectly coated in that spicy, smoky peri peri goodness.
Marinade Tips
Marinating the chicken is the secret to juicy, flavorful peri peri pasta. For the best results, coat the chicken with peri peri seasoning, a little olive oil, and a splash of lemon juice. Let it sit for at least 20–30 minutes — or up to a few hours if you have time — to allow the flavors to fully penetrate.
For a quicker option, even a 10-minute marinade will give a noticeable boost of flavor. If you prefer extra heat, add a finely chopped red chili or a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the marinade. This ensures every bite of chicken is tender, spicy, and packed with that signature peri peri punch.
How Long to Marinate?
For the best flavor, marinate your chicken for at least 20–30 minutes. This short soak allows the peri peri seasoning and herbs to penetrate the meat, giving each bite a punch of smoky, spicy flavor.
If you have more time, marinating for 2–4 hours (or even overnight) will intensify the taste and make the chicken extra tender. In a hurry? Even a quick 10-minute marinade will add noticeable flavor, so don’t skip it — every minute counts when it comes to delicious, juicy chicken.
Variations
Make It Vegan
Absolutely! You can enjoy this creamy peri peri pasta as a vegan dish without losing any of the flavor. Simply swap the chicken for a plant-based protein like Quorn, tofu, or tempeh. Replace the cheese and sour cream with vegan alternatives, such as cashew cream, coconut cream, or your favorite plant-based cheese, to keep the sauce rich and creamy.
The result is a satisfying, spicy, and hearty pasta that works just as well for plant-based eaters. Serve it fresh for the best taste, or store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. When reheating, add a splash of water or plant-based cream to loosen the sauce and bring it back to that silky, indulgent texture.
Can I Add Vegetables?
Absolutely! This peri peri chicken pasta is perfect for sneaking in extra veggies. Toss in bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, sweetcorn, or peas to add color, texture, and nutrition.
Vegetables not only make the dish more vibrant but also soak up the creamy, spicy sauce, making every bite even more flavorful. Feel free to experiment with whatever you have on hand — it’s a flexible recipe that works beautifully with seasonal produce.
Is This Dish Spicy?
This peri peri chicken pasta has a gentle kick — flavorful and warming without being overwhelming. It’s perfect for most palates, but if your household loves heat, you can easily increase the spice by adding extra peri peri seasoning or a chopped red chili.
For those sensitive to spice, simply use less seasoning and you’ll still enjoy the rich, creamy flavors of the sauce. This flexibility makes it a dish that everyone can enjoy, whether you like mild or fiery meals.
What Pasta Should I Use?
This creamy peri peri chicken pasta works best with short, sturdy pasta shapes that can hold onto the sauce. Penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle are perfect choices, as their grooves and tubes catch every bit of the creamy, spicy sauce.
If you prefer long pasta, spaghetti or fettuccine can work too — just be sure to toss them well so the sauce coats each strand evenly. Whatever pasta you choose, cooking it al dente ensures the perfect texture and keeps the dish from becoming mushy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Peri Peri Chicken Pasta hot, straight from the pan for the best flavor and creaminess. Finish it with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or vegan cheese, and a handful of fresh parsley or basil to add color and freshness. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten up the rich, spicy sauce.
For a complete meal, pair it with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables on the side. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or any time you want a comforting, flavorful pasta that feels special with minimal effort.
Storage & Leftovers
Reheating Instructions
Leftovers of this creamy peri peri chicken pasta can be just as delicious as when freshly made. Store any uneaten pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–3 days.
To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop in a pan over medium heat. Add a splash of water, chicken stock, or cream to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture. Stir occasionally until heated through. Avoid microwaving for long periods, as this can dry out the pasta and sauce.
Can You Freeze It?
While it’s technically possible to freeze this peri peri chicken pasta, it’s not usually recommended. Pasta and creamy sauces can change texture after freezing and defrosting, which may affect the overall creaminess of the dish.
If you do choose to freeze it, store in an airtight container for up to two months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or cream to restore the sauce’s silky texture. For best results, enjoy this pasta fresh or within a couple of days of cooking.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this dish vegan?
A: Absolutely! Swap the chicken for plant-based protein like Quorn, tofu, or tempeh, and use vegan cheese or plant-based cream instead of dairy. The dish will remain creamy, spicy, and delicious.
Q: Can I add more vegetables?
A: Yes! Bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, sweetcorn, or peas work perfectly. Vegetables add color, texture, and extra nutrition while soaking up the creamy peri peri sauce.
Q: How long should I marinate the chicken?
A: For best results, marinate for 20–30 minutes. If you have more time, 2–4 hours or overnight intensifies the flavor and makes the chicken extra tender.
Q: What pasta works best?
A: Short, sturdy pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle hold the sauce well. Long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine works too, but toss thoroughly to coat the sauce evenly.
Q: Is this dish spicy?
A: It has a gentle kick that’s flavorful but not overwhelming. Increase peri peri seasoning or add a chopped red chili for more heat. Reduce seasoning for a milder version.
Q: How should I store leftovers?
A: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
Q: Can I freeze this pasta?
A: Freezing is possible but not recommended, as the pasta and sauce can change texture. If you do freeze it, store in an airtight container for up to two months, defrost overnight in the fridge, and reheat thoroughly.
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Peri Peri Chicken Pasta
Description
This easy Peri Peri Chicken Pasta is packed with bold, smoky flavors, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta — all in one pan. Creamy, tangy, and with just the right amount of heat, it’s a family-friendly dish that’s quick enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests.Ingredients
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and season with salt, black pepper, and peri peri seasoning. Mix well until every piece is evenly coated with the spices.
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Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in batches so the pan doesn’t overcrowd. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
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In the same pan, add the sliced onion and bell peppers. Cook for around 8–10 minutes until soft. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute, then add the tomato purée and let it cook briefly to deepen the flavor.
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Pour in the dry pasta and hot chicken stock. Bring to a boil, cover with a lid, and reduce the heat slightly. Let it simmer for about 12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed.
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Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Stir in the peri peri sauce, sour cream (or mascarpone), and grated mozzarella. Let everything bubble for 1–2 minutes until the sauce becomes creamy and glossy.
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Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or peri peri sauce if needed. Finish with fresh herbs and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 500kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 18g28%
- Sodium 500mg21%
- Total Carbohydrate 50g17%
- Dietary Fiber 5g20%
- Sugars 7g
- Protein 32g64%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
