This is a versatile BBQ Rub that combines a little bit of hot cayenne pepper, sweetness from rapadura sugar and flavoursome paprika, garlic and onion. I love to have this in my spice drawer, enjoying rubbed into barbequed or grilled meats such as chicken, beef, and pork (it’s also great over tofu). It gives a…
wheatfree
BBQ Rub
Chicken Lentil Curry
This Chicken Lentil Curry is a super simple curry that adapts well to suit whatever vegetables you have. It’s very budget friendly, bulking out the meal with lentils while not compromising on flavour. I’ve written the method for the base curry and you can add vegetables at the appropriate time to have a final result…
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This Snickers Yoghurt Ice Pop is a delicious, easy to make treat that’s perfect for all the family. They are quite low in sugar but still taste very decadent. To keep these popsicles as something anyone can make, I’ve skipped the mould for freezing and instead shaped directly onto a tray with baking paper. The…
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This Greek Bean and Potato Salad is a delicious, colourful side that pairs well with any kind of grilled or simply prepared protein. It is very easy to make and the dressing is key to its zesty, fresh flavour. You can serve this salad slightly warm when it has just been cooked or it is…
Vegetable Flat Bread
This Vegetable Flat Bread developed from a desire to have something simple alongside a main meal, yet feeling nourishing and gentle on the digestive system. This bread is mostly vegetables, bound together with flour and made flavoursome from the spices and seasonings added. This thick batter is baked like a thin slice, not as a…
Cinnamon Roll Smoothie
This Cinnamon Roll Smoothie is a naturally sweet treat, perfect with breakfast or at the end of a long school day. It’s a nice thick smoothie, or could be used as a smoothie bowl with additional granola, fruit, nuts or seeds sprinkled over it. The banana does need to be very ripe, if not, you…
Almond Maple Shortbread (3 ingredients)
This Almond Maple Shortbread is a gluten and dairy-free treat to enjoy alongside a cuppa! The dough is a little sticky to work with which is why I roll it between two pieces of parchment paper. I like to cut the shortbread into simple little bite sized squares as its quickest and easiest, but if…
Turkish Eggs
This is a pretty special, indulgent breakfast that will revolutionise how you think about ingredient pairing! Turkish eggs, traditionally called รงilbir, pronounced โchulburrโ are poached eggs on a bed of garlic yoghurt with spice-infused butter poured over. The trickiest step with this recipe is probably the poached eggs, but I have a video tutorial HERE…
Roasted Broccolini Smoked Almond Crumb
This Roasted Broccolini Smoked Almond Crumb is based on a delicious side I had at one of my favourite restaurants so I’ve recreated it here. The flavour of the roasted broccolini pairs so well with the creamy (dairy-free) garlic sauce and the crunch of crumbed smoked almonds. This delicious side goes so well with any…
Crispy Chicken Fritters
These Crispy Chicken Fritters are perfect as a simple dinner or included in a lunchbox. They are protein packed, easy to make and most importantly, taste great. These are good to make ahead and freeze so suitable for the lunchbox (if summer, I pack frozen and they have thawed by lunch. Otherwise thaw in the…
Coconut Sago
Coconut sago is a delicious dessert that brings back fond memories of my childhood. This grain-free, dairy-free dessert is lightly sweetened then topped with tropical fresh fruit – definitely something to make when the mango and passionfruit are in season and the flavours are in their prime. I’ve only slightly sweetened it, so if serving…
Beef Rendang
This Beef Rendang is a perfect use for budget-friendly cuts of beef, with the spices infusing gently over the hours of slow cooking. This curry that originates from Indonesia (but also very popular in Malaysia!) is a dry type of curry as opposed to the more typical saucy Indian ones. It’s full of the aromas…
Potato Crust Quiche (grain-free)
This Potato Crust Quiche is one of my favourite options for a gluten-free and grain-free quiche, perfect for brunch. Grated potato forms a lovely net for the egg mixture to cook in and is a great alternative to a traditional quiche. This particular recipe is a simple classic with egg, zucchini, rocket and cheese topped…
Miso Chicken Noodle Bowl
This miso chicken noodle bowl is a quick, easy and family-friendly meal you can have on the table in 30 minutes, making it the perfect dinner for busy weeknights. The kids will love this nutty umami flavour with fun noodles and colourful vegetables. Preparation is key for this noodle bowl- make sure you have everything…
Turkish Stuffed Eggplant (Karniyarik)
Turn those gorgeous glossy eggplants into this amazing Karniyarik โ Turkish Stuffed Eggplant. I love making international foods easily accessible by using common ingredients and simplifying the method. Traditionally eggplant is soaked in salted water and then fried before stuffing but I find baking them in the oven a lot simpler and I donโt find…
Zurich Pork
This Zurich Pork (Zรผrich Geschnetzeltes) is a Swiss dish that is traditionally made with veal however I’ve made it with pork loin (or you could also choose chicken tenders) to make it more budget friendly and accessible. This meal has a creamy sauce flavoured with white wine, filled with mushrooms, onions and pork. It’s a beautiful…
Lemon Coconut Sorbet
This Lemon Coconut Sorbet is based on the viral Tik Tok Lemon sorbet, but I think this will taste a lot better. The Tik Tok version used whole lemons (skin, pith, seeds and all) and whilst this will save you a few minutes prep time, if you use lemons with thick pith and seeds, it…
Japanese Dressing
Liven up any leafy greens with this oishii (delicious) Japanese dressing! Fresh ginger and garlic with rice wine vinegar, tamari and sesame oil all contribute to the deep umami flavours of this dressing. If you love salads but you like to keep mixing up the dressings, this is a definite one to add to the…
One Pan Moroccan Meatballs (with rice)
I’m excited to bring a taste of Morocco to your kitchen with a recipe that’s not only a breeze to whip up but also a beautiful combo of flavours: One Pan Moroccan beef or lamb Meatballs with Rice. Picture this โ a delicious blend of spices, succulent meatballs, and perfectly cooked rice, all coming together…
Quick Thai Red Curry Noodle Soup
This quick Thai Red Curry Noodle Soup is a recipe that not only promises a burst of Thai-inspired goodness but also does so with utmost ease. Life has a way of keeping us on our toes, and in those moments when time is of the essence, this recipe emerges as a true kitchen saviour. What…
Vegan Lentil Loaf
This vegan lentil loaf is a member’s request to make a nut-free, super budget friendly savoury loaf. Lentils, mushrooms, vegetables, herbs and spices are the foundational ingredients here, providing valuable nutrition, fibre and most importantly, flavour! This lentil loaf is great sliced and served with veggies or salad, or can also be sliced and used…
One Pot Smoky Chicken Penne
This One Pot Smoky Chicken Penne is a fuss-free meal thatโs rich, hearty, and perfect for a busy weeknights. Plus being cooked in one pot, means there’s just one pot to wash up! The addition of smoky paprika gives this meal a very savoury aroma and the fresh basil provides a wonderful fresh herby taste.
