When the seasons change and life gets busy with school and endless sports activities, finding an easy, delicious, and satisfying weeknight meal becomes a top priority. That’s precisely why this Creamy Chicken and Chorizo Pasta has earned a permanent spot in our family’s meal rotation. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that delivers on flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen.

I genuinely love the dynamic combination of lean chicken and rich, spicy chorizo in this dish. Chorizo, though not an ingredient I use every day, brings an unparalleled depth of flavor that instantly elevates any recipe it touches. If chorizo isn’t quite to your taste, don’t worry! You can easily swap it for ground Italian sausage, pork, turkey, or even beef. Alternatively, you can omit it entirely and let the chicken shine.

The layers of flavor in this pasta come from a thoughtful blend of aromatic spices, the sweetness of roasted red peppers, and the finishing touch of fresh herbs. The creamy tomato sauce, made with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, adds a luxurious richness that ties everything together. For those who prefer a dairy-free option, simply skip the cream and Parmesan; the dish will still be incredibly tasty and satisfying.

This recipe often rotates with other one-pan and one-skillet favorites like One Pot Enchilada Pasta, One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli, One Pot Chickpea Kale Pasta, and One Skillet Cheesy Hamburger Pasta. The goal is always a hearty meal that’s simple to prepare and keeps everyone coming back for more.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Creamy Chicken Chorizo Pasta:

This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a culinary triumph waiting to happen in your kitchen. Here are just a few reasons why this creamy chicken chorizo pasta will become a staple in your home:

• Effortless Weeknight Wonder: Say goodbye to complicated recipes! This dish is designed for busy evenings. It involves a simple three-step process: quickly sautéing your flavorful vegetables and meats, cooking your pasta to al dente perfection, and then combining everything into one glorious, creamy concoction. From start to finish, you can have this amazing meal on your table in under 30 minutes, freeing up more time for family or relaxation.
• Infinitely Adaptable: One of the best aspects of this recipe is its incredible versatility. It serves as a fantastic base that eagerly welcomes your personal touch. Feel free to experiment with additional vegetables like finely diced carrots, crunchy celery, or tender broccoli florets for extra nutrition and texture. Elevate the creaminess with a dollop of tangy goat cheese or a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella. For a lighter touch, stir in fresh greens such as spinach or arugula during the simmering stage, allowing them to wilt beautifully into the sauce. This recipe is truly a canvas for your culinary creativity!
• Perfect for Feeding a Crowd (or Enjoying for Days!): This recipe yields a generous portion, making it ideal for family gatherings, entertaining friends, or simply ensuring you have delicious leftovers for the week ahead. And trust me on this – the leftovers are absolutely divine! The flavors have more time to meld and deepen, often tasting even better on the second or third day. It’s the gift that keeps on giving!

Creative Ways to Customize Your Creamy Chorizo Pasta

This recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to tailor it to your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Here are some fantastic ideas to get you started:

• Experiment with Pasta Shapes: While the original recipe suggests butterfly pasta, many medium shapes work wonderfully. Consider penne, rigatoni, rotini, or fusilli for excellent sauce adhesion. For a smaller, more delicate bite, try orzo or elbow macaroni, which blend seamlessly into the creamy sauce.
• Boost with More Vegetables: Enhance both flavor and nutritional value by adding a variety of vegetables. Try sautéing broccoli florets, sliced mushrooms, red onion, or diced carrots alongside the bell peppers. For an extra zing, add sliced jalapeños or sun-dried tomatoes. Asparagus or peas can also be added in the final minutes of cooking for freshness.
• Incorporate Leafy Greens: For a vibrant touch and added goodness, stir in fresh spinach, arugula, or chopped kale during the last few minutes of simmering. They will wilt beautifully into the warm sauce, adding a subtle peppery or earthy note.
• Cheese, Please! Beyond Parmesan, explore other delicious cheese toppings. Melt in some fresh mozzarella for a gooey texture, crumble tangy goat cheese for a creamy and tart contrast, or sprinkle Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier kick.
• Fresh Herbs for Finish: A sprinkle of fresh herbs at the end can brighten the entire dish. Chopped fresh basil, parsley, dill, or oregano offer distinct aromatic profiles that complement the rich sauce and spicy chorizo.
• Spice It Up (or Down!): Customize the spice level and flavor profile with different seasonings. Greek seasoning can add a Mediterranean twist, smoked paprika enhances the smoky notes of chorizo, and a pinch of chili flakes can provide an extra burst of heat. A dash of dried thyme also pairs well with the chicken and tomato flavors.
• Alternative Proteins: If you’re looking to change things up or don’t have chorizo, this recipe is incredibly forgiving. Swap in grilled chicken for a lighter touch, use ground beef or sweet Italian sausage for different flavor profiles, or even consider plant-based options like crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make This Delicious Pasta

Creating this flavorful Creamy Chicken and Chorizo Pasta is straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect dish every time:

Step 1. Prepare Your Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once the water is vigorously boiling, add your chosen pasta shape and cook according to package directions until it’s al dente – tender with a slight bite. Before draining, make sure to reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water. This liquid is a secret weapon that helps bind the sauce and thin it out if needed, so don’t forget this crucial step! While your pasta is cooking, you can move on to preparing the other components.

Step 2. Sauté the Aromatics and Meats: Heat a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, then add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once shimmering, add the diced sweet onion along with the Italian seasoning, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne red pepper. Sauté for about 2 minutes, allowing the onions to soften and the spices to become fragrant. Next, add the diced red bell pepper and minced garlic, continuing to sauté for another 4 minutes until the bell peppers begin to tenderize and the garlic is aromatic but not browned.

Now, it’s time to introduce the stars of the dish! Add the chopped roasted red peppers, the cubed boneless chicken breast, and the ground chorizo to the skillet. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center, and the chorizo is beautifully browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat from the skillet if desired, although a little chorizo fat will add incredible flavor to your sauce.

Step 3. Build the Tomato Base: Once the chicken and chorizo are perfectly cooked, add the tomato paste to the skillet. Stir it in well, allowing it to cook for a minute or two. This helps to deepen its flavor and sweetness. Then, add the can of diced tomatoes (undrained, so you get all that lovely juice!) and mix everything thoroughly until it’s evenly combined with the meat and vegetable mixture.

Step 4. Simmer to Perfection: Reduce the heat to low, allowing the sauce to gently simmer for 10 minutes. This crucial step allows all the flavors to meld and deepen, creating a rich and harmonious sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 5. Finish with Cream and Pasta: Finally, stir in the heavy cream and the cooked pasta into your simmering sauce. Mix thoroughly until every piece of pasta is beautifully coated in the creamy, flavorful sauce. If the sauce appears too thick or needs a looser consistency, gradually add a tablespoon or two of your reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Serve immediately, garnished generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and herbaceous flavor.

Tips for a Perfect Creamy Chicken and Chorizo Pasta

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta provides the best texture and holds up well to the rich sauce. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and lose its appeal.
• Render Chorizo Fat: When cooking the chorizo, allow its flavorful fat to render out. This fat is golden liquid gold for your sauce, infusing it with deep, savory notes.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste your sauce before mixing in the pasta. Adjust seasonings like salt, pepper, or additional cayenne to match your preference. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end can also brighten the flavors.
• Garnish Generously: Don’t skip the fresh Parmesan and parsley! These garnishes add not only visual appeal but also a burst of fresh flavor and texture that truly completes the dish.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty pasta dish is substantial enough to be a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a simple side. Consider serving it with a fresh green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or with some crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that delicious creamy sauce. A glass of crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red such as a Pinot Noir would also complement the flavors wonderfully.

Storage & Reheating Tips

One of the best things about this Creamy Chicken and Chorizo Pasta is how well it keeps! Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This allows the flavors to deepen even further, making for an even more delicious meal the next day.

To Reheat: You have a couple of easy options. For a quick reheat, portion the pasta into a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to help rehydrate the sauce, and microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Alternatively, for a more even reheat, place the pasta in an oven-safe dish, cover it loosely with foil, and warm it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until thoroughly heated. Again, adding a little liquid before reheating can help restore the sauce’s creaminess.