Description
Chorizo Mac and Cheese is a smoky, flavorful twist on the classic comfort dish, combining spicy fresh chorizo sausage, tender pasta, and a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce with a touch of green bell pepper for added texture and taste. This hearty recipe is perfect for an elevated weeknight dinner that satisfies both cheesy cravings and savory spice lovers.
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 Pasta: Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook pasta according to the directions on the package until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Brown Chorizo: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the chorizo, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks until fully cooked and browned.
- Cook Bell Pepper: Add the diced green bell pepper to the skillet with the chorizo and cook until the pepper softens. Transfer the chorizo and bell peppers into a large bowl and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Return the empty skillet to medium-high heat, melt the butter, then whisk in the flour. Cook the roux for about 30 seconds to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture 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 is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Chorizo Mixture: Add the cooked chorizo and bell peppers back into the cheese sauce and toss to combine thoroughly. Adjust seasoning with additional salt as needed.
- Mix in Pasta: Carefully fold the cooked pasta into the cheese and chorizo mixture, stirring gently until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.
- Serve: Divide the chorizo mac and cheese into serving bowls while hot and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Chorizo mac and cheese is smoky, packed with flavor, and just as cheesy and creamy as any mac and cheese.
- This recipe elevates your standard mac and cheese by adding the spicy, bold flavor of fresh chorizo and crunchy green bell peppers.
- Use freshly grated extra sharp cheddar for the best melting and richest flavor.
- Adjust the level of salt to your taste, especially since chorizo and cheese can be salty.
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (331 grams)
- Calories: 717 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 750 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
