Decadent Creamy Chorizo Pasta : A Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner

Posted on August 25, 2025 ·

By Lyndy

creamy chorizo pasta on a white plate

If you’re in the mood for a bold, comforting, and creamy dish that comes together effortlessly, look no further than this Creamy Chorizo Pasta. Loaded with spicy chorizo, silky cream, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dinner is ready in under 30 minutes — making it one of the best chorizo recipes dinner easy lovers will keep on repeat.

Whether you’re looking to switch up your pasta night or explore recipes using chorizo sausage, this dish is fast, fuss-free, and delivers restaurant-worthy flavor.

Let’s break it down step-by-step, so you can get this chorizo sausage pasta on your dinner table tonight.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chorizo Pasta

  • Quick & Easy: Ready in just 25–30 minutes
  • One-Pan Simplicity: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor
  • Versatile: Works with rigatoni, penne, or even gnocchi
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Spicy, creamy, cheesy – what’s not to love?

If you loved Creamy Chorizo Gnocchi, you’ll absolutely adore this pasta version. It’s a cozy comfort meal that still feels elevated.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything to grab from your fridge and pantry:

  • Olive oil – for sautéing
  • Chorizo sausage – sliced or ground
  • Brown onion – diced
  • Garlic cloves – crushed
  • Heavy cream – creates that luscious sauce
  • Pasta of choice – rigatoni, penne, or fettuccine all work
  • Parmesan cheese – for richness
  • Baby spinach (optional) – adds a veggie boost
  • Salt & black pepper – to taste

This list keeps things simple but full of flavor — great for those building their meal plans with ground chorizo recipes dinner ideas.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the chorizo

While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced or crumbled chorizo and cook until browned and slightly crispy on the edges — about 5–7 minutes.

Step 3: Add aromatics

Stir in chopped onion and garlic. Cook until the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant — around 2–3 minutes.

Step 4: Pour in the cream

Lower heat and add the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently to thicken slightly — about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Mix in cheese and spinach

Add grated parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. If using spinach, toss it in and let it wilt into the sauce.

Step 6: Combine with pasta

Return your cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until evenly coated. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 7: Serve and enjoy

Plate the pasta hot and top with extra parmesan and cracked pepper. Serve with garlic bread or a side salad.

Tips for Success

  • Use quality chorizo: Spanish-style chorizo for bold, smoky flavor; Mexican chorizo for more heat and a softer texture
  • Don’t skip pasta water: The starch helps bind the sauce
  • Grate your own cheese: Pre-shredded varieties won’t melt as smoothly

For a refreshing side, try this Cucumber Shrimp Salad — it pairs wonderfully with creamy, spicy mains.

Variations to Try

  • Chorizo Rigatoni Pasta: Use thick-cut rigatoni to soak up the sauce
  • Add veggies: Bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini cook quickly and add nutrients
  • Make it spicy: Add chili flakes or hot paprika for more kick
  • Make it lighter: Sub in half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lightened-up cream base

Looking for more healthy sides? These Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans are simple and pair well.

How to Store & Reheat

  • Store: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge
  • Reheat: Warm on the stove with a splash of cream or water, or microwave gently in 30-second intervals
  • Freeze: Not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate when thawed

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked chorizo?
Yes, but fresh chorizo adds more depth. If using pre-cooked, reduce cooking time slightly.

What’s the best pasta for chorizo dishes?
Rigatoni and penne are ideal — their ridges hold the creamy sauce well.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your chorizo is gluten-free too.

How can I bulk it up for meal prep?
Add extra vegetables like spinach, roasted red peppers, or broccoli. You could even toss in some chickpeas for more protein.

This pasta is perfect for meal prepped lunches or even easy meals for leftovers — the flavor gets even better the next day.

More Chorizo Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re in love with bold, spicy flavor, you might also enjoy:

Want a non-pasta twist? Try Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls for a Tex-Mex alternative.

Why This Is One of the Best Chorizo Dinner Recipes

This Creamy Chorizo Pasta is everything we crave in a comfort dish — spicy sausage, creamy sauce, hearty pasta — all tied together in a fast and easy recipe. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, this meal satisfies every craving for richness, warmth, and flavor.

You won’t need a ton of ingredients, time, or cooking experience to pull this off. And when your dinner guests ask for the recipe, you’ll smile knowing it came from your weeknight repertoire.

Final Bite

Looking for the ultimate meals with chorizo that combine creamy indulgence and ease? This chorizo pasta is your new go-to. It’s flexible, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying. Try it tonight — your tastebuds will thank you.

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Chorizo Pasta – The Bold, Creamy Dinner That’s Easy and Irresistible


  • Author: Lyndy
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This **Chorizo Pasta** is bold, creamy, and irresistibly satisfying. Juicy, smoky chorizo combines with a rich tomato cream sauce and tender pasta for a weeknight dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy nights when you need comfort and big flavor fast.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 300g (10.5 oz) rigatoni or any short pasta
  • 250g (9 oz) chorizo sausage, chopped or crumbled
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
  • ½ cup tomato paste
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Cook Chorizo: In a skillet, heat olive oil. Cook chorizo 4–5 minutes until browned. Remove with slotted spoon, leaving oil in pan.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Add onion and cook until soft. Stir in garlic, smoked paprika, and chili flakes. Cook 1 minute.
  4. Make Sauce: Stir in tomato paste and cook 2–3 minutes until darkened. Pour in cream, bring to a gentle simmer, and stir in Parmesan until smooth.
  5. Combine: Add pasta and chorizo to sauce. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen.
  6. Serve: Season to taste, garnish with parsley or basil, and serve hot with extra Parmesan.

Notes

  • Use raw Mexican chorizo for the best flavor infusion in the sauce.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
  • Add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra veggies.
  • Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut cream for a lighter option.
  • Penne, fusilli, or cavatappi also work beautifully with this sauce.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Pasta
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian, Fusion

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 560
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 920mg
  • Fat: 32g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: Chorizo Pasta, Creamy Chorizo Pasta, Chorizo Dinner Recipes, Chorizo Sausage Pasta, Ground Chorizo Recipes Dinner, Weeknight Pasta Recipes

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