Introduction
Savor the delightful flavors of a comforting pasta dish featuring rigatoni and a savory chorizo-style sausage. This recipe combines aromatic ingredients like garlic and smoked paprika with a creamy sauce, making it a satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. Ideal for family dinners or a cozy night in, this rigatoni dish captures the essence of rustic cooking with a modern twist.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 lb. rigatoni
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 (12-oz.) package cooked chorizo-style sausage, cut into 1/2-inch thick half-moons
1/2 medium red or yellow onion, finely chopped
6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons tomato paste
4 teaspoons sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Yield
Serves 4-6
This rigatoni with chorizo and creamy sauce is not only easy to prepare but also packed with rich flavors. Enjoy the satisfaction of a home-cooked meal that brings warmth and joy to the table. Perfect for leftovers too, as the flavors deepen after sitting!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the rigatoni, stirring occasionally, until very al dente, about 2 to 3 minutes less than the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest.
Step 2: Cook the Chorizo
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat. Add the chorizo and cook, turning occasionally, until it is golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer the cooked chorizo to a plate, leaving the oil in the skillet.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables and Add Sauce Ingredients
In the same skillet over medium-low heat, add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the finely chopped garlic, smoked paprika, and black pepper; cook, stirring, until fragrant, approximately 1 minute. Then, add the tomato paste and increase the heat to medium, cooking and stirring until the paste turns brick-red, around 2 minutes. Stir in the vinegar until well combined, followed by the heavy cream and room temperature butter, until the butter melts. Reduce the heat to low.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Using a large slotted spoon, transfer the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce and increase the heat to high. Vigorously stir, adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time, about 1/3 cup at a time, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce becomes glossy. Return the cooked chorizo and any accumulated juices to the pot and stir to combine. Adjust the taste with more vinegar or salt, if necessary.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Divide the pasta among serving bowls. Top each portion with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Cooking Tip
Ensure to taste the pasta and sauce before serving, adjusting seasoning as desired for optimal flavor.
Ingredient Notes
Using high-quality chorizo will enhance the overall dish. Additionally, fresh parsley adds a bright flavor and color contrast to the rich sauce.
Storage Instructions
Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.
Cook techniques
Cooking the Rigatoni
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook rigatoni until very al dente, about 2 to 3 minutes less than the package instructions. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
Sautéing the Chorizo
Heat olive oil in a high-sided skillet over medium heat. Add chorizo, cooking until golden brown for 4 to 5 minutes, then transfer to a plate, leaving the oil in the skillet.
Sautéing Aromatics
In the same skillet, cook finely chopped onion over medium-low heat until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, smoked paprika, and black pepper, cooking until fragrant for about 1 minute.
Preparing the Sauce
Stir in the tomato paste and cook until it turns brick-red, about 2 minutes. Add vinegar, heavy cream, and butter until melted, then reduce heat to low.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
Use a slotted spoon to transfer pasta to the sauce. Increase heat to high and add reserved pasta water, stirring vigorously until the sauce is glossy and the pasta is al dente. Incorporate chorizo and its juices.
Plating the Dish
Divide the pasta among bowls and top with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of rigatoni?
Yes, you can substitute rigatoni with other pasta shapes such as penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti, but cooking times may vary.
Is it necessary to reserve pasta water?
Reserving pasta water is important as it helps to emulsify the sauce, making it silkier and helping it stick to the pasta.
What can I substitute for chorizo?
You can use Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or any other smoked sausage as substitutes to achieve a similar flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free while keeping most other ingredients unchanged.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, you can include crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic and onion, or choose a spicy chorizo variant.
Can I make this dish in advance?
You can prepare the components in advance, but it’s best to combine them just before serving for optimal texture.
Conclusion
This creamy rigatoni with chorizo combines bold flavors and hearty textures, making it a delightful dish for any occasion. The combination of smoked paprika, garlic, and chorizo creates a rich and satisfying meal that’s sure to please your taste buds. This recipe emphasizes the importance of balancing richness with freshness, as seen in the addition of parsley and Parmesan.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Spicy Shrimp Pasta
Swap chorizo for cooked shrimp and add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
Vegetarian Option
Replace chorizo with grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers, and add some canned chickpeas for protein.
Italian Sausage & Peppers
Use Italian sausage in place of chorizo, and toss in some sautéed bell peppers for added sweetness and color.
Cajun Chicken Pasta
Substitute chorizo with Cajun-seasoned grilled chicken and add a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning for a Southern twist.
Lemon Basil Cream Sauce
Incorporate fresh lemon juice and basil into the sauce for a lighter, fresher flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with the rigatoni.
