Chicken and Chorizo Pasta

Name: Chicken and Chorizo Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon ground red pepper; ½ pound Chicken Tenders or breast; 12 ounces pasta; ¼ cup Olive oil; 6 ounces Chorizo; ½ white Onion (chopped); 3 cloves Garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes; 28 ounces Tomatoes and liquid (large can, whole); Parmesan (fresh grated, to garnish); Basil (to garnish)

30 minutes

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By: Julie BlannerLeave a Comment
Posted: 6/27/22

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Loaded with spicy, crispy chorizo, this chicken and chorizo pasta is on the table in under 30 minutes. Full of zesty ingredients your family will love, this easy chorizo chicken pasta is a keeper!

It’s not just the vibrant, bold flavor you’re going to love. It’s also a wholesome, protein packed dinner that you can feel good about serving to your family!

Chicken and chorizo pasta in a cast iron pot

You know we’re huge fans of pasta around here! It’s such a family friendly and filling dinner option.

Luckily, you don’t have to load it up with super heavy ingredients to create something delicious. This recipe focuses on simple ingredients that are make it both kid-friendly and fast.

Don’t let the chorizo scare you off. It’s not too spicy, especially when spread throughout this pasta dish. It just gives the sauce a fabulous and zesty layer of flavor.

Let’s learn how to create this incredibly simple pasta dinner! Use the drop down Table of Contents menu to navigate this post and don’t forget to pin and save it for later.

I’m answering all your questions so you can create this meal with confidence! Choose your favorite pasta, gather your ingredients, and let’s get started.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love this Chicken and Chorizo Pasta

Fast and Easy
Wholesome Ingredients
Super Filling
Easy to Customize

If you love chicken, and you love pasta, don’t skip this incredible round-up of Chicken Pasta Recipes!

Chicken and Chorizo Pasta: Ingredients and Substitutions

Olive oil – to add moisture to the chicken and prevent it from sticking.
Onion powder
Garlic powder
Ground red pepper
Chicken – Use boneless chicken breasts or chicken tenders.
Pasta – your favorite shape
Chorizo – Use your favorite type of chorizo, and choose a spice level according to your family’s tastes.
White Onion – chopped
Garlic – minced
Red Pepper Flakes
Canned Tomatoes – Whole peeled or diced tomatoes (depending on how large you’d like the chunks to be), and you’re using the liquid too!
Parmesan – fresh grated, to garnish
Basil – sliced, to garnish

Chorizo chicken pasta ingredients on a marble surface

Variations

Instead of parmesan, try romano or asiago
Add heavy whipping cream to create a creamy chicken and chorizo pasta – up to one cup at the end of cooking is perfect
Cook your chicken however you’d like! Try these Grilled Chicken Skewers, or Chicken Piccata. Or serve breaded Chicken Spiedini with this pasta dish instead of the baked chicken!

How to Make

Preheat oven. Season chicken and bake until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F. Set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and prepare al dente.
In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium high heat, add olive oil and chorizo. Brown, stirring occasionally.
Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir.
Add tomatoes and juice. Allow to cook, stirring frequently and crushing tomatoes.
Toss in pasta and a little pasta water. Toss until coated.
Garnish and add fresh cracked pepper to taste.

Shortcuts

Use pre-shredded Parmesan.
Use pre-minced garlic.

a white plate full of chicken and chorizo pasta

Tips

Remove the pasta from the heat when it is al dente, so it doesn’t get soggy.
Fresh grated parmesan important – if you can, grate it fresh!
Fresh minced garlic cooks quickly, watch so it doesn’t burn.
Always hold back a cup of warm, starchy pasta water. This can help thin your sauces!

Scaling up, down or substituting? You’ll love this printable Measurement Conversion Chart!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is chorizo?

Chorizo is a robustly seasoned ground pork sausage. It’s frequently used in Mexican cuisine, variations are found throughout the world. The seasonings vary widely, but most chorizo includes with pork, smoked paprika and garlic. Mexican chorizo is fresh (raw) and Spanish chorizo is smoked (cooked).

How can I make a creamy chorizo chicken pasta?

Simply add a cup of heavy whipping cream at the end of cooking this pasta dish!

Serving Suggestions

Add an Italian Salad
Or, serve Italian Roasted Veggies
Delicious with a side of Garlic Bread
Artisan Bread serves is perfect with pasta, too
Get more inspiration in this round of up Italian Side Dishes.

How To Store

Room Temperature – This pasta dish best served as soon as it comes off the stove. It can rest at room temperature for up to two hours before it must be refrigerated.
Refrigerator – If you do have leftovers, cover and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, cook in a small sauce pan and a little chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce.
Freezer – you can also freeze this pasta dish for up to three months.