Cozy Creamy Chicken Chorizo Pasta Recipe for Dinner Bliss

Whipping up a delightful chicken chorizo pasta takes culinary creativity to new heights of flavor fusion.

Spicy sausage and tender chicken mingle with silky sauce, creating an irresistible meal that sparks conversation.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with bold Mediterranean-inspired ingredients, promising a dining experience beyond ordinary weeknight dinners.

Unexpected combinations make this dish stand out from standard pasta recipes.

Rich, complex flavors dance across your palate with each perfectly balanced bite.

Home cooks seeking something extraordinary will find this recipe both accessible and exciting.

Prepare to impress everyone gathered around your dinner table with this mouthwatering masterpiece.

What Makes Creamy Chicken Chorizo Pasta So Flavorful

• Savor Bold Flavor Fusion: This recipe combines the spicy kick of chorizo with creamy chicken pasta, creating a mouthwatering meal that tantalizes taste buds with its rich, complex flavor profile.
• Master One-Skillet Magic: Prepare a complete dinner using just one pan, minimizing cleanup and making this dish perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results without extensive kitchen work.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting spice levels, swapping proteins, or adding extra vegetables to suit personal preferences and dietary needs.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Craft a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for families seeking a satisfying dinner that doesn't require hours of preparation.

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Chorizo Pasta

• Chicken: Lean protein that adds substance and flavor to the pasta dish.
• Chorizo: Spicy Spanish sausage that provides a rich, smoky taste to the recipe.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that build a deep, savory flavor profile.
• Paprika: Adds a warm, slightly sweet spice and beautiful color to the sauce.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps to sauté ingredients and prevent sticking to the skillet.
• Chicken Broth: Creates a flavorful liquid base for the creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Provides richness and helps create a smooth, luxurious sauce texture.

• Pasta: The primary carbohydrate that serves as the main component of the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb that adds a fresh finish and visual appeal.

How to Cook Creamy Chicken Chorizo Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Place pasta in a pot of salted boiling water. Cook according to package directions until al dente. Carefully drain the pasta in a colander and set aside, letting it rest while you prepare the remaining ingredients.

Step 2: Sizzle Chorizo

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in chorizo and cook until it develops a beautiful golden-brown crust and releases its rich, spicy oils. Once browned, transfer the chorizo to a separate plate.

Step 3: Cook Chicken and Aromatics

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Smoked paprika

Sauté until onions become translucent and soft, creating a fragrant base for the sauce.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Sauce

Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, stirring occasionally. Watch as the sauce gradually thickens and becomes velvety smooth.

Step 5: Combine and Season

Return the cooked chorizo to the skillet. Add the previously cooked pasta and gently toss everything together. Ensure each pasta strand gets coated with the creamy sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavors.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the creamy chicken chorizo pasta to serving plates. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh herbal note. Serve immediately while hot and steaming.

Pro Tips for Creamy Chicken Chorizo Pasta

• Swap regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free options for dietary needs and added nutrition.
• Reduce cream calories by using half-and-half or milk mixed with a touch of cornstarch for thickening.
• Remove chorizo or replace with vegetarian sausage for a meat-free version that still packs flavor.
• Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure better browning and more delicious caramelization.
• Control spice levels by adjusting paprika or adding red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Delicious Variations of Creamy Chicken Chorizo Pasta

• Spicy Seafood Fusion: Replace chicken and chorizo with shrimp and spicy andouille sausage for a maritime flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Veggie Version: Swap meat with roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant, using feta cheese for extra creaminess.
• Smoky Vegetarian Alternative: Use plant-based chorizo and smoked tofu, adding nutritional yeast for depth and protein.
• Lighter Wellness Edition: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt, incorporate spinach, and use whole wheat pasta for a nutritious spin.

Pairing Recommendations for Creamy Chicken Chorizo Pasta

• Elevate Flavor Pairing: Crisp Spanish Albariño wine matches perfectly with the rich, spicy chorizo and creamy chicken pasta, cutting through the dish's heaviness while complementing its bold flavors.
• Refreshing Salad Partner: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta's richness, adding a zesty, peppery contrast that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Rustic Bread Companion: Serve warm, crusty sourdough bread to soak up the creamy sauce, providing a delightful textural contrast and allowing diners to enjoy every last drop of the flavorful mixture.
• Mediterranean Side Suggestion: Prepare a quick cucumber and tomato salad with fresh herbs like basil and mint, offering a cool, bright element that harmonizes with the pasta's intense Spanish-inspired profile.

Storage Advice for Creamy Chicken Chorizo Pasta

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, keeping the pasta and sauce together to maintain moisture.
• Pack cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing if cream-based sauce is used, as it might separate.
• Place pasta in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly.

FAQs on Creamy Chicken Chorizo Pasta

• Can I use a different type of sausage instead of chorizo?

Yes, you can substitute chorizo with andouille, Italian sausage, or smoked sausage for a similar flavor profile.

• Is this dish spicy?

The chorizo and paprika add a mild to moderate heat. If you prefer less spice, use mild chorizo or reduce the amount of paprika.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free pasta and check that your chorizo and chicken broth are gluten-free certified.

• What can I do if the sauce is too thick?

Add a little more chicken broth or pasta water to thin out the sauce to your desired consistency.

Creamy Chicken Chorizo Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken and spicy chorizo dance together in this irresistible creamy chicken chorizo pasta, creating a flavor symphony that whispers comfort and excitement. Mediterranean warmth meets pasta perfection, promising a delightful journey you’ll savor with every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound chicken breast, diced
• 8 ounces (226 grams) chorizo, sliced

Pasta and Base:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta according to package directions, ensuring al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature until shimmering.
3. Sauté chorizo until edges crisp and deep russet color develops. Transfer to a separate plate.
4. Introduce chicken into the same skillet, cooking until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Incorporate finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and smoky paprika. Sauté until onions become translucent and fragrant.
6. Stream chicken broth and rich heavy cream into the skillet, creating a velvety sauce. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until liquid reduces and thickens slightly.
7. Return crispy chorizo to the pan, then fold in reserved pasta. Gently toss until every strand is luxuriously coated with the creamy sauce.
8. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preference.
9. Transfer to warm serving plates, garnishing with vibrant, freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and herbaceous brightness.
10. Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and pasta maintains perfect texture.

Notes

• Swap chorizo with turkey sausage for a leaner protein option that keeps the smoky flavor profile intact.
• Gluten-free pasta works perfectly as a direct substitute without compromising the dish’s creamy texture.
• Reduce heavy cream calories by using half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter yet still luxurious sauce consistency.
• Boost vegetable content by adding spinach or bell peppers during the onion cooking stage for extra nutrition and color contrast.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 670 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg