Chicken and Chorizo Pasta With Creamy Tomato Sauce

Creamy Chicken And Chorizo Pasta is one of those weeknight meals that always delivers maximum flavour for minimal effort. With tender chicken, smoky chorizo and a creamy tomato sauce, this chicken chorizo pasta feels like the kind of dish you might order in a cosy Italian-inspired bistro, yet it takes less than 30 minutes at home. If you enjoy fuss-free pasta recipes made with simple ingredients but punchy flavour, this one is for you.

Jump to:

• Ingredient Notes
• Reader Review
• Step-By-Step Method
• Tips and Tricks For Best Results
• Serving Suggestions
• Recipe FAQs
• Storage 
• Love Cooking With Chorizo?
• Other Easy Pasta Recipes
• Creamy Chicken and Chorizo Pasta

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Ingredient Notes

Here's everything you'll need for this creamy chorizo pasta recipe:

• Chorizo: Spanish chorizo sausage is ideal. Choose spicy chorizo for a spicy kick or mild for a more subtle smoky kick. Sliced chorizo also work, though cubes give a lovely crisp finish.
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into thin strips so they cook quickly. Boneless skinless chicken thighs are a good substitute and stay juicy if you prefer dark meat.
• Pasta: Dry penne pasta works very well, but tubular pasta shapes like rigatoni or mezzi rigatoni are excellent. Use what you have.
• Chopped tomatoes: Choose good-quality tinned chopped tomatoes. You may swap in passata for a smoother sauce.
• Tomato purée: Deepens the tomato base. Sundried tomato paste can be added for extra richness.
• Herbs & spices: Dried mixed herbs, garlic powder and smoked paprika complement the chorizo flavour. Add red pepper flakes or chilli flakes for heat.
• Cream: Double cream (or heavy cream in the US) gives the creamiest sauce. Cream cheese is a good substitute, or use a splash of whole milk for a lighter option.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated parmesan or another hard cheese adds savoury depth.
• Olive oil: Use a good quality olive oil to build flavour.
• Salt & black pepper: Season as you go.

Find the ingredient quantities, detailed instructions and nutritional information in the recipe card at the bottom of the post. 

What Vegetables Can I Add To This Pasta?

This creamy pasta recipe becomes a complete meal with the addition of vegetables. Try chopped up tenderstem broccoli, bell peppers green beans, red onion or cherry tomatoes. Fry the vegetables together with the chicken or fold in the cooked vegetables when combining pasta and sauce.

Step-By-Step Method

1. Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced chorizo and fry for 4 to 5 minutes until crisp and the fat has rendered. Remove the crispy chorizo to a plate, leaving the flavoured oil in the pan.

2. Add the chicken strips to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until coated in chorizo oil and no longer pink. Transfer to a bowl and keep warm.

3. Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.

4. Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic powder, smoked paprika and dried herbs to the pan. Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes until reduced.

5. Stir in the cream and season with salt and black pepper. The cream sauce should be silky and gently bubbling. Do not boil vigorously.

6. Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat, adding a splash of pasta water if needed.

7. Divide the pasta between bowls and top with crispy chorizo and parmesan cheese.

Fancy an even creamier pasta dish? Try our Creamy Chicken And Bacon Pasta and Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake!

Tips and Tricks For Best Results

• Cook the pasta al dente so it stays firm once mixed with the cream sauce. Overcooked pasta can soften further when combined with the chicken and sauce.
• Use good quality chorizo. Spicy chorizo and chicken are a fantastic pairing, especially with creamy sauce.
• Simmer the tomato sauce for a few minutes to allow the flavours to meld. If the sauce thickens too far, add a splash of reserved pasta water or chicken stock to loosen.
• After adding the cream, keep the sauce at a gentle heat. If it boils too hard, the creamy texture may split.
• For the best contrast in texture, do not stir the crispy chorizo into the sauce. Scatter the small cubes over each bowl so they stay crunchy.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy chicken chorizo pasta pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil. Garlic bread or other crusty bread (like sourdough ciabatta) is perfect for scooping up any leftover creamy sauce. For something even lighter, serve with sliced cucumber or roasted green beans.

If you want to stretch the meal further, add extra vegetables or serve alongside roasted red peppers. This is the kind of easy pasta recipe that works for busy weeknights but still feels special enough to share with friends.

Recipe FAQs

Storage 

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently over low heat. If possible, prepare the pasta up to the point before adding cream. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate. When reheating, stir in cream once piping hot.

You can freeze the pasta before adding cream, although reheated pasta becomes softer.

Love Cooking With Chorizo?

There is nothing like the flavour of smoky chorizo sausage - something about it makes it so comforting and satisfying, especially on colder evenings. Some of our favourite recipes that start chorizo include Tomato & Chorizo Quiche (super creamy and super cheesy...), Huevos Rancheros, and Prawn and Chorizo Risotto. 

Other Easy Pasta Recipes

If you love creamy pasta dishes with lots of flavour, there are plenty more simple ideas for the whole family that work beautifully as an easy weeknight meal.

• Spaghetti Aglio Olio e Peperoncino (Easy Chilli Garlic Pasta)
• Creamy Chicken and Courgette Pasta
• Creamy Pasta With Savoy Cabbage and Bacon
• Pasta e Piselli (Italian Pasta With Peas and Bacon)
• Pasta Napoletana
• Quick & Easy Cream Cheese Pasta
• Classic Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad