The Ultimate Creamy Chorizo Pasta

What is Chorizo?

Chorizo is a super tasty sausage that originated in Spain and is a popular ingredient in Latin American and Mexican cooking. There are basically two main kinds of chorizo: Spanish chorizo, which is a cured sausage with a smoky kick, and Mexican chorizo, a fresh and spicy sausage that you’ll find spicing up all sorts of dishes. 

Chorizo can be made mild or spicy, depending on spice tolerance and preferences. It is also popular veganized with a soy-based chorizo. Whichever version you choose, chorizo is full of flavor and adds the most delicious flair to this pasta!

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

A dreamy, flavorful Chorizo Pasta recipe made with a creamy tomato sauce base of tomato paste, cream cheese, parmesan, half and half, garlic, onion, and chicken broth simmered and tossed with fresh pasta, chorizo sausage and loaded with baby spinach for extra veggies. 

This hearty and filling pasta is the perfect option for a cozy, comforting weeknight dinner or double the batch for a Sunday family dinner. Here’s a few more reasons to love this dish:

• 22 grams of protein
• Ready in just 30 minutes
• Easy to make vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free
• Customizable to your spice preferences
• Kid-friendly (my 4-year-old devoured this dish!)

• Rigatoni pasta: Use gluten-free or regular pasta, depending on your dietary needs and preferences. I used rigatoni, but use your favorite shape. Farfalle and penne pasta are also great options. 
• Olive oil: You can also substitute butter or vegan butter if preferred. 
• Chorizo: You can use any type of chorizo – Mexican, Spanish, spicy, or mild. I used mild to cook for my family, and even my 4-year-old devoured this dish! Remove from the casing or cut into ½ inch slices. 
• Onion
• Garlic cloves
• Tomato paste
• Chicken broth
• Half and half: You can also use heavy cream or coconut milk instead. 
• Cream cheese: Use your favorite cream cheese brand or dairy-free cream cheese for a dairy-free version. Kite Hill makes a great cream cheese alternative. Let it sit at room temperature to soften before using.  
• Parmesan cheese: Grated, plus use more garnish. 
• Salt and black pepper
• Baby spinach
• Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes

Step 1: Boil pasta in a large pot of salted water, and cook al dente according to package instructions.

Step 2: Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add chorizo and onion, and cook stirring until crispy – about 6-7 minutes.

Step 3: Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, then add tomato paste and chicken broth. Bring to a boil and scrape the bottom of the pan until reduced by half – about 4 minutes.

Step 4: Stir in the cream, then bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, then stir in cream cheese and parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Reduce the heat to low, then simmer until thickened to your liking. Taste and season with salt & pepper as needed. 

Step 6: Stir in spinach until wilted, then add the cooked pasta. Stir to combine.

Step 7: Serve warm, garnished with parsley, red pepper flakes, and grated parmesan.

Expert Tips

• Dairy Free: Use vegan cream cheese, coconut milk in place of half and half, and nutritional yeast in place of parmesan.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free. I prefer rigatoni, but you can use any short pasta of your choice.
• Vegan: Use soy chorizo, vegan cream cheese, coconut milk, and nutritional yeast. 

Serving Tips

• Serve this creamy chorizo pasta dish with a side salad and garlic bread or by itself. Garnish with parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and pepper flakes to taste. 

Storage Tips

• This pasta is best enjoyed freshly made, but you can keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Microwave to reheat.

More Creamy Pasta Recipes

Creamy Steak Pasta with Dairy-Free Alfredo Sauce

Ham and Pea Pasta Salad

Hidden Veggie Mac & Cheese

Hidden Veggie Lasagna Casserole

One Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta