Spaghetti with Cream and Chorizo

This spaghetti dish combines the rich flavors of sweet peppers, spicy chorizo, and succulent shrimp in a luscious cream sauce. My family requests it whenever we have guests over because it strikes that perfect balance between elegant and comforting food.

I discovered this recipe during a summer when our garden produced more peppers than we knew what to do with. What started as a creative solution to excess produce has become one of our most requested meals.

Ingredients

• Spaghetti: Forms the base of this dish absorb all the wonderful flavors from the sauce
• Red, yellow, and green peppers: Provide sweetness and vibrant color, choose firm peppers with glossy skin
• Onion and garlic: Create the aromatic foundation, look for firm onions without soft spots
• Chorizo: Adds smoky spiciness, Spanish chorizo works best for its intense flavor and firm texture
• Shrimp: Brings tender protein, select medium-sized ones for the best texture to sauce ratio
• Heavy cream: Creates the luxurious sauce, choose full fat for proper thickening
• Salt and pepper: For seasoning, always taste before serving to adjust properly
• Olive oil: For sautéing, extra virgin adds subtle flavor to the base

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook Spaghetti:

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti and cook until just al dente according to package directions, usually 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining, which can help loosen the sauce later if needed.

Prepare Vegetables:

While pasta cooks, dice all the peppers and onion into uniform pieces about 1/2 inch square. The consistent size ensures even cooking and creates the perfect texture in the final dish. Mince garlic finely to distribute flavor throughout the sauce.

Sauté Vegetables:

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add chopped peppers, onion, and garlic, cooking until they soften but still retain some texture, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and promote even cooking.

Cook Chorizo:

Add sliced chorizo to the vegetable mixture, spreading pieces evenly across the pan. Cook for about 3 minutes until the edges become crispy and the chorizo releases its flavorful oils into the vegetables. This step is crucial for developing the dish's signature flavor.

Cook Shrimp:

Distribute shrimp in a single layer in the pan, ensuring each piece makes contact with the hot surface. Cook until they turn pink and opaque, approximately 2 minutes per side. Be careful not to overcook as shrimp can quickly become rubbery.

Create Cream Sauce:

Pour heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to incorporate all the flavors from the pan. Reduce heat to medium low and allow to simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still remain pourable.

Combine Components:

Add the drained spaghetti directly to the sauce in the skillet. Using tongs, gently toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated with the creamy sauce and all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dish.

Final Seasoning:

Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remember that both the chorizo and pasta water contain salt already, so adjust carefully. A few grinds of fresh black pepper add the perfect finishing touch.

Save This

The three pepper cream sauce is what makes this dish truly special. I discovered the magic of using multiple pepper colors when cooking for my mother-in-law who claimed not to like bell peppers. The sweetness they develop when properly sautéed completely changed her perspective and now she requests this dish whenever she visits.

Perfectly Balanced Textures

The success of this spaghetti dish relies heavily on achieving the right balance of textures. The pasta should be truly al dente, with just a slight resistance when bitten. The peppers need to be cooked enough to soften but not so much that they become mushy; they should retain a gentle sweetness and slight bite. The chorizo provides chewy bits throughout, while the shrimp delivers that perfect tender resistance. When all these elements come together properly, each forkful offers a multisensory experience.

Make Ahead Options

This spaghetti with cream of pepper sauce works wonderfully as a make-ahead meal with a few adjustments. You can prepare the pepper cream sauce with chorizo up to two days in advance and store it refrigerated in an airtight container. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce gently, add freshly cooked shrimp, and fold in newly cooked pasta. The flavors actually develop nicely during refrigeration, making this an excellent option for entertaining when you want to minimize last-minute cooking stress.

Wine Pairing Suggestions

The creamy pepper sauce with spicy chorizo and delicate shrimp creates a complex flavor profile that pairs beautifully with several wine options. A crisp Albariño from Spain complements the chorizo perfectly while cutting through the richness of the cream. If you prefer red wine, a light Pinot Noir works surprisingly well, especially with the pepper notes in the sauce. For a truly special occasion, consider a sparkling rosé, which stands up to the bold flavors while offering refreshing contrast to the creamy texture.

Common Queries

→ Can I substitute the chorizo in this dish?

Yes, you can replace chorizo with another type of sausage, such as andouille or Italian sausage. For a lighter option, you can omit it entirely.

→ What can I use instead of heavy cream?

For a lighter alternative, you can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a small amount of butter. Coconut cream is also an option for a non-dairy substitute.

→ Can this dish be made in advance?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and spaghetti separately in advance. Combine them just before serving and reheat gently.

→ How can I make this dish spicy?

You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced chili pepper when cooking the vegetables for a spicier kick.

→ What additional toppings work well with this dish?

Fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, or a squeeze of lemon juice all make excellent toppings to enhance the flavor.