A luxurious and flavorful pasta dish that perfectly balances creamy richness, smoky chorizo, and tender shrimp, ideal for a comforting meal with a touch of gourmet flair.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy spaghetti marries the bold, slightly spicy flavor of chorizo with succulent shrimp and a velvety tomato‑cream sauce. It’s both indulgent and easy to prepare—perfect for a cozy dinner or weekend treat. A simple yet impressive dish that brings restaurant‑quality taste to your home kitchen.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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250 g spaghetti
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200 g peeled shrimp
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100 g chorizo (hot or mild, depending on preference)
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1 small can (≈ 200 g) crushed tomatoes
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1 shallot or small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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20 cl heavy cream (or full‑fat liquid cream)
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Olive oil
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Salt and pepper
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Paprika (optional)
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Dried Herbes de Provence or basil
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Grated Parmesan (optional)
directions
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Cook the spaghetti.
Boil spaghetti in plenty of salted water according to package instructions. Reserve one ladle of pasta cooking water before draining. -
Prepare the chorizo.
Slice chorizo and sauté in a skillet over medium heat, without additional oil, for 3–4 minutes until golden and slightly crispy. Remove and set aside. -
Cook the shrimp.
In the same pan, add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté shallot and garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes per side. Season lightly with salt and pepper. -
Add tomatoes and cream.
Pour in crushed tomatoes, simmer for 2–3 minutes. Stir in the cream, then return chorizo to the pan. Season with paprika (if using), salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes over low heat. -
Combine pasta and sauce.
Add cooked spaghetti to the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, loosen it with a little reserved pasta water. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta. -
Finish and serve.
Serve immediately, topped with a fresh grind of pepper and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan, if desired.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 2 to 3 people
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Preparation time: 10 minutes
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Cooking time: 20 minutes
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Total time: About 30 minutes
Variations
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Spicy: Use hot chorizo and extra paprika or a pinch of chili flakes.
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Vegetarian: Replace shrimp with mushrooms or zucchini; use vegetable stock instead of shrimp.
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Lighter version: Substitute crème fraîche with half‑and‑half or Greek yogurt (stirred in off‑heat to prevent curdling).
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Greener: Add fresh spinach or kale to the sauce during the last few minutes of simmering.
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Seafood mix: Include scallops or chunks of white fish for a more varied seafood profile.
storage/reheating
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Storage: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
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Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or cooking water to re‑loosen the sauce. Microwave on medium power, stirring halfway through, with a small amount of water added to avoid dryness.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes—as long as you fully thaw and pat them dry before cooking to ensure even sautéing and prevent excess moisture in the sauce.
2. What spiciness level does hot chorizo add?
Hot chorizo introduces moderate heat. If you prefer mild, choose sweet (dulce) chorizo. Adjust paprika or chili levels to taste.
3. Is there a substitute for crème fraîche?
Heavy cream, half‑and‑half, or a mix of Greek yogurt and milk work well. Add yogurt off heat to avoid curdling.
4. Can I use pre‑grated Parmesan?
Absolutely—pre‑grated works fine, though freshly grated offers creamier texture and better flavor.
5. How do I prevent the sauce from splitting?
Keep the sauce on low heat after adding cream and avoid boiling it. Gentle simmering ensures a smooth texture.
6. Can I make this in advance?
You can prepare the sauce ahead, refrigerate it, and reheat gently when ready. Add pasta just before serving for best results.
7. Can I use other pasta shapes?
Yes—penne, linguine, or fettuccine also pair wonderfully with this creamy, hearty sauce.
8. What can I serve on the side?
A crisp green salad or garlic bread complements the richness of the pasta beautifully.
9. Is this dish gluten‑free?
To make it gluten‑free, substitute regular spaghetti with certified gluten‑free pasta.
10. Can I freeze leftovers?
Freezing isn’t recommended, as the cream‑based sauce may separate. It’s best to enjoy within 2 days fresh from the fridge.
Conclusion
This creamy spaghetti with shrimp and chorizo delivers a rich, satisfying meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for guests. With a beautifully balanced flavor profile and flexible variations, it’s soon to become a family favorite. Enjoy!
[tasty-recipe id=”19723″]