Spanish chorizo smoky pasta (Printer-friendly)

A flavorful dish with smoky chorizo, sweet tomatoes, and a hint of smoked paprika for authentic taste.

# Ingredient List:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 ounces penne or rigatoni
02 - Salt, for boiling water

→ Meats

03 - 7 ounces Spanish chorizo, thinly sliced

→ Vegetables

04 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
07 - 14 ounces canned chopped tomatoes

→ Spices & Seasonings

08 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
10 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Dairy & Garnish

11 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
12 - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
13 - Grated Manchego or Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
02 - Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chorizo and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it releases its oil and begins to brown.
03 - Add the chopped onion and diced red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
04 - Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and chili flakes if using. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
05 - Pour in the chopped tomatoes and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
06 - Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
07 - Season with freshly ground black pepper. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley and grated cheese, if desired.
08 - Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley and cheese.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The chorizo does most of the heavy lifting, infusing the entire dish with rich, smoky flavor without fussy techniques.
  • It comes together faster than delivery arrives, making it perfect for weeknight dinners when you need something that feels special.
  • One skillet means minimal cleanup, which is honestly half the battle after a long day.
02 -
  • Don't drain the pasta completely dry—that reserved starchy water is what helps the sauce cling to each piece instead of sliding off.
  • Chorizo varies wildly by brand and origin, so taste as you cook and adjust the chili flakes based on how spicy yours already is.
  • Canned tomatoes straight from the can can sometimes taste a bit bitter if you don't let them simmer and mellow out, so patience here really pays off.
03 -
  • Buy chorizo from the butcher counter rather than pre-packaged when possible—it's fresher and the flavor is noticeably better.
  • Don't skip saving pasta water; it's the secret weapon that makes the sauce creamy without adding cream, and it's free.
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