Spaghetti with Pepper Cream, Chorizo, and Shrimp – A Flavor-Packed Pasta Dish

This Spaghetti with Pepper Cream, Chorizo, and Shrimp is a bold, vibrant pasta dish that blends smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors in perfect harmony. Tender spaghetti is tossed in a silky roasted pepper cream sauce, then topped with savory chorizo and juicy shrimp for a restaurant-quality meal you can make at home. It’s indulgent yet balanced, and every bite is bursting with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Restaurant-Style Meal: Big flavors without complicated steps.
Balanced & Hearty: Protein-packed shrimp and chorizo with satisfying pasta.
Flavor Explosion: Smoky, spicy, creamy, and savory all at once.
Perfect for Entertaining: Impress guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti (whole wheat or regular)
• 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 oz chorizo sausage, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, roasted and peeled
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup low-fat cream or half-and-half
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.

2. Prepare the Sauce
In a blender or food processor, combine roasted red pepper, cream, Parmesan, paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.

3. Cook the Chorizo and Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chorizo slices and cook until slightly crisp. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté shrimp until pink and just cooked through, about 2–3 minutes. Remove and set aside.

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce
In the same skillet, add diced onion and garlic, sauté until softened. Pour in the roasted pepper cream sauce and stir gently. Add cooked spaghetti, tossing to coat evenly. If needed, use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

5. Finish and Serve
Top pasta with cooked chorizo and shrimp. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve hot.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 390
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fiber: 4g

Tips for Success

• Roast the Pepper Properly: Roasting intensifies flavor and adds sweetness to balance the smoky chorizo.
• Don’t Overcook Shrimp: They cook quickly; remove once pink and opaque.
• Adjust Spice: Use hot or mild chorizo depending on preference.
• Lighten It Up: Substitute Greek yogurt for part of the cream for a tangier, lighter sauce.

Why This Recipe Works

The smoky spice of chorizo, sweetness of roasted pepper cream, and delicate shrimp create layers of flavor that balance beautifully with pasta. It’s a sophisticated yet simple dish, proving you don’t need hours in the kitchen to make something extraordinary.

Spaghetti with Pepper Cream, Chorizo, and Shrimp is a rich, comforting pasta dish that pairs classic Mediterranean flavors with a creamy twist. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special gathering, this recipe brings warmth, depth, and indulgence to the table in under 40 minutes.