Nigerian-Style Chicken and Pasta
A comforting, vibrant pasta dish tossed with tender chicken thighs, aromatic spices, and colorful vegetables. Rich in bold West African flavors, it provides a satisfying meal that fits naturally into a busy routine.
Prep
15 min
Cook
20 min
Total
35 min
Makes
1 serving
Created together. Shared with you.
Made by Idu + Lila
Idu created this recipe with Lila and shared it with the perimenopause community.
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthComfortably satisfied
Fullness that has staying power
This meal is designed to feel substantial, so finishing it can feel like the meal is complete rather than the start of an evening of grazing.
Notice: fullness 2–3 hours later
Steadier energy
Feel fueled, not flattened
A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates and fats is designed to offer more staying power than a quick carb-only fix.
Notice: energy 1–3 hours later
Clearer, simpler choices
Let the recipe do the thinking
Clear steps and a complete plate mean fewer decisions when focus is in short supply—and a more substantial meal once you are done.
Notice: focus + energy later
More staying power
Make the next few hours easier
This meal is built to be more sustaining than a snack-sized stopgap, with enough substance to carry you into the next part of the day.
Notice: energy + fullness later
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
15 min
Cook
20 min
Total
35 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Large skillet · Large pot
Time saver
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; this dish reheats exceptionally well for meal prep.
Do these three things first
- 1Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 2Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
- 3Read through the steps once before you begin
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 8 steps complete
Next: Place a large pot or skillet on…
- 01
Place a large pot or skillet on…
Place a large pot or skillet on the stovetop over medium heat at 350°F (175°C) and add olive oil.
Tap card to mark done - 02
Add chicken thigh pieces to the hot…
Add chicken thigh pieces to the hot pan and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until lightly browned on all sides.
Look for: lightly browned on all sides
Tap card to mark done - 03
Add diced red onion and minced garlic…
Add diced red onion and minced garlic clove to the pan, stirring for 2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Look for: fragrant and softened
Tap card to mark done - 04
Stir in tomato paste
Stir in tomato paste, curry powder, and dried thyme, cooking for 2 minutes to release the aromatic flavors and deepen the paste color.
Allow: 2 minutes
Tap card to mark done - 05
Add sliced carrot
Add sliced carrot, diced bell pepper, and green peas to the pan, stirring for 3 minutes until slightly tender.
Look for: slightly tender
Tap card to mark done - 06
Pour in whole-wheat penne pasta and 1…
Pour in whole-wheat penne pasta and 1 cup (240ml) of warm water or low-sodium broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
Tap card to mark done - 07
Reduce heat to low-medium at 300°F (150°C)
Reduce heat to low-medium at 300°F (150°C), cover the pan, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until the pasta is tender and the chicken reaches an internal doneness of 165°F (74°C).
Look for: the pasta is tender and the chicken reaches an internal doneness of 165°F (74°C)
Tap card to mark done - 08
Remove from heat
Remove from heat, stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly, and let rest for 2 minutes before serving hot.
Allow: 2 minutes
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