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+ servings
Creamy rigatoni pasta with fresh parsley and tender chicken, served in a bowl for a delicious, comforting meal.

Creamy Chicken & Chorizo Pasta

Lola Jay
When it comes to comfort food, creamy pasta always tops the list. This Creamy Chicken & Chorizo Pasta combines the rich flavors of smoked paprika, Spanish chorizo, juicy chicken, and just the creamiest sauce, creating a dish that’s both comforting and packs so much flavor!
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 661 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 16 oz rigatoni reserve 1 cup pasta water

Chicken

  • 1.5 lbs chicken breast
  • ½ tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Sauce

  • 8 oz Spanish chorizo
  • 4 crushed garlic cloves
  • 1 shallot
  • 2 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup low sodium chicken stock
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup light cream cheese
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ cup grated pecorino romano
  • Basil for garnish

Instructions
 

Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling add your rigatoni and cooked uncovered for 1-2 minutes short of al dente according to the packet instructions. Cooking times may vary based on the pasta you are using. Once done, drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
    Woman cooking pasta in a cozy kitchen with wooden cabinets and natural light.

Prep Chicken & Chorizo

  • Slice your chicken into equal sized small cubes. It's important to make them equal sizes so they cook evenly. Add your chicken to a bowl and season with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.
  • Slice your chorizo in half lengthwise and in half again. Cut into 1" slices.

Sauce

  • Heat a large skillet on medium-high heat. Add in your Spanish chorizo and sauté for 4-5 minutes or until the oil is released and it develops some color.
  • Add in diced shallots and cook for 2-3 minutes.
    Cooking sliced sausage with onions in a pan, stirred with a wooden spoon on a stovetop.
  • Add in the chicken and cook untouched for 4 minutes to help it develop some color.
    Cooking seasoned chicken and sausage in a skillet on a wooden countertop.
  • Turn the heat to medium and add in the tomato paste and cook it down for 2 minutes.
    Cooking chicken and sausage in a skillet with wooden spoon, delicious homemade meal preparation in kitchen.
  • Add in the crushed garlic and sauté for 1 minutes.
    Cooking sausage and onions in a pan, stirred with a wooden spoon for a savory dish.
  • Deglaze the pan with the low sodium chicken broth. Add in the heavy cream, light cream cheese, and Italian seasoning. Combine well.
  • Add your rigatoni back in and let it simmer on low for 2-3 minutes, making sure your chicken is fully cooked.
    Creamy pasta dish being stirred in a pot on a wooden table. Perfect for hearty meal inspiration.
  • Turn the heat off and add in some freshly grated pecorino or parmesan. Top with some fresh basil or parsley and enjoy.
    Person cooking rigatoni pasta with cheese in a pan by a sunny kitchen window.

NOTE: If you want your pasta creamier you can add in a little of the reserved pasta water until it is the consistency you prefer. The reserved pasta water is also great if you are making this great dish ahead of time and need to revive the sauce when reheating it.

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    Nutrition Facts
    Creamy Chicken & Chorizo Pasta
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    661
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    25
    g
    38
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    11
    g
    69
    %
    Trans Fat
     
    0.01
    g
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    2
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    5
    g
    Cholesterol
     
    132
    mg
    44
    %
    Sodium
     
    564
    mg
    25
    %
    Potassium
     
    797
    mg
    23
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    62
    g
    21
    %
    Fiber
     
    3
    g
    13
    %
    Sugar
     
    5
    g
    6
    %
    Protein
     
    45
    g
    90
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    1012
    IU
    20
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    3
    mg
    4
    %
    Calcium
     
    167
    mg
    17
    %
    Iron
     
    3
    mg
    17
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.

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