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If you are craving a dish that brings together robust, smoky flavors with a rich velvety sauce, this Creamy Chorizo Pasta Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a perfect marriage of spicy chorizo sausage and luscious cream, elevated with fresh tomatoes and aromatic garlic, resulting in a comforting yet exciting meal that’s incredibly easy to make. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this dish will quickly become one of your go-to favorites for its bold taste and satisfying texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to unlocking the full potential of this Creamy Chorizo Pasta Recipe. Each component is simple but essential, delivering layers of flavor, creaminess, and vibrant color that make the dish truly unforgettable.
- Pasta (12 ounces): Choose fettuccine, penne, or your favorite type to soak up the sauce perfectly.
- Chorizo sausage (8 ounces): Adds bold smokiness and a spicy kick that defines the dish.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps soften the aromatics and adds a subtle fruity undertone.
- Small onion, diced: Provides sweetness and complexity to the flavor base.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Brings a fragrant warmth that enhances the sauce.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates the silky, luscious texture the recipe is known for.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Burst of freshness and acidity that balances richness.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Boosts the smoky flavor and adds a subtle depth.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste, allowing the flavors to shine.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: A vibrant garnish that brightens every bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: For that perfect savory finish, adding umami and creaminess.
How to Make Creamy Chorizo Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cooking the pasta al dente is crucial because it will continue to absorb the sauce later on. Once cooked according to the package instructions, drain and set aside, giving you the perfect foundation for the creamy, flavorful sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Chorizo
In a spacious skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add your sliced or crumbled chorizo and let it cook until it’s beautifully browned with a bit of crispiness, releasing that intoxicating smoky aroma. This step infuses the entire dish with the bold essence of chorizo that you’re after.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the diced onion and sauté until it turns translucent and soft. This brings a mild sweetness that complements the spicy chorizo perfectly. Add the minced garlic last to avoid burning, cooking it just for about a minute to unleash its fragrant goodness.
Step 4: Add the Cream
Pour in the heavy cream and stir everything together. The cream will thicken slightly as it gently simmers, wrapping around each ingredient to create that irresistibly luscious sauce that’s at the heart of this Creamy Chorizo Pasta Recipe.
Step 5: Incorporate Tomatoes and Spices
Now it’s time to add the halved cherry tomatoes, which will soften and add bursts of fresh acidity. Stir in the smoked paprika along with salt and pepper to taste. These spices enhance the smoky elements and balance the cream’s richness that makes every bite shine.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add your drained pasta directly into the skillet, tossing it until each strand or piece is thoroughly coated with that creamy, flavorful sauce. Let it cook together for another couple of minutes so the pasta can absorb all those fantastic flavors.
Step 7: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Give your pasta a taste and tweak the seasoning if needed. You can add a bit more salt, pepper, or smoked paprika depending on your personal preference. This step is where you tailor the dish to your perfect, mouthwatering standard.
Step 8: Serve with Flair
Once everything is perfectly combined and seasoned, remove the skillet from heat. Your Creamy Chorizo Pasta Recipe is now ready to be plated and enjoyed with your favorite garnishes.
How to Serve Creamy Chorizo Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is a fantastic choice to brighten this dish, adding a pop of green and freshness that balances the richness. A generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese will add a nutty, umami depth that takes every forkful to the next level of indulgence.
Side Dishes
This pasta shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread or warm crusty bread is another excellent side to soak up every last bit of that heavenly sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting presentation, serve this dish in rustic bowls allowing the creamy sauce to pool enticingly. You can also arrange the pasta alongside a sprinkle of microgreens or a drizzle of chili oil if you like a little extra kick and color contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover creamy chorizo pasta in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld together even more upon resting, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, though cream-based sauces sometimes change texture after thawing. If you plan to freeze, cool the pasta completely, place it in a sealable freezer bag or container, and use within 2 months for the best quality.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwave reheating as it can cause the sauce to separate and lose that silky texture you love.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage instead of chorizo?
Absolutely! While chorizo is key for its smoky, spicy flavor, you can substitute with Italian sausage or even a mild smoked sausage, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety, and ensure that the chorizo and other ingredients do not contain gluten additives. The dish will still be just as creamy and delicious.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a dinner party?
You can cook the pasta and sauce separately in advance and combine them right before serving. This helps maintain the freshness of the sauce and pasta texture for a dinner party setting.
What if I want it spicier?
Feel free to add a pinch of chili flakes or use a hotter variety of chorizo to dial up the heat while keeping the creamy balance.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
You can make a vegetarian version by replacing chorizo with smoked paprika-seasoned mushrooms or plant-based sausage alternatives. Then follow the rest of the steps as usual for a similarly creamy and flavorful experience.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Chorizo Pasta Recipe enough if you’re looking for a quick yet impressive meal that bursts with bold flavors and comforting textures. It’s a dish that invites you to savor every forkful and share the joy with those you care about. Give it a go — your taste buds will thank you!
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Creamy Chorizo Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Spanish-inspired
Description
This Creamy Chorizo Pasta is a delightful and indulgent dish featuring perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a rich, smoky chorizo cream sauce with fresh cherry tomatoes. It’s a quick, flavorful meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, combining the spiciness of chorizo with the smoothness of heavy cream and the freshness of parsley and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
Chorizo Sauce
- 8 ounces chorizo sausage, sliced or crumbled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook 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 it aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Brown the Chorizo: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced or crumbled chorizo and cook for 5-7 minutes until it is browned and cooked through, releasing its flavorful oils.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the chorizo and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Add the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine it with the chorizo mixture. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook briefly until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes soften and meld with the creamy sauce.
- Toss with Pasta: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy chorizo sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat everything through thoroughly.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or smoked paprika if needed to suit your preference.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the creamy chorizo pasta immediately, garnished generously with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and color.
Notes
- Use your favorite pasta shape; fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni work well to hold the creamy sauce.
- For a spicier dish, use a spicy chorizo or add chili flakes to the sauce.
- If you prefer a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative, though the sauce may be less rich.
- Reserve a small cup of pasta water before draining to loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
