I remember the first time I stumbled upon Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Chorizo Pasta Bake. It was a lazy Sunday afternoon, and I was craving something comforting but with a bit of a twist. I had all the usual pasta bake ingredients in my pantry, but the addition of chorizo intrigued me. I gave it a go, and let me tell you-it blew my mind! The combination of juicy chicken, spicy chorizo, and creamy cheese made for a meal that felt like a hug on a plate. This dish quickly became a household favorite.
The beauty of this pasta bake is how it perfectly blends smoky, spicy, and savory flavors. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up. It’s the kind of dish that feels gourmet but doesn’t require hours of prep or obscure ingredients.
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken And Chorizo Pasta Bake Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Chorizo Pasta Bake is an effortlessly delicious dish. You can make it for family dinners, meal prep, or just when you want to treat yourself. The key ingredients are simple, but the magic happens when they all come together. Here’s the breakdown of this tasty recipe:
Ingredients Needed
- 2 chicken breasts – boneless, skinless, and chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 200g chorizo – sliced into small pieces or chunks
- 300g pasta – penne or rigatoni works best
- 1 onion – finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves – minced
- 1 can chopped tomatoes – about 400g
- 200ml double cream – for that creamy richness
- 100g grated cheese – cheddar or a mix of your choice
- 1 tsp smoked paprika – to add that smoky flavor
- Olive oil – for cooking
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Fresh parsley – chopped for garnish
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken And Chorizo Pasta Bake
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Prep The Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (or 180°C for fan ovens).
- Boil your pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
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Cook The Chicken
- Heat a bit of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Cook the chicken until golden brown on all sides. Set it aside.
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Sauté The Chorizo
- In the same pan, add the sliced chorizo and cook for 3-4 minutes until it releases its oil and becomes crispy.
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Make The Sauce
- Toss in the chopped onion and garlic to the pan with the chorizo and cook until softened.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for another 10 minutes, letting it all simmer together.
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Assemble
- Mix the cooked pasta, chicken, and the tomato-chorizo sauce together in a large baking dish.
- Pour in the cream and stir everything to combine.
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Add The Cheese
- Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the top.
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Bake
- Pop it in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
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Garnish And Serve
- Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and serve hot.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
There’s some fascinating science behind the magic of Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Chorizo Pasta Bake. Let’s take a closer look at the key players:
- Chorizo: This cured sausage is packed with spices, particularly paprika. The smoky, spicy flavors are fat-soluble, meaning they blend perfectly when cooked in the fat it releases. The longer you let it cook, the deeper the flavor gets.
- Chicken: Chicken breast, while lean, takes on flavor wonderfully. When browned, it undergoes the Maillard reaction-a process where amino acids and sugars react under heat, giving the chicken a rich, umami-packed flavor that’s a perfect match for the bold chorizo.
- Cream: The creamy richness binds everything together. Fat helps mellow out the spiciness of the chorizo, while also adding body to the sauce, making it luxurious.
- Cheese: The addition of cheese brings both flavor and texture. Melting cheese creates a beautiful, gooey topping, while the sharpness of cheddar contrasts nicely with the richness of the cream.
Expert Tips
- Don’t overcook the pasta: It will cook more in the oven, so undercook it slightly when boiling.
- Use a mix of cheeses: While cheddar works well, adding a bit of mozzarella will give you extra stretchiness and creaminess.
- Sear the chicken properly: Don’t rush this step! Getting a good sear on the chicken enhances the flavor and texture.
- Let it rest before serving: Giving your pasta bake a few minutes to cool down allows the flavors to set, and it’s easier to serve.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and chorizo and opt for a plant-based sausage or smoked tofu. You can still get that savory depth without meat.
- Add veggies: Throw in some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to add color and nutrients.
- Spicy twist: If you love heat, throw in some red chili flakes or a fresh chili to ramp up the spice.
Final Words
Jamie’s Chicken and Chorizo Pasta Bake is the perfect recipe for anyone who loves bold flavors and comfort food. It combines the richness of cream, the smokiness of chorizo, and the satisfying nature of pasta, creating a dish that’s both hearty and flavorful.
It’s one of those meals that gets better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers. Plus, you can play around with the ingredients to make it your own-add extra cheese, swap out the chorizo, or load it with veggies.
FAQs
What Type Of Pasta Works Best For Jamie Oliver’s Chicken And Chorizo Pasta Bake?
A short pasta like penne or rigatoni works best because it holds the sauce and bakes well.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken And Chorizo Pasta Bake Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can prepare it up to a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate before baking.
Can I Substitute The Chorizo In This Recipe?
Yes, you can use any other type of sausage or even smoked chicken if you prefer a different flavor.