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4.9 from 21 votes

Chicken Chorizo Pasta

Tender pasta shells are mixed with chorizo and seasoned shredded chicken in a cream cheese and tomato based sauce for a truly FLAVORFUL comfort food dinner recipe! Ready in 45 minutes, EASY, and with just the right amount of heat to have everyone asking for seconds! 

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings: 8
Calories: 449 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

  • 1 pound medium-sized pasta shells
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts I suggest 2 large breasts
  • 1 teaspoon cumin or more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or more to taste (regular paprika may be substituted)
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 9 ounces pork chorizo*
  • 1 cup reduced or low sodium chicken broth
  • ½ cup red onion diced small
  • 2 to 3 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1 Jalapeño seeded and diced; plus extra slices for garnishing if desired
  • 4 ounces brick-style cream cheese softened (do not use whipped, lite, or fat-free cream cheese)
  • ⅓ cup heavy cream half-and-half may be substituted
  • 8 ounces canned diced tomatoes drained
  • salt if desired and to taste
  • fresh cilantro for garnishing
  • shredded Parmesan cheese optional for garnishing

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. To a large stockpot, cook the pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside when done. While it boils, move along in the recipe.
  2. To a small bowl, add the cumin, smoked paprika, pepper, and stir to combine.
  3. Evenly press this seasoning mixture over both sides of both chicken breasts using clean hands and fingers to help it adhere well; set aside.
  4. To a large Dutch oven, add the olive oil, chorizo* (remove it from the casing if it's in one), and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes over medium-high heat. Use a wooden spoon to crumble the chorizo as it cooks to ensure even cooking.
  5. Push the chorizo to the outside ring or perimeter of the Dutch oven, leaving a bare area in which to add the chicken breasts.
  6. Add the chicken breasts and allow them to sear for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Tip - This infuses the chicken with the rich sweet and spicy flavors of the chorizo since it will be searing atop a bit of the grease. And searing the chicken also creates a flavorful crust that provides an appetizing color and more importantly seals in moisture so don't skip the searing step on both sides.
  7. Carefully pour in the chicken broth (use caution it will likely bubble up and steam).
  8. Sprinkle the red onion, garlic, and diced jalapeno evenly over the chicken breasts and chorizo.
  9. Reduce the heat to medium, cover, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken and chorizo are both done and cooked through.
  10. Remove the chicken and place it on a large cutting board or in bowl; set aside and allow it to rest momentarily.
  11. To the Dutch oven with the chorizo, add the cubed cream cheese, heavy cream, and stir continuously until the cream cheese has melted and the mixture can be stirred smooth.
  12. Shred the chicken with two forks (or add it to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and allow the paddle to shred it) and add the chicken to the Dutch oven. Stir to combine and mix with the chorizo and cream sauce.
  13. Add the canned diced tomatoes (make sure to drain them) and stir to combine.
  14. Add the pasta and stir to combine and coat evenly. Cook for about 5 minutes over medium-low heat, or until everything is warmed through as desired.
  15. Taste the dish and if desired, add salt, to taste, or make any other flavor adjustments as necessary.
  16. Garnish with cilantro to taste, optionally garnish with jalapeno sliced, and optionally sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, to taste. Serve immediately. Leftovers will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 4 months.

Notes

  • *Make sure to select a Mexican-style pork chorizo that's similar to raw ground sausage and NOT a Spanish-style chorizo which is cured or aged and resembles something more like a pepperoni or hard salami.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1 Calories 449kcal (22%) Carbohydrates 23g (8%) Protein 31g (62%) Fat 25g (38%) Saturated Fat 11g (55%) Polyunsaturated Fat 13g Cholesterol 102mg (34%) Sodium 610mg (25%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 3g (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 449

% Daily Value*

Serving 1
Calories 449kcal 22%
Carbohydrates 23g 8%
Protein 31g 62%
Fat 25g 38%
Saturated Fat 11g 55%
Polyunsaturated Fat 13g 76%
Cholesterol 102mg 34%
Sodium 610mg 25%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 3g 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.