Who doesn’t love a comforting plate of pasta that comes together in no time and remains fragrant, rich, and bursting with flavors? Welcome to our culinary journey, where we’re diving into the creation of Chicken and Chorizo Pasta, all ready in just 25 minutes! This savory dish, combining tender chicken tenderloins with the smoky allure of Spanish chorizo, is an effortless way to transform your weeknight dinners. With a delightful mix of creamy sauce, aromatic garlic, and a hint of herbs, this recipe is not only budget-friendly but also highly adaptable—perfect for experimenting with whatever ingredients you have at hand. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, stick around as we unravel the steps to making this scrumptious meal that promises to please your palate and satisfy your family’s cravings. Don’t forget to share your thoughts and subscribe for more delicious recipes!
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preparing the chicken tenderloins. They are a convenient choice since they are naturally pre-sliced, saving you time on prepping. However, they come with a tendon that needs to be removed. Here’s the easy way to do it:
- Thread the white tendon through the prongs of a fork.
- Using a paper towel, grip the tendon tightly.
- Push down on the fork while pulling up with the paper towel to remove the tendon in one clean piece.
Once mastered, this technique ensures clean, tender pieces of chicken without sacrificing the meat.
Step 2: Deal with the Chorizo
Next, handle the chorizo. This smoky, flavorful sausage is key to the dish’s richness:
- Remove the casing from the chorizo. If it is soft, squeeze out the meat; otherwise, dice it into small pieces.
- This step can be a bit messy but rewarding, as the rendered fat will be used to cook other elements of the dish, infusing them with flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic and Parsley (Optional)
Garlic is a must-have for its strong aroma and taste. Create a garlic paste by running five cloves along a microplane, releasing more flavor than chopping or slicing. Flat leaf parsley is optional but offers a fresh garnish:
- Chop the parsley roughly and scrunch it up to make handling easier.
Step 4: Season the Chicken
Add the chicken tenderloins to a mixing bowl. Season with:
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- A generous pinch of salt
- 15 cracks of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Mix with clean hands to ensure even coating of the chicken.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Adding a lid can speed up the process:
- Add 400 grams (14 oz) of pasta, such as penne, and cook for 1 minute less than the package instructions.
- Reserve some pasta water for later use.
Step 6: Cook the Chorizo and Chicken
In a cold pan over medium heat, add the chorizo. Break it into small pieces to render the fat:
- After cooking for 3-4 minutes, when the chorizo is golden brown and the fat rendered, remove it, reserving the fat in the pan.
Now, add the seasoned chicken to the same pan:
- Cook for about 4 minutes, flipping once to ensure a golden crust.
Step 7: Create the Sauce
Lower the heat and add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to the pan:
- Melt the butter, then add the garlic paste. Cook for 45 seconds to a minute until fragrant.
- Stir in 3 tablespoons of concentrated tomato paste, cooking for another 2 minutes.
Pour in 600 ml of thickened cream (at least 35% fat):
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, seasoning with additional salt and 15 cracks of black pepper.
- Let it thicken for about 7 minutes.
Step 8: Combine Everything
Once your sauce is ready:
- Add the cooked chicken, chorizo, and any juices from them into the sauce.
- Mix in half of the parsley, or save it for garnish.
- Add the drained pasta to the sauce, mixing until each piece is coated.
Final Touches
If you desire, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for an added layer of richness. Adjust the sauce consistency with reserved pasta water as needed. Taste for seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if necessary.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pasta hot, giving each serving a generous sprinkle of Parmesan, a few cracks of black pepper, and a pinch of parsley. This dish is surprisingly filling and can serve up to four people, though you might find yourself going back for seconds due to its tempting aroma and delicious taste.
This Chicken and Chorizo Pasta is perfect for those nights when you need something quick, comforting, and absolutely mouthwatering. Feel free to experiment with other ingredients based on what’s in your pantry, and don’t hesitate to make it your own. Enjoy this delightful dish and savor the rich, creamy, and smoky flavors that come together harmoniously in every bite.
