Description
Chorizo Mac and Cheese is a smoky, flavorful twist on the classic comfort dish. This recipe combines spicy, savory fresh chorizo sausage with creamy, melted sharp cheddar cheese and perfectly cooked cavatappi pasta. Enhanced with sautéed green bell peppers, this meal is rich, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying—perfect for elevating your weeknight dinners.
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 package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Brown the Chorizo: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the fresh chorizo, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula until it is browned thoroughly.
- Sauté the Bell Pepper: Add the diced green bell pepper to the skillet with the chorizo and cook until the peppers soften. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and set aside.
- Make the Roux: Return the skillet to medium-high heat and melt the butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 30 seconds to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add Milk and Thicken: Slowly whisk in the milk and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens into a smooth consistency.
- Add Cheese and Season: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sharp cheddar cheese and kosher salt until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine Chorizo Mixture: Add the cooked chorizo and bell pepper mixture back into the cheese sauce and toss to combine evenly. Season with additional salt to taste.
- Incorporate Pasta: Carefully add the cooked pasta into the cheesy chorizo sauce mixture, stirring thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Serve: Divide the mac and cheese into bowls and serve hot for a rich, comforting meal.
Notes
- This mac and cheese variation is smoky and packed with robust flavors from the fresh chorizo.
- Use extra sharp cheddar cheese for a bold, creamy cheese sauce that complements the chorizo.
- Make sure to break up the chorizo well while browning to ensure even distribution throughout the dish.
- You can substitute other swirled pasta like rotini if cavatappi is unavailable.
- Adjust salt carefully since chorizo and sharp cheddar already add considerable seasoning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (331 grams)
- Calories: 717 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: Approximately 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
