大象传媒

"This dish is a winner in any kitchen. It's quick, delicious, and can feed 4 people for under £10!"

Ingredients (Serves 4 people):

• Pasta penne – medium packet
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 6 – 8 chicken thighs (with skin on) – can substitute with fried halloumi
• 4 large garlic cloves, cut finely
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp chilli flakes
• 10 sundried tomatoes (from jar), chopped
• 80g fresh spinach leaves
• 2 tbsp bouillon powder or 1 chicken cube with ¼ litre of hot water
• 300ml double cream
• 100g cheddar cheese, grated for cooking
• 50g cheddar cheese, grated for topping
• Fresh basil leaves for topping (optional)

Method:

1. Boil penne pasta in a large cooking pan. Keep the pasta in the water when it is cooked.
2. In a large non-stick frying pan, warm up first before you add olive oil, and then chicken thighs (with skin on). Make sure that the chicken thighs are coated with salt and pepper sprinkles.
3. Sear both sides about 5 minutes each until golden, and nearly cooked. Then transfer onto a plate
4. Turn the heat down, add garlic, oregano and chilli flakes. Cook until fragrant which will take about 1 minute.
5. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and then gently pour double cream, then vegetable or chicken stock. Make sure it is not too thin (you can always add more later on).
6. Sprinkle grated cheese and gently stir.
7. Then add drained penne pasta, and gently mix together.
8. Transfer the chicken thighs on top of the pasta and keep on simmering.
9. Sprinkle cheese on top. The more, the better! Then finish off with teared basil leaves on the top. Serve with passion! And with a side salad if you want more greens.

Top Tips:

• Substitute chicken with halloumi for a vegetarian alternative.
• Swap out double cream and cheddar cheese for coconut cream and lacto-free cheese as an alternative.
• Using double cream is miles better than using single cream – it can withstand higher temperatures better, and can be boiled without breaking down and separating.
• Sundried tomatoes have better nutrients than fresh tomatoes. They are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, and very high in iron.
• Put a bit of oil in your pasta to stop it from sticking or congealing before serving.
• Save your pasta water! The starch helps to bind and thicken the sauce, bringing all of the flavours together!
• Use strong cheddar cheese instead of parmesan cheese to save money.
• Use chicken thighs rather than chicken breast to save money.