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This chorizo pasta recipe is quick, easy, and has only a handful of ingredients! It’s ready in about 30 minutes.
You may also like my Easy Italian Sausage Tomato Pasta or Easy Pasta Arrabiata next.
Why you’ll love it
This is a really simple pasta dish that’s great when you just want some sausage, pasta, and a simple tomato sauce. It’s not fancy, and the chorizo really shines through. It’s one of those brilliant midweek meals that doesn’t take a lot of effort but tastes delicious.
A hint of cream helps to cut some of the acidity of the tomatoes and heat of the chorizo. It’s a nice way to balance it all out! Garlic and onions provide more layers of flavor, and there you go… there’s like 6 ingredients in this pasta with chorizo. I chose them wisely!
What you’ll need
- Pasta – I like penne, but any shape is fine
- Olive oil – for sautéing
- Chorizo – I use a spicy Spanish chorizo, but there are definitely milder ones out there that you could use
- Onion and garlic – tasty aromatics
- Diced/chopped tomatoes – they’re canned at peak ripeness and are convenient
- Cream – we’re using double cream (heavy cream)
Tools for this recipe
Check out Natasha’s favorite kitchen essentials, gadgets, and cookware!
- I use this handy garlic press to easily mince the garlic without peeling the cloves first.
- This is the enameled cast iron skillet pictured.
- Here is my favorite can opener for the tomatoes. It’s held up for years!
How to make chorizo pasta
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
Boil the pasta until al dente. Meanwhile, add the olive oil and chorizo to a skillet. Sauté until it’s just crispy. Add in the onion, and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic, tomatoes, and cream.
Simmer the sauce until it has reduced to your liking. Give it a taste, and season with salt & pepper as needed. Drain the pasta, and toss it with the sauce. Top with parmesan if using.
Substitutions and variations
- You could sub an entirely different kind of sausage, and it’ll still be yummy. If using Mexican chorizo vs. Spanish, you may need to drain some of the fat.
- I don’t recommend substituting something lower fat for the cream. There’s a good chance it’ll curdle due to the tomatoes.
- If you’re not fond of pieces of tomato, simply use passata (tomato sauce) instead.
What to serve with chorizo pasta
- A dusting of freshly grated parmesan is wonderful on top.
- I like this one with a light salad. Try my Super Simple Parmesan Arugula Salad or a green salad.
- It’s perfect along with a slice of fresh baguette or my Garlic Bread as well.
Leftovers and storage
- Store leftover pasta with chorizo in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
- Reheat slowly over a low heat, adding a splash more cream if needed.
- You could freeze leftover sauce, but the texture may change a bit. I’d definitely boil up fresh pasta.
If you made this simple chorizo pasta, please leave a star rating and review below! You can also tag me on Instagram if you made this or any of my recipes.
Easy Chorizo Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 (8.8 ounce) coil Spanish chorizo sausage cut into small pieces
- 1/2 small onion chopped finely
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
- Boil a large, salted pot of water for the pasta. Cook it until al dente according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, in a skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and chorizo and fry it until it just starts to get crispy (around 5 minutes).
- Add the onion and cook it until it’s softened (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in the garlic, tomatoes, and cream. Let the sauce cook for another 5 minutes or so, or until the sauce is reduced to your liking. Taste and season with salt & pepper as needed.
- Toss with the pasta and serve with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- You can either use a mild or spicy chorizo – it’s up to you. Anything in the ballpark of 8.8 ounces (about 250g) will work. You can use partially or fully cured chorizo… it’ll all taste good. I used Spanish chorizo for this recipe (not Mexican).
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Brilliant quick and tasty recipe. This is now a regular dinner choice thank you!
You’re welcome!
Absolutely fantastic!
I made this recipe and it was delicious. Plenty to go round and so tasty.
One question, can you freeze the sauce once it’s cooked?
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!! 😀 Yes, that should work to freeze it. There’s a chance the sauce will change texture a little bit due to the dairy, but it’ll still taste fine.
I don’t have cream so can I use sour cream instead?
You could try, but it will change the flavor. I’d probably let it heat thru gently at the end as it may curdle.
Easy to make and so so tasty. I made it a week ago and my son loved it so much, he is asking me for the recipe as he wants to learn to make it! In fact, he is cooking it tonight for all of us.
Aww I love that!!
Made this in a pinch tonight when I needed a plan b. Easy, tasty and a hit with the family. Clean bowls all round! Thanks.
That’s great to hear, Dan!! I appreciate your review!
Is it alright to use spaghetti pasta noodles? Wanted to try out this recipe just using what I have on hand. Thanks!
Sure! I hope you enjoy the recipe, Leila!
Loved it! Added mushroom too and was delightful! Thanks.
You’re very welcome!
Nice and easy quick meal.
Glad you liked it!
I’ve had Chorizo in my Freezer for over a year now not knowing what to do with it, so I did a Google search and this recipe came up, so Delicious, so Easy! My husband is a Pasta lover so he enjoyed it as well! I will be cooking many recipes from this site, Thank you!
I’m so happy you enjoyed this recipe and found a use for your chorizo, Michele!! 🙂 Appreciate your review.
Where is the Nutritional Information on this Recipe?
Hi! This is an old recipe (I didn’t start including nutritional info until fairly recently). Just added it for you, but do keep in mind it’s just an estimate and brands etc. can vary wildly.