Best Creamy Pasta with Chorizo and Chicken Recipe
Creamy Pasta with Chorizo and Chicken is a delightful medley of rich flavors and contrasting textures. It's also quick and easy for busy weeknight dinners! It has chicken, seasoned and cooked to juicy perfection plus smoky chorizo for a robust depth of flavor. Red pepper, onion, and garlic are mixed into the creamy sauce, made with a velvety blend of cream, broth, and touch of cheese, coats the pasta for maximum flavor in every bite!
Servings 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil or spray
- 1 pound Chicken Breasts, boneless, skinless
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Ground Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika or sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
- 6 ounces Spanish Chorizo
- 1 Yellow Onion, diced
- 1 Red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 Cups Chicken Broth or Stock
- 1-2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1 Lime
- 2 Tablespoons Cornstarch
- ½ cup Half and Half you can substitute milk (lighter texture) or heavy cream (richer texture)
- ¼ cup Shredded Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup Fresh Italian Parsley, chopped
- 10 ounces Rigatoni pasta, uncooked (any short cut pasta will work)
Instructions
Prep-Ahead Steps
- PREP SEASONINGS. Measure out the seasonings into a small bowl (Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Cumin) and then mix to combine. Half will be used to season the chicken and the remainder for the sauce.
- PREP CHICKEN and CHORIZO. Cut the chicken into 1 inch cubes, then season with about half of the seasonings you just blended together. For the chorizo, peel off and discard the outer casing and then dice it.
- PREP VEGGIES. Peel and dice the onion. Dice the red pepper. Mince the garlic.
Cooking Steps
- COOK PASTA. While you are making the chicken and the sauce, fill a large pot of water and bring to a boil. Cook the pasta to al dente. If the pasta is ready before the sauce, then drain it and set it aside, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water.
- COOK CHICKEN. Preheat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add the olive oil and seasoned chicken pieces. Let the chicken sear on one side for 2-3 minutes and then stir to cook until you no longer see pink, about 5-6 more minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and return the pan or pot to the stove.
- CHORIZO AND VEGGIES. Add the chorizo to the same hot skillet used for the chicken. Cook for 3-4 minutes to render out some of the fat. Then add the onion, red pepper, and garlic. If there is not enough fat from the chorizo, you can add a teaspoon or so of olive oil to help coat the veggies. Cook the veggies for 3-4 minutes.
- MAKE THE SAUCE. Add the broth/stock, tomato paste, remainder of the seasonings blend, oregano, and juice from a lime. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and half and half (or heavy cream) until dissolved. Then whisk it into the sauce. Add the chicken and any juices, plus the parmesan cheese and parsley all to the sauce, mix gently, and let cook for a final 5 minutes to finish cooking and thicken.
- MIX PASTA. Depending on which is larger (the sauce pot/pan or pasta pot/pan) combine the Chorizo and Chicken Sauce and Pasta together. Tip: if your pasta and sauce are too thick, you can add ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water at a time until you get to the preferred sauciness.
Notes
Can I use leftover or rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use leftover chicken or leftover turkey in this Chicken Chipotle pasta recipe. Shred or cut the cooked chicken or turkey into cubes. Season it with the seasonings and then quickly saute it (needs only about 3-4 minutes) in the pan/pot with olive oil and a splash of water to help the seasonings to blend with the chicken. Then transfer the chicken to a plate and continue with the recipe. Can I make this Chipotle Chicken Pasta recipe ahead?
You can make the chicken and sauce ahead and mix with the pasta when you are ready to eat. Or you can make the entire dish including the pasta in advance. For anything cooked in advance, store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. To reheat, you can place in a wide bottom pot or pan covered in the oven at 350 F degrees for 20-30 minutes until heated through. You can add a splash of milk or chicken broth if needed for moisture. Can I freeze this Chipotle Chicken recipe?
You can freeze this recipe, but I recommend leaving the pasta out. Make the chicken, veggies, and sauce according to the instructions. Then cool the Chipotle Chicken sauce. Once cooled, store it in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 4 months. Then thaw it in the fridge for 24 hours before heating it up. To reheat, you can simply warm it on the stove over medium-low heat for 10 minutes covered. Then mix in freshly cooked pasta.
Yes, you can use leftover chicken or leftover turkey in this Chicken Chipotle pasta recipe. Shred or cut the cooked chicken or turkey into cubes. Season it with the seasonings and then quickly saute it (needs only about 3-4 minutes) in the pan/pot with olive oil and a splash of water to help the seasonings to blend with the chicken. Then transfer the chicken to a plate and continue with the recipe. Can I make this Chipotle Chicken Pasta recipe ahead?
You can make the chicken and sauce ahead and mix with the pasta when you are ready to eat. Or you can make the entire dish including the pasta in advance. For anything cooked in advance, store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. To reheat, you can place in a wide bottom pot or pan covered in the oven at 350 F degrees for 20-30 minutes until heated through. You can add a splash of milk or chicken broth if needed for moisture. Can I freeze this Chipotle Chicken recipe?
You can freeze this recipe, but I recommend leaving the pasta out. Make the chicken, veggies, and sauce according to the instructions. Then cool the Chipotle Chicken sauce. Once cooled, store it in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 4 months. Then thaw it in the fridge for 24 hours before heating it up. To reheat, you can simply warm it on the stove over medium-low heat for 10 minutes covered. Then mix in freshly cooked pasta.
