Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Chorizo Pasta Bake is a comforting, hearty dish that brings together tender chicken, smoky chorizo, and pasta in a rich tomato sauce, all topped with melted cheese. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or when you need to feed a crowd with minimal effort. It’s a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.

What is Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Chorizo Pasta Bake?

Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Chorizo Pasta Bake is a flavorful casserole-style dish that combines the rich, smoky flavors of chorizo with tender chicken and pasta. The ingredients are cooked in a tomato-based sauce, then topped with cheese and baked until golden and bubbly. This dish is a great option for a filling and delicious dinner, with the added bonus of being easy to prepare ahead of time.

Jamie Oliver Chicken and Chorizo Pasta Bake

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Rich and Flavorful: The combination of spicy chorizo, tender chicken, and a rich tomato sauce creates a deeply satisfying dish.
Cheesy Goodness: Topped with melted cheese, this pasta bake is the ultimate comfort food.
Easy to Prepare: A straightforward recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Great for Leftovers: This dish reheats well, making it ideal for meal prep or enjoying leftovers the next day.
Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleasing dish that everyone in the family will love.

Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Chicken and Chorizo Pasta Bake

300g (10.5 oz) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)

2 tablespoons olive oil
200g (7 oz) chorizo, sliced
2 chicken breasts, diced

1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 can (400g/14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (400g/14 oz) tomato passata

100ml (3.5 fl oz) chicken stock
Salt and pepper, to taste
150g (5.3 oz) grated mozzarella or cheddar cheese

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Equipment

Large pot for cooking pasta
Large frying pan or skillet

Wooden spoon
Baking dish
Grater

Chopping board and knife

Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Chicken and Chorizo Pasta Bake

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Chorizo

Heat the Oil: In a large frying pan or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Cook the Chorizo: Add the sliced chorizo to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until it releases its oils and becomes slightly crispy. Remove the chorizo from the pan and set aside, leaving the oil in the pan.
Brown the Chicken: In the same pan, add the diced chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside with the chorizo.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the chopped onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.

Add the Tomatoes: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato passata, and chicken stock. Add the smoked paprika and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes to thicken slightly.
Combine with Chicken and Chorizo: Return the cooked chicken and chorizo to the pan, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes to melt the flavors.

Step 4: Assemble the Pasta Bake

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

Mix with Pasta: In a large mixing bowl or directly in the baking dish, combine the cooked pasta with the chicken and chorizo sauce, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the grated mozzarella or cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the pasta.

Step 5: Bake the Pasta

Bake Until Golden: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.
Cool Slightly: Allow the pasta bake to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if using, and serve the pasta bake hot.

What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver Chicken and Chorizo Pasta Bake

This hearty pasta bake pairs well with a variety of side dishes:

Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast to the rich pasta bake.
Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Roasted Vegetables: Roasted zucchini, broccoli, or asparagus make great side dishes.
Steamed Green Beans: A side of steamed green beans adds a healthy, crisp element to the meal.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Chicken and Chorizo Pasta Bake

To ensure your chicken and chorizo pasta bake turns out perfectly, keep these expert tips in mind:

Cook the Pasta Al Dente: Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven and absorb some of the sauce.
Use High-Quality Chorizo: For the best flavor, use a good-quality Spanish chorizo that’s well-seasoned and smoky.
Let It Rest: Allow the pasta bake to rest for a few minutes after baking to help the flavors meld together and make it easier to serve.

Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce for added nutrition and flavor.
Use a Mix of Cheeses: For extra flavor, use a combination of mozzarella and cheddar or add some Parmesan to the topping.

Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver Chicken and Chorizo Pasta Bake

Here are a few ways to customize your chicken and chorizo pasta bake:

Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Creamy Pasta Bake: Stir in a little cream or crème fraîche to the sauce for a richer, creamier texture.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and chorizo and load the pasta bake with vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and spinach.

Herbed Cheese Topping: Mix some chopped herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano into the cheese before sprinkling it over the pasta.
Bacon Addition: Add crispy bacon pieces for an extra smoky flavor.

Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver Chicken and Chorizo Pasta Bake

Proper storage is key to maintaining the quality of your pasta bake:

Refrigerate leftovers: Store leftover pasta and bake it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze for Later: You can freeze the pasta bake before baking. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Reheat Gently: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through.

Best Practices to Reheat Jamie Oliver Chicken and Chorizo Pasta Bake

Reheating pasta bake while maintaining its flavor and texture is easy:

Oven Reheating: Reheat the pasta bake in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes, covered with foil to prevent the top from over-browning. Remove the foil in the last 5 minutes to allow the cheese to crisp up.
Microwave Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep the pasta moist, and heat until warmed through.

How Can I Make Jamie Oliver Chicken and Chorizo Pasta Bake Healthier?

For a healthier version of the chicken and chorizo pasta bake, consider these adjustments:

Use Whole Wheat Pasta: Substitute regular pasta with whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
Reduce Cheese: Use less cheese or opt for a reduced-fat version to cut down on calories and fat.

Increase Vegetables: Add more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to bulk up the dish with fewer calories.
Use Lean Chicken: Opt for chicken breast instead of thighs for a lower fat content.
Low-Sodium Options: Use low-sodium chicken stock and canned tomatoes to reduce the sodium content of the dish.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

Calories: 650
Carbohydrates: 60g
Protein: 35g

Fat: 30g
Sodium: 800mg

Final Words

The Jamie Oliver Chicken and Chorizo Pasta Bake is a rich, hearty dish that combines tender chicken, smoky chorizo, and a flavorful tomato sauce, all topped with melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this pasta bake is easy to prepare and sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

More By British Baking Recipes

Jamie Oliver Chicken and Chorizo Pasta Bake Recipe

Author: Ekani Ella
Prep Time: 20
Cook Time: 40

Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 1x
Category: Main Course

Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-British Fusion

Print Recipe

Description

Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Chorizo Pasta Bake is a flavorful casserole-style dish that combines the rich, smoky flavors of chorizo with tender chicken and pasta. The ingredients are cooked in a tomato-based sauce, then topped with cheese and baked until golden and bubbly. This dish is a great option for a filling and delicious dinner, with the added bonus of being easy to prepare ahead of time.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Chorizo

Heat the Oil: In a large frying pan or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Cook the Chorizo: Add the sliced chorizo to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until it releases its oils and becomes slightly crispy. Remove the chorizo from the pan and set aside, leaving the oil in the pan.
Brown the Chicken: In the same pan, add the diced chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside with the chorizo.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the chopped onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
Add the Tomatoes: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato passata, and chicken stock. Add the smoked paprika and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes to thicken slightly.
Combine with Chicken and Chorizo: Return the cooked chicken and chorizo to the pan, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 4: Assemble the Pasta Bake

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Mix with Pasta: In a large mixing bowl or directly in the baking dish, combine the cooked pasta with the chicken and chorizo sauce, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated.

Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the grated mozzarella or cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the pasta.

Step 5: Bake the Pasta

Bake Until Golden: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.
Cool Slightly: Allow the pasta bake to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if using, and serve the pasta bake hot.