Name: Creamy Chicken Chorizo Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 8 oz (225g) dry pasta (penne, fusilli or any shape you prefer); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 6 oz (170g) chorizo sausage, sliced; 2 chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces; 1 medium onion, sliced or chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons tomato paste / puree; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups (60g) fresh spinach leaves; 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream (double cream); 1/2 cup (45g) grated parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

JUMP TO RECIPE PRINT RECIPE

Creamy Chicken Chorizo Pasta is a hearty and satisfying dish that combines juicy chicken breast, flavourful chorizo sausage and pasta in a rich and creamy sauce. This chicken and chorizo recipe is one of my all-time favourites. It’s easy to prepare and comes together in about 30 minutes!

WHAT IS CHICKEN CHORIZO PASTA

Chicken Chorizo Pasta combines tender chicken breast, chorizo sausage, al dente pasta and a rich, creamy sauce infused with delicious flavors. This recipe is an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner, requiring just around 30 minutes to prepare and leaving you with minimal cleanup.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

Pasta: Choose a short pasta shape like penne, rigatoni or fusilli that can hold up to the robust sauce.
Chorizo sausage: Look for a high-quality chorizo sausage with a rich, smoky flavour.
Chicken breasts: Choose fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tender and juicy meat.
Onion, garlic and tomato paste: These make a perfect base for a chorizo chicken pasta.
Fresh spinach: Use vibrant, fresh spinach leaves to add a pop of colour and flavour to this creamy pasta recipe.
Heavy cream: Choose full-fat heavy cream (double cream) to achieve a rich and luscious sauce. If looking for a lighter version, use half-half (single cream).
Parmesan cheese: Grate your parmesan cheese for the best flavour and texture.
Fresh parsley: Garnish this creamy chicken chorizo pasta with lots of fresh parsley for added freshness.

HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN AND CHORIZO PASTA

Please note: This is just an overview – the full ingredients and directions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Step 1: Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Sauté the chorizo and chicken. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chorizo and cook until lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the diced chicken and cook until sealed about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add onion, garlic and tomato paste. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet, and cook until softened. Stir in the tomato paste, chili flakes, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 4: Add spinach and cream. Add the fresh spinach leaves to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Pour in reserved pasta water, heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is creamy and smooth.

Step 5: Combine pasta with sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until it’s well coated in the creamy sauce. If needed, add more reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve and garnish. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, then serve the Creamy Chicken Chorizo Pasta hot, garnished with chopped parsley. Enjoy!

creamy chicken chorizo pasta step by step

STORING AND FREEZING

If you have leftovers of this chicken chorizo pasta, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I don’t recommend freezing this pasta dish due to the high cream content.

TOP TIPS

Don’t overcook the pasta. Aim for al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when added to the sauce.

Adjust the spice level to suit your taste preferences. Add more chili flakes for extra heat or skip them entirely for a milder dish.

Feel free to customize the dish with your favourite vegetables or herbs. Sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or fresh basil would all be delicious additions.

You may also enjoy…

One Pot Shrimp Noodle Soup

Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo

10-Minute Creamy Peanut Butter Noodles

Easy Finnish Salmon Soup

FAQ

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply reheat the sauce with a splash of pasta cooking water and add cooked pasta when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

While milk can be used as a lighter alternative, it won’t create the same creamy texture as heavy cream. If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half instead.

Can I add more vegetables to this chorizo chicken recipe?

Absolutely! This creamy pasta recipe is incredibly versatile and you can easily customize it to suit your preferences. Feel free to add a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini or mushrooms.