Spaghetti with Pepper Cream Chorizo

This spicy spaghetti with pepper cream sauce combines the rich flavors of chorizo and succulent shrimp for a decadent pasta dish that comes together quickly. The creamy sauce balances perfectly with the heat from the chorizo, while tender shrimp adds a touch of elegance to this weeknight-worthy meal.

I first made this dish when I needed something quick yet special for unexpected dinner guests. The combination of flavors impressed everyone so much that it has become my go to recipe whenever I want to elevate a simple pasta night without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 250g spaghetti: The backbone of this dish; use high quality pasta for best texture and flavor
• 1 red pepper: Diced; adds sweetness and color; choose a firm bright red pepper for best results
• 150g chorizo: Cut into cubes; provides smoky heat and depth; traditional Spanish chorizo works best but Mexican varieties work too
• 200g peeled shrimp: Adds delicate seafood flavor and protein; look for sustainably sourced medium-sized shrimp
• 1 onion: Chopped; builds the flavor foundation; sweet yellow onions work particularly well
• 2 garlic cloves: Crushed; essential aromatic component; fresh cloves will give the best flavor
• 20cl thick sour cream: Creates the luscious creamy sauce; full fat provides the richest result
• Olive oil: For sautéing; use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for best flavor
• Salt and pepper: For seasoning; sea salt and freshly ground black pepper make a difference

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining, which helps bind the sauce later if needed.

Prepare the Base:

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent but not browned. Add the crushed garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it as this can create bitterness.

Develop the Flavors:

Add the diced chorizo to the pan and allow it to release its flavorful oils for about 2 minutes. The oil will take on a beautiful red hue from the paprika in the chorizo. Add the diced red pepper and continue cooking for 5 minutes until the pepper has softened slightly but still maintains some texture.

Cook the Shrimp:

Add the peeled shrimp to the pan spreading them evenly. Cook for approximately 2 minutes, turning once, until they just turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp as they can become rubbery if left too long in the pan.

Create the Cream Sauce:

Reduce the heat to low and add the thick sour cream to the pan. Stir gently to combine with the other ingredients, allowing the cream to take on the flavors and colors from the chorizo oil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. The sauce should be silky and lightly coating the ingredients.

Combine and Finish:

Add the drained spaghetti directly to the sauce in the skillet. Using tongs, gently toss the pasta with the sauce ensuring every strand is coated evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect consistency.

The chorizo is truly the star ingredient in this recipe. I always keep some in my refrigerator because its intense flavor can transform even the simplest dishes into something special. My family knows when I pull out the chorizo that they're in for a treat and this pasta always disappears in minutes whenever I serve it.

Make Ahead Tips

This pasta dish can be partially prepared ahead of time to make weeknight cooking even faster. You can chop all the vegetables and protein up to a day in advance and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The sauce components can be cooked through step 5 and refrigerated, then simply reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.

Perfect Pairings

This rich pasta pairs beautifully with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil. The peppery greens and bright acidity help balance the creaminess of the dish. For drinks consider a crisp Spanish Albariño or a light Pinot Noir if you prefer red wine. A cold lager also makes an excellent casual pairing with the spicy elements of the chorizo.

Ingredient Substitutions

If sour cream isn't available Greek yogurt makes an excellent alternative though slightly tangier. For a dairy-free version coconut cream can work surprisingly well with the spices in chorizo. Vegetarians can omit the shrimp and chorizo and substitute with roasted mushrooms and smoked paprika to maintain the depth of flavor. For a whole grain option swap traditional spaghetti with whole wheat or even a good quality gluten-free pasta.

This dish is a foolproof way to impress your guests or elevate a weeknight dinner. Its balance of flavors and textures makes it unforgettable.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute the chorizo with another type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute chorizo with other spicy sausages like andouille or sobrasada for a similar flavor profile. For a milder version, Italian sausage works well, though you might want to add some smoked paprika to recreate that distinctive chorizo flavor.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, omit the chorizo and shrimp and add roasted mushrooms and smoked paprika for depth of flavor. Plant-based cream or cashew cream can replace the sour cream, and adding some nutritional yeast will enhance the savory qualities.

→ What wine pairs well with this spaghetti dish?

This creamy pasta with chorizo and shrimp pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine like Albariño or Sauvignon Blanc to balance the richness. Alternatively, a light-bodied, fruity red like Pinot Noir or a Spanish Garnacha would complement the chorizo's spiciness.

→ Can I prepare any components of this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the pepper cream sauce a day ahead and refrigerate it. The chorizo can also be diced and the vegetables prepped in advance. For best results, cook the pasta and shrimp just before serving, then combine with the reheated sauce.

→ How spicy is this dish and how can I adjust the heat level?

The spiciness depends primarily on your chorizo. For a milder version, use sweet rather than spicy chorizo and remove the seeds from the red pepper. To increase the heat, add red pepper flakes or a small amount of diced fresh chili when sautéing the onions and garlic.

→ What side dishes work well with this spaghetti?

A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette makes a perfect accompaniment, cutting through the richness of the cream sauce. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is also excellent for soaking up the flavorful sauce. For a more substantial meal, serve with roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini.