If you are craving a dish that brings together robust flavors with a comforting touch, this Chicken and Chorizo Pasta Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine tender chicken strips and spicy Spanish chorizo marrying beautifully in a creamy tomato sauce, all tossed with al dente pasta that soaks up every bit of that rich, savory goodness. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for both busy weeknights and laid-back dinners with friends. Once you try this, it might just become one of your favorite go-to meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken and Chorizo Pasta Recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that are easy to find but pack a flavorful punch when combined. Each element plays its role—from the spicy chorizo adding depth and smokiness, to the creamy sauce offering luscious texture, and the fresh parsley brightening the dish at the end.
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta: Penne works great because its ridges hold onto the sauce like a charm.
- 2 chicken breasts (cut into strips): Provides protein and a tender bite that complements the sausage perfectly.
- 8.8 ounces Spanish chorizo sausage (sliced or chopped): The star ingredient delivering fiery, smoky flavor that elevates the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Adds a fragrant kick that enhances the sauce.
- 1/3 cup dry white wine: Brings acidity and complexity to balance the richness.
- 2 dashes Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs to infuse earthy aroma and taste.
- 1 (14 fluid ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices): Lends freshness and a slightly tangy note.
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream: Makes the sauce silky and indulgent.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors to life.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, optional): Adds a pop of color and a hint of brightness.
- Freshly grated or shaved parmesan cheese (optional): For that final touch of savory richness.
How to Make Chicken and Chorizo Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. When it’s at a rolling boil, add your pasta and cook it until it is al dente—firm to the bite but fully cooked. This is important because the pasta will continue to soak up flavors when you toss it with the sauce later.
Step 2: Prep the Proteins
While the pasta is cooking, take a moment to slice or chop the chorizo and cut your chicken breasts into strips. This simple prep step sets you up to build layers of flavor quickly in the skillet.
Step 3: Crisp the Chorizo
Heat a skillet over medium-high and add the chorizo. Cook it for 5 to 7 minutes until it starts rendering its flavorful fat and gets a bit crispy around the edges. That lovely chorizo fat then forms the base for your sauce, so don’t rush this step!
Step 4: Add the Chicken
Reduce the heat to medium and toss in your chicken strips. Let them cook for several minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are mostly cooked through and have absorbed some of that spicy chorizo goodness.
Step 5: Build the Sauce
Now add the minced garlic, white wine, and Italian seasoning to the pan. Let everything cook together for about 2 minutes—this softens the garlic and reduces the wine slightly, intensifying the flavors for the next step.
Step 6: Finish the Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir everything well and let it simmer for another 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened up into a rich, creamy coating for your pasta.
Step 7: Combine and Season
Season with salt and pepper according to your taste. Drain your pasta carefully, then mix it right into the skillet with your sauce. Toss everything together so every strand is luxuriously covered. If you like, sprinkle chopped parsley and freshly grated parmesan on top for a fresh and cheesy finish.
How to Serve Chicken and Chorizo Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the dish both visually and in flavor, cutting through the richness in the best way. A good handful of freshly shaved or grated parmesan adds a salty, creamy contrast that pairs perfectly with the smoky chorizo.
Side Dishes
To accompany this hearty pasta, consider something light and crisp like a simple mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette. Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices also make excellent sides to soak up any leftover sauce and make the meal even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, serve the pasta on warmed plates and garnish with a whole sprig of parsley or basil. A drizzle of good olive oil or a few chili flakes can add an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal, transforming this comfy dish into a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Chicken and Chorizo Pasta Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier the next day. Just be sure to use within 2 to 3 days for the best quality.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, although the texture of the cream sauce might change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, allow the pasta to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at medium power. Add a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if it seems too thick or dry, stirring occasionally until warmed through evenly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage instead of chorizo?
While chorizo offers a distinctive smoky and spicy flavor key to this recipe, you can substitute with other flavorful sausages such as Italian or Andouille, but the dish will have a different taste profile.
Is this recipe suitable for weeknight dinners?
Absolutely! With only about 30 minutes total cooking time and minimal prep, this Chicken and Chorizo Pasta Recipe is perfect for a flavorful, quick weeknight meal.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne is ideal because its tubes and ridges hold the creamy sauce well, but other shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle will work beautifully too.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, to make it dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a creamy plant-based alternative and skip the parmesan cheese. The sauce will still be deliciously rich and saucy.
How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust the heat level?
The heat mainly comes from the chorizo, which can vary in spiciness depending on the brand. You can control the spice by choosing a milder chorizo or reducing the amount used. Adding extra cream also helps to mellow the heat.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Chicken and Chorizo Pasta Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that feels both indulgent and approachable. Its rich flavors, creamy sauce, and satisfying textures are bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether for a cozy night in or impressing guests, it’s a recipe that never disappoints and always delights.
Print
Chicken and Chorizo Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Spanish-Italian Fusion
Description
A flavorful and hearty Chicken and Chorizo Pasta combining tender strips of chicken breast with spicy Spanish chorizo, simmered in a creamy tomato sauce infused with garlic, white wine, and Italian seasoning, then tossed with perfectly cooked pasta for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (e.g., penne)
Meats
- 2 chicken breasts (cut into strips)
- 8.8 ounces Spanish chorizo sausage (sliced or chopped)
Other Ingredients
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/3 cup dry white wine
- 2 dashes Italian seasoning
- 1 (14 fluid ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, optional)
- Freshly grated or shaved parmesan cheese (to taste, optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Meats: Cut chicken breasts into strips and slice or chop the chorizo sausage.
- Cook Chorizo: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the chorizo. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chorizo renders its fat and becomes crisp.
- Cook Chicken: Reduce the heat to medium and add the chicken strips to the skillet. Cook for a few minutes, stirring periodically until the chicken starts to brown.
- Add Aromatics and Wine: Add minced garlic, white wine, and Italian seasoning to the pan. Cook and stir for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and alcohol to cook off.
- Add Cream and Tomatoes: Stir in the heavy cream and diced tomatoes with their juices. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked but not overdone, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Season and Combine: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the drained pasta with the sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and freshly grated or shaved parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use penne or similarly shaped pasta that holds sauce well.
- Adjust the amount of cream based on your desired sauce thickness.
- For a spicier dish, use hot chorizo sausage.
- White wine can be substituted with chicken broth if preferred.
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked before serving (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C).
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
