This Pasta with Chorizo and Tomato Sauce is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring spicy chorizo, smoky paprika, and a rich tomato sauce. Paired with perfectly cooked pasta and topped with shaved Manchego cheese, this dish is simple yet packed with Spanish-inspired flavors. It’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends and family.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 (8-ounce) Spanish semi-cured chorizo (case removed, cut into 1/4-inch slices)
- 1/4 cup Spanish extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 (24-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (or 24 ounces of fresh pulsed tomatoes)
- 1 teaspoon Spanish smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more for pasta water
- 1/2 pound penne (macaroni or spaghetti can also be used)
- 1/4 cup shaved Manchego cheese, for serving
Directions:
- Prepare the ingredients:
- Chop the onion into 1/4-inch chunks.
- Finely chop the garlic cloves.
- Dice the red bell pepper after removing seeds and veins.
- Remove the casing from the chorizo, if not already done. Slice the chorizo into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
- Cook the chorizo and vegetables:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add half of the olive oil.
- Once hot, add the onion, garlic, red bell pepper, and chorizo slices. Stir frequently to avoid sticking. If ingredients begin to stick, add the remaining olive oil.
- Cook until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Prepare the tomato sauce:
- Once the onions are soft, add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet.
- Sprinkle the smoked paprika over the sauce and stir.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the pasta:
- While the sauce is cooking, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.
- Add a big pinch of salt to the boiling water and then add the pasta.
- Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta.
- Finish and serve:
- Taste the sauce and adjust salt if needed. Remove from heat.
- Plate the pasta in individual serving bowls and top with the sauce. Alternatively, you can present the dish family-style in a large serving bowl.
- Top with shaved Manchego cheese before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce.
- Pair with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for extra color and flavor.
- Serve alongside a glass of Spanish red wine, such as Rioja.
- Add a lightly dressed arugula salad on top for added freshness.
Cooking Tips:
- Use high-quality chorizo: Spanish semi-cured chorizo adds authentic smoky flavor, but other chorizo varieties can be substituted if needed.
- Don’t let the olive oil smoke: Olive oil has a lower smoke point than other oils, so keep an eye on the heat to prevent burning and bitterness.
- Cook pasta al dente: Cooking the pasta until just tender ensures it holds up well when combined with the sauce.
- Use fresh tomatoes: If you prefer a fresher taste, use fresh pulsed tomatoes instead of canned.
- Add extra spices: For more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Protein-rich from the chorizo, supporting muscle health.
- Antioxidants from the red bell pepper and tomatoes, helping reduce inflammation.
- Healthy fats from the Spanish extra-virgin olive oil.
- Vitamin C from the red bell pepper, supporting immune health.
- Rich in flavor with minimal added sugar, making it a more wholesome pasta dish compared to store-bought sauces.
Dietary Information:
- High-protein from the chorizo, making it a hearty meal.
- Rich in healthy fats from the olive oil, providing satiety.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta to adapt the recipe.
- Contains dairy due to Manchego cheese, but can be omitted for a dairy-free version.
- Nut-free, making it suitable for those with nut allergies.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
Storage:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warm, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Freeze: The sauce can be frozen separately for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Bold Spanish flavors: Smoked paprika and chorizo add a rich, authentic Spanish taste.
- Simple and quick: Easy to make, with minimal prep and cooking time.
- Hearty and satisfying: A comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Versatile: Works well with different types of pasta and can be customized with additional vegetables.
- Great for leftovers: The flavors develop even more after a day, making it perfect for meal prep.
Conclusion:
This Pasta with Chorizo and Tomato Sauce is a flavorful, comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The smoky chorizo, rich tomato sauce, and tender pasta make it an easy but satisfying dinner that’s sure to please the whole family. Top it with Manchego cheese for an extra touch of richness, and enjoy every bite of this hearty, Spanish-inspired dish!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use macaroni, spaghetti, or any pasta shape you like. - What can I use instead of Manchego cheese?
Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or any sharp cheese can be used as a substitute. - Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, omit the chorizo and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms or zucchini, for a vegetarian version. - Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Use 24 ounces of fresh pulsed tomatoes for a fresher flavor. - How do I make it spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or extra chili powder to the sauce for added heat.