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
Scale
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.
