Chicken and Chorizo Pasta: A Creamy, Flavourful Recipe for Every Foodie

If you’re searching for a hearty, comforting, and flavourful meal that never fails to impress, chicken and chorizo pasta should be at the top of your list. This recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with smoky, spicy chorizo in a creamy, velvety sauce that clings perfectly to your favorite pasta shape — whether it’s rigatoni, fusilli, penne, linguine, or spaghetti.

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. You can whip it up quickly for a busy weeknight dinner, serve it as a crowd-pleasing meal at family gatherings, or even reheat leftovers the next day for an easy lunch. Plus, with bold flavors from garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, and creamy tomato sauce, this dish checks every box for taste, texture, and satisfaction.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through:

The essential ingredients for a perfect chicken and chorizo pasta.
Step-by-step instructions with expert tips.
Variations and add-ins to make it your own.
Serving ideas with sides, wines, and salads.
Storage, reheating, and pro tips for leftovers.

Let’s dive into this saucy, cheesy, and utterly delicious pasta recipe.

Why You’ll Love Chicken and Chorizo Pasta

Easy & quick: Ready in 30–45 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Rich & creamy: A velvety sauce with cream, cheese, and tomato paste.
Versatile: Works with chicken breast, thigh, turkey, or even pork chops.
Family favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike, ideal for sharing.
Customizable: Add vegetables like courgette, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make a restaurant-quality chicken and chorizo pasta at home:

Proteins

Chicken: Use boneless, skinless breast for lean meat or thighs for extra juiciness.
Chorizo: Smoky Spanish chorizo brings depth and spice. Substitute with bacon, lardons, or prawns if you like variety.

Pasta

Rigatoni, penne, or fusilli: Their tubular shape holds onto the sauce beautifully.
Spaghetti or linguine: For a more classic pasta feel.
Always cook pasta al dente so it’s firm and absorbs sauce well.

Sauce & Base

Olive oil and butter: For sautéing.
Garlic & red onion: The aromatic foundation.
Tomato paste & broth: Adds richness and umami.
Cream or crème fraîche: Creates a velvety, luxurious sauce.
Cheese: Grated parmesan or mozzarella for cheesy goodness.

Seasonings

Smoked paprika: For smoky depth.
Oregano, basil, and Italian seasoning: Classic Mediterranean herbs.
Chilli flakes: Add a fiery kick.
Salt & black pepper: Essential for balance.

Optional Veggies & Add-ins

Courgette, aubergine, carrots, or mushrooms: For extra texture.
Spinach or arugula: For freshness.
Peppers (red, green, or pointed): Adds color and crunch.
Pistachios (lightly crushed): A unique garnish for foodie readers.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken & Chorizo

Slice the chicken breast into small chunks. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan.
Sear chicken until crispy and browned (about 7–10 minutes). Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, add sliced chorizo. Cook until it releases its oily, smoky flavors.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

In the pan with chorizo oils, sauté garlic, diced onion, and peppers until soft.
Add tomato paste and cook for 3 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Pour in chicken broth and stir. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Lower the heat and add cream. Stir until glossy and smooth.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

In a separate pot, cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of starchy pasta water.
Drain using a strainer.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return chicken to the sauce. Add cooked pasta.
Stir in a splash of pasta water for the perfect clingy consistency.
Mix in parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

Step 5: Serve & Garnish

Plate the pasta in a large bowl.
Top with fresh basil leaves, extra cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Optional: Add green chilli flakes for spice.

Variations & Creative Twists

Cajun Chicken & Chorizo Pasta: Add Cajun seasoning for a fiery Southern twist.
Chicken and Chorizo Alfredo: Use Alfredo sauce instead of tomato for extra creaminess.
Spanish-Style Paella Pasta: Add prawns, mussels, and saffron for a Spanish flair.
Healthy Option: Use whole-wheat pasta, turkey instead of chicken, and load up on vegetables like zucchini and spinach.
Cheesy Bake: Transfer pasta to an ovenproof dish, top with mozzarella, and bake at 180C/350F until bubbly.

Perfect Pairings

Sides

Fresh salad: Arugula with parmesan shavings.
Garlic bread: Crispy, buttery, and perfect for soaking up extra sauce.

Wines

Spanish Rioja Crianza: Complements smoky chorizo.
Italian Chianti: Balances tomato-based sauces.
Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand): Pairs well with creamy versions.
Rosé from South France: Refreshing with summer pasta nights.

Storage & Leftovers

Fridge: Store in an airtight, plastic-lidded container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm in a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream until piping hot.

Pro tip: Always reheat gently to avoid splitting the cream sauce.

Expert Tips for the Best Pasta

Don’t overcook pasta — always aim for al dente.
Brown chicken well for maximum flavor.
Reserve pasta water — it’s the secret to a silky sauce.
Use fresh herbs for garnish; it elevates presentation.
Take process shots (closeup, overhead, collage) if you’re sharing on Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, or Facebook.

Conclusion

Chicken and chorizo pasta is more than just a meal – it’s a comforting, hearty, and flavourful dish that brings together bold, smoky, and creamy flavors in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself, this recipe delivers every time.

Chicken and Chorizo Pasta: A Creamy, Flavourful Recipe for Every Foodie