Description
This Chorizo Mac and Cheese is a smoky, flavorful twist on the classic comfort food, combining spicy fresh chorizo sausage with creamy, sharp cheddar cheese and tender cavatappi pasta. It’s rich, cheesy, and perfect for elevating a simple dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 1/2 cups dried cavatappi or any swirled pasta
Chorizo and Vegetables
- 1 pound fresh chorizo sausage (casings removed)
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 2 1/2 cups freshly grated extra sharp cheddar cheese
- Kosher salt, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Brown the Chorizo: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the chorizo, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks.
- Sauté the Bell Pepper: Add the diced green bell pepper to the skillet with the chorizo and cook until softened. Transfer the chorizo and bell peppers into a large bowl and set aside.
- Make the Roux: Return the skillet to medium-high heat and melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 30 seconds to remove the raw flour taste.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: Gradually whisk in the milk and cook, whisking frequently, for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Melt the Cheese: Add the grated cheddar cheese and kosher salt to the thickened sauce and stir until the cheese is fully melted. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Combine Chorizo and Sauce: Return the cooked chorizo and bell pepper mixture back to the skillet and stir to incorporate evenly. Adjust the seasoning with salt to taste.
- Add the Pasta: Carefully add the drained pasta into the cheese sauce mixture and stir well to combine everything evenly.
- Serve: Divide the chorizo mac and cheese into bowls and serve hot for a rich and comforting meal.
Notes
- Chorizo mac and cheese is smoky, packed with flavor, and just as cheesy and creamy as any mac and cheese.
- This recipe is a great way to upgrade your weeknight dinners with bold flavors and easy preparation.
- For a spicier dish, use hot chorizo, or opt for mild for a gentler flavor.
- You can substitute the cheddar cheese with a blend of sharp cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda for variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (331 grams)
- Calories: 717 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 47 g
- Saturated Fat: 28 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 173 mg
