High Protein Creamy Chicken Nando’s Pasta: Your New Favorite Muscle Meal
If you love Nando’s and creamy pasta but also want to keep your protein high, this High Protein Creamy Chicken Nando’s Pasta recipe is going to hit all the right notes.
It’s spicy, satisfying, and packed with flavor — all while helping you reach your macros. This is one of those rare meals that tastes like a cheat day but fuels your gains.
Whether you’re meal prepping, looking for a post-workout refuel, or just craving a bold and comforting dinner, this pasta delivers.
It takes under 30 minutes, uses simple ingredients, and brings that iconic Nando’s kick right to your kitchen.
Recipe Snapshot
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 3-4
- Protein Per Serving: ~40g
- Difficulty: Easy
- Diet Type: High-protein
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this spicy, creamy masterpiece. Feel free to swap based on your preferences.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast (boneless, skinless) | 500g |
| Olive oil or low-cal spray | 1 tbsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp |
| Smoked paprika | 1 tsp |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Nando’s Peri-Peri Sauce (your preferred heat level) | 4 tbsp |
| Whole wheat or high-protein pasta | 250g |
| Low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt | ½ cup |
| Milk (or unsweetened almond milk) | ½ cup |
| Parmesan (grated) | ¼ cup |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Optional: chili flakes, fresh parsley | to taste |
Equipment Needed
- Nonstick skillet or large frying pan
- Medium pot for pasta
- Knife and chopping board
- Tongs or spatula for stirring
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions. Once done, drain and set aside. Reserve a little pasta water to loosen the sauce later, if needed.
2. Season and Cook the Chicken
Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked through (around 8-10 minutes). Add 2 tablespoons of Nando’s Peri-Peri sauce during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to low and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds.
Add the cream cheese (or Greek yogurt), milk, and remaining 2 tablespoons of Nando’s sauce. Stir until smooth. Mix in the parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
4. Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the pan, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything to coat evenly in the sauce.
If it’s too thick, add a splash of pasta water. Let it simmer on low for 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
5. Serve
Top with extra chili flakes if you want more heat, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately or portion into meal prep containers.
Tips & Tricks
- Greek Yogurt vs Cream Cheese: Greek yogurt gives a tangier flavor and higher protein. Cream cheese adds a richer texture.
- Spice Level: Choose from Nando’s mild, medium, hot, or extra hot sauces. You can also mix two levels.
- Pasta Choices: Use high-protein pasta like chickpea or lentil pasta to boost macros even more.
- Veggie Boost: Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra volume and nutrients.
- Reheating: Add a splash of milk or water when reheating to bring the sauce back to life.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approx.)
- Calories: 460-500
- Protein: 38-45g
- Carbs: 35-45g
- Fat: 12-16g
Variations
- Tofu or Shrimp Substitute: Keep it pescatarian or plant-based by swapping chicken for shrimp or extra-firm tofu.
- Pasta Bake Style: After combining everything, transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and broil for 5 minutes.
- Lighter Version: Use zucchini noodles or konjac pasta and swap cream cheese for low-fat cottage cheese blended smooth.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side salad or roasted veggies to balance out the meal.
- Great with garlic bread if you’re not watching carbs.
- Add a wedge of lemon for a zesty twist.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! This is great for meal prep. Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat with a splash of milk or water.
Q2: Can I freeze this pasta?
You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce, but pasta doesn’t always freeze well. For best results, freeze components separately.
Q3: Is it too spicy for kids?
Use the mild version of Nando’s sauce or cut the amount in half and add more cream cheese to mellow the heat.
Q4: How can I increase the protein even more?
Use high-protein pasta, double the chicken, and use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese. You could also stir in unflavored protein powder or collagen (1-2 tsp).
Q5: Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. Just shred it and add it to the sauce with some peri-peri sauce. Saves time and still tastes great.
Sure! Here’s a strong, engaging conclusion you can add to the end of the article:
Conclusion
This High Protein Creamy Chicken Nando’s Pasta is the perfect mix of comfort food and clean eating. It’s fast, filling, and full of bold flavor — proving you don’t need to sacrifice taste to hit your nutrition goals.
Whether you’re fueling post-workout or just craving a spicy, creamy pasta fix, this dish has your back.
Don’t forget to experiment with spice levels, protein swaps, or even turn it into a pasta bake. And if you love it (you will), share it with a fellow Nando’s fan or gym buddy.
Tried it? Drop a comment below with your version — or tag me in your creation online. Let’s get cooking! 🔥🍝💪
