Creamy Chorizo Pasta

$To make creamy chorizo pasta, you need just a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 300g pasta (penne or fusilli work well) - 150g chorizo, sliced - 200ml heavy cream - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 50g Parmesan cheese, grated - 1 cup spinach leaves - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish You can use penne or fusilli for this recipe. Both shapes hold the sauce well, making each bite creamy and flavorful. Chorizo is a spicy, flavorful sausage. Slice it thinly before cooking. This helps it brown nicely and adds great flavor to the dish. You will need heavy cream for richness, onion and garlic for flavor, and spices like smoked paprika to enhance the taste. Spinach adds color and nutrition. Finally, Parmesan cheese brings a salty, cheesy finish. Each ingredient plays a role in making this dish rich and satisfying. Enjoy gathering them for your cooking adventure! {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook pasta until al dente, start with a large pot of salted boiling water. Add the pasta and stir it well. Follow the package instructions for the cooking time. Test the pasta a minute or two before the time is up. It should feel firm but not hard. When it’s ready, drain the pasta but save a cup of the water. This water is starchy and helps thicken your sauce later. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chorizo and cook it for about 5 to 6 minutes. You want it to brown nicely. This browning creates a deep, rich flavor. Don’t rush this step; it adds great taste to your dish. Once your chorizo is brown, lower the heat. Pour in 200ml of heavy cream and stir. Add one teaspoon of smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. It should thicken slightly. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reach the desired thickness. Add the cooked pasta and one cup of spinach leaves to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything well so the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. This will help achieve the perfect creamy texture. Stir in 50g of grated Parmesan cheese right at the end. This adds a nice richness to the dish. Taste your pasta and adjust the seasoning if needed. For garnish, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top before serving. An extra sprinkle of Parmesan never hurts either! To avoid overcooking pasta and chorizo, follow these steps: - Pasta: Cook it until al dente. This means it should still have a slight bite. Always check the time on the package. - Chorizo: Sauté it until it’s brown but not hard. About 5-6 minutes works well. To enhance flavor profiles, try these ideas: - Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. - Use fresh herbs like thyme or basil to brighten the dish. - Consider adding a splash of white wine before the cream for depth. Plating creamy chorizo pasta can be simple yet beautiful. Here’s how: - Use a large fork to twirl pasta onto the plate for a nice shape. - Create height by stacking the pasta in the center. For garnishing creatively: - Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color. - Add extra Parmesan cheese for a touch of elegance. - Use a drizzle of olive oil for a glossy finish. Pro Tips Choose the Right Pasta: For this creamy sauce, opt for pasta shapes that can hold onto the sauce well, like penne or fusilli. Adjust the Creaminess: If the sauce is too thick, gradually add a splash of reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Enhance the Flavor: For extra depth, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: Always finish with fresh parsley or basil for a burst of color and flavor that brightens the dish. {{image_2}} You can easily swap ingredients in creamy chorizo pasta. For cream, use coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free option. You can also try using Greek yogurt for a lighter version. If you need cheese alternatives, nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. For protein, chorizo is great, but you can use chicken or shrimp instead. Simply sauté them until cooked through. If you want a vegetarian dish, use mushrooms or lentils for a hearty texture. Adding vegetables can boost flavor and nutrition. Spinach is a great choice, but you can also use kale, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking. To add more greens, try arugula or broccoli. They add a nice crunch and color. For extra flavor, consider sun-dried tomatoes or olives. They bring a delightful twist to the dish. To keep creamy chorizo pasta fresh, place it in an airtight container. This helps prevent the pasta from drying out. Make sure to refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking. The pasta will stay good for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat again, reheat the pasta on the stove. Add a splash of milk or cream to keep it creamy. Cook over low heat and stir often. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts and stir in between. If you want to store creamy chorizo pasta for longer, freezing is a great option. First, let the pasta cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags. Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing. This keeps the pasta from getting freezer burn. The pasta can stay frozen for up to three months. To thaw, move the pasta to the fridge overnight. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it on the stove. Again, add some milk or cream if it seems dry. Stir it often until heated through. Enjoy your creamy chorizo pasta anytime! To stop pasta from sticking, use plenty of water. Boil it well before adding pasta. Stir the pasta often while it cooks. After draining, toss it with a bit of olive oil. This helps keep it loose and ready for your sauce. If you don’t have chorizo, try using spicy Italian sausage. You can also use smoked sausage for a different twist. For a vegetarian option, use lentils or mushrooms. They will add a nice texture and flavor. Yes, you can make creamy chorizo pasta gluten-free. Just use gluten-free pasta. There are many options like rice or corn pasta. They cook just like regular pasta. Follow the package instructions for best results. This blog post covered how to make creamy chorizo pasta from scratch. We explored the essential ingredients and provided step-by-step instructions. I shared helpful tips for cooking and presenting the dish. We also discussed options for variations and proper storage. For a delightful meal, don’t shy away from making it your own. Adjust flavors, swap ingredients, and enjoy every bite. Follow these tips to create a dish that impresses and satisfies. Happy cooking!$

A delicious pasta dish featuring creamy sauce and spicy chorizo.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

300 g pasta (penne or fusilli)
150 g chorizo, sliced
200 ml heavy cream
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
50 g Parmesan cheese, grated
1 cup spinach leaves
2 tablespoons olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chorizo and sauté until it begins to brown, about 5-6 minutes.
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring well. Add the smoked paprika and season with salt and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Add the cooked pasta and spinach leaves to the skillet, tossing to coat everything evenly in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until desired creaminess is achieved.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Transfer the creamy chorizo pasta to serving plates, garnish with fresh parsley, and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Add more spinach for extra nutrition.

Keyword chorizo, creamy, pasta, quick meal