Description
This Chorizo Mac and Cheese is a smoky, flavorful twist on the classic comfort dish, combining spicy chorizo sausage with creamy extra sharp cheddar cheese and tender cavatappi pasta. Loaded with bell peppers and a rich cheese sauce, this quick and easy recipe elevates your dinner with bold, cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 1/2 cups dried cavatappi or any swirled pasta
Meat 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 large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cavatappi pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Brown the Chorizo: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chorizo, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula until fully browned and cooked through.
- Cook Bell Pepper: Add the diced green bell pepper to the skillet with the chorizo and cook until the peppers soften, about 3-4 minutes. Transfer the chorizo and peppers to a large bowl and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Return the skillet to medium-high heat and melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 30 seconds to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk and simmer until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese and kosher salt until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Chorizo Mixture: Add the cooked chorizo and bell peppers back to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Adjust salt to taste.
- Mix Pasta and Sauce: Carefully fold the drained pasta into the cheese and chorizo mixture, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Serve: Divide the chorizo mac and cheese into bowls and serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Chorizo mac and cheese is smoky, packed with flavor, and just as cheesy and creamy as any classic mac and cheese.
- This recipe is a perfect way to upgrade your regular macaroni and cheese with a spicy twist.
- Use freshly grated cheddar for the best melting and flavor results.
- Feel free to substitute other pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or shells if cavatappi is unavailable.
- Adjust salt carefully since chorizo and cheese add saltiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (331 grams)
- Calories: 717 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: estimated 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
