Hey there, pasta lovers! If you’re a fan of bold flavors and easy cooking, you’ve got to try this Airfryer Nandos Pasta. It’s one of the tastiest pasta dishes I’ve made in a long time and the best part? It’s so simple to make! The creamy sauce, juicy chicken, and crispy halloumi all come together in a crispy, golden masterpiece. You’ll be making this again and again! Let’s dive right into this mouthwatering recipe that’s sure to impress.
Method
Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling the casarecce pasta in a large pot of salted water. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking. Once the pasta reaches al dente, drain it well, but remember to save a little of the pasta water. This starchy water helps to bind the sauce later. For extra precaution, rinse the pasta with cold water to avoid sticking while you prepare the other ingredients.
Air Fry the Chicken and Veggies
While the pasta is cooking, take your diced chicken breast and coat it evenly with Nando’s medium rub. Once coated, wrap the chicken in foil to ensure it cooks tender and juicy. Place the wrapped chicken, halloumi, and the diced peppers (both red and green) along with the white onion in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to cook at 180°C for about 15 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through and the halloumi should be golden and crispy, adding that extra texture to the dish.
Make the Sauce
While the chicken and vegetables are air-frying, prepare the sauce in a medium bowl. Start by combining the lightest cream cheese with the Nando’s medium sauce, followed by a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to add some zesty brightness. Add in the natural yoghurt, mozzarella-cheddar cheese mix, and the remaining Nando’s seasoning to bring everything together. Mix well until you have a creamy, smooth sauce that’s full of flavor.
Combine Pasta with Sauce and Chicken
Once the chicken and veggies are ready, carefully remove them from the air fryer. In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with a ladle of the reserved pasta water. Then, stir in the creamy sauce you just made and half of the cheese mixture. Combine everything thoroughly, making sure the pasta is coated evenly with the rich sauce. The heat from the pasta will help the sauce cling perfectly, creating a smooth, creamy texture.
Crisp it Up
Now it’s time for the final step! Transfer the pasta mixture into the air fryer for a few extra minutes. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and allow it to melt and crisp up, giving the dish a golden, delicious finish. For the perfect touch of sweetness, drizzle some sweet chili jam over the pasta before serving. This adds an irresistible combination of savory and sweet flavors to complement the spicy heat of the Nando’s sauce.
Necessary Tools
- Air fryer
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Medium bowl for mixing the sauce
- Foil for wrapping chicken
- Large spoon for stirring pasta
Airfryer Nando’s Pasta: A Flavor Explosion with Every Bite!
Cuisine: Mozambican, Portuguese, South AfricanDifficulty: Easy2
servings10
minutes25
minutes35
minutesIngredients
170g casarecce pasta (raw weight)
80g halloumi
180g diced chicken breast (raw)
10g Nando’s medium rub
1/2 red pepper
1/2 green pepper
1/2 white onion
For the Sauce
50g lightest cream cheese
30g Nando’s medium sauce
Squeeze of lemon juice
30g natural yoghurt (0% fat)
40g mozzarella-cheddar cheese mix
Another 10g Nando’s seasoning
Directions
- Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling the casarecce pasta in a large pot of salted water. Once it’s al dente, drain it, but be sure to reserve a little of the pasta water (I even rinse mine with cold water to keep it from sticking together). - Air Fry the Chicken and Veggies:
In the meantime, take your chicken breast and coat it in the Nando’s medium rub. Wrap it in foil. Place it in the air fryer alongside the halloumi and diced peppers (red, green) and onion. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the halloumi is golden. - Make the Sauce:
While the chicken and veggies are cooking, prepare the sauce. In a separate bowl, mix together the cream cheese, Nando’s medium sauce, a squeeze of lemon juice, yoghurt, mozzarella-cheddar mix, and the remaining Nando’s seasoning. - Combine Pasta with Sauce and Chicken:
Once everything is cooked, toss the pasta with a ladle of the pasta water, the sauce, and half of the cheese. Stir it all together until the pasta is well-coated and creamy. - Crisp it Up:
Transfer the pasta mixture to the air fryer for a few more minutes until the cheese melts and the top gets crispy. Drizzle some sweet chili jam on top for that perfect sweet and savory finish.
Notes
- Don’t skip the pasta water: That little bit of starchy pasta water helps the sauce adhere to the noodles and creates a smoother texture.
- Check your chicken’s doneness: Air fryers can vary in heat, so always check that your chicken is fully cooked to avoid any raw spots.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta is amazing on its own, but you can always serve it with a fresh salad or some garlic bread to make it an even more filling meal. A light cucumber and tomato salad would balance out the richness of the dish perfectly.
Fun Fact
Did you know that Nando’s is famous for its peri-peri sauce, which is made from African bird’s eye chilies? The heat and flavor are what make it such a crowd favorite. This recipe brings that signature Nando’s spice right to your kitchen in no time!
Conclusion
This Airfryer Nando’s Pasta is an easy-to-make, flavor-packed meal that will surely become one of your favorites. The combination of crispy halloumi, seasoned chicken, and creamy sauce makes it a comforting yet exciting dish. Try it for dinner tonight you won’t regret it!
