Smoky Chorizo and Sweet Red Pepper Pasta  A Flavorful, Creamy Dish to Savor

If you’re looking for a comforting, savory pasta dish, this Smoky Chorizo and Sweet Red Pepper Pasta is the perfect choice! The combination of smoky chorizo, sweet red peppers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy feta creates a harmony of flavors that’s hard to resist. Plus, the rich tomato sauce with a hint of balsamic vinegar and honey adds a tangy-sweet touch, making every bite a delight. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Method

1. Char the Red Pepper 

Start by heating a non-stick frying pan over high heat. Once the pan is hot, place the red pepper strips skin-side down and cook them for about 10-15 minutes. You want the skin to blacken and char, creating a smoky flavor that will complement the rest of the ingredients. Make sure to flip the peppers around occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. Once they’re nicely charred, remove them from the pan and set them aside.

Alternative Method
If you prefer to save time, you can char the peppers in the oven or air fryer. To do so, place the red pepper strips on a baking tray or in the air fryer basket with the skin-side down. In the air fryer, cook them at 200°C for 15 minutes, or in the oven at the same temperature for about 20 minutes, until the skin is blackened and softened.

2. Boil the Pasta 

While the peppers are cooking, bring a separate saucepan of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, but be sure to reserve a ladle of the pasta water. This starchy water will come in handy later to help thicken and bind the sauce to the pasta.

3. Cook the Chorizo 

In the same pan used to char the red peppers, add the chorizo. Cook it over medium heat until the juices run, and the chorizo becomes crispy. Stir occasionally to ensure that it cooks evenly and releases its flavorful oils. Once the chorizo is fully cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside. You’ll use the flavorful oil left behind for the next step.

4. Prepare the Sauce 

In the same pan, add the diced shallots and cook them in the chorizo oil over medium heat for a few minutes until they soften. This will allow the shallots to absorb the delicious flavors from the chorizo. Once the shallots have softened, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pan along with the balsamic vinegar and honey. Cook the mixture for several minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and release their juices. Use the back of a spoon to gently crush the tomatoes, helping them break apart and incorporate into the sauce.

5. Simmer and Combine 

Stir in the tomato puree and paprika, followed by salt and pepper to taste. Add the reserved pasta water to the pan, giving it a good stir. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together. Once the sauce has thickened slightly, add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss it gently to coat. Let the pasta cook in the sauce for a couple of minutes, ensuring the noodles absorb all the flavors from the sauce.

6. Finish and Serve 

Once the pasta is fully coated with the sauce, remove it from the heat and transfer it to serving plates. Top each portion with crumbled feta cheese and a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley for freshness. Serve hot, and enjoy!

Necessary Tools

• Non-stick frying pan
• Saucepan for boiling pasta
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and chopping board
• Baking tray or airfryer basket (for alternative red pepper cooking method)

Serving Suggestions

This smoky chorizo and sweet red pepper pasta pairs perfectly with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. If you’re craving something lighter, a crisp, chilled white wine or sparkling water will balance the richness of the pasta.

Fun Fact

Did you know that chorizo is a popular sausage in Spain and Mexico? It’s made from pork and is flavored with paprika, garlic, and other spices, giving it that unique smoky taste! It’s no wonder that chorizo adds such a wonderful depth of flavor to any dish.

Conclusion

This Smoky Chorizo and Sweet Red Pepper Pasta is the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and creamy flavors. With a simple cooking method and a handful of ingredients, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. Whether you’re treating yourself to a cozy dinner or meal prepping for the week, this pasta will leave you craving more. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking! Enjoy!