Chorizo Chicken Pasta: A Flavorful Weeknight Dinner Recipe

This Chorizo Chicken Pasta is a hearty, flavorful pasta dish that’s incredibly cozy and comforting. It’s the perfect recipe to make for any weeknight dinner when you want something satisfying and easy to prepare.

Chicken and pasta are a classic comfort food combination. The possibilities are endless when these two ingredients come together, allowing you to create versatile dishes that cater to all tastes.

Consider other delicious chicken and pasta recipes such as Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta for a quick and creamy meal, Chicken Marsala Pasta for an elegant and rich flavor, or Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta for a spicy and satisfying dinner.

But if you’re looking for an even bolder flavor, then this Chorizo Chicken Pasta recipe is exactly what you need.

This recipe combines ground Mexican chorizo, tender chicken breast, your favorite pasta, and aromatic herbs and spices, resulting in a nourishing and flavorful dinner that’s easy to make, even on the busiest of weeknights. It’s a perfect blend of comfort food and exciting flavors.

Why This Chorizo Chicken Pasta Recipe Works

This hearty dish, featuring a delicious mix of chicken, pasta, and a touch of heat from the chorizo, is likely to become your new favorite comfort food. The combination of flavors and textures makes it incredibly satisfying.

• Easy-to-find ingredients: One of the best things about this recipe is that all the necessary ingredients are readily available at your local supermarket, including the chorizo. You don’t have to search for specialty stores or order anything online.
• Perfect level of spiciness: If you enjoy a little heat, but not an overwhelming amount, this dish is perfect for you. The Mexican chorizo sausage adds a mild kick that you can definitely taste, without being too spicy.
• A tasty twist on pasta: While we all love traditional red pasta sauces and creamy ones like alfredo, this recipe offers a delicious new spin on pasta that your family will be craving. It’s a unique blend of flavors that stands out from the usual pasta dishes.
• Simple to make dairy-free: If you’re following a non-dairy diet, you can easily adapt this recipe. Simply swap out the heavy cream for dairy-free whipping cream. You can also use non-dairy cheese shreds in place of the parmesan. The resulting pasta dish will be just as rich, creamy, and delicious.

Ingredient Notes for Chorizo Chicken Pasta

Here are some important notes about the key ingredients used in this recipe:

• Mexican chorizo: This recipe specifically calls for Mexican chorizo, which is ground and raw. Be careful not to confuse it with Spanish chorizo, which is typically cured and sold similar to salami. The Mexican chorizo adds a distinct, spicy flavor that is essential to this dish.
• Chicken breasts: For even cooking, slice the chicken breasts into evenly sized cubes. This ensures that each piece is cooked perfectly and consistently.
• Pasta: Cellentani pasta is an excellent choice because the hollow corkscrew shape helps to capture and soak up the delicious sauce. However, you can use any corkscrew-shaped pasta, such as fusilli or rotini, or even tube-shaped pastas like rigatoni or penne. The choice is yours, depending on your preference and what you have on hand.
• Chili flakes: A small amount of chili flakes adds a subtle kick to the dish. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
• Red pepper: Diced red pepper adds a bit of texture and a vibrant color to the dish, enhancing both the flavor and visual appeal.
• Olive oil: Use olive oil to sauté the chicken and chorizo, providing a healthy and flavorful base for the dish.
• Red onions and garlic: These aromatic ingredients are crucial for building depth of flavor in the sauce. They create a rich and savory foundation that complements the other ingredients.
• Basil and oregano: These herbs provide a lovely herbaceous note that complements the spiciness of the chorizo and the richness of the sauce. Fresh basil is highly recommended, but dried oregano works well too.
• Tomato paste: Tomato paste adds acidity and helps to thicken the sauce, creating a rich and robust flavor profile.
• White wine: A splash of white wine adds even more acidity and a pleasant brightness to the sauce, balancing out the richness of the other ingredients.
• Heavy cream: Heavy cream gives the sauce a smooth and luxurious creaminess. If you prefer a dairy-free option, use your favorite dairy-free heavy cream alternative.
• Chicken stock: Chicken stock adds even more flavor and helps to balance the overall richness of the dish. Use a good quality chicken stock for the best results.
• Parmesan: Shredded parmesan cheese gives the sauce a touch of tanginess and umami flavor. You can use more to garnish if desired.
• Salt and pepper: Season to taste with salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors in the dish.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley is used as a garnish, adding a pop of freshness and color to the finished dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Chorizo Chicken Pasta

Don’t let the list of ingredients intimidate you. This pasta is genuinely easy to make. Here are some step-by-step photos to guide you through the process. You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

• Start cooking the pasta in a large pot of boiling water.
• While the pasta cooks, begin preparing the sauce. Heat the olive oil in a large braiser or skillet and sauté the chicken and chorizo together until they are almost fully cooked.

• Stir in the diced red pepper and red onion into the pan with the chicken and chorizo.
• Ensure that all the ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed throughout the pan.

• Mix in the minced garlic, dried oregano, red chili flakes, and tomato paste.
• Gently pour in the white wine and chicken stock and bring the sauce to a low boil.

• Lower the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream.
• Add the cooked and drained pasta to the sauce and mix well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
• Sprinkle in the chopped basil, fresh parsley, and grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Recipe FAQs

Serving Ideas for Chorizo Chicken Pasta

This rich and satisfying pasta makes for a fantastic entree that pairs well with lighter appetizers and side dishes. Consider serving it with a flavorful orzo pesto salad or a refreshing melon and prosciutto caprese salad.

Alternatively, try serving it alongside some garlic rosemary roasted glazed carrots for a balanced and delicious meal.

And of course, it goes wonderfully with some fresh, hot garlic bread.

Wine Pairings for Chorizo Chicken Pasta

Chorizo chicken pasta can pair well with both red and white wines. Here are a few recommendations to enhance your dining experience:

• Pinot Noir: These typically acidic wines will complement the acidity from the tomato paste and white wine in the pasta. The Pinot’s fruitiness will help balance the richness of the dish.
• Garnacha: This Spanish red wine has a hint of spice that will complement the heat of the pasta while not overwhelming it. It’s an excellent choice for those who appreciate a bit of spice in their wine.
• Sauvignon Blanc: Prefer a white wine? A dry, herbaceous French Sauvignon Blanc will pair well with the herbs in this dish. The wine’s high acidity and crisp finish will help balance the creaminess of the sauce, providing a refreshing contrast.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment You’ll Need

Ready to make this delicious recipe? Here are the essential kitchen tools and equipment you’ll need to get started:

• Large pot: A 6-quart, non-stick pot works great for making pasta. It ensures that the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom.
• Braiser or casserole: This casserole from Lodge is both durable and much less expensive than some other options. It’s perfect for simmering the sauce and combining all the ingredients.

More Delicious Pasta Recipes to Try

If you enjoyed this Chorizo Chicken Pasta recipe, here are some other pasta dishes you might like:

• Dairy-Free Lobster Mac and Cheese
• Tuscan Sausage Pasta
• Fall Pasta Recipes
• Cherry Tomato and Pesto Pasta

Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to leave a 5-Star rating in the recipe card, and if you really loved it, please leave a comment further down on the page. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!

Chorizo Chicken Pasta Recipe