Health benefits
Packed with chicken for protein, this meal also incorporates spinach and basil for added fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants. The olive oil adds healthy fats, and using gluten-free pasta makes it suitable for those with dietary restrictions. Including chicken broth in the sauce adds important minerals and gut support too. Give this one a try next time you need a quick mid-week dinner! There’s approximately 50g protein per serve (if including the cheese) and about 5g fibre.
Ingredients in One Pot Smoky Chicken Penne
Simple ingredients like chicken mince, smoked paprika, tomato passata, and gluten-free pasta come together with fresh basil and optional cheddar cheese for a well-rounded, delicious meal.
How to make this One Pot Smoky Chicken Penne
The best part about this meal is that you don’t need a second pot to boil the pasta, it is cooked in the sauce in the one pan. Start by sautรฉing the onion and garlic cloves in olive oil, then add chicken mince, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in paprika, thyme, passata, and broth or stock, then add pasta and simmer. Once the pasta is added the cooking time is just 15 minutes. Fold in baby spinach and basil, and top with grated cheddar cheese (or parmesan cheese) if desired before grilling until bubbly.
Serving suggestions and how to store
Serve with a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Store leftovers in the fridge or freezer in an airtight container, and reheat gently in a low oven until warmed through.
Vary this to suit your dietary needs
Omit the cheese for dairy-free, and for gluten-free, use a gluten-free pasta as listed. Swap penne for macaroni or shells if preferred, and feel free to add extra veggies like carrots or cauliflower. For a tomato-free version, replace passata with a no-tomato sauce substitute. If you don’t like thyme, sub with oregano.
Take a look at the variations (below the main recipe) for suggestions to alter the recipe to suit many specific dietary requirements.
For more easy, healthy dinner recipes, click HERE.
One Pot Smoky Chicken Penne
This one-pot smoky chicken penne is a quick, fuss-free meal thatโs rich, hearty, and perfect for a busy weeknight. With tender chicken, smoky paprika, and fresh basil, itโs a dish the whole family will love, and clean-up is a breeze!
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 onion/s – diced
- 4 clove/s garlic – minced
- 800 g chicken mince
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ยฝ tsp dried thyme
- 700 g tomato passata (puree)
- 500 ml stock or broth
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper – to taste
- 250 g gluten-free penne pasta – I use Ceres Organic Quinoa Rice Penne
- 60 g spinach leaves – chopped
- 1 bunch/s fresh basil leaves – chopped
- 100 g cheddar cheese – grated, optional
Instructions
- In a large skillet or pot over medium heat, add olive oil and onion and saute for a few minutes until translucent.
- Add the garlic and chicken mince and saute, breaking up the chicken as it cooks, until almost cooked all the way through.
- Add the paprika, thyme, passata, broth/stock and season well. Stir well and bring to a rapid simmer over a medium-high heat.
- Add the pasta to the pot, stirring every 5 minutes or so, until cooked, approximately 15 minutes. If the sauce is becoming a little dry but the pasta still needs cooking, add a splash of water or extra broth.
- Once the pasta is cooked, take it off the heat and stir in the spinach and basil.
- If you like, you can sprinkle over the grated cheese and pop under the grill (broiler) until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve
- Serve with a leafy green salad.
Make Ahead
- Re-heat in a low oven until just hot.
Store
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
Notes
Dairy-free
Omit the cheese.Gluten-free
Choose a gluten free pasta.Different pasta
This would be great with a macaroni or shell pasta too.Add vegetables
You can definitely add in any vegetables youโd like โ this dish is a perfect blank canvas! Chop any hard vegetables like carrots fairly small, and add with the onion. Softer vegetables like cauliflower or broccoli can be chopped into florets and added with the chicken.Tomato free
Replace the tomato passata with our No (tomato) sauce. ย ย ย ย ย ยWhat did you think of this delicious One Pot Smoky Chicken Penne…let me know below…
After Dinner Mints
These After Dinner Mints are very quick and easy to make low sugar sweet treat. I sometimes like to have something ‘treatish’ after my evening meal and these are just the ticket! Choc-mint is one of my all time favourite combinations and these little patties taste and smell so delicious. If you’re a choc-mint fan…
Lemon Maple Baked Haloumi
This Lemon Maple Baked Haloumi is an absolute crowd winner for entertaining vegetarian family and friends. Make sure you serve this fresh from the oven while it is hot, melty and delicious! When haloumi cools, it goes rubbery so it must be enjoyed right out of the hot pan. It is incredibly simple to make…

