Have you ever found yourself searching for a dish that’s not only satisfying but quick to prepare amid a busy week? If so, sit tight because this Creamy Chicken Chorizo Pasta is your answer! With its robust flavors and creamy sauce, this dish will certainly impress your taste buds while being simple enough for a weeknight meal. Made with tender chicken and spicy chorizo, it combines the comfort of pasta and the excitement of savory spice in every bite!
Ingredients List
To make this delightful Creamy Chicken Chorizo Pasta, gather the following ingredients:
- For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- For the Sauce:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 lb (225g) chorizo sausage, casings removed and crumbled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Timing
This Creamy Chicken Chorizo Pasta dish is not only hearty but also quick to prepare. The timing for this recipe is efficient:
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes, which is significantly less time than traditional pasta dishes—perfect for busy schedules!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once done, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Chorizo
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the crumbled chorizo and cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to brown. Remove the chorizo from the skillet and keep it aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
In the same skillet, add the diced chicken. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika if using. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 4: Add Aromatics
Once the chicken is done cooking, add the chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the onion is softened. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. Add grated Parmesan cheese and mix until it melts and creates a creamy sauce.
Step 6: Combine the Chicken, Chorizo, and Pasta
Return the cooked chorizo to the skillet and stir to combine with the chicken and sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the mixture, tossing everything together. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Once everything is combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the Creamy Chicken Chorizo Pasta warm, garnished with fresh parsley or basil for an added burst of flavor and color!
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional information per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 540
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
If you’re looking for ways to make this recipe even healthier while maintaining its delicious flavor, consider the following options:
- Replace regular pasta with whole grain or gluten-free pasta to increase fiber content.
- Use leaner ground chicken or turkey sausage to cut down on fat.
- Increase the vegetable content by incorporating chopped spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrients.
Serving Suggestions
This Creamy Chicken Chorizo Pasta is perfect on its own, but here are some additional ideas to elevate your meal:
- With Garlic Bread: Serve with a sliced garlic bread or breadsticks to complement the rich flavors.
- Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with a vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the dish beautifully.
- Top with Extra Cheese: For cheese lovers, consider adding more grated Parmesan or even fresh mozzarella on top!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ensure you don’t overcook the chicken; check for doneness with a meat thermometer for best results.
- Don’t skip the step of tossing the pasta in the sauce; this ensures even distribution of flavors and prevents dryness.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic; it should be fragrant, not browned, to avoid bitterness.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
If you find yourself with leftovers (if they last that long!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a skillet with a splash of milk or broth to keep it from drying out. This dish also freezes well; just thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy!
Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken Chorizo Pasta is a deliciously satisfying dish that combines robust flavors with delightful textures. It’s easy to prepare and will quickly become a family favorite. I invite you to try it out and share your feedback in the comments! Don’t forget to subscribe for more enticing recipes and updates!
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked chicken is a great time-saver. Just add it to the sauce during the final stages of cooking to heat through.
What can I substitute for chorizo?
You can replace chorizo with any other sausage type, or even ground beef or turkey for a milder flavor.
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the meat with plant-based sausage or omit it entirely, adding more vegetables to enhance the flavor.