As the door opened, the smell of chorizo and garlic filled the air. It reminded me of my grandmother’s Spanish dishes. These dishes brought me comfort and joy, full of vibrant flavors and memories. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that brings back those feelings – a Creamy Chicken and Chorizo Pasta that will delight you.
This dish is a one-pot wonder, made with simple ingredients that come together beautifully. The chorizo and chicken mix with a creamy sauce, making every bite a pleasure. It’s perfect for anyone who loves Spanish food or just wants a comforting, protein-rich meal. Try it for your next family dinner or a cozy night in.
Key Takeaways
- Creamy Chicken and Chorizo Pasta is a delicious and satisfying one-pot meal that combines juicy chicken, flavorful chorizo, and pasta in a rich, creamy sauce.
- This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, taking only around 30 minutes to prepare.
- The dish features a balance of smoky, savory, and creamy flavors, making it a comforting and family-friendly meal.
- The recipe is versatile, allowing for easy customization with different proteins and additional vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, offering convenient meal prep options.
Introduction
Get ready to enjoy a mix of delicious flavors with the Creamy Chicken and Chorizo Pasta. This easy recipe combines tender chicken, smoky chorizo, and perfectly cooked pasta in a creamy sauce. It’s a protein-rich dish that will satisfy your hunger and become a favorite for weeknights.
What is Creamy Chicken and Chorizo Pasta?
Creamy Chicken and Chorizo Pasta is a hearty dish. It has tender chicken, flavorful chorizo, and pasta in a creamy sauce. You’ll need 3 chicken breasts, cut into pieces, 400g of pasta, and 100g of chorizo.
Benefits of This Easy One-Pot Recipe
- Ready in about 30 minutes for a quick and convenient one-pot pasta meal
- Protein-packed with the addition of chicken and chorizo for a satisfying, protein-packed pasta experience
- Delivers a delicious balance of smoky flavored pasta thanks to the chorizo
- Made in a single pot, minimizing cleanup for a hassle-free cooking process
“This creamy chicken and chorizo pasta is a real crowd-pleaser. The combination of tender chicken, spicy chorizo, and a rich, velvety sauce is simply irresistible.”
Ingredients Needed
To make this creamy chicken and chorizo pasta, you’ll need some great ingredients. Choose a short pasta like rigatoni or fusilli for the sauce. Use chicken breast, cut into cubes, for quick cooking. Add the smoky taste of Spanish chorizo, regular or spicy, as you like.
For flavor, use red onion, red bell peppers, and garlic. Season with oregano, marjoram, and a bit of chili flakes for spice.
The sauce is creamy, made from double cream and chicken stock. Finish with fresh basil, parsley, and Parmesan cheese for extra taste.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rigatoni or other short pasta varieties | 8 oz (225g) |
| Spanish chorizo, regular or spicy | 8 oz (225g) |
| Boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed | 1 lb (450g) |
| Red onion, diced | 1 medium |
| Red bell pepper, diced | 1 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp |
| Dried marjoram | 1 tsp |
| Chili flakes | 1/2 tsp |
| Double cream | 1 cup (240ml) |
| Chicken stock | 1/2 cup (120ml) |
| Fresh basil, chopped | 1/4 cup (10g) |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 2 tbsp (10g) |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1/4 cup (25g) |
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious chicken and chorizo pasta. It’s sure to impress everyone.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make creamy chicken and chorizo pasta. First, cook the pasta as the package says, until it’s al dente. This takes about 8-10 minutes. Remember to save a mug of the starchy pasta cooking water before you drain the noodles.
Next, in a big skillet, sauté the sliced chorizo over medium-high heat until it’s lightly browned. This should take about 4-5 minutes. Then, add the cubed chicken breast and cook until it’s sealed, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and red pepper to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until they’re soft.
- Stir in the tomato paste, oregano, marjoram, and chili flakes. Cook for 2 minutes to get the flavors right.
- Pour in the reserved pasta cooking water and the heavy cream. Add the grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer and thicken for about 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta and fresh spinach leaves to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. If it’s too thick, add more pasta water.
Finally, garnish with fresh basil and parsley. Serve the creamy chicken and chorizo pasta hot and enjoy!
Tips for Perfecting Creamy Chicken and Chorizo Pasta
To make your creamy chicken and chorizo pasta even better, try these tips:
Adjusting Spice Level
It’s simple to change the spice level. Add more chili flakes for heat, or skip them for a milder taste. Also, adjust the amount of chorizo. Spicier chorizo adds more heat.
Adding Vegetables and Herbs
Adding extra veggies boosts nutrition and texture. Mushrooms, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes work well. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a bright, aromatic flavor.
Substituting Heavy Cream
For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. The sauce won’t be as rich, but it’s a good choice for those watching their dairy.
Customizing spice, adding veggies and herbs, or using different dairy can make your pasta just right for you.
Creamy Chicken and Chorizo Pasta
Try a delicious one-pot meal that mixes Spanish chorizo with chicken in a creamy sauce. This creamy pasta dish is a Spanish-inspired treat that will wow your taste buds.
To make this one-pot chicken and chorizo pasta, start by cooking the chorizo and chicken. Next, create a creamy sauce with garlic, onions, tomato paste, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Add cooked pasta to the sauce and finish with fresh spinach, basil, and parsley. This makes a cozy and fulfilling meal.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Gluten-free fusilli pasta | 12 oz |
| Springer Mountain Farms Chicken Breasts | 1 ½ lbs |
| Costabile olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Chorizo | 3 small links |
| OliveNation sweet smoked paprika | 2 tablespoons |
| OliveNation garlic powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic and herb seasoning | 1 tablespoon |
| Onion powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Spinach | 2 cups diced |
| Butter | 4 tablespoons |
| Chicken broth | ½ cup |
| Gluten-free flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Heavy cream | 3 cups |
| Parmesan cheese | 6 oz shredded |
| Mozzarella cheese | 6 oz shredded |
This creamy chicken and chorizo pasta is a joy to make and eat. Its rich sauce and perfect mix of smoky and savory tastes make it a hit. Serve it with a salad, garlic bread, and a crisp white wine for a full and enjoyable meal.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftover creamy chicken and chorizo pasta, you can store it for later. Just put the pasta in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat it again, don’t worry about the creamy sauce getting ruined.
To reheat the leftover pasta, put it in a skillet or saucepan. Add a bit of water or chicken stock. Heat it over medium, stirring now and then, until it’s hot and the sauce is creamy again. This way, your creamy pasta will taste just as good as when you first made it.
But, don’t try to freeze this creamy chicken and chorizo pasta. The cream can separate and make the sauce grainy when thawed. For the best taste, eat leftovers within 3 days.
“Proper storage and reheating techniques are key to ensuring your creamy pasta remains flavorful and satisfying, even days after you’ve prepared it.”
Serving Suggestions
Your Creamy Chicken and Chorizo Pasta can be made even better with the right sides. Try it with garlic bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal. For appetizers, a bruschetta or a platter of roasted vegetables is a great start to this rich dish.
For a nice contrast, serve it with a fresh green salad or a zesty citrusy salad with arugula or spinach. The smoky flavors of the chicken and chorizo go well with light, refreshing salads. They help clean your palate.
| Bread and Appetizer Pairings | Salad Accompaniments |
|---|---|
|
|
Pair your Creamy Chicken and Chorizo Pasta with warm bread, crisp salads, or tasty appetizers. The choices are endless. These ideas will make your meal balanced and enjoyable, highlighting the comfort of this dish.
Variations and Customizations
The creamy chicken and chorizo pasta is a tasty dish. But, you can change it to fit different diets. Try these vegetarian/vegan and gluten-free options to make it yours.
Vegetarian or Vegan Options
For a veggie or vegan version, skip the chicken and chorizo. Use sautéed mushrooms or tofu instead. They add texture and flavor. For a dairy-free sauce, use coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk.
Gluten-Free Alternatives
Need a gluten-free option? Just swap the pasta for a gluten-free type. Brown rice pasta, quinoa pasta, or zucchini noodles work great. They keep the dish’s texture and taste.
Whether you follow a special diet, the creamy chicken and chorizo pasta can be adapted. Simple swaps let you enjoy this comforting dish while meeting your dietary needs.
Nutrition Information
The creamy chicken and chorizo pasta is a filling meal. It has about 1,518 calories, 92.5g of carbs, 76.2g of protein, and 93.3g of fat. The creamy sauce and chorizo sausage make it high in calories and fat. But, it’s also packed with protein from the chicken, making it a tasty dinner choice.
Each serving of the Creamy Chicken and Chorizo Pasta has:
- 509 calories
- 54g of carbohydrates
- 23g of protein
- 19g of fat, including 4g of saturated fat
- 568mg of sodium
- 5g of fiber
The dish is also rich in vitamins and minerals, including:
- 531IU of Vitamin A
- 14mg of Vitamin C
- 67mg of Calcium
- 3mg of Iron
Even though it’s high in calories, the pasta is also nutritious. It’s a good source of protein and essential nutrients. To make it healthier, try eating smaller portions and add a salad or veggies on the side.
Conclusion
This creamy chicken and chorizo pasta is a tasty, one-pot meal great for busy weeknights. It mixes the smoky taste of Spanish chorizo with tender chicken in a creamy sauce. This 30-minute recipe is easy to make and clean up, perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Whether you add crusty bread, a fresh salad, or enjoy it alone, this summary of creamy chicken and chorizo pasta will be a hit. It’s a delicious one-pot meal that’s full of protein, carbs, and healthy fats. It’s a complete and satisfying meal for your family.
So, get your ingredients ready, turn on the stove, and dive into the amazing flavors of this creamy chicken and chorizo pasta. It’s a dish that will wow your taste buds and leave you wanting more.