Certified Cuisine Chef, Damilola Afolabi, better known as Chef Pleasant, shares her creamy coconut chicken penne pasta recipe with Guardian Life magazine. Known for her thoughtful and flavourful cooking style, the dish adds a tropical twist to a familiar comfort meal. It is rich, simple to make, and ideal for busy weeknights.
Cooking, for Chef Pleasant, goes beyond preparing meals. Sometimes, it is about service, healing, and creating lasting memories.
“I believe good food should nourish the body, bring healing, and tell a story. That’s exactly what I aim to do with every plate I serve,” Chef Pleasant said.
With this in mind, try her creamy coconut chicken penne pasta recipe and bring something special to your table.
INGREDIENTS
Butter or groundnut oil
Onions
Garlic
Ginger
Fresh herbs (thyme, parsley)
Pepper mix (scotch bonnet, cayenne pepper, paprika)
Seasoning
Cooking cream
Coconut milk
Chicken breast
Penne pasta
Bell peppers (green and red)
INSTRUCTIONS
To marinate the chicken, cut the chicken breast into cubes, add paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoning of choice, and lock the flavours in with sesame oil.
Stir-fry the chicken in a pan for five minutes, then set aside.
To make the pasta sauce, add butter to another pan on medium-high heat and allow it to melt.
Sauté the onions, then add garlic, ginger, fresh thyme, and seasoning. Add the pepper mix and allow it to cook for 15-20 minutes. Add the cooking cream and coconut milk, cook for another 10 minutes, then add the stir-fry chicken. Stir well and set aside.
To cook the penne pasta, bring a pot of water to a boil, add salt, and cook the penne pasta al dente for 8-10 minutes (depending on the brand).
Cut the bell peppers into cubes and sauté separately in a pan with a little oil and seasoning.
Combine the pasta with the sauce and add your veggies at the end.
Serve and enjoy!
TIPS
Dietary tips to improve your menu
Eating well does not require extreme restrictions or complicated meal plans. Small, intentional changes to everyday meals can improve energy levels, support digestion, and help you feel better overall. These simple dietary tips focus on simple upgrades and smarter swaps that add nourishment to meals you already enjoy.
- Chia pudding for breakfast
Simple, nourishing, and easy to customise, chia pudding works well as a light breakfast or midday snack. The seeds are rich in fibre, omega-3, and protein, helping with fullness and digestion. Making it at home avoids artificial thickeners. Mix chia seeds with almond or coconut milk, add cinnamon or vanilla, chill overnight, then top with fruits or nuts.
- Add more vegetables to meals
Vegetables protect your heart and brain and support overall health. The goal is not perfection, but consistency. Add vegetables to every meal, whether blended into stews, lightly cooked, or added to soups. The more colourful your plate, the better.
- Smoothies over sugary drinks
Smoothies can replace sugary drinks when made properly. Blending whole fruits and vegetables keeps the fibre intact, which supports digestion and satiety. Combine spinach, apple, ginger, lemon, berries, and banana. Add avocado or nut butter for better nutrient absorption and balance.
- Zoodles as an occasional pasta alternative
Zucchini noodles are a lighter swap for regular pasta when you want variety. They feel fresh, cook quickly, and pair well with sauces. Spiralise the zucchini and sauté briefly to keep the texture firm. This works best as an occasional alternative, not a total replacement.
- Legume pasta for more protein and fibre
Pasta made from chickpeas, lentils, or peas offers more protein and fibre than wheat pasta. It keeps you fuller for longer and supports steadier blood sugar levels, while still fitting into familiar meals.
- Boiled yams with vegetable sauce
This classic Nigerian combination remains one of the most balanced meal options. Yam provides energy, while vegetables add fibre, vitamins, and plant protein. It works well for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
- Vegetable omelette to make eggs more filling
A vegetable omelette is a quick, filling way to improve a simple egg meal. Add onions, peppers, tomatoes, spinach, or leftover vegetables. Serve with toast or eat on its own for a balanced, satisfying option.
