A fusion of Italian and Spanish flavors, this pasta dish combines spicy chorizo with a rich tomato sauce.
Did you know?
The word 'chorizo' is believed to derive from the Spanish 'chorrear', meaning 'to drip', which may refer to the fat rendered from the sausage as it cooks.
Embark on a culinary adventure with our mouthwatering Penne Rigate with Spicy Chorizo and Tomato Sauce, where the vibrant flavors of Spain meet the timeless tradition of Italian pasta. As we delve into this dish, we fuse two robust culinary traditions to create something truly spectacular. Imagine the rolling hills of Tuscany and the festive streets of Madrid coming together on your plate, with the heat of chorizo adding a Spanish flair to this Italian classic. Each bite of this heavenly meal is like a fiesta of flavors, celebrating the simplicity and richness that comes from perfectly combined ingredients.
The dish is a testament to the evolution of regional cuisines, influenced by the interchange between Mediterranean countries. Historically, chorizo may not have been a mainstay in Italian kitchens, but as cultures intertwined, so did their flavors. This pasta dish reflects a modern take on such gastronomic blendings, peppering the love Italians have for their pasta with the Spanish passion for piquant cured meats.
Ingredients
As you gather your ingredients, imagine the perfect harmony between the heartiness of penne and the zestfulness of the chorizo that awaits you.
The key ingredients in our dish are the chorizo, which brings a smoky depth to the sauce, and the penne rigate, whose ridges are perfect for catching and holding onto the rich and spicy sauce.
- 350g penne rigate pasta
- 200g chorizo, sliced into rounds
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 400g canned chopped tomatoes
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Steps
Now, let us embark on the simple yet satisfying journey of creating our Penne Rigate with Spicy Chorizo and Tomato Sauce.
- Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chorizo slices and cook until they start to brown and release their aromatic oils.
- Add the garlic and onion to the pan with the chorizo, sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes, smoked paprika, chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add the cooked penne to the sauce and toss well to coat each piece of pasta with the rich, spicy tomato sauce.
- Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Add some extra love
For best results, let the chorizo slightly crisp up in the pan to unleash a deeper flavor that infuses the whole dish.
Recipe Remix:
Your Twist, Your Taste
Whether you would like to swap out an ingredient, make it vegan, or just mix things up, let's get creative and remix this recipe!
Your kitchen, your rules. Let's play.
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