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Creamy Chorizo Pasta: Your Quick & Cozy Weeknight Dinner

This Creamy Chorizo Pasta is a quick and cozy weeknight dinner featuring smoky flavors and creamy comfort.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Rigatoni Feel free to swap with your favorite pasta variety.
  • 2 Tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil You can use any neutral oil if preferred.
For the Sauce
  • 12 oz Cooked chorizo-style sausage Look for fully cooked options.
  • 1/2 medium Onion (red or yellow) Shallots can be a substitute.
  • 6 cloves Garlic Adjust based on personal taste.
  • 1.5 tsp Smoked paprika Regular paprika can be used in a pinch.
  • 1/4 tsp Freshly ground black pepper Season with salt according to preference.
  • 3 Tbsp Tomato paste Crushed tomatoes can be a substitute.
  • 4 tsp Sherry vinegar Red wine vinegar can be a good alternative.
For Creaminess
  • 1/4 cup Heavy cream Half-and-half can be used for a lighter option.
  • 2 Tbsp Unsalted butter Omit if you prefer to reduce fat.
For Garnishing
  • 1/4 cup Fresh parsley (chopped) Basil can be a delightful swap.
  • 1/4 cup Finely grated Parmesan Nutritional yeast can be a vegan alternative.

Equipment

  • large pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until very al dente, about 2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest. Reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water, then drain the rigatoni and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Introduce the cooked chorizo-style sausage, breaking it apart. Stir in 1.5 teaspoons of smoked paprika and cook for about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add 3 tablespoons of tomato paste and 4 teaspoons of sherry vinegar to the chorizo mixture. Pour in 1/4 cup of heavy cream and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, mixing until the sauce is creamy.
  5. Toss the drained rigatoni into the pot, ensuring each piece is coated in the sauce. Use reserved starchy pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
  6. Remove from heat and mix in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley and 1/4 cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 62gProtein: 22gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This dish is perfect for leftovers. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or cream to regain creaminess.

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