There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of pasta, don’t you think? Chicken chorizo pasta is one of those dishes that wraps you in a cozy hug, whether it’s a chilly evening or you’re just in need of something hearty and fulfilling. This recipe is not only easy to whip up, but it’s also packed with flavor, making it a favorite at my dinner table!
Why You’ll Love Chicken Chorizo Pasta
- Fast: You can have the main components prepped and in the skillet in about 20 minutes.
- Easy: It’s a simple one-pan method that even beginner cooks can master.
- Giftable: This dish travels well, making it perfect for potlucks or a comforting meal for a friend.
- Crowd-pleasing: Even those who think they don’t like chorizo will fall in love with this creamy, savory version!
Ingredients
- 8 oz. penne pasta – The perfect shape to hold onto the creamy sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing and adding flavor.
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced – Lean protein that cooks quickly.
- 4 oz. chorizo, sliced – Adds a wonderful spicy kick.
- 1 medium onion, chopped – Sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Because garlic makes everything better!
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes – Juicy and flavorful, adding a nice texture.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – For a hint of smokiness.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that brings everything together.
- Salt and pepper, to taste – Essential for seasoning.
- 1 cup heavy cream – This is what makes the sauce rich and creamy.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – For that cheesy goodness.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – A pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Chicken Chorizo Pasta
Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced chorizo and cook for about 2-3 minutes until slightly crispy.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Lower the heat and add the heavy cream and cooked chicken back into the skillet. Stir to combine and let it cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Add the cooked penne pasta and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, mixing until well combined and heated through.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Substitutions & Additions
If you’re feeling creative or need to work with what you have, here are some great substitutions:
- Swap the penne for any pasta shape you love, like fusilli or farfalle.
- If you prefer a lighter dish, you can use turkey or tofu instead of chicken.
- For extra veggies, toss in some spinach or bell peppers while sautéing.
- Try adding a splash of white wine for a richer flavor.
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips to ensure your chicken chorizo pasta turns out perfectly:
- Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente since it will cook a little more in the sauce.
- Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less chorizo.
- If you want to prep ahead, you can cook the chicken and chorizo in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to make the sauce.
How to Store Chicken Chorizo Pasta
If you have leftovers (which I doubt will happen!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. However, I recommend enjoying it fresh for the best texture!
FAQs
Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes! You can omit the chicken and chorizo and add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
How can I make it spicier? You can add red pepper flakes or use spicy chorizo for an extra kick!
What can I serve with chicken chorizo pasta? A simple side salad or garlic bread pairs beautifully with this dish.
For more delicious recipes, check out easy weeknight meals or comforting pasta dishes for treats you will love!
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Chicken Chorizo Pasta
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Large Pot
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta The perfect shape to hold onto the creamy sauce.
- 1 tbsp olive oil For sautéing and adding flavor.
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced Lean protein that cooks quickly.
- 4 oz chorizo, sliced Adds a wonderful spicy kick.
- 1 medium onion, chopped Sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Because garlic makes everything better!
- 1 can diced tomatoes Juicy and flavorful, adding a nice texture.
- 1 tsp paprika For a hint of smokiness.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning A blend of herbs that brings everything together.
- to taste salt and pepper Essential for seasoning.
- 1 cup heavy cream This is what makes the sauce rich and creamy.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese For that cheesy goodness.
For Garnish
- to taste fresh parsley, chopped A pop of color and freshness.
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add the sliced chorizo and cook for about 2-3 minutes until slightly crispy.
- Step 4: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 5: Stir in the diced tomatoes, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Step 6: Lower the heat and add the heavy cream and cooked chicken back into the skillet. Stir to combine and let it cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Step 7: Add the cooked penne pasta and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, mixing until well combined and heated through.
- Step 8: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.